The head of African football, Patrice Motsepe, has thanked Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for pardoning Senegalese supporters convicted after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The decision was announced ahead of Eid al-Adha and has been described as a humanitarian move. CAF said it also highlights football’s role in bringing people together.
Dr Motsepe said:
“On behalf of the CAF Member Associations who represent 54 African countries, I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
CAF has consistently emphasized its commitment to utilize football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.
I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco, when I visited these two countries a few weeks ago.
CAF wishes Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo, everything of the very best during the FIFA World Cup 2026TM.
We are confident that they will make Africa proud.”
CAF represents 54 national football bodies across Africa and often promotes the sport as a way to bridge divides.
