- Morocco's King Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to 18 Senegalese football fans who were jailed for hooliganism following a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final.
- The fans had been sentenced in February to prison terms of up to a year on charges including damaging sporting facilities and committing violence during a sporting event.
- The Royal Cabinet stated that the pardon was issued on the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha for 'humanitarian reasons' and to acknowledge the 'long-standing fraternal ties' between Morocco and Senegal.
- The controversy stemmed from the January final where Senegalese fans attempted to storm the field and players protested a late penalty, with Senegal initially winning 1-0 but later being stripped of the title, which was awarded to Morocco.
- The contentious final and its aftermath prompted senior officials from both nations to call for calm amid a surge in 'hate speech targeting sub-Saharan residents,' leading to pledges of friendly ties and new trade agreements.
IN FULL
