Patrice Motsepe thanks King Mohammed VI for pardoning Senegal fans after AFCON 2025 final incidents

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has expressed profound appreciation to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for granting a Royal Pardon to Senegalese supporters convicted of offences linked to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In an official statement released on Saturday, Dr Motsepe praised the gesture as a powerful demonstration of football’s ability to unite people across the African continent and beyond.

“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,” Motsepe stated.

The CAF President emphasized that African football remains committed to promoting unity among people of different racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

According to Motsepe, the pardon reflects the strong historical and cultural relationship between the people of Morocco and Senegal.

He revealed that he was greatly impressed after being briefed on the deep ties shared between both nations during recent visits to the two countries.

Motsepe also used the opportunity to wish Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup success, including Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“We are confident that they will make Africa proud,” he added.

The statement further highlights CAF’s continued drive to use football as a tool for peace, reconciliation, and continental solidarity.