The Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe, has expressed deep gratitude to Mohammed VI following the granting of a Royal Pardon to Senegalese supporters convicted of offences related to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
In an official statement released on Monday, Dr Motsepe described the gesture as a powerful example of football’s ability to unite people across Africa regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or nationality.
“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,” said Dr Motsepe.
The CAF President emphasized that African football’s governing body remains committed to using football as a tool for unity and social cohesion across the continent.
According to Dr Motsepe, the pardon sends a strong message about reconciliation, compassion, and the positive influence football can have in bringing communities together.
“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,” he added.
Dr Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Senegal and Morocco, he was impressed by the deep historical and cultural ties shared between the two nations.
The Royal Pardon comes after incidents involving Senegalese supporters during the AFCON 2025 final in Morocco, a tournament that attracted massive attention across the continent and globally. CAF believes the gesture further strengthens diplomatic and sporting relations between Morocco and Senegal while promoting peace through sport.
Dr Motsepe also took the opportunity to wish Africa’s representatives well ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The CAF President expressed confidence that Africa’s qualified nations including Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and Democratic Republic of the Congo will proudly represent the continent on the global stage.
“We are confident that they will make Africa proud,” Dr Motsepe concluded.
The statement has been welcomed by football stakeholders across Africa, with many praising the role of football diplomacy in strengthening unity among nations and supporters on the continent.
