Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, expressed deep gratitude to Mohammed VIfollowing a royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted in cases linked to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement published on CAF’s official website, Motsepe thanked the Moroccan monarch on behalf of the organization’s 54 member associations, saying the initiative reflected the values of tolerance and solidarity that unite African nations.
The pardon concerned Senegalese fans convicted in incidents related to the AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal on Jan. 18.
Motsepe said CAF remains committed to using football as a tool to strengthen ties among African peoples regardless of ethnic, racial or religious backgrounds, adding that the royal gesture highlighted the unifying and humanitarian role sports can play within societies.
The CAF president described the pardon as “an inspiring and encouraging example” of football’s ability to bring people together and reinforce bonds of brotherhood both across Africa and internationally.
He also praised the longstanding relationship between Morocco and Senegal, noting that he witnessed the strength of those ties during recent visits to both countries.
Motsepe concluded by wishing success to African teams preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, expressing confidence that African representatives would perform strongly on the global stage.
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