Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang: "We Have Begun Discussions with the Moroccan Side to Find the Best Possible Solution for the Fans, and This Chapter Will Soon Be Closed"

Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang hinted at the possibility of reaching a resolution regarding the case of Senegalese fans sentenced to prison in Morocco, following the riots during the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

In a statement to Senegal's "RTS" channel, the minister said: "We acknowledge the difficulty and profound pain of the situation, and we reiterate our solidarity with these young people."

Niang explained that diplomatic options were limited throughout the trial period, stating: "As long as legal proceedings were ongoing, it was impossible for diplomacy to exert its full influence."

He continued: "We have already begun discussions with the Moroccan side to find the best possible solution to this situation."

He concluded his remarks by saying: "This issue affects the relations between Dakar and Rabat, which are exceptional. I believe there is a misunderstanding, which may sometimes be justified. This chapter will soon be closed."

It is worth noting that the lawyer for the Senegalese fans, Patrick Kabou, confirmed that he had received instructions to immediately begin submitting a pardon request. This was carried out by a Moroccan lawyer, part of the defense team, who submitted the request to the King's office.