Motsepe: King Mohammed VI's Pardon an Inspiring Example of Football's Unifying Power in Africa
Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), expressed his sincere gratitude to King Mohammed VI following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese fans who were convicted in connection with the unrest during the Africa Cup of Nations "Morocco 2025" final.
Motsepe stated on CAF's official website: "On behalf of CAF's Member Associations, representing 54 African countries, I would like to express our profound gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God protect him, for his gracious royal pardon of the Senegalese fans who were convicted of offenses related to the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations 'Morocco 2025'."
He continued: "CAF has consistently affirmed its commitment to using football to contribute to uniting our peoples from diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. The pardon granted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an inspiring and motivating example of football's power to unite and bring together our peoples in Africa and worldwide."
He added: "I was very impressed when I was informed, during my visit to these two countries a few weeks ago, about the deep historical ties between the peoples of Senegal and Morocco. CAF wishes all the best to Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Cape Verde, and the Democratic Republic of Congo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals."
