CASABLANCA, MOROCCO — King Mohammed VI of Morocco granted a royal pardon to 18 Senegalese soccer fans jailed over hooliganism linked to the Africa Cup of Nations final, according to a statement issued on Eid al-Adha. The fans had been sentenced in February to prison terms of up to a year on charges including damaging sporting facilities and committing violence during a sporting event. Some of the 18 fans had already completed their prison sentences before the pardon was announced.

"Given the long-standing fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal, and on the occasion of Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, King Mohammed VI has graciously granted, for humanitarian reasons, his royal pardon to Senegalese supporters convicted of offenses committed during Africa Cup of Nations competitions." the Royal Cabinet said in the statement.

The convictions stemmed from events at the Africa Cup of Nations final in January, when Senegalese fans attempted to storm the field. During the same match, Senegalese players walked off in protest over a late penalty awarded to host Morocco. Senior officials in Morocco and Senegal called for calm after the final and its aftermath.

Senegal won the final 1-0 and lifted the trophy. The Confederation of African Football subsequently stripped Senegal of the title and declared Morocco the champion. Senegal said it had appealed that decision.

Rights groups in Morocco said there was a surge in hate speech targeting sub-Saharan residents following the match.