RABAT, Morocco – On the eve of the highly anticipated AFCON 2025 final against hosts Morocco, the Senegalese Football Federation [FSF] has released a scathing statement detailing a series of logistical failures and security concerns that they claim have compromised their preparation.
The former champions, seeking to reclaim the throne they won in 2021, have officially requested that CAF and the Local Organising Committee take “corrective measures as soon as possible” to ensure the principles of fair play and security are upheld.
According to the FSF, the delegation was met with a total lack of security upon landing in Rabat. Furthermore, the initial accommodation provided was deemed ‘not up to standard,’ prompting an official complaint that eventually led the team to relocate to a new hotel.
The tension has extended to the training pitch. Senegal has reportedly refused to train at the Morocco Technical Centre, citing dissatisfaction with the facilities. The federation also claims it has received ‘no feedback’ from officials on alternative training requests, forcing the Teranga Lions to find their own solutions just 48 hours before kick-off.
SENEGAL ON TICKET ALLOCATION ISSUE
Interestingly, ahead of Bafana Bafana’s quarter-final against Cameroon, coach Hugo Broos raised concerns about the hotel being 45 minutes away from their training ground. The Belgian was also not pleased that the training facility was ‘inside the camp” of their next opponents Morocco had they progressed.
“I can’t believe that CAF allowed this – our hotel is 45 minutes from the training ground, and it is inside the camp of our next opponent [if Bafana progressed],” Broos said.
Another major point of contention involves the access and treatment of Senegalese supporters. The FSF expressed frustration over what it describes as ‘heavy restrictions’ from CAF on ticket sales.
Despite the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium having a capacity of nearly 70,000, Senegal alleges it has been allocated an insufficient number of tickets for its travelling fans. The statement claims they have 300 tickets for Category One, 850 for Category Two, and 1,700 for Category Three, and that these quantities are insufficient for Senegal fans in Morocco.
FULL STATEMENT OF THE SENEGAL FA
“The Senegalese Football Federation [FSF] wishes to inform both national and international public opinion, as well as the organizing bodies, of its deep concerns regarding several dysfunctions observed on the sidelines of the preparation for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“In the interest of transparency and to defend the interests of the Senegal national team, the FSF wishes to clarify the following points:
1. Security Arrangements and Reception
“The FSF deplores the manifest absence of an adequate security detail upon the arrival of the Senegalese delegation at the Rabat railway station. This deficiency exposed the players and technical staff to overcrowding and risks incompatible with the standards of a competition of this magnitude and the standing of a continental final.
2. National Team Accommodation
“Regarding hotel logistics, the FSF informs that it was necessary to file an official protest by letter to resolve the situation. Following this action, a 5-star establishment was finally assigned to the “Lions,” thereby guaranteeing the necessary recovery conditions.
3. Training Site and Pitch Inspection
“The FSF has officially notified the Confederation of African Football [CAF] of its categorical refusal to hold its training sessions at the Mohammed VI Complex. This decision is motivated by the fact that these facilities serve as the base camp for the opposing team, which raises an issue of sporting fairness. Furthermore, the FSF specifies that, to date, it has not yet received notification of the official training site for the Senegal national team.
4. Ticketing and Stadium Access
“Regarding ticketing, the situation remains worrying. The FSF wishes to specify that the official allocation is only two VVIP tickets and deplores the lack of opportunity to purchase VIP and VVIP tickets, as was the case during the semi-finals.
“However, the Federation was able to proceed with the purchase of tickets for its supporters up to the maximum official limits authorized by CAF, namely: 300 tickets in Category 1, 850 in Category 2, and 1,700 in Category 3. The FSF emphasizes that these quantities, although fully acquired, remain insufficient in view of the demand and deplores the restrictions imposed which penalize the Senegalese public.
“The Senegalese Football Federation calls upon CAF and the Local Organizing Committee to take all immediate corrective measures to guarantee respect for the principles of Fair Play, equal treatment, and security, which are essential to the success of this celebration of African football.”
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