The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has levelled serious accusations against Morocco, the host nation of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, alleging deliberate attempts to sabotage Senegal ahead of the final scheduled for Sunday, January 18.
In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, January 16, the FSF outlined what it described as a series of orchestrated logistical failures that have hampered the national team’s preparations and undermined the principles of fair play, equality of treatment, and safety expected at a continental showpiece.
“The Senegalese Football Federation, FSF, wishes to inform the national and international public, as well as the organising bodies, of its serious concerns regarding several shortcomings observed during the preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations final,” the statement said.
One of the most serious complaints relates to security arrangements upon the team’s arrival in Morocco. According to the FSF, the Senegalese delegation was met with inadequate security at the Rabat railway station, exposing players and technical staff to unnecessary risks.
“The FSF deplores the clear lack of adequate security measures upon the arrival of the Senegalese delegation at the Rabat train station,” the statement read.
“This deficiency exposed the players and technical staff to close proximity and risks incompatible with the standards of a competition of this magnitude and the prestige of a continental final.”
The Federation also raised concerns over accommodation, revealing that Senegal was only allocated suitable lodging after lodging a formal protest.
“Regarding hotel logistics, the FSF reports that it was necessary to file an official written protest to obtain a resolution,” it said.
“Following this effort, a 5-star hotel was finally allocated to the Lions, thus guaranteeing the necessary recovery conditions.”
Training arrangements have emerged as another flashpoint. The FSF confirmed it formally rejected the use of the Mohammed VI Complex for its training sessions, citing concerns over sporting fairness.
“The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially notified the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of its categorical refusal to hold its training sessions at the Mohammed VI Complex,” the statement noted.
“This decision is based on the fact that these facilities constitute the opposing team’s training base, which raises a question of sporting fairness.”
The FSF added that, as of the statement’s release, it had not received official notification of an alternative training site for the national team.
Ticketing and stadium access have further fuelled tensions ahead of the final at the 53,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Senegal was allocated fewer than 3,000 tickets for its supporters, including just two VVIP tickets for the Federation, with no option to purchase additional VIP or VVIP seats.
The FSF said it was only able to secure tickets for supporters within the maximum limits authorised by Caf, amounting to 300 Category 1 tickets, 850 Category 2 tickets, and 1,700 Category 3 tickets, numbers it described as wholly insufficient given demand.
“These restrictions penalise the Senegalese public,” the Federation said, warning that the situation risks alienating supporters and compromising the atmosphere of the final.
It called on Caf and the Local Organising Committee to take urgent corrective action to restore confidence in the organisation of the final.
“The Senegalese Football Federation calls on Caf and the Local Organising Committee to take all immediate corrective measures necessary to ensure respect for the principles of fair play, equal treatment, and safety, which are essential to the success of this celebration of African football,” the statement said.
The final, which pits Senegal against hosts Morocco, is set to take place on Sunday amid growing scrutiny over tournament organisation and mounting pressure on Caf to address the concerns raised.
