Senegal Raises Official Complaint Over Treatment in Morocco Ahead of AFCON 2025 Final

The Senegalese national football team has formally expressed dissatisfaction over several organisational and logistical issues encountered in Morocco ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

In an official communiqué released on Saturday, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) stated that it felt obligated to speak publicly “in the interest of transparency and the protection of the Senegal national team,” following what it described as multiple operational failures observed during final preparations.

The statement, issued by the Secretariat of the Teranga Lions and addressed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as well as the general public, highlighted a number of concerns ranging from security lapses to accommodation challenges, training arrangements, and ticket distribution.

Security Concerns Upon Arrival

One of the most serious issues raised by the federation was the lack of adequate security during the team’s arrival in Morocco. According to the communiqué, the Senegalese delegation encountered insufficient safety arrangements upon reaching the Rabat railway station.

The FSF expressed strong disapproval over what it termed a “clear absence of an appropriate security system,” noting that players and officials were exposed to uncontrolled crowd proximity and unnecessary risks. The federation emphasized that such conditions fall far below what is expected for a high-profile continental final and do not align with the stature of the competition.

Accommodation Issues Resolved After Protest

The federation also disclosed difficulties regarding hotel accommodation for the team. According to the statement, Senegal was initially not provided with lodging that met the expected standards for player recovery and comfort.

It was only after submitting a formal written protest that the situation was resolved. The FSF confirmed that the team was eventually allocated a five-star hotel, ensuring suitable conditions for rest, preparation, and performance ahead of the decisive match.

Dispute Over Training Facilities

Concerns were also raised over training arrangements. The federation revealed that it had officially rejected the proposed training venue, citing concerns about competitive fairness.

According to the communiqué, the Mohammed VI Football Complex — suggested as Senegal’s training base — is the permanent camp of the opposing team. The FSF argued that holding training sessions at a facility closely associated with the opponent could compromise sporting neutrality.

The statement further noted that, at the time of release, Senegal had not yet received confirmation of an alternative training site for its final preparations.

Ticket Allocation Challenges

Ticketing arrangements for the final were another source of frustration. The federation disclosed that only two VVIP tickets were officially allocated to Senegal, a situation it described as inadequate, especially when compared to previous stages of the tournament.

The FSF stated that it had purchased the maximum number of tickets allowed by CAF, including:

• 300 Category 1 tickets
• 850 Category 2 tickets
• 1,700 Category 3 tickets

Despite securing the full quota, the federation stressed that the total number remained insufficient to meet the high demand from supporters and officials.

Call for Immediate Corrective Action

The communiqué concluded with a direct appeal to CAF and the Local Organising Committee. The Senegalese Football Federation urged football authorities to take swift corrective measures to uphold principles of safety, fairness, and equal treatment.

The federation emphasized that these principles are fundamental to the credibility and success of Africa’s premier football tournament.

Senegal will be seeking to add another continental trophy to its record when it competes in the AFCON 2025 final, having secured qualification after defeating Egypt in the semi-final on Wednesday.