The Senegalese national team has raised concerns over security arrangements, accommodation, training facilities, and ticketing ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) said it felt compelled to speak out “for the sake of transparency and the defence of the interests of the Senegal national team,” citing multiple issues observed during preparations for the final.
The communiqué, issued by the Secretariat of the Teranga Lions of Senegal to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the public, highlighted lapses in security upon the team’s arrival in Morocco.
“The FSF deplores the clear absence of adequate safety measures when the Senegalese delegation arrived at Rabat railway station,” the statement read, warning that the situation exposed players and officials “to risks incompatible with the standards of a competition of this magnitude and a continental final.”
Accommodation challenges were also reported, with formal intervention required before acceptable arrangements were made.
“Regarding hotel logistics, the FSF informs that an official protest via email was necessary to resolve the issue,” the statement said. “A 5-star hotel was finally secured for the Lions, ensuring the necessary conditions for recovery.”
Senegal also rejected the proposed training venue over concerns of sporting fairness. “The FSF has officially notified CAF of its categorical refusal to hold training sessions at the Mohammed VI Complex,” the communiqué stated, noting that the facility is “the base camp of the opposing team,” which poses a fairness issue. As of the statement’s release, the team had “not yet received confirmation of an alternative training site.”
Ticketing issues were another major concern.
“The official allocation includes only two VVIP tickets,” the FSF said, noting the limited access to VIP and VVIP tickets for the final compared to the semi-finals. While the federation purchased the maximum number of tickets allowed by CAF — 300 Category 1, 850 Category 2, and 1,700 Category 3 — it stressed that “these quantities, although fully acquired, remain insufficient relative to demand.”
The statement concluded with an appeal to football authorities:
“The Senegalese Football Federation calls on CAF and the Local Organising Committee to take immediate corrective measures to ensure fairness, equal treatment, and safety — essential for the success of this African football festival.”
Senegal will aim to secure another continental title when they face their opponents in the AFCON 2025 final, following their semi-final victory over Egypt on Wednesday.
