Senegalese Football Federation Raises Concerns Ahead of Africa Cup Final

RABAT, Morocco – The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has expressed significant concerns regarding the treatment of its national soccer team in Morocco leading up to the Africa Cup of Nations final against the host nation on Sunday.

In a statement released early Saturday morning, the FSF criticized the apparent lack of security arrangements upon the team’s arrival in Rabat, issues with accommodation, inadequate training facilities, and difficulties in securing a fair allocation of tickets for its supporters.

The federation urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the local organizing committee to “immediately implement corrective measures to ensure adherence to principles of fair play, equal treatment, and security, which are essential for the success of this celebration of African football.”

Senegal’s players traveled by train from Tangier to Rabat on Friday, only to encounter what the federation described as a “clear lack of adequate security measures” upon their arrival.

“This deficiency exposed the players and technical staff to overcrowding and risks that are incompatible with the standards expected for a competition of this magnitude and the prestige of a continental final,” the federation stated.

The FSF further reported that it had to lodge a formal complaint to secure appropriate hotel accommodations for the team after their arrival in Rabat, although specifics regarding the initial conditions of their accommodations were not disclosed.

Additionally, the federation conveyed its “categorical refusal” to conduct training sessions at the Mohammed VI Complex, the training base for the Moroccan team throughout the tournament, stating ongoing concerns regarding sporting fairness and expressing frustration over the lack of communication regarding an alternative training venue.

According to the media activities agenda for Saturday, released on Friday, the location for Senegal’s training session remains unconfirmed.

The federation also expressed concern over the ticketing situation, noting that they were only able to secure 2,850 tickets for their supporters, which they deemed insufficient given the high demand. They lamented the imposed restrictions, stating that these measures unduly penalize the Senegalese public.

The capacity of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which is set to host the final, is 69,500 fans. Morocco has enjoyed robust support throughout the tournament, and expectations are that the final will see a similar atmosphere.

As Morocco seeks to clinch its second Africa Cup title after a 50-year wait, Senegal, the reigning champions after winning in 2021, is also striving for its second title.

The FSF emphasized that it was making its grievances public “in the interest of transparency and to advocate for the interests of the Senegalese national team.”