By Ayomide Otitoju
The Senegalese national team have raised concerns over security, ticketing, accommodation and training arrangements ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Secretariat of the Teranga Lions said it was compelled to speak out “for the sake of transparency and the defence of the interests of the Senegal national team” following what it described as several shortcomings observed during preparations for the final.
According to the communiqué addressed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the public, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) expressed alarm over what it described as inadequate security upon the team’s arrival at the Rabat railway station.
“The FSF deplores the clear absence of an adequate safety device when the Senegalese delegation arrived,” the statement said, warning that players and officials were exposed to risks “incompatible with the standards of a competition of this magnitude and the standing of a continental final.”
The federation also complained about ticketing arrangements, revealing that the official allocation amounted to just two VVIP tickets. While confirming it had purchased the maximum number of tickets authorised by CAF — 300 Category 1, 850 Category 2 and 1,700 Category 3 — the FSF said the allocation remained far below demand.
On training arrangements, Senegal rejected the proposed venue, citing concerns over sporting fairness. The FSF said it had formally notified CAF of its refusal to train at the Mohammed VI Complex, which it described as the base camp of their opponents in the final.
“This situation raises a problem of sporting fairness,” the statement said, adding that as of the time of writing, the team had not been officially informed of an alternative training ground.
The federation also disclosed challenges with accommodation, noting that a formal protest was required before suitable arrangements were made. It said a five-star hotel was eventually secured to ensure optimal recovery conditions for the players.
The FSF called on CAF and the local organising committee to take immediate corrective measures to guarantee safety, equal treatment and fair play, which it described as essential to the success of the tournament.
