By Obinna Uballa
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has accused Morocco of deliberately sabotaging Senegal’s preparations ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final against the host nation.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, the FSF alleged that a series of logistical lapses and organisational failures amounted to a breach of sporting fairness, warning that the integrity of the continental showpiece was being threatened.
According to the federation, the Senegalese delegation – comprising players and technical staff – was exposed to serious security risks on arrival in Rabat by train following their semi-final victory over Egypt in Tangier.
“The Senegalese Football Federation 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.
“The FSF deplores the clear lack of adequate security measures upon the arrival of the Senegalese delegation at the Rabat train station. This deficiency exposed the players and technical staff to risks incompatible with the standards and prestige of a continental final.”
The federation also complained about substandard hotel accommodation initially provided to the team, noting that only after submitting a formal written protest was the delegation moved to a suitable five-star hotel to ensure proper rest and recovery.
“Regarding hotel logistics, the FSF reports that it was necessary to file an official written protest to obtain a resolution,” the statement added. “Following this effort, a five-star hotel was finally allocated to the Lions, guaranteeing the necessary recovery conditions.”
Further tension arose over training arrangements, with the FSF confirming that it had informed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of its outright refusal to train at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, which serves as Morocco’s training base.
“This decision is based on the fact that these facilities constitute the opposing team’s training base, which raises serious questions of sporting fairness,” the federation said, adding that it was yet to receive official notification of an alternative training venue.
Ticket allocation for Senegalese supporters also drew sharp criticism. The FSF disclosed that for the 53,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Senegal was allocated fewer than 3,000 tickets. It further lamented that only two VVIP tickets were made available, with no option to purchase additional passes for Senegalese dignitaries.
“These quantities, though fully acquired, remain insufficient given the level of demand and unfairly penalise the Senegalese public,” the statement said.
Senegal are chasing a second AFCON title, having won their maiden crown in 2021, while Morocco are aiming for a second championship, 50 years after lifting the trophy for the first time.
