Senegal has formally raised serious concerns over what it describes as multiple organisational failings ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, including rejecting the training pitch proposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
In an official statement released on the eve of the final, the Senegalese Football Federation expressed “deep concern and dissatisfaction” with what it termed several “organizational shortcomings” encountered by the Lions of Teranga delegation since arriving in Morocco.
The federation warned that these issues risk undermining the principle of equal treatment at a decisive stage of the tournament.
One of the most serious points highlighted related to security arrangements on arrival in Rabat.
The federation criticised what it described as inadequate security measures at the train station, stating that severe overcrowding exposed players and members of the technical staff to unnecessary risks.
According to the statement, such conditions were “unbecoming of a final match” in a major continental competition.
Accommodation was also identified as a significant concern.
The federation revealed that it had been forced to lodge a formal protest over the hotel arrangements initially provided to the team.
Only after this intervention was the delegation relocated to a five-star hotel, a move the federation said was necessary to guarantee suitable rest and comfort for the players ahead of the final.
The issue that has drawn particular attention, however, is Senegal’s categorical refusal to hold a training session at the Mohammed VI Complex, which serves as the Moroccan national team’s training base.
The federation described this option as unacceptable, viewing it as a breach of the principle of equal opportunities between the finalists.
It further stated that, at the time of issuing the communiqué, it had not received official confirmation of an alternative training ground for its final pre-match session.
Ticketing arrangements were also strongly criticised.
The federation described the situation as worrying, revealing that CAF had allocated only two VVIP tickets to the Senegalese delegation.
It also pointed to the “complete absence” of any possibility to purchase premium-category tickets, despite such options having been available during the semi-finals.
In an effort to clarify the situation for supporters, the federation detailed the ticket allocations granted for Senegalese fans.
According to the statement, the available tickets were limited to 300 in the first category, 850 in the second category, and 1,700 in the third category.
The federation stressed that these figures fall far short of demand from supporters eager to back the team in what it described as a historic opportunity.
The statement concluded by underlining that the restrictions imposed were unfair to Senegalese fans, many of whom are seeking to travel and support the national team in its pursuit of continental glory.
While reaffirming its commitment to sporting values, the federation called for urgent corrective measures to ensure fairness, transparency and respect ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations final.
As kick-off approaches, the focus remains on whether these concerns will be resolved swiftly, allowing the final to be contested in conditions befitting African football’s showpiece event.
