The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has firmly dismissed claims by the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) over alleged unfair treatment and organizational shortcomings ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, insisting that all participating teams have been treated equally throughout the tournament.
CAF’s response follows a strongly worded statement from the FSF, which raised concerns over logistics, security, and overall organization in the lead-up to Senegal’s decisive clash with hosts Morocco.
In its statement, CAF reaffirmed its commitment to “fairness, transparency and strict adherence to CAF regulations,” stressing that it has worked closely with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to guarantee identical conditions for all teams.
Addressing the specific issues raised by Senegal, CAF revealed that the Teranga Lions were granted the opportunity to select their preferred team hotel ahead of the final, a request that was duly approved. On training arrangements, the confederation explained that after Senegal expressed dissatisfaction with its initially allocated training facility, CAF immediately engaged the LOC to secure an alternative venue, resolving the matter.
CAF also confirmed that Senegal received its full ticket allocation in accordance with tournament regulations. While the FSF acknowledged it was able to purchase the maximum number of tickets permitted across three categories, it argued that the allocation fell short of demand from Senegalese supporters. CAF maintained that ticket distribution is governed strictly by competition rules and is applied uniformly to all finalists.
The confederation further noted that FSF President Abdoulaye Fall has remained in regular contact with CAF leadership and the LOC throughout the process.
Earlier on Friday, the FSF warned against any actions that could compromise “fairness and equal opportunities” ahead of the final. The federation cited what it described as inadequate security upon the team’s arrival at Rabat’s Agdal train station, claiming players and officials were exposed to crowd congestion. It also reiterated its refusal to train at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, arguing that the use of Morocco’s primary national team facility undermined sporting fairness.
Senegal’s public complaints sparked debate within Moroccan sports and media circles, with several commentators dismissing the claims as exaggerated and inconsistent with the organization witnessed during the tournament. On social media, some users pointed out that the FSF had publicly shared details of the team’s arrival, which attracted large crowds of supporters to the station.
Amid the controversy, Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement emphasizing unity and fraternity ahead of the AFCON final, while highlighting the longstanding ties of friendship and solidarity between Senegal and Morocco.
Since the start of AFCON 2025, Moroccan organizers have repeatedly stated that security, logistics, training access, and accommodation arrangements comply fully with CAF protocols and are applied equally to all teams. Officials have emphasized that operational concerns are best handled through official channels rather than public statements.
CAF echoed this stance, reiterating that the tournament has been conducted in a professional and transparent manner from the opening match to the final. The confederation concluded by wishing both Morocco and Senegal the best of luck in the final, which will be broadcast in 180 territories worldwide.
