The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has sparked a major pre-match controversy by formally protesting the organizational conditions surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. In an urgent communiqué released Saturday, the FSF cited critical failures in security, accommodation, and sporting equity that they claim undermine the integrity of the tournament.
The federation asserted that these public disclosures serve to protect the interests of the Teranga Lions as they prepare for Sunday’s high-stakes championship clash against the host nation.
Security concerns topped the list of grievances, with the FSF describing the team’s arrival at the Rabat railway station as dangerously disorganized. Official reports highlighted a complete lack of protective cordons, which reportedly left players and staff vulnerable to overcrowding and safety risks. Furthermore, the FSF revealed that the team only secured appropriate five-star accommodation after filing a formal written protest, arguing that the initial lodging failed to meet the recovery standards necessary for a continental final.
The dispute has also moved onto the training pitch, where Senegal categorically refused to utilize the Mohammed VI Football Complex. The FSF argued that because the facility serves as the primary base for the Moroccan national team, using it would grant the hosts an unfair tactical advantage. In addition to these logistical hurdles, the federation slammed the ticketing arrangements, noting a significant lack of VVIP and VIP access compared to previous rounds. Despite purchasing thousands of standard tickets for their supporters, the FSF maintains that current restrictions unfairly penalize Senegalese fans.
The federation concluded its statement by demanding immediate intervention from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee. They emphasized that the success of the final depends on the immediate restoration of fair play and equal treatment. As the continent awaits the final whistle, the tension between the defending champions and the host organizers continues to mount.
The FSF statement read: “The FSF deplores the clear absence of adequate safety device when the Senegalese delegation arrived at the Rabat railway station. Regarding hotel logistics, the FSF informs that an official protest by mail was necessary to win the case. A 5-star hotel was finally awarded to the Lions, thus guaranteeing the required recovery conditions.
The FSF has officially notified the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of its categorical refusal to hold its training sessions at the Mohammed VI Complex. The official endowment is only two VVIP tickets. The Senegalese Football Federation calls on the CAF and the Local Organising Committee to take all immediate corrective measures to ensure respect for the principles of Fair Play, equal treatment and safety, essential to the success of this African football festival.”
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