SECURITY, ACCOMMODATION & FAN ACCESS IN FOCUS

By Advent Shoko

RABAT, MOROCCO – Senegal’s national team has publicly aired serious concerns over their treatment ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final against Morocco, accusing organisers of failing to meet basic standards for security, accommodation, training, and fan access. In a formal communiqué, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Morocco’s Local Organising Committee (LoC) to take “immediate corrective measures” to ensure fair play, equality, and safety for the tournament.

The Teranga Lions reported a lack of adequate security upon arrival in Rabat, where players and officials faced overcrowding at the railway station. Accommodation issues added to the frustration, with initial lodgings deemed unacceptable before a five‑star hotel was eventually secured. Senegalese officials also refused to train at the Mohammed VI Technical Centre, Morocco’s base camp, citing concerns over fairness, and have yet to receive confirmation of an alternative training venue.

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Ticketing has emerged as another major flashpoint. Senegal purchased the maximum number of tickets authorised by CAF, 300 in Category 1, 850 in Category 2, and 1,700 in Category 3, but the federation says this is insufficient for the large number of Senegalese fans travelling to Morocco. VVIP access is also limited, with only two tickets allocated and no possibility to purchase more, unlike during the semi-finals. These restrictions have sparked fears that thousands of Senegalese supporters could be shut out despite long-distance travel.

The FSF has urged CAF and the LoC to act swiftly to resolve these issues, highlighting that the principles of safety, fair play, and fan inclusion are essential to the success and credibility of African football. The tensions come as Senegal seeks a second continental crown after their 2021 triumph, while Morocco aims to win a first AFCON title in decades on home soil. The final promises to be a highly charged clash, both on and off the pitch.