The Senegalese national team, the Teranga Lions, have sounded an alarm just days before the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. In a bold move, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has released an official statement, dated Saturday, January 17, 2026, raising serious concerns about the organisation of the final match in Morocco.
Major Security and Logistical Failures Cited
The federation stated it was compelled to speak out "for the sake of transparency and defence of the interests of the Senegal national team." The communiqué detailed several critical issues observed since the team's arrival after their semi-final victory over Egypt on Wednesday.
First and foremost, the FSF highlighted a significant security lapse. Upon arrival at the Rabat railway station, the delegation faced a clear absence of adequate safety measures. The federation warned that this situation exposed players and officials to unacceptable risks and overcrowding, which they described as incompatible with the standards of a continental final of this magnitude.
Ticketing Shortfall and Training Ground Dispute
A major point of contention is the allocation of tickets for the final. The FSF revealed that the official endowment provided to the team was only two VVIP tickets, a stark contrast to arrangements during the semi-finals. While Senegal confirmed it had purchased its maximum authorised allocation from CAF—300 Category 1, 850 Category 2, and 1,700 Category 3 tickets—it stressed that these quantities "remain insufficient in relation to demand."
Perhaps the most striking complaint involves sporting fairness. The federation has categorically refused to hold its training sessions at the Mohammed VI Complex, as proposed by organisers. The reason? This facility is the base camp of their opponents in the final. The FSF argued this raises a fundamental problem of fairness and disclosed that, as of the statement's release, they had not yet been notified of an alternative training site.
Accommodation Issues and Call for Immediate Action
Logistical challenges extended to hotel accommodations. The FSF disclosed that an official written protest was necessary before suitable arrangements were made. Following the protest, a 5-star hotel was finally secured for the team, guaranteeing the required conditions for player recovery before the big match.
In conclusion, the Senegalese Football Federation has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the local organising committee to "take all immediate corrective measures." They emphasised the need to ensure respect for the principles of Fair Play, equal treatment, and safety, which they deem essential for the success of the African football festival.
