The stage is set for a dramatic climax to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but not without significant off-field controversy. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has formally petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) just days before the Teranga Lions are scheduled to face host nation Morocco in the final.
Four Key Grievances Raised by Senegal
In an official statement, the FSF outlined four major areas of concern that it claims have adversely affected its team's preparation for the championship match. The final is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2025, at 8 PM local time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The federation's complaints are comprehensive, targeting logistical and sporting fairness issues. Security upon arrival at the Rabat train station was the first point, with Senegal alleging a lack of adequate measures that exposed players and staff to unnecessary risk. The statement described this as "incompatible with the standards of a competition of this magnitude."
Accommodation standards formed the second grievance. The FSF reported that it required an official letter to CAF before its team was moved to a suitable five-star hotel, implying initial lodging was subpar.
Training Ground Dispute and Ticket Allocation Issues
A particularly contentious issue is the designated training facility. CAF booked Senegal to train at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, which is the permanent base and home ground of the Moroccan national team. Senegal has flatly rejected using this facility, arguing it violates principles of fair play and gives the host an undue advantage. As of the petition, no alternative venue had been confirmed.
The fourth complaint revolves around ticket allocation for Senegalese fans. While the federation received its maximum allowed quota of 2,850 tickets across three price levels, it deems this number "insufficient" for a stadium with a 68,500 capacity. The FSF lamented the restrictions, stating they unfairly penalize the Senegalese public whose demand far exceeds the supply.
Broader Context of Tournament Complaints
Senegal's protest is not an isolated incident in this tournament. It adds to a growing list of formal complaints from other participating nations regarding organizational irregularities.
Most notably, Algeria submitted petitions to both CAF and FIFA following its quarter-final loss to Nigeria. The Algerians focused on officiating, specifically a potential handball incident involving Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi when the score was 0-0.
Another underlying point of contention, noted by CAF itself, has been the travel schedule. Senegal has played all its matches in Tangier, while Morocco has remained in Rabat throughout the knockout stages, a point several eliminated teams have criticized as creating an uneven playing field.
On the pitch, Senegal earned its final berth with a 1-0 semi-final victory over Egypt's Pharaohs. Morocco secured its place by defeating Nigeria's Super Eagles 4-2 in a penalty shootout after their semi-final ended in a draw.
The coming hours will be crucial as CAF reviews Senegal's petition. The governing body's response could significantly impact the atmosphere and preparations for one of the most anticipated finals in recent AFCON history, pitting a determined title holder against a host nation riding a wave of home support.
