JUST IN: Senegal lodge formal complaints over security, logistics and ticketing ahead of AFCON final

The Senegalese national team have formally raised concerns over security arrangements, accommodation, training facilities and ticket allocations ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, Sport360NG reports.

In a strongly worded communiqué issued on Saturday, the Senegalese Football Federation said it was compelled to speak out “in the interest of transparency and the defence of the Senegal national team,” citing a series of organisational shortcomings encountered during preparations for the showpiece event.

The statement, sent by the federation to the Confederation of African Football and made public, highlighted security lapses during the delegation’s arrival in Morocco.

The federation said it “deeply regrets the clear absence of an adequate security system” when the team arrived at Rabat railway station, warning that the situation exposed players and officials to conditions “incompatible with the standards expected of a continental final.”

Concerns were also raised over accommodation, with the federation revealing that official intervention was required before suitable arrangements were secured.

According to the communiqué, “a formal written protest was necessary” before Senegal were eventually allocated a five-star hotel, a move the federation said was essential to ensure optimal recovery conditions for the players.

On training preparations, Senegal rejected the initially proposed venue on grounds of sporting integrity. The federation confirmed it had officially informed CAF of its refusal to train at the Mohammed VI Complex, noting that the facility serves as the base camp of the opposing team and therefore “poses a clear issue of sporting fairness.”

It added that, at the time of issuing the statement, Senegal had yet to receive confirmation of an alternative training site.

Ticketing was cited as another point of contention. The federation disclosed that it had been allocated only two VVIP tickets for the final, with no access to additional VIP or VVIP passes, unlike previous rounds of the tournament.

While confirming that it had purchased the maximum number of tickets authorised by CAF, including 300 Category 1, 850 Category 2 and 1,700 Category 3 tickets, the federation said demand far exceeded supply.

“These quantities, although fully acquired, remain insufficient given the level of demand,” the statement noted.

The communiqué concluded with a call for urgent action from the organisers, urging CAF and the Local Organising Committee to implement immediate corrective measures to uphold principles of fair play, equal treatment and safety.

Senegal are aiming to secure another continental crown when they contest the Africa Cup of Nations final, having edged past Egypt national football team in the semi-finals earlier this week.