The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has launched a scathing attack on Morocco's Africa Cup of Nations organising committee, accusing it of creating unsafe and unfair conditions ahead of Sunday's high-stakes final in Rabat.
Security Failures and 'Abnormal' Scenes
In a strongly-worded statement on social media, the FSF detailed a series of grievances that began upon the team's arrival in the capital. After defeating Egypt in Wednesday's semi-final in Tangier, the Senegal squad travelled to Rabat via the Al-Boraq high-speed train.
On arrival at the station, the players were reportedly surrounded by fans and locals, leading to chaotic scenes where they were jostled while trying to reach their team bus. Videos circulating online appear to show the squad struggling to navigate through the crowd without adequate protection.
Senegal's manager, Pape Thiaw, did not mince his words when addressing the incident. "We have to say what happened is abnormal, abnormal for a team like Senegal to be left with the crowd like that," he stated on Saturday. "The players were in danger. Anything could have happened through the actions of malicious people."
The FSF's official complaint highlighted a "clear lack of adequate security measures" which it said exposed players and staff to "overcrowding and risks incompatible with the standards of a competition of this magnitude".
Accommodation, Training and Ticket Disputes
The problems for the Senegalese delegation did not end at the station. Upon reaching their hotel, officials were reportedly so dissatisfied with the facilities that they filed a formal complaint to secure better accommodation.
A further significant point of contention arose over training arrangements. The FSF refused to train at the Mohammed VI complex just outside Rabat, arguing that being expected to use the same facility where the Moroccan squad has been based since before the tournament began "raises a question of sporting fairness".
Perhaps the most public-facing issue concerns ticket allocation for supporters. The FSF protested that Senegal has been allocated only 2,850 tickets for its fans for the final at the 69,500-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The federation termed this number "insufficient given the demand" and said it "deplores the imposed restrictions, which penalise the Senegalese public."
Mounting Tensions at Afcon 2025
These accusations are the latest in a series of controversies that have marred the latter stages of the tournament, with several visiting teams suggesting Morocco is exploiting its host status for an advantage.
Nigeria expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating during their penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the other semi-final. In a bizarre incident during that match, Nigeria's goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had his towel stolen three times by a ballboy, with Moroccan officials reportedly involved.
Refereeing has been a persistent flashpoint. The match officials for all four quarter-finals were changed less than 24 hours before kick-off, partly because Morocco protested about the Egyptian official originally allocated for their game against Cameroon.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) delayed announcing the referee for the final in an attempt to prevent a similar pre-match protest. The fallout from earlier complaints was severe; Samuel Eto'o, president of the Cameroonian football federation, was fined $20,000 and banned for four matches after criticising decisions during his team's game.
As of now, the local organising committee in Morocco has not publicly responded to the serious allegations made by the Senegalese Football Federation. All eyes will now be on how these disputes affect the atmosphere and focus ahead of Sunday's continental showpiece.
