The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has issued a statement expressing deep concern and denouncing what it calls “serious malfunctions” in the organization ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final.
The statement outlines a series of significant logistical and security failures experienced by the Senegalese delegation in the host nation. According to the FSF, these issues have negatively impacted the team, officials, and supporters in the lead-up to the Final match.
Key grievances highlighted in the release include:
Inadequate Team Facilities: The delegation was reportedly assigned a hotel deemed unacceptably small. Furthermore, the training pitch for the team was not confirmed until the last moment.
Major Security Shortfalls: The statement alleges that only five police officers were provided for security, and no drivers were assigned to team officials. It also notes that the national team completed a 250 km trip without any security personnel present upon arrival.
Limited Access for Officials and Fans: The federation claims it was given only two seats in the VVIP section for the final. A significant lack of tickets for Senegalese supporters was also cited, leaving fans without a way to attend.
Controversial Refereeing: The FSF referenced “arbitration from the beginning of the suspicious AFCON” and pointed to a severe yellow card shown to player Habib Diarra, which rules him out of the final due to suspension.
The strongly-worded statement suggests these cumulative issues have marred the tournament’s climax for the Senegalese camp. The hashtag #BiDuYoyu, attributed to official Momar Assane, was included in the release, amplifying the message on social media.
The claims cast a shadow over the operational readiness for the final, raising questions about the parity and support provided to competing teams at the continent’s premier football event.
Senegal FA statement ahead of AFCON2025 final
● They were given a tiny hotel
● Only 5 police given
● No driver assigned to officials
● Training pitch not confirmed
● Lack of tickets for fans
● Only two VVIP seats given
The Teranga Lions have refused to train at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, stating that Morocco is based opposite the facility and that their sessions could easily be monitored and recorded.
Senegal have therefore requested CAF to allocate them an alternative training venue.
Senegal also revealed they were given only two VVIP tickets for the final. They further claim their access to purchase additional tickets was restricted.
Despite this, they managed to secure:
• 300 tickets – Category 1
• 850 tickets – Category 2
• 1,700 tickets – Category 3
However, they insist this is still far from enough, considering the large Senegalese community currently in Morocco.
