Senegal Lodge Strong Complaints Against Morocco Ahead of AFCON 2025 Final

Senegal have officially voiced concerns over organisation and fairness ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final against hosts Morocco, urging CAF to step in and address the issues raised.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has submitted formal complaints to the Confederation of African Football, accusing the hosts of a “lack of fair play” in the build-up to the highly anticipated final. In a statement released on Saturday morning, the federation outlined several grievances it believes compromise the integrity of the competition.

According to the FSF, the concerns range from security shortcomings to accommodation challenges, unsuitable training arrangements, and what it considers an unfair allocation of match tickets for Senegalese supporters. The federation has called on CAF and the local organising committee to “urgently take all necessary corrective measures to ensure respect for the principles of fair play, equal treatment and security,” which it says are essential for the success of African football’s biggest showpiece.

Senegal FA Put Morocco Under Pressure

Senegal’s delegation travelled by train from Tangier to Rabat on Friday, a journey the FSF says exposed players and technical staff to unnecessary risks. The federation described the security arrangements during the trip as inadequate, claiming the team faced overcrowded conditions that fell short of standards expected at a major international tournament.

Upon arrival in Rabat, further issues reportedly emerged regarding accommodation. The FSF revealed it was forced to lodge a formal protest before suitable lodging arrangements were made, although it stopped short of detailing the exact problems encountered at the initially assigned hotel.

Training facilities have also become a major sticking point. The FSF said it has “categorically refused” to train at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, the venue consistently used by Morocco throughout the tournament and scheduled for use again by the hosts on Saturday. Senegal argues that allowing both teams to use the same facility, particularly one so familiar to Morocco, raises legitimate concerns about sporting fairness. The federation added that it had not yet received confirmation of an alternative training ground for its squad.

Ticket distribution has further heightened tensions. The FSF disclosed that it was allocated only 2,850 tickets for Senegalese fans, a figure it considers far below demand. The federation said it regrets what it termed “imposed restrictions” that disadvantage Senegal supporters, especially given the scale of the occasion.

Sunday’s final will take place at the 69,500-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Morocco have enjoyed strong home support throughout the competition. The Atlas Lions are chasing a second AFCON title and their first in 50 years, while defending champions Senegal are also targeting a second continental triumph.

The FSF said it decided to make its concerns public “in the spirit of transparency” and to safeguard the interests of the national team ahead of the final showdown.