Senegal have lodged a formal complaint against Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco, alleging serious shortcomings in their preparations ahead of Sunday’s final that they claim threaten sporting fairness, MySportDab Reports.
The Lions of Teranga, chasing a second continental crown after lifting the trophy in 2021, are set to face Morocco in Rabat, but the build-up to the decisive clash has been overshadowed by accusations directed at tournament organisers, the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) outlined multiple grievances relating to security, accommodation, training facilities and ticket allocation.
According to the FSF, the team’s safety was compromised upon arrival in Rabat, where they travelled by train and allegedly encountered inadequate security measures.
The federation claimed players and staff were left in close contact with local supporters, a situation they believe fell well below the standards expected for a continental final.
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Concerns were also raised over logistical arrangements, with Senegal initially unhappy with their accommodation. The FSF revealed that an official protest had to be filed before the team was reassigned to a five-star hotel, which they said finally met the conditions required for a match of such magnitude.
Training arrangements have proven another major point of contention. Senegal objected to being asked to train at the Mohammed VI Complex, which serves as Morocco’s base camp, arguing that it posed a risk to competitive integrity.
The federation added that, at the time of their statement, they were still awaiting confirmation of an alternative training venue.
Ticket allocation has further fuelled frustration, with the FSF describing the number of tickets available to Senegalese supporters as “worrying”. While the federation confirmed it had purchased the maximum number of tickets permitted by CAF across various categories, it insisted the figures were insufficient given demand and placed their fans at a disadvantage compared to the hosts.
The complaints come just days after Senegal booked their place in the final with a narrow semi-final victory, while Morocco continue their quest for a first AFCON title on home soil.
The FSF urged CAF to take “immediate corrective measures” to uphold principles of fair play, equal treatment and safety, stressing that these values are essential to the credibility of African football’s flagship tournament.
