As Senegal prepares to face Morocco in the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday in Rabat, a dispute over logistical and organizational issues has emerged, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated match. The Senegalese football Federation (FSF) has formally protested to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), alleging a series of shortcomings that they claim compromise fair play and player safety [[1]]. These concerns range from security lapses upon the team’s arrival to disputes over training facilities and ticket allocation for supporters [[2]], [[3]].
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has formally lodged a complaint regarding organizational and logistical issues surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations, currently taking place in Morocco. Senegal is set to face the host nation in the tournament final this Sunday, and the FSF alleges significant shortcomings that impacted their team’s preparation and security.
In a statement released Saturday, the FSF called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the tournament’s organizing committee to “take all immediate corrective measures to ensure respect for the principles of fair play, equal treatment, and security, essential for the success of this celebration of African football.”
A key concern raised by the FSF centers on what they describe as “a manifest absence of adequate security measures” upon the Senegalese delegation’s arrival at the train station in Rabat on Friday. The federation claims a large gathering of Moroccan fans created a potentially dangerous situation for players and technical staff.
The complaint also details issues with accommodations, stating that the Senegalese team had to request lodging at a five-star hotel to “guarantee the necessary conditions for the physical recovery” of its players. The Africa Cup of Nations is a crucial event for national teams across the continent, often serving as a proving ground for emerging talent and a pathway to international recognition.
Further, Senegal protested being assigned the Mohammed VI Complex for training – a facility regularly used by the Moroccan national team – arguing that this “violates the principle of sporting equity.”
Ticket allocation for the final, scheduled for Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (capacity 67,500), is also a point of contention. Senegal expressed “concern” over the limited number of tickets – approximately 3,800 – made available to their supporters, as well as the lack of access to VIP seating.
The championship match is slated to begin at 4:00 PM local time.
🇸🇳 This is how the Senegal national team arrived in Rabat for Sunday’s #AFCON2025 final against hosts Morocco
Absolutely embarrassing scenes for African football in 2026
— Algeria FC (@Algeria_FC) January 17, 2026
