2025 AFCON: CAF rejects Senegal complaints on fairness ahead of the finals

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has strongly rejected claims by the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) that the Africa Cup of Nations final has been undermined by unfair treatment and organisational shortcomings, insisting that both finalists have been treated equally throughout the tournament.

The response comes after Senegal raised a series of concerns in a public statement ahead of Sunday’s showdown with hosts Morocco, questioning security arrangements, logistics, training facilities and ticket allocations in Rabat.

In a firm rebuttal, CAF said it remained committed to “fairness, transparency and strict adherence to CAF regulations”, adding that it has worked closely with the Local Organising Committee to ensure identical conditions for all teams competing at AFCON 2025.

Addressing the specific complaints, CAF revealed that Senegal were given the opportunity to choose their preferred hotel ahead of the final, a request that was approved. On training arrangements, the confederation said it acted promptly after Senegal expressed dissatisfaction with their initially allocated venue, engaging organisers to secure an alternative facility.

CAF also confirmed that Senegal received their full ticket allocation in line with tournament regulations. While the FSF acknowledged it had purchased the maximum number of tickets permitted across three categories, it argued that the allocation did not meet the demand from Senegalese supporters. CAF maintained that ticket distribution is governed strictly by competition rules and is applied uniformly to all teams.

The confederation added that FSF president Abdoulaye Fall has remained in regular contact with CAF officials and the Local Organising Committee throughout the process.

Earlier, Senegal had warned against anything that could compromise “fairness and equal opportunities” ahead of the final, citing what it described as inadequate security on the team’s arrival at Rabat’s Agdal train station, where players and officials were reportedly exposed to crowd congestion. Senegal also reiterated its refusal to train at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, arguing that the venue’s status as Morocco’s regular training base raised concerns about neutrality.

The complaints sparked debate in Moroccan media, with some commentators dismissing the claims as exaggerated. On social media, several users noted that Senegal’s own public updates about their arrival may have contributed to large crowds gathering at the station.

Amid the growing controversy, Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs struck a conciliatory tone, issuing a statement emphasising unity and fraternity ahead of the final, and highlighting the long-standing ties of friendship between Senegal and Morocco.

CAF echoed that sentiment, stressing that AFCON 2025 has been organised professionally from start to finish and that any operational concerns are best handled through official channels rather than public exchanges.

The governing body concluded by wishing both Senegal and Morocco well ahead of a final that will be broadcast in more than 180 territories worldwide, as Africa’s biggest football prize is decided on Sunday evening.