Rabat – CAF has released a statement firmly rejecting the Senegal Football Federation’s (FSF) claims regarding fairness and organization ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, stressing that all teams have been treated equally throughout the tournament.
CAF’s response comes after Senegal issued a strongly worded public statement alleging organizational, logistical, and security shortcomings in the build-up to the decisive match against host nation Morocco.
CAF is “committed to the principles of fairness, transparency and strict adherence to CAF regulations,” said the statement. It added that CAF has worked closely with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure identical conditions for all participating teams.
The confederation directly addressed the concerns FSF raised, stating that Senegal was given the opportunity to select its team hotel ahead of the final and that this request was approved.
Regarding training arrangements, CAF said that when Senegal expressed dissatisfaction with the initially assigned training facility, it immediately contacted the LOC to provide an alternative field. According to CAF, the issue has since been resolved.
And in regard to tickets, CAF confirmed that Senegal received its full allocation in line with CAF regulations.
While the FSF acknowledged it was able to purchase the maximum number allowed across three ticket categories, it argued that the allocation did not meet the high demand from Senegalese supporters. CAF maintained that ticket distribution is governed strictly by tournament rules and applies equally to all finalists.
CAF also noted that FSF President Abdoulaye Fall has been in regular contact with CAF leadership and the LOC throughout the process.
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Senegal’s statement, released earlier on Friday, warned against any actions that could undermine “fairness and equal opportunities” ahead of one of the tournament’s most high-profile matches. The federation cited what it described as a lack of security upon the team’s arrival at Rabat train station and said players and staff were exposed to crowd congestion.
The FSF also reiterated its refusal to train at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, arguing that using Morocco’s main national team facility was inconsistent with principles of sporting fairness.
The public nature of Senegal’s complaints sparked debate in Moroccan sports and media circles, with many observers describing the claims as exaggerated and not reflective of the organization seen throughout the tournament.
“They posted their exact arrival time and now they complain that their fans came to see them? Very cheap tactics,” a social media user said. The Senegalese federation released a statement on Thursday with the details of the team’s arrival at the Agdal train station in Rabat, with Senegalese fans flocking to welcome the Teranga Lions.
Following the federation’s complaints, the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement stressing the importance of unity and fraternity ahead of the AFCON final and recalling “the excellence of the age-old relations of friendship and solidarity between Senegal and Morocco.”
Since the start of AFCON 2025, Moroccan organizers have consistently stated that security, logistics, training access, and accommodation arrangements follow CAF protocols and are applied uniformly to all teams. Officials have reiterated that any operational concerns are addressed through official channels rather than public statements.
CAF echoed this position and reaffirmed that the tournament has been conducted under professional and transparent standards from the opening match to the final.
Despite the off-field controversy, CAF concluded its statement by wishing both Morocco and Senegal the best of luck in the final, which it said will be broadcast in 180 territories worldwide.
