The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has accused Morocco’s local organising committee of undermining Senegal’s preparations for Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against the hosts.
In a statement released on social media, the FSF complained of inadequate security on arrival in Rabat, unsuitable accommodation, confusion over tra insufficient allocation of tickets for Senegal supporters.
Senegal reached the final after defeating Egypt in Wednesday’s semi-final in Tangier. The squad travelled to Rabat on the Al-Boraq high-speed train, a journey of about 75 minutes.
On arrival at the station, players and staff were surrounded by fans seeking photographs and videos. Footage shared online showed members of the delegation being jostled as they attempted to reach the team bus.
The FSF said there was a “clear lack of adequate security measures”, adding that the situation exposed players and staff to overcrowding and unnecessary risk.
Speaking on Saturday, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw described the incident as unacceptable.
“What happened is abnormal,” he said. “For a team like Senegal to be left in the crowd like that is not normal. The players were in danger. Anything could have happened.”
On reaching their hotel, the Senegal delegation expressed dissatisfaction with the facilities and lodged a formal complaint in an effort to secure better conditions.
The FSF also refused to train at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, just outside Rabat. It said being asked to use a base where the Morocco team has trained throughout the tournament raised concerns about sporting fairness.
In addition, Senegal have been allocated 2,850 tickets for their supporters. The federation described this number as insufficient given the level of demand and said the restrictions unfairly penalised Senegalese fans. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium has a capacity of 69,500.
The build-up to the final has been marked by growing tension, with several visiting teams accusing Morocco of seeking an advantage.
Nigeria expressed anger over refereeing decisions following their penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the semi-final. During that match, Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had his towel taken three times by a ballboy and Moroccan officials.
Refereeing issues have persisted throughout the tournament. Officials for all four quarter-finals were changed less than 24 hours before kick-off, partly after Morocco objected to the appointment of an Egyptian referee for their match against Cameroon.
Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, was later fined $20,000 and handed a four-match ban after publicly criticising decisions made during that game.
The Confederation of African Football delayed naming the referee for the final in an apparent effort to avoid further controversy.
