RABAT, Morocco (AP) – Senegal’s soccer federation has lodged serious complaints about the treatment of the national soccer team in Morocco ahead of Sunday’s African Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
The federation, known as the FSF, issued a statement early Saturday morning criticizing the lack of security for the team’s arrival in Rabat, problems with the team’s accommodation, training facilities and difficulties in allocating fair tickets to supporters.
It called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and local organizing committees to “immediately take all corrective measures to ensure respect for the principles of fair play, equal treatment and safety that are essential to the success of this celebration of African football”.
Senegalese The players traveled by train from Tangier to Rabat on Friday, but upon arrival a federation statement found that there was a “clear lack of appropriate safety measures”.
“This deficiency exposed the athletes and technical staff to overcrowding and risks that were not in keeping with the standards of an event of this magnitude and the prestige of a continental final,” the federation said.
The federation said teams must submit formal written complaints to secure suitable hotel accommodations once they arrive in Rabat. The terms of the accommodation initially provided to the team are not stated.
The federation said it had notified CAF of its “categorical refusal” to hold team training sessions at the Mohammed VI complex. Morocco Teams are based throughout the tournament. Morocco are also scheduled to train there on Saturday.
“This raises questions about the fairness of the sport,” the federation said, adding that it had not yet been informed where the Senegalese team would be able to train.
In Saturday’s media activities calendar shared with the media on Friday, the location of Senegal’s practice sessions has not yet been confirmed.
The federation said the ticketing situation was “concerning”. Only 2,850 tickets could be purchased for supporters, in accordance with the limit allowed by CAF.
The federation said the allocation was “inadequate given the demand” and “deplores the imposition of such restrictions to the detriment of the Senegalese people.”
The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where the final will be held, has a capacity of 69,500 people. Morocco has been supported by loud cheers at every match so far. It is unlikely that the final will change.
Morocco are hoping to win their second African Cup in 50 years. Senegal, who won the trophy in 2021, will also be aiming for their second title.
The federation said it was publishing the complaint “to ensure transparency and protect the interests of the Senegalese national team.”
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Associated Press on Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
