CAF hits back: Senegal’s AFCON final ‘sabotage’ claims dismissed

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a stern rebuttal to the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), dismissing allegations of bias and logistical sabotage ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes AFCON 2025 final against Morocco.

In a rare public spat on the eve of a continental showpiece, CAF insisted that the principles of “fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to regulations” have been upheld, effectively accusing the Senegalese camp of exaggerating their grievances.

The ‘Hotel and Training’ Rebuttal Ahead of 2025 AFCON Final

Directly addressing the FSF’s claims that their accommodation was sub-standard and their training sites compromised, CAF revealed that the choice of hotel was actually in Senegal’s hands.

“Senegal was given the opportunity to select its team hotel ahead of the final, and this request was approved,” CAF stated.

Regarding the controversial training ground dispute—where Senegal refused to use the Mohammed VI Football Complex citing a conflict of interest—CAF noted that an alternative field was provided immediately once the complaint was raised. According to the governing body, the matter was settled internally before the FSF took their grievances to the press.

Ticket Tensions

The FSF had previously lamented “heavy restrictions” on ticket sales for their traveling supporters, despite the 70,000-capacity of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

However, CAF remained firm, confirming that Senegal received its “full allocation” as per the tournament’s rulebook. The federation maintained that while demand from the Senegalese public is high, the rules apply equally to both finalists, regardless of the host nation’s stadium size.

Diplomacy Steps In

As the rhetoric cooled between the football bodies, the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stepped in to perform damage control. In a statement, the Ministry emphasized the “age-old relations of friendship and solidarity” between Senegal and Morocco, effectively distancing the government from the federation’s “scathing” tone.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has urged both teams to focus on the pitch, reaffirming that the tournament has been conducted under professional and transparent standards.

With the final set to be staged at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat at 21:00 (SAST),  the world is watching to see if the Teranga Lions can overcome these off-field distractions to defend their status against the Atlas Lions on Sunday night.