They control everything": Violent charge by Abdoulaye Fall against Morocco and CAF

Denouncing logistical attempts at destabilization and a lack of transparency on refereeing before the final, the Senegalese leader stated that his country is the only one to have directly opposed the control exercised by the kingdom over the continental bodies.

During a ceremony in Bambey celebrating the victory of the Lions of Teranga over Morocco (1-0 after extra time), Abdoulaye Fall accused the Moroccan sports authorities of "holding everything in their hands" within CAF. According to the leader, although personal ties exist with his Moroccan counterpart Fouzi Lekjaa, the sporting sovereignty of Senegal would not be the subject of any negotiation. He notably pointed out that many African countries would avoid taking a stand against Rabat for fear of the institutional influence of the country, which holds the vice-presidency of the organization.

The grievances mainly concern the accommodation and security conditions in Rabat in the days leading up to the final. Abdoulaye Fall criticized the choice of a hotel located in the city center, marked by significant noise disturbances, as well as the lack of police protection measures upon the arrival of the Senegalese delegation. He also revealed that he had categorically refused to prepare the match at the Mohammed VI center, the host’s proposed base camp, suspecting an attempt at tactical surveillance. This decision to boycott local facilities would have been motivated by the fear of seeing training secrets divulged to the opponent.

At the institutional level, the president of the FSF denounced the opacity surrounding the appointment of the refereeing team, whose identity was only revealed the night before the match at 10 p.m. This late announcement would have been intended, according to him, to prevent any recusal procedure on the part of Senegal, in accordance with the regulations in force.

An official appeal was moreover transmitted to CAF during the match. The appeasement of the logistical tensions would have been obtained only after a direct mediation of Fouzi Lekjaa, who ordered the immediate reinforcement of the security system and the installation of control points around the Senegalese hotel a few hours before kick-off.