The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has publicly called on its supporters to travel to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a move that has reignited debate over the tournament's controversial hosting. The FSF posted a message on social media stating, "Venez nombreux" ("Come in large numbers"), directly encouraging fan travel for the competition scheduled for summer 2025.
Morocco was officially awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 AFCON by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in September 2023. The decision followed the withdrawal of original hosts Guinea due to infrastructure unpreparedness. Morocco, which previously hosted the tournament in 1988, has since been preparing its venues.
The Senegalese federation's call is notable as it comes amid ongoing political tensions between Morocco and Algeria, which have impacted football diplomacy in the region. The message is seen as a show of sporting solidarity but also risks being interpreted politically. Senegal, the 2021 AFCON champion, is considered a top contender for the 2025 title.
CAF has confirmed the tournament will be held in the summer of 2025, a shift from the traditional January-February schedule to avoid club conflicts. The exact dates and host cities within Morocco are yet to be finalized and announced by the local organizing committee.
