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Senegal–France: The Lions Clarify a Controversial Issue

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Senegal–France: The Lions Clarify a Controversial Issue

Senegal will face France on June 16 at 9 PM during the opening day of the World Cup. As this match approaches, the Senegalese team has put an end to a controversy that erupted on social media.

A widely circulated video showed the players and staff of the Lions of Teranga undergoing what was deemed an enhanced security check on the tarmac of an American airport. This footage sparked numerous reactions and interpretations. To prevent the spread of rumors and clarify the situation, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) issued an official statement.

According to this clarification, the security check did not occur upon the delegation’s arrival in San Antonio, but rather at the time of departure from Raleigh airport on Sunday, June 7, 2026, before boarding a private flight.

The FSF emphasizes that this measure was part of a specific logistical organization related to the competition’s requirements. Transporting the players from their hotel directly to the aircraft allowed for the usual security procedures to be conducted right on the tarmac, bypassing the traditional airport areas.

The goal of this organization was to optimize the delegation’s movements and avoid the usual terminal routes, including queues and public spaces, while facilitating access to the private flight to San Antonio.

The federation insists that these operations were conducted in accordance with the security protocols in place in the United States, with no incidents reported and under normal conditions.

With this clarification, the federation believes the controversy is now closed. The Senegalese delegation can fully focus on their sporting preparation for the upcoming match against France, aiming to maintain a high level of concentration ahead of this group stage challenge.