Senegal federation explains viral airport security footage ahead of World Cup

Senegal's football federation (FSF) has clarified social media footage showing their World Cup squad undergoing security checks on an airport tarmac. The images had prompted accusations of discriminatory treatment.

The FSF stated that the checks were conducted in compliance with "applicable airport security regulations" and were part of a logistical arrangement to speed up travel. Videos circulating online depicted Senegal players being screened by airport security while on the tarmac in Raleigh, North Carolina, before their flight to San Antonio, Texas, for a warm-up match.

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As part of the logistical arrangements for the trip, the bus transporting the national team left the hotel in Raleigh to go directly to the airport tarmac. This procedure allowed the players and staff members to complete all security and police checks directly at the foot of the aircraft, without having to pass through the usual airport terminal areas and boarding lounges.

"As part of the logistical arrangements for the trip, the bus transporting the national team left the hotel in Raleigh to go directly to the airport tarmac," the federation said in a statement. "This procedure allowed the players and staff members to complete all security and police checks directly at the foot of the aircraft, without having to pass through the usual airport terminal areas and boarding lounges."

The federation emphasized that this arrangement was primarily intended to optimize the delegation’s travel time and facilitate boarding onto their private flight. Senegal is preparing for the World Cup, where they will face France on June 16, Norway on June 22, and Iraq on June 26.

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This arrangement was primarily intended to optimize the delegation’s travel time and to facilitate boarding onto the private flight bound for San Antonio.