Just days before Senegal’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Mauritania, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has announced a steep increase in ticket prices, sparking outrage among supporters.
Depending on the seating zone, prices have tripled or even quadrupled, raising concerns over accessibility for the country’s passionate football fans.
For the upcoming match at Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, the red zone will see tickets rise from 1,000 to 3,000 CFA francs, a threefold increase.
In the yellow zone, tickets now cost 10,000 CFA francs, more than double the previous 3,000 CFA francs.
The central yellow zone has surged to 20,000 CFA francs, four times its former price, while annex boxes are set at 20,000 CFA francs and VIP boxes remain at 50,000 CFA francs.
“The new pricing reflects efforts to professionalize ticketing and modernize event management, including digitalization,” the FSF stated, highlighting improvements in organization and logistics.
However, fans have voiced concerns that these hikes could undermine attendance. Stade Abdoulaye Wade, which seats 50,000, has rarely reached full capacity since its inauguration, and observers fear that the new prices may leave sections empty despite the high stakes of the match.
Supporters argue that economic realities must be considered, warning that excessive pricing risks alienating the very fans who sustain national football.
The federation’s newly elected president previously apologised for price gouging at a match against Sudan in September and pledged fairer ticketing practices.
Yet, the latest increases suggest the FSF is balancing fan access with financial stability, a challenge for a federation seeking to modernize while retaining grassroots support.
Proposals are already circulating to mitigate the impact of the price rises, including differentiated rates for students and families, subscription packages, and special promotions for youth.
These measures aim to maintain fan engagement while ensuring the federation can cover operational costs and improve infrastructure.
The Mauritania match will serve as an early test for the FSF’s new management, highlighting the tension between professionalizing Senegalese football and keeping it accessible to the nation’s devoted supporters.
About The Author
