Senegal federation says airport screening was routine

The Senegal Football Federation has clarified that a viral video showing its national team undergoing security checks on an airport tarmac depicted a standard, pre-arranged boarding procedure, not discriminatory treatment upon arrival in the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Footage circulated widely on social media beginning June 7, showing players being screened by security personnel on the tarmac at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina. The video prompted significant online criticism, with some viewers alleging the team was being singled out or treated disrespectfully, with one commenter describing the scene as a "disgrace."

In a statement issued on June 10, the federation explained the context. The security checks occurred on Sunday, June 7, as the team prepared to board a private charter flight from Raleigh to San Antonio, Texas, for a pre-tournament friendly match. The delegation traveled by bus directly from its hotel to the aircraft on the tarmac, bypassing the main terminal. Officials stated this logistical arrangement was designed to optimize travel time and facilitate boarding, with all security and police checks conducted at the foot of the...