Senegal clarify tarmac security footage after widespread criticism online

The Senegal Football Federation has moved to clarify the circumstances behind viral footage appearing to show players and staff being searched on an airport tarmac during their World Cup travel to San Antonio.

In a formal statement, the federation explained that the security checks shown in the video did not occur upon the team’s arrival in San Antonio, as many online commentators had assumed, but rather at Raleigh airport on Sunday, 7 June 2026, before the squad boarded a private flight. The procedure was pre-arranged as part of the trip’s logistical planning.

“The bus carrying the national team left the hotel in Raleigh to go directly onto the airport tarmac,” the statement read. “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 areas of the terminal and the boarding lounges.”

The federation added that the arrangement was designed to optimise travel time and facilitate boarding, and that it was carried out “in compliance with the airport security rules in force” with no incidents reported. The private flight to San Antonio, it said, “took place under excellent conditions.”

The footage had drawn significant criticism online before the clarification was issued, including from former England striker and pundit Ian Wright. The episode also coincided with a separate controversy involving Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States after an 11-hour interview at border control.

On the pitch, Senegal opened their group stage campaign with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia, a match in which Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson was shown a red card. The squad will next face France, Norway, and Iraq in the group stage.