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Senegal Says Viral Tarmac Security Checks Were Pre‑arranged Boarding

The federation says the June 7 tarmac checks were a planned step to speed boarding for a private flight and were carried out under airport security rules.

Overview

  • Short video clips showed Senegal players being screened on an airport tarmac in Raleigh and prompted widespread online accusations that the team had been publicly singled out.
  • The Senegal Football Federation said the screening took place on Sunday, June 7, at Raleigh Airport before a private flight to San Antonio and was a pre-arranged part of the delegation's travel plan to bypass terminal areas.
  • FSF officials said the checks were performed in compliance with applicable airport security and police procedures and that no incident was reported during the operation.
  • The private flight reached San Antonio normally and the team has continued its pre-tournament schedule, including a 0-0 friendly with Saudi Arabia and an opener against France on June 16.
  • Coverage places the episode within broader World Cup concerns over tighter security and visa problems that have affected other delegations and raised questions about tournament logistics and public optics.