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Senegal's Federation explains viral airport security video ahead of World Cup

The Senegal Football Federation (FSF), after receiving accusations of discrimination, moved to explain on Tuesday a'social media video showing their World Cup squad undergoing security checks at an airport tarmac.

Online videos showed Senegal's players being screened at airport security prior to their flight from Raleigh, North Carolina, to San Antonio, Texas, for a friendly warm-up match against Saudi Arabia before the tournament.

The FSF responded to the outrage about the treatment of the players by stating that "all checks were conducted in compliance with applicable airport security regulations", and that they were part of a deal to expedite the travel.

The federation stated that the national team bus left the hotel in Raleigh to go straight to the airport's tarmac as part of its logistical arrangements.

This procedure allowed players and staff to perform all security and law enforcement checks at the bottom of the plane, without having to go through the airport terminals and boarding lounges.

This arrangement was made to optimize the travel time of the delegation and facilitate boarding on a private flight to San Antonio. Saudi Arabia held a 10-man Senegal to a 'goalless draw' in Friendlies on Tuesday.

Senegal opens its World Cup campaign on 16 June against France in?New Jersey. In Group I, they also play against Norway on the same venue on June 22, and Iraq in Toronto June 26.

(source: Reuters)