The professional football authorities in Senegal have launched disciplinary investigations following reports that alleged “witchcraft” rituals took place inside stadiums during recent league fixtures.
The Senegalese Professional Football League announced on Friday that incidents had been recorded during rounds 26 and 27 of matches in both the country’s first and second divisions.
The move follows the circulation of videos and eyewitness accounts on social media showing unusual practices during games, drawing widespread attention and prompting the league to intervene.
In a statement, the governing body said such actions had no place in professional football and were incompatible with the principles of discipline and fair competition that the league aims to uphold.
Officials added that the organisation had spent several years attempting to tackle similar behaviour and had already applied disciplinary measures permitted under its regulations whenever required.
The league’s disciplinary committee is now expected to examine reports submitted by match officials alongside any other available evidence in order to determine responsibility and decide on possible punishments.
Authorities said the investigations were intended to identify those involved and impose sanctions where necessary.
The league also expressed concern that the incidents could damage the reputation of Senegalese football at a time when clubs and institutions are working to improve standards within the domestic game.
According to the statement, efforts are currently being made to strengthen competition levels and enhance the marketing and image of professional football in Senegal. Officials warned that the continued presence of alleged occult or superstitious practices could undermine those ambitions.
The governing body called on clubs to participate in awareness campaigns aimed at players, coaches and staff members. It urged teams to discourage any involvement in similar behaviour in the future.
League officials stressed that tolerance for such practices would not be accepted within professional competitions.
The disciplinary process is expected to continue over the coming weeks, with penalties likely to follow once the investigations have been completed and responsibilities established.
The issue has long been a sensitive subject within parts of African football, where belief in rituals and superstitions has occasionally been linked to attempts to influence results or gain psychological advantages before matches.
Football authorities in Senegal now appear determined to reinforce a different image for the sport, one centred on professionalism, sporting development and fair play.
The latest incidents have renewed debate over the role of superstition in modern football and whether such actions risk harming the credibility of domestic competitions.
Critics argue that attention should remain focused on improving technical standards and supporting the growth of the sport rather than on practices viewed as outdated or unprofessional.
There are also concerns that highly publicised incidents involving alleged rituals could reinforce negative stereotypes about African football internationally, at a time when many leagues across the continent are seeking greater commercial growth and global recognition.
By opening disciplinary proceedings, Senegal’s football authorities are signalling a tougher approach as they attempt to protect the image of the domestic game and promote higher professional standards across the country’s leagues.
