Here's something that'll make you think twice about those inclusivity claims we keep hearing. The Africa Cup of Nations introduced amazing haptic devices to help blind fans experience matches. But here's the kicker – they were only available at three games out of 52.
And get this: when Morocco faces Senegal in Sunday's final in front of nearly 70,000 fans, not a single one of these devices will be there. So much for making the biggest game accessible to everyone, right?
What Actually Happened
The touch technology from French company Touch2See is genuinely incredible. It uses a soccer-field-shaped tablet with a magnetic cursor that tracks the ball in real time. Mohammed El Hachimi, a blind computer science teacher, got to use it at a group stage match and called it "extraordinary."
"I felt like I could see the ball," El Hachimi told reporters. Other users said they'd never forget the experience. But only about 15 blind fans got to use the devices at each of those three games.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe promised they'd keep improving facilities for disabled supporters. But when pressed for specifics? Nothing. CAF didn't respond to multiple requests for more information.
Why This Matters Beyond the Pitch
Disability-rights advocate Idir Ouguindi wasn't buying the inclusivity talk. "A lot of measures are presented as inclusive, but when we look into their details, it's generally token measures made for imagery and communication," he said bluntly.
Morocco is gearing up to co-host the 2030 World Cup. They're using this tournament to show off their modern infrastructure and commitment to accessibility. But if they can't make the technology available for their own cup final, what does that say?
El Hachimi wanted to attend the final but couldn't use the technology. "This final, with the national team playing, should have included better representation of blind fans," he said. "It would have meant a lot for us to be part of such an important moment."
There are practical challenges too. Every blind fan needs a companion, so logistics get complicated fast. But the Touch2See CEO confirmed he hasn't been approached about implementing the tech for Morocco's domestic league or the 2030 World Cup.
For bettors backing Morocco in the final, this won't affect the on-field action. But it does raise questions about Morocco's readiness for hosting major tournaments and whether their infrastructure claims match reality.
