The recent match between Senegal and Sudan has sparked controversy over the management of ticket sales and access to the stadium. El Hadji Mansour Jacques Sagna, founder of TicketPal Sénégal, has expressed concerns over the difficulties faced by supporters, citing the need for a thorough examination of the responsibilities of the Fédération sénégalaise de football (FSF) and Sonatel/Orange. With over 13 years of experience in secure ticketing, Sagna argues that the issues encountered during the match highlight a broader problem in the industry.
Sagna questions the criteria used to select Sonatel/Orange as the ticketing provider, given their limited expertise in event ticketing. He emphasizes that mastery of telecommunications and payment solutions does not automatically translate to expertise in event ticketing. The complexities of ticketing involve a chain of responsibilities, including commercialization and distribution, transaction security, capacity management, and crowd control. Effective ticketing requires a deep understanding of these factors, as well as robust technical infrastructure and coordination among stakeholders.
The FSF, as the event organizer, bears institutional responsibility for selecting the provider, defining the scope of work, and supervising execution. Sonatel/Orange, as the provider, is accountable for the quality of the solution, technical reliability, and operational capacity. Sagna stresses that no technological partnership can substitute for the necessary expertise and professional references. The controversy highlights the need for clear accountability and a thorough examination of the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.
The issue extends beyond the Senegalese football federation and Sonatel/Orange, as it raises questions about the challenges faced by local companies specializing in secure ticketing. Sagna argues that these companies, which have invested years in developing expertise, struggle to access the market. He advocates for fair competition based on competence, experience, and references, rather than favoritism or market dominance.
The debate also touches on the broader implications for the development of the ticketing industry in Senegal. Sagna calls for a serious reflection on the professionalization of ticketing, emphasizing that major events deserve high-quality ticketing systems. Supporters deserve seamless access to events, and local companies deserve recognition for their expertise. Effective ticketing is critical to ensuring a positive experience for spectators.
Sagna's concerns are not limited to the technical aspects of ticketing but also encompass the need for accountability and transparency. He argues that a QR code is insufficient to guarantee a smooth experience, as it is only one aspect of a complex process. Comprehensive ticketing solutions require expertise in multiple areas, including crowd management, security, and customer support.
The controversy serves as a catalyst for re-examining the ticketing industry in Senegal and promoting best practices. As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders must prioritize accountability, expertise, and fair competition to ensure that major events are successful and enjoyable for all parties involved. By learning from the challenges encountered during the Senegal vs Sudan match, the industry can work towards providing better experiences for spectators and promoting local businesses.
Key points
- The Senegalese football federation and Sonatel/Orange face criticism over their handling of ticket sales and access for the Senegal vs Sudan match.
- Local companies specializing in secure ticketing struggle to access the market despite their expertise.
- The controversy highlights the need for clear accountability, professionalization of ticketing, and fair competition in the industry.
