Border Crisis Forces 15 Players to Abandon Transfers to AD Ceuta

AD Ceuta faced a major setback as 15 players withdrew from transfers amid a growing border crisis. The club's president, Luhay Hamido, confirmed that safety worries caused these players to pull out despite deals being nearly finalized.

Migrant Surge Disrupts Squad Plans

The North African autonomous city of Ceuta has experienced an unprecedented influx of migrants since late July, with roughly 80,000 crossing from Morocco either by shoreline or swimming near breakwaters at Tarajal and Benzu. This surge has overwhelmed local facilities and led the Ceuta government to call for Spanish authorities to declare a national emergency.

President Details Player Withdrawals

In an interview with Cadena SER, Hamido explained that family concerns were key reasons behind the players’ withdrawals. He said, "Their wives are scared, the children... It’s understandable given the information reaching them. If you’re not living it, it feels like a state of siege." He noted that conditions in Ceuta have deteriorated rapidly, contrasting with just a month ago when tourism, economy, and sports were thriving. Hamido emphasized, "Ceuta is more than just a club: four cultures coexist here and we all embrace one another; it has become a sanctuary and the team has become a very powerful common denominator."

Team Remains Protected Amid Crisis

Hamido reassured that the current squad and coaching staff operate in a secure environment. He remarked, "The players and the manager have families and children. They see the city isn’t what they thought they knew, and that affects them, but they are training normally. It is safe, and the police are doing a great job." The club even invited potential signings to visit the facilities without any pressure. On the final day of the transfer window, they managed to complete some signings. Hamido stated, "I believe we will compete with this squad. We don’t get nervous, and we aren’t obsessed solely with immediate results. We try to shield the players and keep them in a bubble."

Upcoming Test Against Celta Fortuna

AD Ceuta currently sit at the bottom of the table after losing their first three matches of the season. Manager Jose Juan Romero’s team faces a crucial home game against Celta Fortuna on September 5. This fixture represents a chance to integrate new players and finally earn their opening points of the campaign.

• Date: 5 September 2026
• Kickoff: 18:30
• Opponent: Celta Fortuna
• Competition: Segunda Division