Border Crisis Forces 15 Players to Withdraw from Transfers to AD Ceuta
AD Ceuta president Luhay Hamido confirmed that 15 players backed out of transfers to the club because of growing concerns related to the escalating border crisis in the North African enclave. These players had almost finalized their deals but reconsidered due to worries about safety for themselves and their families.
Migrant Surge Disrupts Team Building
The Spanish club has encountered a serious challenge in assembling its squad after an unprecedented rise in migrant arrivals overwhelmed the region. Reports from news agency EFE estimate around 80,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco by land or sea since late July. This sudden influx has strained local resources, leading the Ceuta government to urge Spanish authorities to declare a national emergency.
President Describes Impact on Transfers
“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,”
Hamido spoke to Cadena SER, explaining how the situation changed dramatically within a month. Previously, Ceuta had enjoyed a strong position in tourism, economy, and sports. He highlighted the city’s unique blend of four cultures living together and emphasized how the club serves as a unifying symbol amid the turmoil.
Club Protects Current Squad Environment
The president assured that the current players and coaching staff operate in a safe environment. He said the team understands the changed atmosphere but continues training normally with police support maintaining security.
“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.”
To secure signings despite the challenges, the club invited potential recruits to visit the facilities without pressure before finalizing deals late in the transfer window.
“We invited them to come and see it with no obligation whatsoever - to look at the facilities, how we work... and on the final day, we managed to get signings across the line. 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 Match Offers Chance to Turn Things Around
AD Ceuta currently sits at the bottom of the table after losing their first three matches this season. On September 5, they will host Celta Fortuna in their fourth game, a crucial opportunity for manager Jose Juan Romero to integrate new players and aim for the club’s first points.
- Match: AD Ceuta vs Celta Fortuna
- Date: September 5, 2026
- Kickoff: 18:30
- Competition: Segunda Division
