Border Crisis Forces 15 Players to Withdraw from Transfers to AD Ceuta
AD Ceuta has faced a significant setback as 15 players pulled out of potential transfers due to the worsening border crisis affecting the North African enclave. The club's president, Luhay Hamido, confirmed that these withdrawals happened despite agreements being nearly finalized, with many players concerned about their families' safety.
Migrant Influx Disrupts Recruitment
The Spanish team’s recruitment plans were heavily impacted by a sudden surge of migrants crossing from Morocco into Ceuta since late July. Reports estimate around 80,000 migrants have entered the area, either along the coast or by swimming near local breakwaters. This influx has overwhelmed reception centers, leading the Ceuta government to call on Spain to declare a national emergency.
Club President Speaks on Transfer Collapses
"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," said Hamido in an interview with Cadena SER. He explained that conditions in Ceuta shifted dramatically within a month, moving from stability in tourism, economy, and sports to a tense environment.
Hamido highlighted the city’s diverse cultural makeup: "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."
Protecting the Current Squad
The president assured that the existing players and coaching staff continue their work in a safe environment. "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 prospective signings to visit without pressure to finalize deals, which helped secure some late additions.
"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."
Season Start and Upcoming Test
AD Ceuta currently sits at the bottom of the Segunda Division table after losing their first three matches without scoring any points. On September 5, they face Celta Fortuna at home in matchday four, a crucial opportunity for coach Jose Juan Romero to integrate new players and push for their first win of the season.
- Match: AD Ceuta vs Celta Fortuna
- Date: 5 September 2026
- Kick-off: 18:30
- Competition: Segunda Division
