Border Crisis Forces 15 Players to Withdraw from AD Ceuta Transfers

AD Ceuta Faces Transfer Setbacks Amid Border Tensions

AD Ceuta experienced a major disruption in their transfer plans as 15 prospective signings backed out due to growing concerns over the border crisis affecting the North African enclave. Club president Luhay Hamido confirmed that despite near-final agreements, players withdrew because of safety worries for their families.

Migrant Influx Hits Recruitment

The Spanish club's efforts to strengthen their squad were hit hard by an unprecedented surge of migrants crossing from Morocco since late July. Reports estimate around 80,000 migrants have entered Ceuta by sea or shoreline, overwhelming local facilities and prompting calls for a national emergency from the Ceuta government.

President Details 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," said Hamido during an interview with Cadena SER. He noted how quickly conditions deteriorated, with Ceuta once thriving in tourism, economy, and sports just a month prior.

He described the city as a place where four cultures coexist and emphasized how the team has become a unifying element amid the turmoil.

Club Protects Current Squad

Hamido assured that the current players and coaching staff operate in a safe environment. Despite acknowledging the changes in the city’s atmosphere, he stressed the team continues training regularly and benefits from strong police presence. The club even arranged visits for potential signings without pressure to help them assess the situation firsthand.

"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," added Hamido.

Upcoming Match Tests New Squad

Currently, AD Ceuta sits at the bottom of the Segunda Division table after three straight losses without earning points. Their next challenge comes on September 5, hosting Celta Fortuna. This home match offers coach Jose Juan Romero a chance to blend his new players and chase the club’s first victory of the season.

• Match: AD Ceuta vs Celta Fortuna
• Date: 5 September 2026
• Kickoff: 18:30
• Competition: Segunda Division