Border Crisis Forces 15 Players to Withdraw from Transfers to AD Ceuta

AD Ceuta encountered a significant obstacle when 15 potential signings backed out of their moves due to the intensifying border situation in the North African enclave. Club president Luhay Hamido confirmed that despite agreements being nearly finalized, players withdrew because of safety worries for their families.

Migrant Influx Disrupts Recruitment

The Spanish club's recruitment plans were severely affected by an unusual surge of migrants entering Ceuta. News agency EFE reported around 80,000 migrants crossed from Morocco since late July, arriving via shoreline or swimming near the Tarajal and Benzu breakwaters. This influx overwhelmed local facilities and led the Ceuta government to call on Spanish authorities to declare a national emergency.

President Comments on Transfer Collapse

Speaking to Cadena SER, Hamido explained the reasons behind the withdrawals: "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 how quickly the city's situation changed in a month, once thriving with tourism, economy, and sports activity.

He added, "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."

Club Protects Current Squad

The president reassured that the current players and coaching staff operate 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 transfer targets to visit without any pressure before finalizing late signings.

"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," Hamido said.

Upcoming Match Against Celta Fortuna

Currently, Ceuta sits at the bottom of the league table after losing their first three matches without scoring any points. On September 5, they will face Celta Fortuna at home in matchday four. This game is crucial for coach Jose Juan Romero to integrate his new players and aim for their first win of the season.

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