Senegal’s football federation has blamed internal disputes with former coach Pape Thiaw for the national team’s disappointing World Cup campaign. Federation officials made the claims on Monday.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) dismissed Thiaw on Sunday after the team’s Round of 32 exit. Belgium eliminated Senegal from the tournament on July 1.
FSF President Abdoulaye Fall said trust between the federation and the coach had broken down. He claimed contract negotiations and salary demands created tensions before the World Cup.
Federation Details Salary Dispute
According to Fall, Thiaw requested an increase from 20 million CFA francs to 50 million CFA francs per month. However, both sides eventually agreed on a monthly salary of 30 million CFA francs during the tournament.
Fall also said the parties resolved disagreements over bonuses. Nevertheless, he claimed tensions continued despite the agreement.
The federation president alleged that Thiaw threatened not to travel to the World Cup unless his demands were met. He added that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye persuaded the coach to join the squad before departure.
Team Performance Under Scrutiny
Fall further claimed Thiaw refused to sit in the dugout until his contract was signed. According to the federation, the agreement was finalised before Senegal’s second group-stage match against Norway.
Senegal lost to France and Norway during the group stage before defeating Iraq 5-0. The victory secured a place in the knockout rounds, where Belgium ended the team’s campaign.
Thiaw took charge of Senegal in 2024 and guided the team to the Africa Cup of Nations title in January. However, the team later lost the trophy after being punished for leaving the pitch during the final against Morocco.
