The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has attributed the national team’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign to internal tensions triggered by former head coach Pape Thiaw’s salary demands.
FSF President Abdoulaye Fall revealed during a press conference in Dakar that a breakdown in trust between the federation and Thiaw created a toxic atmosphere within the team, ultimately affecting their performance on the global stage.
Thiaw, a former Senegal international who took charge of the team in 2024, was dismissed shortly after Senegal’s elimination in the Round of 32 following a defeat to Belgium on July 1.
According to Fall, the dispute began before the tournament when Thiaw demanded a salary increase from his initial 20 million CFA. Negotiations dragged on, and although both parties eventually agreed on revised terms during the competition, the tension had already taken a toll.
“At a point, he even threatened not to travel with the team unless his demands were met,” Fall disclosed. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye reportedly intervened on the day of departure to ensure the coach joined the squad for the tournament in the United States.
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The situation escalated further during the competition, as Thiaw allegedly refused to sit on the bench for Senegal’s second group match against Norway until his contract was finalized. The agreement was eventually signed on the eve of that game.
Fall also noted that Thiaw believed federation officials were working against him, a perception that disrupted team unity and operations throughout the tournament.
Despite a strong 5–0 victory over Iraq, Senegal suffered defeats to France and Norway in the group stage, barely progressing to the knockout rounds before their eventual exit.
Ironically, Thiaw’s tenure had seen notable success earlier in the year, as he led Senegal to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, the team was later stripped of the title following a controversial walkout during the final against Morocco.
The federation now faces the task of rebuilding team cohesion as it looks ahead to future competitions.
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