2026 World Cup: Senegal consider sanctions against Pape Gueye after criticism
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) is considering possible disciplinary action against midfielder Pape Gueye following comments made after the Lions of Teranga’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup.
Gueye criticised the national team’s coaching staff after Senegal’s 3-2 defeat by Belgium, a match in which the African side surrendered a 2-0 lead.
The midfielder also announced that he would step away from international duty while the current technical team remained in charge, a decision that has reportedly angered officials within the federation.
According to reports from several Senegalese media outlets, the FSF believes Gueye’s comments go against the unity and values expected within the national team environment.
No official punishment has been announced, but the federation is reportedly reviewing the possibility of opening a disciplinary process against the player.
The situation adds further uncertainty to Senegal’s football landscape as the country attempts to recover from a disappointing World Cup campaign.
The federation is expected to hold discussions in Dakar to assess several issues surrounding the tournament, including the performance of head coach Pape Thiaw and his technical staff.
Reports indicate that officials will examine technical reports, review responsibilities and address concerns linked to tournament preparation, delegation management and the internal atmosphere within the squad.
According to reports, including those from Les Échos and Dakaractu, tensions increased during Senegal’s World Cup campaign because of several difficulties behind the scenes.
These reportedly included problems relating to team organisation, logistical challenges, administrative issues and difficulties in managing the delegation’s daily operations.
Those problems are said to have contributed to a breakdown in trust between some players, the coaching staff and federation officials.
Gueye’s public comments following the defeat to Belgium have now become a major point of discussion, with the federation expected to determine whether his actions require disciplinary measures.
The midfielder’s decision to announce his withdrawal from the national team while the current coaching structure remains in place has further intensified the debate surrounding Senegal’s football leadership.
The FSF leadership will now face questions over its handling of the national team, while Thiaw and his coaching staff are expected to come under scrutiny following the early World Cup exit.
Senegal entered the tournament with ambitions of making a strong impact but were eliminated after a dramatic defeat despite holding a two-goal advantage against Belgium.
For Gueye, the aftermath of the campaign has placed his international future under fresh uncertainty.
The midfielder has been an important figure for the Lions of Teranga, but his public criticism of the coaching staff has created a difficult situation with the federation.
The upcoming meeting in Dakar is expected to play a key role in determining the next steps, both regarding Gueye’s situation and the wider direction of Senegal’s national team project.
