Senegal Football Federation (FSF) president Abdoulaye Fall has revealed fresh details surrounding the contract dispute involving head coach Pape Thiaw during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the situation was handled in the national team’s best interests.
Speaking after Senegal’s Round of 32 exit to Belgium, Fall disclosed that negotiations over Thiaw’s contract had started well before the tournament but were delayed by administrative procedures.
According to Africa Top Sports, Fall said discussions with the coach began before the end of last year and that he had asked Thiaw to submit his contract for approval. He admitted he was unhappy with how the situation unfolded, explaining that the signing process was delayed due to procedures involving the relevant ministry.
Fall also revealed that tensions escalated during the tournament when he was informed that Thiaw would not continue leading the team without a signed contract.
“Before the second match against Norway, the general secretary informed me that Pape Thiaw would not coach the team without a signed contract,” Fall said.
He explained that he immediately produced the contract for signature, insisting that the interests of the Senegal national team had to come before everything else.
“I then brought the document for signature because the national team had to come before everything else,” he added.
The FSF president also criticised aspects of the team’s internal communication, claiming he was often kept out of important sporting decisions.
“I only discovered Senegal’s starting line-up when I arrived at the stadium,” Fall said.
He further alleged that certain individuals had attempted to damage the relationship between himself and the coach.
“Some people tried to convince the coach that the Federation was his enemy, even though the starting line-ups were already known the day before or two days earlier and discussed internally.”
The revelations provide further insight into the uncertainty surrounding Thiaw’s future, which has remained a major talking point since Senegal’s elimination from the World Cup.
The Teranga Lions exited the tournament after surrendering a late lead in a 3-2 defeat to Belgium, prompting the FSF to begin reviewing the team’s campaign as speculation continues over whether Thiaw will remain in charge.
