Senegal’s football federation is facing renewed criticism after eight Under-17 players were unable to travel to France because of visa delays, while further logistical problems were reported during the senior team’s journey to Marseille.
The latest issues have increased frustration among supporters of the Lions, with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) already under pressure following criticism of its organisation during the 2026 World Cup.
The Under-17 team travelled from Dakar on Wednesday, 30 September without the eight players selected by Lamine Sane. They are due to face France on 2 and 4 October at Clairefontaine as part of their preparations for the Under-17 World Cup.
All three goalkeepers in the squad are among those still in Senegal. They are captain Assane Sarr, Daouda Alassane Ba of Generation Foot and Mamadou Diabate Gueye of Diambars.
The five outfield players affected are Cheikh Thior, Emile Niaga Sadio, Ibrahima Dione “Vampire”, Mahamet Ba and Khalifa Ababacar Seck.
According to Dsports, efforts are continuing to secure the necessary visas and bring the players to France. However, the uncertainty could force Sane and his coaching staff to call up players based in France at short notice, including those playing in amateur structures, to complete the squad.
With the Under-17 World Cup only a few weeks away, the disruption has further complicated the team’s preparations.
The senior side has also reportedly encountered difficulties. 13football reported that members of the team’s logistics, medical and security staff experienced visa problems while travelling with the Lions.
A separate incident was reported during the delegation’s transit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where players and staff were said to have had to handle their own luggage.
Senegal are due to continue their journey to Marseille, where they will play Comoros on 4 October.
Each incident could be regarded as an isolated travel problem, but their timing and accumulation have prompted renewed questions about the FSF’s organisation. The concerns come only months after the 2026 World Cup, when aspects of the federation’s logistical planning were also criticised.
The reports have generated further reaction on Senegalese social media. “Have we really learned the lessons from the last World Cup?” 13football asked while highlighting the difficulties faced by the delegation.
The FSF was already under significant pressure after the Lions’ disappointing World Cup campaign. The latest episodes have added to scrutiny at a difficult moment for the federation.
Senegal continue to possess a strong pool of players and competitive national teams across several age groups. The disruption caused by administrative and logistical issues has therefore prompted particular frustration among supporters.
The FSF now faces criticism over the Under-17 team travelling without eight players and the reported problems surrounding the senior team’s trip, when it might have expected a much calmer start to the new international schedule.