FRANCE 24
May 29, 2026
Senegal Coach Contract Crisis Before World Cup
TL;DR
Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw threatened to skip the World Cup over an unrenewed contract and unpaid salary since February, but the football federation denied the claims and the team ultimately departed for the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- 1Pape Thiaw's contract remained unsigned since February without salary payments
- 2The coach threatened to refuse travel to the World Cup in the United States over contract disputes
- 3The Senegalese Football Federation publicly denied the reports, claiming discussions were underway
- 4Despite tensions, Senegal's national team successfully departed with their coach for the World Cup
- 5The team had two preparation matches scheduled before facing France on June 16
Notable Quotes
“formally denies the unfounded rumors that the national coach had refused to embark for reasons related to the renegotiation of his contract”
— Senegalese Football Federation
“discussions are currently underway to regularize the situation of the Senegalese coach”
— Senegalese Football Federation
Chapters
1. Contract Dispute Emerges
Reports from Le Soleil newspaper revealed that Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw had been without a renewed contract since February and had not received his salary during that period.
2. Coach's World Cup Threat
Thiaw threatened not to travel with the team to the World Cup in the United States over the unresolved contract renegotiation issue.
3. Federation's Response
The Senegalese Football Federation issued a statement formally denying the rumors, claiming discussions were ongoing to resolve the coach's situation and emphasizing team cohesion.
4. Team Departure
Despite the controversy, Senegal's national team successfully embarked for the United States with coach Pape Thiaw, with preparation matches scheduled before their opening game against France.
Key People & Entities
- Pape Thiaw
- Coach of Senegal's national football team
- Senegalese Football Federation
- Governing body managing Senegal's national team
- Le Soleil
- Senegalese daily newspaper that broke the story
Glossary
- Lions of Teranga
- The national football team of Senegal
- FSF
- Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (Senegalese Football Federation)