Senegal: departure procedure initiated for Pape Thiaw

In its statement, the FSF announced it had decided to “initiate a dismissal procedure” after evaluating the sporting results and prospects of the national team. The president of the Federation, Abdoulaye Fall, was mandated to inform the competent authority and officially notify the coach of the decision, in compliance with statutory and contractual rules.

The Federation also announced a restructuring of its national teams. Abdoulaye Fall is expected to detail the reasons for the decision during a press conference scheduled for Monday, July 13 at 4pm, at Léopold-Sédar-Senghor stadium. No successor has yet been officially announced.

From interim to World Cup qualification

Pape Thiaw took over the Lions as interim coach in October 2024, after the non-renewal of Aliou Cissé's contract. Confirmed in December, the former Senegalese international led the team during the last four qualifying matches for CAN 2025, with four wins and no goals conceded.

The contract presented in October 2025 by Le Soleil set out two main objectives: to qualify Senegal for the 2026 World Cup and to win CAN 2025 in Morocco. On the pitch, the Lions secured their World Cup ticket and won the CAN final against Morocco on January 18, 2026.

This sporting victory was, however, overturned by the CAF Appeals Jury on March 17. Senegal was declared forfeit and the result recorded as a 3-0 win for Morocco. The FSF took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on March 25. As of July 12, 2026, no final ruling by the CAS has been officially published.

Pape Thiaw’s contract at the heart of the crisis

After the CAN, the Minister of Sports, Khady Diène Gaye, publicly mentioned an extension and pay rise for the coach. However, negotiations dragged on until preparations for the World Cup.

On July 5, Amadou Kane, fourth vice-president of the FSF, acknowledged a deadlock over pay and described this delay as a “flaw.” A week later, Secretary General Abdoulaye Saydou Sow stated that a draft contract had been sent to Pape Thiaw on February 26, with no final agreement before the team’s departure for North America. He also confirmed that intervention by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had helped bring the parties closer together.

These statements establish the existence of a contractual malfunction. However, they do not alone allow public confirmation of all the differing accounts circulating regarding the exact signing date, any possible arrears or individual responsibilities in the impasse.

A World Cup ending in the round of 16

Senegal started their World Cup with two defeats, against France (3-1) and Norway (3-2). The Lions then beat Iraq 5-0 and qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.

Their journey ended on July 1 against Belgium. Leading 2-0 five minutes before the end of regulation time, the Senegalese were caught up and then beaten 3-2 after extra time. Their tournament record stands at one win, three losses, and nine goals conceded in four matches.

The day after their elimination, Pape Gueye publicly announced his split with the staff. In an Instagram story, the midfielder declared, “As long as this technical staff is here, I’ll take a break from the national team.” This stance made visible the rift between part of the locker room and the staff.

CAF sanctions and case pending before CAS

On January 28, 2026, the CAF disciplinary committee suspended Pape Thiaw for five official matches and fined him $100,000 for incidents during the CAN final. The punishment was mainly for behavior considered unsportsmanlike and damaging to the image of football.

The dispute over the result of that final remains separate from the proceedings initiated by the FSF against its coach. At the time of publication, CAF recognizes Morocco as winners of CAN 2025 by forfeit, while Senegal’s appeal to CAS remains ongoing.

A transition subject to the procedure

Pape Thiaw leaves behind a mixed legacy: qualification for the World Cup, a CAN final win annulled by CAF, and a World Cup ended in the round of 16 amid sporting and institutional tensions.

The decision of the Executive Committee now opens a period of transition. His exact status will need to be updated after the official notification to Pape Thiaw and the FSF president’s press conference scheduled for July 13.