Omotayo Fashola
(Pape Thiaw. Photo Credit: Punch News)
Senegal’s Football Federation (FSF) president Abdoulaye Fall revealed tensions marred the national team’s World Cup campaign following contentious contract negotiations with coach Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed after their round-of-16 exit.
Thiaw was relieved of his duties on Sunday after Senegal’s July 1 elimination by Belgium, capping a turbulent tournament overshadowed by disputes over his compensation demands.
Speaking at a Dakar press conference, Fall disclosed that trust between the federation and Thiaw deteriorated when the coach sought a revised contract with a significant pay hike before the World Cup. The disagreement delayed negotiations until just before the tournament.
A former Senegal striker, Thiaw had requested a raise from his initial 20 million CFA franc salary after leading the team to the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations title. An agreement for 30 million CFA was eventually reached mid-tournament, alongside resolutions on disputed bonuses.
Fall recounted that Thiaw had threatened to boycott the World Cup unless his demands were met, prompting last-minute intervention from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to ensure his participation. The contract was finalized only hours before Senegal’s crucial group-stage clash against Norway—after Thiaw refused to coach until the deal was signed.
The federation president also noted that Thiaw’s growing mistrust toward FSF officials disrupted team dynamics, possibly contributing to Senegal’s inconsistent World Cup performances. After shocking losses to France and Norway, a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq salvaged their knockout-stage berth.
Thiaw’s tenure included the controversial AFCON triumph in January, where Senegal later forfeited their title following a disputed walk-off protest during the final against Morocco.
