20 Jun 2026 12:47 BST |
3 min read
Senegal’s World Cup campaign threatens to be plunged into chaos due to a series of background issues plaguing the AFCON finalists.
Although the Lions of Teranga were competitive with France in their opening fixture, they slumped to a 3-1 loss and face an uphill challenge to qualify with Norway and Iraq still waiting.
Behind the scenes, meanwhile, there are reports emerging of significant discontent in the camp, which threatens to hinder their qualification efforts.
FIFA ready to take action over coach
National team coach Pape Thiaw has not signed a contract with the Senegal FA, French outlet RMC Sport reports.
While the FA and Thiaw are eager to play down any strained relationship, there are still several sticking points in the deal, which increasingly threatens to become a problem.
RMC adds: “According to our sources, this matter must be resolved quickly, otherwise FIFA’s legal committee will be of great interest if a coach operates without a contract, which is not permitted.”
But the coach’s unresolved contract, which is the most serious issue in the eyes of FIFA, is certainly not the only problem hanging over the squad.
Tension building around the Senegal camp
Senegal’s decision not to fly the national team chef, who had been present at AFCON, has been greeted coolly by the squad.
There is significant upset with the quality of food that they have received in their hotel in New Brunswick, New Jersey. RMC claims that this is “far from the standards of professional athletes” and is “disappointing for the entire delegation”.
Players have resorted to ordering food from outside sources in order to ensure they eat properly.
Sports News Africa goes one step further, claiming that the food is “mediocre”, and the accommodation is “austere” and “completely inadequate for a team of this calibre”.
With rumours of unrest around the camp, the Senegal FA decided to give the squad a day off after their loss against France in order to ease the tension.
The thorny issue of bonus payments is also one hanging over the head of the Senegal squad following AFCON.
RMC reports that CAF paid the Senegal FA the required prize money following the competition – which they controversially finished as runners up due to walking off the field in the final against Morocco – but sources have been unable to verify whether the players have yet been paid.
All this is adding up to a perfect storm ahead of a clash against Norway on Monday – a match they can scarcely afford to lose if they want to prolong their participation in the World Cup.
