Senegal ‘categorically’ deny head coach Pape Thiaw refused to journey with workforce to World Cup

Senegal have “categorically” denied that males’s nationwide workforce head coach Pape Thiaw has refused to journey with the workforce to the United States as they put together for the upcoming World Cup.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) stated it wished to take action “in order to set the record straight in the face of misinformation circulated by certain media outlets and on social media”.

Reports from Africa had urged Thiaw, 45, had refused to board a flight, as a result of his contract with the FSF having expired in February, delaying the workforce’s journey plans.

On Wednesday morning, the FSF posted its workforce had visited the palace of the Senegal president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, adopted by photographs of squad members at an airport.

Late on Wednesday night time, the FSF posted an announcement acknowledging its journey plans had been disrupted, with the preliminary flight scheduled for 3.30pm delayed till 7pm, after which once more till 11pm.

The FSF stated this was “due exclusively to administrative and logistical constraints, linked in particular to the late issuance of operating licences for the special flight to the United States, as well as the pending finalisation of visas for certain members of the coaching staff.”

The assertion continued: “The FSF categorically denies the unfounded rumours suggesting that the national team manager refused to travel on grounds related to the renegotiation of his contract. Whilst legitimate contractual discussions are ongoing, they have had no impact on the team’s travel schedule.

“These minor logistical setbacks in no way undermine the cohesion and determination of the players, the technical staff and the federation. The group remains fully united as the Lions approach the important fixtures awaiting them on American soil. The FSF will ensure that the calm atmosphere necessary for excellent preparation is maintained.”

Thiaw was appointed Senegal coach in December 2024 and led the workforce to victory within the Africa Cup of Nations in January — although the controversy round that last, with Morocco having been awarded the win two months after by an appeals committee, rages on.

Senegal named a 28-man provisional World Cup squad final week, which must be minimize to 26 by June 1. They will play the USA in a pleasant on Sunday, earlier than one other towards Saudi Arabia on June 10. Senegal have been drawn in Group I with France, Norway and Iraq.

The Athletic has approached the FSF for touch upon Thiaw’s contractual state of affairs.

Not best for African soccer’s best World Cup hope

Analysis by stay reporter Max Mathews

This isn’t a really perfect state of affairs for Senegal to be in on the point of the World Cup.

With round a fortnight to go earlier than the event, hypothesis round the way forward for head coach Thiaw is unlikely to be optimistic for workforce spirit.

It can be pure for gamers and coaches to really feel unsettled and never consistent with the ‘environment of calm’ attempting to be preserved.

The FSF hit out strongly in its assertion, saying the “rumours’ threatened the “serenity” of the workforce — although did preserve that contractual discussions are persevering with within the background.

The Lions of Teranga, together with Morocco, are African soccer’s best hope of progressing deep into the event.

A fast and decisive decision can be best for all events so Senegal can get on with the enterprise of making ready to grace the largest stage within the sport.