Pape Thiaw's dismissal from Senegalese Football Federation reveals financial demands and presidential intervention
via SeneNews2 min read
The dismissal of Pape Thiaw from the Senegalese Football Federation FSF has exposed significant financial demands and internal tensions. Thiaw reportedly sought a monthly salary of 50 million F CFA, a 400 million F CFA signing bonus, direct royalties from the Federation's prize money, housing allowance, a company vehicle, and double the players' bonuses. Tensions escalated when Thiaw allegedly refused to go to the stadium two hours before a crucial match against Norway, due to his contract not being renewed. This situation prompted President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to intervene, leading to an agreement that Thiaw's retention was conditional on reaching the quarter-finals. When this objective was not met, a separation clause was activated, entitling Thiaw to eight months of salary, totaling 240 million F CFA, paid by the Senegalese state. The FSF's Executive Committee is reportedly on the verge of implosion, with internal political tremors, including Bacary Cissé's motion for the dismissal of Secretary General Abdoulaye Sow, which was later withdrawn. The FSF is now beginning consultations to appoint a new coach for the Lions of Teranga.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Journalist Aboubacry Ba has defended coach Pape Thiaw following Senegal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the round of sixteen. Ba criticized the tendency to blame only the coach for the team's failure, highlighting that many individuals claimed credit after the continental victory at the Africa Cup of Nations CAN. He noted that after the CAN win, nearly 50 people shared bonuses and rewards, claiming responsibility for the Lions' success. Ba finds it inconsistent to now direct all criticism solely at the coach. He pointed to various issues reported during the World Cup campaign, including delays with the coach's contract, logistical problems, food issues, travel management, the presence of influencers, and administrative difficulties. Ba argued that it is difficult to hold one person responsible for all these problems. He called for the same logic to be applied to both successes and failures, stating that Pape Thiaw should not be solely blamed for the current disappointment, just as he was not solely responsible for the national joy during the CAN. This stance comes amidst ongoing discussions about the future of the technical staff and the governance of Senegalese football.
Jayden Adams, a 25-year-old South African midfielder who recently represented his country at the 2026 World Cup, has died. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death. Local media reports suggest Adams was suffering from deep depression following the death of his grandmother two weeks prior, and some speculate about suicide. However, investigators have not yet provided any official confirmation regarding the cause of death. Adams participated in all three group stage matches for South Africa at the World Cup before being an unused substitute in their round of 16 loss to Canada.
Must ReadThe NGO Horizons sans frontières HSF and the Collective of Victims of the Macky Sall Regime are opposing the former president's visit to Dakar, scheduled for this Friday. They argue that the visit cannot be separated from the demands for truth and justice from families affected by violence between 2021 and 2024. Boubacar Sèye, president of HSF, and his colleagues emphasize that Sall's international ambitions should not overshadow the suffering of these families. They state that the visit, which comes amid lingering questions about tragic events during his presidency, should not be a simple return or an ordinary step in an international campaign. The collective believes that without truth, there can be no sincere reconciliation, and without justice, no lasting peace. They call on the Senegalese justice system to continue its independent work to establish the truth and ensure victims receive recognition and reparation.