Sexual harassment allegations emerge within Senegalese delegation in the US

According to L'Observateur, the incident, which was handled discreetly, occurred at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick in New Jersey, where the team was preparing for a competition. An employee hired locally to assist the team in the kitchen accused her direct supervisor, the head chef, of persistent propositions, inappropriate gestures, and touching, along with marriage promises. The complainant reportedly recorded some exchanges to support her case for presentation to US authorities.

The head chef was allegedly removed from the hotel overnight, leaving his belongings, and reportedly traveled through Canada before returning to Senegal. His departure is said to have happened the night before US police arrived. This sudden departure reportedly caused disorganization in the delegation's catering, affecting player meals.

A Senegalese Football Federation official, cited by L'Observateur, disputed some details, stating that police were already present at the hotel and no formal complaint was filed. The official described the chef as a state-recruited agent and characterized the situation as a private matter, asserting that the Federation acted to protect the delegation's interests and that the incident did not impact daily operations, with another chef immediately taking over. Mama Laye Mbaye, Director General