Following multiple reports of the head coach of Senegal, Pape Thiaw, refusing to travel with his squad for the 2026 World Cup, an official statement has been made.
Senegal have dismissed reports suggesting head coach Pape Thiaw refused to travel with the national team to the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the claims are false.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) released a statement to “set the record straight” following speculation that Thiaw had declined to board the team’s flight because of unresolved contract issues. Reports circulating in parts of Africa claimed the 45-year-old’s deal with the federation expired in February, creating uncertainty over his future and allegedly affecting Senegal’s travel plans.
However, the FSF has strongly rejected those claims, stating that any delay in the team’s departure was caused by logistical and administrative challenges rather than disagreements with the coach.
According to the federation, Senegal’s flight schedule to the United States experienced multiple delays due to the late issuance of operating licences for the chartered aircraft and pending visa approvals for some coaching staff members.
“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,” the federation said in its statement.
While acknowledging that contract discussions with Thiaw are ongoing, the federation stressed that negotiations have had no effect on the team’s preparations for the World Cup.
The situation comes at a crucial stage for Senegal, one of Africa’s strongest contenders heading into the tournament. Thiaw, who took charge in December 2024, guided the Lions of Teranga to Africa Cup of Nations glory earlier this year and is expected to play a key role in their World Cup campaign.
Senegal named a provisional 28-man squad last week, with the list set to be trimmed to 26 players by June 1. The team will face the United States in a friendly match on Sunday before another warm-up game against Saudi Arabia on June 10.
Drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway and Iraq, Senegal will be hoping to make a deep run at the tournament despite the off-field distractions surrounding their head coach.
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