Crisis averted: Senegal’s Lions finally take flight amid chaos and rumours

Pape Thiaw, head coach of Senegal during 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final Senegal Press Conference in Rabat, Morocco on 17 January 2026 ©Majt Esseddik/BackpagePix

by
Austin Ditlhobolo

Thursday May 28, 2026. 11:00

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) explained that the national team’s delayed departure to the USA was due only to logistical issues (late flight permit and visas), shifting from 15:30 to 23:00.

The FSF firmly denied rumours that coach Pape Thiaw refused to travel over contract talks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Senegal will face France (16 June), Norway (22 June), and Iraq (26 June) in Group I.

The Lions of Teranga remain united and focused, thanks to the government, fans, and FIFA. (Dakar, 27 May 2026)

“The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) wishes to inform the national and international public of the circumstances surrounding the departure of the national football team to the United States, in order to establish the truth of the facts in response to erroneous information relayed by certain media outlets and on social networks,” a statement read.

“1. LOGISTICAL CONSTRAINTS AND CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS The delay in the departure time of the Senegalese delegation is due exclusively to administrative and logistical constraints, notably the late delivery of the special flight licence for American territory, as well as the finalization of visas for certain members of the technical staff.For the sake of transparency, the FSF details the evolution of the flight schedule as follows: Initial schedule: 15:30

First report: 19:00 Actual departure: Readjusted and definitively set at 23:00. The FSF takes this opportunity to express its sincere thanks to FIFA for its valuable support and the facilitations provided throughout the aircraft registration process.

“2. FORMAL DENIAL CONCERNING THE NATIONAL TEAM COACH

The FSF categorically denies the unfounded rumours claiming that the national team coach refused to board for reasons related to the renegotiation of his contract. If contractual discussions are underway, they have had no impact whatsoever on the team’s travel schedule.

“3. SERENITY AND COMMITMENT OF THE GROUP These minor logistical setbacks in no way undermine the cohesion and determination of the players, technical staff, and the federal body. The unity of the group remains total as they approach important deadlines awaiting the Lions on American soil. The FSF will ensure the preservation of the calm climate necessary for an excellent preparation.

“4. THANKS AND OUTLOOK The Senegalese Football Federation expresses its deep gratitude to the State of Senegal as well as to the supporters for their patience and constant support. It reiterates its institutional commitment to communicate in a regular, transparent, and reliable manner, in order to protect the public from any attempt at disinformation.”