Senegal ‘categorically’ deny head coach Pape Thiaw refused to travel with team to World Cup

Senegal have “categorically” denied that men’s national team head coach Pape Thiaw has refused to travel with the team to the United States as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) said it wanted to do so “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 suggested Thiaw, 45, had refused to board a flight, due to his contract with the FSF having expired in February, delaying the team’s travel plans.

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

Late on Wednesday night, the FSF posted a statement acknowledging its travel plans had been disrupted, with the initial flight scheduled for 3.30pm delayed until 7pm, and then again until 11pm.

The FSF said 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 statement 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 team to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations in January — though the controversy around that final, 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 last week, which needs to be cut to 26 by June 1. They will play the USA in a friendly on Sunday, before another against Saudi Arabia on June 10. Senegal have been drawn in Group I with France, Norway and Iraq.

The Athletic has approached the FSF for comment on Thiaw’s contractual situation.

Not ideal for African football’s greatest World Cup hope

Analysis by live reporter Max Mathews

This is not an ideal situation for Senegal to be in on the brink of the World Cup.

With around a fortnight to go before the tournament, speculation around the future of head coach Thiaw is unlikely to be positive for team spirit.

It would be natural for players and coaches to feel unsettled and not in keeping with the ‘environment of calm’ trying to be preserved.

The FSF hit out strongly in its statement, saying the “rumours’ threatened the “serenity” of the team — though did maintain that contractual discussions are continuing in the background.

The Lions of Teranga, along with Morocco, are African football’s greatest hope of progressing deep into the tournament.

A quick and decisive resolution would be ideal for all parties so Senegal can get on with the business of preparing to grace the biggest stage in the sport.