Senegal Football Federation president Abdoulaye Fall has revealed that a dispute over coach Pape Thiaw’s salary created a tense atmosphere around the national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fall made the disclosure at a press conference in Dakar on Monday, a day after the federation dismissed Thiaw following Senegal’s elimination by Belgium in the Round of 32 on July 1.
“There was a breakdown in trust between Pape Thiaw and us,” Fall said, attributing the fallout to the delay in agreeing on a new contract after the coach requested a salary increase.
Thiaw, 45, a former Senegal international who was appointed head coach in 2024, had reportedly sought an increase from his monthly salary of 20 million CFA before the team departed for the tournament.
According to Fall, both parties eventually agreed to a new salary of 30 million CFA during the World Cup, while other outstanding issues, including player bonuses, were also resolved.
The FSF president further alleged that Thiaw had threatened to boycott the World Cup unless his demands were met.
He said Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye personally intervened on the day the squad was due to leave for the United States, persuading the coach to travel with the team.
Fall also disclosed that the coach refused to take his place on the bench for Senegal’s second group-stage match against Norway until his contract had been signed.
The agreement was eventually concluded on the eve of that fixture.
Thiaw believed the “federation officials were his enemies, and this impacted the national team’s operations”, Fall said.
Senegal endured defeats to France and Norway in the group stage before securing a 5-0 victory over Iraq to qualify for the knockout stage, where they were eliminated by Belgium.
Despite the off-field controversy, Thiaw guided the Lions of Teranga to the Africa Cup of Nations title in January.
However, Senegal were later stripped of the trophy after walking off the pitch during the chaotic final against Morocco.
