Senegal’s national team faces a turbulent World Cup start after being stripped of the AFCON title following a mid-game boycott in the final. Rumours claimed coach Pape Thiaw refused to travel to the United States due to a contract dispute with the Senegalese Football Federation after his deal expired in February. The federation categorically denied the claims and stated that contractual discussions were ongoing without affecting the team’s travel schedule. The federation attributed the near eight-hour departure delay to logistical issues, including flight permits and visas. It emphasized that players, technical staff, and the federation remain united and determined, and that calm conditions will be maintained for preparation in the United States.
"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 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 said. Reports that Senegal coach Pape Thiaw is refusing to travel to the United States for World Cup preparations are false, according to the Senegalese Football Federation FSF."
"News reports in Africa claimed Thiaw was involved in a contract dispute with the FSF after his deal expired in February and that his frustrations over negotiations were holding up travel on Wednesday, prompting a departure delay of nearly eight hours. The FSF said those rumours were untrue and that logistical issues flight permits and visas were behind the delay."
"Thiaw, 45, became Senegal's head coach in December 2024 and led the Teranga Lions to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, a tournament that finished in January. The victory against Morocco in the final was marred by a mid-game boycott as the players and coaching staff left the field in protest against a refereeing decision, in par"
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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