​DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The Senegalese Football Federation announced on Sunday that men’s national team coach Pape Thiaw and his technical staff have been dismissed. The federation said the decision came after evaluating the team’s performance and prospects, stating that a change was necessary in the interest of Senegalese football.
Thiaw, 45, had been in charge since 2024 and steered the team to a controversial continental title win in Morocco earlier this year. That victory was later overturned by the Confederation of African Football, which prompted Senegal to seek relief through the Court of Arbitration for Sport to appeal the decision.
The timing of the dismissal follows Senegal’s exit from the World Cup in the round of 16, where they were eliminated by Belgium after holding a 2-0 lead through the 83rd minute. The World Cup campaign had also included close calls at the group stage, with defeats to France and Norway contributing to the team’s precarious position.
In a formal statement, the federation outlined that an evaluation of the national team’s performance and future prospects led to the conclusion that a coaching change was necessary. The executive committee underscored its commitment to advancing Senegalese football and ensuring a competitive future for the national squad.
The decision places a spotlight on the federation’s leadership and its approach to rebuilding the team as it looks to regain momentum in regional and international competitions. The departure of Thiaw marks a significant shift for Senegal’s football program, which has been navigating the aftermath of the CAF decision regarding its earlier continental title and continues to seek stability and progress under new guidance.
Further developments are expected as the federation begins the process of identifying and appointing a successor who can address the shortcomings highlighted by the World Cup exit and the broader evaluations of the program’s trajectory. The aim remains to restore confidence among players, fans, and stakeholders while pursuing sustained success on the global stage.
(AP’s coverage of the World Cup continues to provide updates and context as teams navigate an evolving tournament landscape.)