A sudden change in the coaching staff
Senegal’s football federation announced the termination of head coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff just days after the team’s round‑of‑16 exit at the World Cup, a result that saw a 2‑0 lead evaporate against Belgium in the 83rd minute.
Thiaw had been appointed earlier this year and led Senegal to a continental trophy in Morocco, a victory that was subsequently overturned by the Confederation of African Football after allegations of procedural irregularities.
The federation said the decision followed a thorough review of the squad’s performance and future prospects, citing the narrow loss as a catalyst for a broader reassessment of the national program.
In response, Senegal has approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport to contest the CAF ruling, seeking to restore the trophy and to clarify the status of the coaching change.
The move reflects a wider push to reset expectations after a group‑stage that included defeats to France and Norway, signalling a willingness to pursue legal avenues to protect the nation’s sporting ambitions.