Senegal Denies Rumors of Coach Refusing to Travel to Football World Cup

 The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has denied media rumors that national team coach Pape Thiaw refused to travel with the team to the FIFA World Cup due to contract renegotiations, according to an FSF press release.

Earlier in May, amid reports of a delay in the Senegalese national football team's departure to the United States for their first World Cup matches, some media suggested that the delay was caused by Thiaw's refusal to board the plane because his contract with the FSF had expired in February. It was also reported that the coach had been working without pay for the past several months.

"The FSF categorically denies the unfounded rumors that the head coach of the national team refused to board the plane for reasons related to renegotiating the terms of his contract. Although contract negotiations are indeed underway as a routine matter, they have in no way affected the team's travel schedule," the statement said.

The Football Federation confirmed the flight was delayed by nearly nine hours but stated that the postponement was due to administrative and logistical issues, specifically the lack of permission for the special flight to the United States and the completion of visa processing.

"These minor logistical hitches in no way undermine the cohesion and determination of the players, the coaching staff, or the federation's leadership. The team remains completely united as they prepare for the serious challenges awaiting the Lions on American soil," the FSF added.

In December 2025, the African national teams' World Cup group stage opponents were announced, with Senegal placed in Group I alongside France and Norway.