With the 2023 African Cup of Nations less than three weeks away, the Senegal national team has been hit by a scandal that particularly concerns coach Aliou Cisse. Has he been without pay for several months? We investigated further and found out a little more.
Africa is still not free of breathtaking stories. Always in the dark beyond, local managers are unable to create 100% perfect conditions for their teams or players. If it’s not poor organisation, it’s wages that regularly cause problems. These days, with all eyes on Côte d’Ivoire, where the 2023 African Cup of Nations will take place on 13 January, Senegal has found a way to make its presence felt.
Aliou Cisse unpaid for six months?
According to the local press, in particular GalsenFoot, coach Aliou Cissé has not received several months’ wages. According to several media outlets, the former Teranga Lions defender and his staff have not received a single salary since June. Reigning African champions Senegal are one of the most feared teams on the continent for their quality in all areas, particularly team management.
With around 20 days to go before the start of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, this affair has left a very bad impression on the Senegalese national team, as it is not the first time that a story of this kind has come to light. While the Senegalese Football Federation has so far kept quiet about the affair, as has Aliou Cisse himself, who does not wish to jeopardise his team’s preparations and maintain a bad atmosphere, Afrique Sports went to the news source to find out more.
Denial from the Ministry of Sport
According to the latest information received from a member of the Ministry of Sport, the information relayed by the local media is not true. To refute the allegations that Aliou Cissé’s salary has been unpaid for six months, we have received exclusive payment receipts. Aliou Cisse, who has been in post since 2015, has not been in arrears with the Senegalese authorities since the recent scandals.
What’s more, with the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations approaching, where Senegal will be putting its crown on the line again and attempting to defend it valiantly, there is no salary owed to the national coach and his staff. In any case, we are awaiting an official statement from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) to tell the public the truth. One thing is certain: this affair has not come out at the right time, and the Lions of Teranga do not need it to prepare properly for the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations.
Aliou Cissé eagerly awaited for players’ list
Drawn in Group C, the tournament’s ‘group of death’, Aliou Cisse and his players will have their work cut out against Cameroon, Guinea Conakry and Gambia. However, as the group’s overwhelming favourites, the Senegalese will have to be wary given the pressure the champions are under and the high level of pressure surrounding the team. At the moment, the crucial stage before the Senegalese players start gathering on 30 December is the announcement of the final list of players selected for the competition.
Aliou Cisse (one of the continent’s highest-paid coaches) has his work cut out with a number of injuries currently reported, including those suffered by Boulaye Dia, Namphalys Mendy and Idrissa Gana Gueye at club level on Saturday. While no precise information has been leaked about the nature of the physical ailments suffered by these key members of the squad, the others will have to remain vigilant. By the 29th, we will have a definitive answer on the list of the coach who has won 57 matches, drawn 20 and lost 12 at the helm of the Senegalese national team over the last eight years or so.
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