The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially initiated proceedings to terminate the roles of national team coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff. This decision, made during the Executive Committee meeting on Saturday, July 11, 2026, marks a major turning point for the national team. After several weeks of reflection and internal analysis, the federation leaders have chosen to turn a new page in the management of the Lions of Teranga.
This decision comes at a particularly delicate time for Senegalese football. The elimination of the Lions in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup has deeply disappointed fans, observers, and federation officials. With so many hopes resting on this generation, the national team’s journey ended much earlier than expected, raising questions about the sporting choices and technical direction of the team.
During the session, the FSF Executive Committee thoroughly examined the national team’s performances before reaching this conclusion. According to the statement released after the meeting, the leaders decided to initiate the process to terminate Pape Thiaw’s functions and those of all his technical staff. This measure affects the entire team that accompanied the coach in preparing and managing the national team.
In its official statement, the Senegalese Football Federation justifies this decision by the results obtained during the last World Cup. The FSF reminds us that this direction directly follows Senegal’s elimination in the round of 16 of the competition. It also specifies that a detailed analysis of the situation was conducted before making a decision that will have significant consequences for the future of the national team.
The Federation explains that after a “thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team”, the Executive Committee deemed that a change had become necessary “in the best interest of Senegalese football”. This wording reflects the leaders’ desire to embark on a new sports project to prepare for upcoming international challenges in a renewed context.
🚨 Tensions within the Executive Committee of the Senegalese Football Federation.
Some committee members have called for the departure of Secretary General Abdoulaye Sow. The request was made by Bakary Cissé, supported by other COMEX members.Follow @ocgfoot for updates on the COMEX… pic.twitter.com/k0JLlRF7S9
— OCG Foot (@ocgfoot) July 11, 2026
This announcement also ends a period of speculation surrounding Pape Thiaw’s future. Since Senegal’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup, several rumors suggested a reevaluation of his position at the helm of the Lions. The decision made by the Executive Committee now officially confirms the federation’s intention to turn the page and start a new cycle.
With the announced departure of the coach and his staff, the question of their succession becomes a top priority. The federation must quickly identify a new coach capable of reigniting the national team’s momentum and preparing for upcoming continental and international competitions. Several profiles are already circulating in the media, but the FSF has not yet communicated any names or timelines regarding the appointment of the future head of the Lions of Teranga.
