The dismissal of Pape Thiaw as head coach of the national team continues to spark numerous reactions. Beyond the sporting decision, this separation highlights strong internal tensions within the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). Negotiations around the former coach’s contract, disagreements over financial terms, and conflicts among several officials have contributed to a particularly tense atmosphere. Behind the scenes, several episodes have fueled a crisis that has deeply impacted the functioning of the Executive Committee (Comex).
According to internal sources, discussions regarding Pape Thiaw’s new contract quickly stumbled over financial conditions. The coach reportedly demanded a monthly salary of 50 million F CFA, along with a signing bonus of 400 million F CFA. On top of these demands, he sought several perks, including a housing allowance, a company car, royalties on the Federation’s prize money, and a bonus equivalent to double what players receive for each stage reached in competition. These requests have fueled disagreements among the various parties.
The situation reportedly reached a particularly high level of tension just two hours before a decisive match against Norway. According to the same sources, Pape Thiaw, feeling that his contract had still not been renewed, refused to go to the stadium until the situation was clarified. This episode caused significant concern among the leaders, who feared a major crisis just moments before a crucial appointment for the Senegalese team.
In light of this situation, high-level mediation was reportedly initiated to avoid a complete deadlock. The President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, intervened to facilitate an agreement among the parties. This intervention led to a compromise where the coach’s continuation would now depend on sporting results. The goal was clear: at least reach the quarter-finals of the competition. If they failed, contract termination could be considered in accordance with the commitments made.
With the sporting performances ultimately not meeting expectations, the separation clause was activated. However, prior discussions had anticipated significant compensation in the event of dismissal. The agreements stipulated the payment of eight months’ salary, calculated on a monthly wage of 30 million F CFA. This compensation amounts to a total of 240 million F CFA, a figure that is now fueling debates around the cost of this separation and its impact on public finances.
📌REVELATIONS ON THE FSF AND PAPE THIAW HIDDEN BONUSES AND A JACKPOT OF 1.4 BILLION FCFA
• Bacary Cissé reveals the explosive behind-the-scenes of an unprecedented negotiation around Pape Thiaw’s contract, the serious mishaps, the intervention of the head of state, and the threat of a boycott… pic.twitter.com/dHpAuhe1AH
— Maps Cissé (@Cisse_Maps) July 13, 2026
This affair has also reignited tensions within the FSF’s Executive Committee. In this particularly tense climate, Bacary Cissé has reportedly unofficially resumed his communication duties after a period of withdrawal. Just hours earlier, he had submitted a motion calling for the departure of the Secretary General, Abdoulaye Saydou Sow. Although this initiative was ultimately withdrawn, it illustrates the deep divisions currently running through the governing body of Senegalese football.
Now, the chapter on Pape Thiaw seems to be definitively closed. The Senegalese Football Federation intends to quickly open a new chapter by launching consultations to appoint the future coach of the Lions of Teranga. Several profiles are already being discussed to succeed the former coach, while pressure is mounting on the leaders to make a crucial choice for the future of the national team. The FSF’s next decisions will be closely scrutinized by both supporters and observers of Senegalese football.
