Senegal FA Blames Thiaw's Salary Demands for World Cup Exit

The President of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Fall, held a press conference in Dakar, where he attributed the national team's disappointing World Cup performance to salary demands made by coach Pape Thiaw. Thiaw, who took over as head coach in 2024, requested a salary increase to 20 million CFA (approximately $87,000) before the tournament, which led to a breakdown in trust and negotiations.

The federation was only able to settle on a contract worth 30,000 CFA during the World Cup, which included disputes over bonuses. Thiaw threatened not to travel to the World Cup if his demands were not met.

Following the team's two defeats in the group stage against France and Norway, Thiaw refused to sit on the bench unless his contract was finalized. Senegal, who had previously won the Africa Cup of Nations in January, faced significant challenges during the World Cup, ultimately leading to their early exit.