Senegalese FA says Thiaw's salary demands fueled World Cup downfall

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) president, Abdoulaye Fall, has pointed to internal "toxicity" and coach Pape Thiaw's salary demands as key factors in the team's World Cup downfall. Thiaw was dismissed on Sunday, a day after Senegal's elimination in the last 32 by Belgium. Fall stated that a breakdown in trust occurred between Thiaw and the federation, stemming from initial disagreements over a new contract and Thiaw's request for more money.

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There was a breakdown in trust between Pape Thiaw and us

Thiaw, a former Senegal international, took charge of the national team in 2024. Before departing for the World Cup, he sought a salary increase from 20 million CFA (approximately $34,000) to 30,000 CFA ($51,000). While an agreement on salary and bonuses was eventually reached during the tournament, the disputes had already created friction. Fall revealed that Thiaw had even threatened not to travel to the World Cup if his demands were not met, a situation that was only resolved when Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye intervened.

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At one point, Thiaw threatened not to travel to the World Cup if his demands were not met

According to Fall, the contract was finalized on the eve of Senegal's second group stage match against Norway, after Thiaw refused to be on the bench until the agreement was signed. Fall suggested that Thiaw perceived federation officials as adversaries, which negatively impacted the team's operations. During the World Cup, Senegal experienced defeats against France and Norway in the group stage, managing only a 5-0 victory over Iraq to advance. The team had previously won the Africa Cup of Nations in January under Thiaw but were later stripped of their title.

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Thiaw believed the “federation officials were his enemies, and this impacted the national team’s operations”