Senegal’s World Cup push is being overshadowed by reports of major internal turmoil at its camp in the United States. After opening the tournament with a 3-1 loss to France, the team now needs a strong result against Norway to keep realistic hopes of reaching the round of 16, but African reports say the squad is facing logistical and financial problems serious enough to raise fears of a breakdown from within.
According to Sport News Africa, players are still waiting for bonuses promised for qualifying for the World Cup and for earlier campaigns, even though the Senegalese federation has recently received substantial grants from the Confederation of African Football and FIFA. The outlet quoted the concern this way: “The question beginning to bother the players is where the money has gone.” The report says the federation is trying to keep the issue quiet, but the unrest continues to affect the dressing room.
There are also complaints about the team’s accommodation and food. Several players are said to be unhappy with the hotel chosen as Senegal’s base in the U.S. and believe it falls short of the standards expected of a top African side. The team’s chef from the last Africa Cup of Nations was not brought to the World Cup, and some players have been ordering food through delivery services because they dislike the meals provided.
The reports also say some federation officials traveled with family members and companions, with those expenses paid from the federation budget, while players are facing cuts and austerity. The most striking claim concerns head coach Pape Thiaw, whose contract reportedly expired before the tournament and has still not been renewed. He is also said to be waiting for five months of unpaid salary. Senegalese officials say the focus is on the matches, but local media are already questioning whether the federation is delaying any decision until after the tournament.
