El Hadji Diouf refutes rumors after Senegal's World Cup 2026 elimination

Days after Senegal were knocked out in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Belgium, former captain El Hadji Diouf spoke out to counter a wave of speculation about internal team conflict. He told Radio Sénégal that the reports of discipline problems, alcohol use and locker‑room divisions were "inventions" and called the circulating claims "nonsense, rubbish". Diouf stressed that the only reality was the on‑field defeat and urged fans to avoid speculative narratives.

He also called for unity within the football community, urging the federation, players and supporters to focus on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations cycle and the 2027 qualification campaign. Diouf said the loss should be a lesson, not a trigger for division, and emphasized the need to preserve the national team's prestige for future talent.

Both articles present the same statements and perspectives, with Diouf insisting the team’s shortcomings were purely sporting and not the result of off‑field turmoil.