Senegal Football Federation dismisses coach Pape Thiaw amid contract dispute
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) terminated the contract of national team coach Pape Thiaw after the Lions were eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, losing 2‑3 to Norway. The federation announced a severance package of 240 million CFA, equal to eight months' salary, after a contract that had stipulated a monthly salary of 30 million CFA.
The three‑year agreement was signed on 22 June 2026 in New Jersey, USA, and included a signing bonus of 120 million CFA and a 1 % share of FIFA prize money. Senegal’s government, the third‑party payer, refused to endorse the contract and sent a letter through Youth and Sports Minister Djireye Clotilde Coly stating it would not fund the salary. The dispute may be taken to court. Thiaw has not responded publicly to the dismissal.
Entities: Djireye Clotilde Coly · Government of Senegal · Pape Thiaw · Senegal Football Federation · Senegal national football team (Lions)
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The contract included a signing bonus of 120 million CFA and a 1 % share of FIFA prize money. (ae23d472-072d-4ec9-b43f-29405d57843f)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The contract was signed on 22 June 2026 in New Jersey, USA, for three years. (ae23d472-072d-4ec9-b43f-29405d57843f)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Senegal State, as third‑party payer, refused to approve payment of Thiaw's salary. (ae23d472-072d-4ec9-b43f-29405d57843f)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Senegal was eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, losing 2‑3 to Norway. (eed5aa5b-b8c5-41fc-9bff-9dbc78ded701)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Minister Djireye Clotilde Coly sent a letter to the FSF stating the state's refusal to fund the contract. (ae23d472-072d-4ec9-b43f-29405d57843f)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pape Thiaw will receive a severance payment of 240 million CFA, equal to eight months' salary. (eed5aa5b-b8c5-41fc-9bff-9dbc78ded701)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Senegal Football Federation terminated Pape Thiaw's contract as national team coach. (eed5aa5b-b8c5-41fc-9bff-9dbc78ded701)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Thiaw's salary under the contract was 30 million CFA per month net. (eed5aa5b-b8c5-41fc-9bff-9dbc78ded701)