Oslo FA manager Tor Thodesen has been handed a two-match suspension by the Disciplinary Committee of the Senegalese Professional Football League (LSFP) after being found guilty of assaulting a Guédiawaye FC player during a League Cup fixture on March 26, 2025.
The incident occurred during a heated match that ended in a 3-0 victory for Oslo FA. The LSFP’s disciplinary panel launched an investigation following reports that Thodesen, a Norwegian national, had physically confronted an opposing player in the closing moments of the game.
Summoned to appear before the league’s disciplinary body on April 10 to explain his conduct and provide any video evidence that might clarify the situation, Thodesen did not attend the scheduled hearing.
His absence was noted by the committee as a refusal to engage with the disciplinary process, which significantly influenced the severity of the sanctions imposed.
In its official ruling, the LSFP Disciplinary Committee confirmed the two-match suspension and added that Thodesen would be banned from accessing both the team’s locker room and the technical bench during the sanctioned period.
The committee stated that the punishment reflects both the gravity of the accusation and the coach’s failure to cooperate with league authorities.
The ruling emphasized the league’s commitment to upholding professionalism and discipline across all levels of competition. “Respect for opponents and the spirit of fair play are fundamental principles of our game,” the LSFP noted in a written statement. “Any conduct that undermines these values will be met with firm and appropriate action.”
The incident has sparked reactions across Senegalese football circles, with some calling for further scrutiny of coaching conduct and the need for consistent disciplinary standards.
While Oslo FA has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the coach’s behavior or the league’s decision, sources within the club have indicated that internal discussions are underway regarding the matter.
Thodesen, a seasoned coach with experience in various international football settings, had only recently joined Oslo FA. His appointment was viewed as part of a broader effort by the club to elevate its competitiveness and bring a more structured, professional approach to its sporting operations.
This suspension, however, marks an early challenge in his tenure, raising questions about his conduct and his ability to manage the pressures of top-flight football in Senegal.
Meanwhile, Guédiawaye FC has remained silent publicly about the altercation. No formal injury report or further complaint has been submitted by the club or the player involved, although match-day footage and referee reports were used as part of the disciplinary review process.
The LSFP’s decision stands as a reminder to coaches and players alike that behavior on the sidelines is subject to the same level of scrutiny and accountability as actions on the pitch.
With the league season entering a crucial phase, Oslo FA will now have to navigate the coming fixtures without their head coach on the touchline, a challenge that may test the club’s cohesion and resilience.
