Recent events in Senegalese football have been marked by a strike of referees affiliated with the central commission of referees (CCA), led by Badara Mamaya Séne, president of the African commission of referees of CAF (Confederation of African Football). This strike is against the Senegalese football federation, headed by Me Augustin Senghor. The conflict has its roots in the longstanding rivalry and animosity between Senghor and Mamaya Séne, which dates back to the 2009 elections for the presidency of the Senegalese football federation. Senghor, the current president, defeated El Hadji Malick Gackou, sponsored by Mamaya Séne, leading to a bitter break between the two men.
Mamaya Séne, accused of being a supporter of Issa Hayatou, the then-president of CAF, has been a divisive figure in Senegalese football politics. The rivalry escalated further when Senghor aligned himself with Jacques Anouma, challenging Hayatou’s leadership at the CAF Congress. This move irked Mamaya Séne, and tensions reached a boiling point recently when referees, allegedly aligned with Mamaya Séne, refused to officiate an amateur football match. The executive committee of the Senegalese football federation responded by sanctioning Mamaya Séne and his vice-president with a two-year suspension.
In retaliation, Mamaya Séne and his camp announced a boycott of federation meetings across the country. The situation threatens to disrupt Senegalese football, with the possibility of a blockade if no resolution is found. Mediation efforts by figures like Pape Diouf and Saer Seck are underway, but the key to a solution lies in addressing the strained relationship between Mamaya Séne and Me Augustin Senghor.
