The Senegalese Football Federation has firmly denied reports suggesting tensions between the body and national team head coach Pape Thiaw.
The Federation has described the claims as unfounded and harmful at a crucial stage of the Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
In an official statement, the federation expressed concern over what it described as persistent rumours circulating in sections of the media, insisting that there is no conflict between its leadership and the national coach.
“The Senegalese Football Federation has noted, with great regret, the continued circulation of certain rumours and information published by a segment of the press, which seek to create the illusion of a conflict or hidden tensions between the Federation and the national coach,” the statement said.
The federation went on to strongly denounce the reports, stressing that they serve no purpose other than to disrupt the team’s progress during the competition.
“The Senegalese Football Federation strongly condemns these baseless allegations, which appear to have the sole purpose of destabilising the positive momentum of our national team in the midst of the competition,” the statement added.
Clarifying the relationship between the federation’s leadership and the technical bench, the statement emphasised that interactions go beyond formal duties.
“It is important to remind the national and international public of the following: Apart from professional relations and strict administrative hierarchy, the President of the Senegalese Football Federation maintains very friendly and fraternal ties with the national coach and all members of the technical staff,” parts of the statement noted.
The federation further highlighted the atmosphere within the Senegalese delegation, insisting that harmony and mutual respect remain central to their operations.
“The Senegalese delegation works daily under the authority of the president of the federation in complete harmony and mutual respect, and with a shared vision aimed at putting the national team in the best conditions for performance and excellence,” the statement continued.
Concluding its message, the Senegalese Football Federation called on the public to rally fully behind the national team as they pursue continental glory.
“All energies must be focused on one single goal, which is to accompany our Lions towards the final victory and crowning on the evening of January 18, God willing,” it said.
