Senegalese football supporters have launched an online fundraising campaign to help national team coach Pape Thiaw pay a fine of 55 million FCFA, sparking a rare show of unity across the country.
The initiative follows the financial penalty imposed on the head coach of the Lions of Teranga, a sanction that has prompted widespread reaction among fans.
Rather than allowing Thiaw to shoulder the burden alone, supporters have mobilised quickly, turning their frustration into collective action aimed at easing the impact of the punishment.
The campaign has been driven largely by ordinary fans, who have used social media platforms to spread the message and encourage contributions.
Within a short space of time, the appeal gained momentum, with shares and donations multiplying rapidly. The swift response has underlined the strong emotional bond between the national team and the public.
For many supporters, the decision to contribute is rooted in a deep sense of appreciation for Thiaw’s role in Senegal’s recent achievements. Seen as a key figure behind the team’s progress, the coach has earned significant goodwill, which has now translated into tangible support at a difficult moment.
The fundraising effort has also taken on a broader symbolic meaning. It reflects a collective desire to stand by a representative of the national team, reinforcing the idea that responsibility and success are shared.
Fans have framed the initiative not only as financial assistance, but as a gesture of gratitude and loyalty toward someone viewed as fighting for the country’s colours from the touchline.
The speed and scale of the mobilisation have been particularly striking. In a matter of hours, the campaign spread widely, highlighting the power of digital platforms in uniting supporters around a common cause.
The response has illustrated how deeply football is woven into Senegalese society, extending beyond results on the pitch.
As contributions continue, the fundraising drive has become a talking point across the country.
More than a response to a fine, it stands as an example of solidarity and collective pride, showing how football in Senegal often transcends sport to become a shared national commitment.
