‘Don’t make Senegal a laughingstock’ – Koulibaly criticises federation president

Former Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has criticised Senegal Football Federation president Abdoulaye Fall over his public comments following the Teranga Lions’ disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Koulibaly accused the federation chief of damaging the country’s image after Fall held a press conference in which he openly discussed the reasons behind Senegal’s last-16 elimination and singled out several individuals for criticism.

The West African side were knocked out of the tournament after suffering a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium, despite leading until the 86th minute.

Koulibaly calls for unity

In a strongly worded message posted on social media, Koulibaly urged Senegal’s football authorities to end the public blame game and focus on protecting the progress made by the national team in recent years.

The former Napoli defender wrote: “Do we really have to look so foolish on the world stage? Let’s stop these personal conflicts that only produce division. Let’s not waste years of work, sacrifice and progress.”

His comments came shortly after Fall’s media briefing, where the federation president blamed several figures for the team’s World Cup disappointment.

Federation president points finger at coach and staff

During the press conference, Fall suggested that some players had gained too much influence over former head coach Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed following Senegal’s World Cup exit.

He said: “Some players started to control the coach. The players noticed that we perhaps did not dare to substitute some players, or include others, or even call up some of them. Even the national technical director, in his report, insisted on the need for him to participate more because he was not involved in this tournament.”

Fall also criticised the team’s doctor, questioning whether his background as a gynaecologist made him suitably qualified to oversee the medical needs of a national football team.

Concern over Senegal’s reputation

Koulibaly, who recently announced his retirement from international football, also responded to criticism surrounding his own performances during the tournament.

The experienced defender captained Senegal in their opening two World Cup matches despite fitness concerns before being left on the bench for the following two games.

However, he insisted that responsibility for the team’s failure should be shared rather than placed on individuals.

He wrote: “There are many who bear responsibility. Everyone must take responsibility clearly and humbly. Because today, not only is football suffering, but so is the image of Senegal.”

Koulibaly ended his statement with a rallying message for Senegalese football, adding: “If we continue like this, we won’t advance football, we’ll regress. A word of advice to those concerned: a lion may fall sometimes, but it always rises again.”