It appears that the president of the Senegalese Football Federation, Me Augustin Senghor, addressed the crisis in Senegalese football following the defeat against Ivory Coast in an interview with the Senegalese information site Seneweb. One of the key points discussed was the sanction imposed on the captain of the national team, Papiss Cissé.
Senghor explained that the national team had summoned Papiss Cissé, but there was no response from him. Although Cissé later provided explanations for his inaccessibility, the federation decided to apply the same standards to all players to maintain group dynamics and balance. Senghor emphasized the importance of consistency and not allowing double standards within the team.
The president mentioned that some players, despite fatigue, showed motivation by attending and participating in the training, while others, like Moussa Sow and Issiar, did not play due to injuries. In response to these situations, the federation contacted FIFA and the clubs to address the observed shortcomings.
Senghor justified the decision by stating that it is crucial for the future of the team to have players who are genuinely committed to wearing the national jersey. He emphasized the importance of players demonstrating motivation regardless of the circumstances. While acknowledging the disruption caused by the absence of the captain, Senghor mentioned that he had a conversation with Papiss Cissé, and they seemed to have reached an understanding.
Overall, the president’s statements suggest a commitment to maintaining discipline and a strong sense of dedication among the players representing Senegal in international football.
