Giresse Defends Senegal Coaching Staff Amid Ongoing Salary Dispute
Senegal national team head coach Alain Giresse has broken his silence over a simmering issue involving unpaid wages and contract uncertainties for members of his coaching staff.
Speaking at a press conference in Dakar on Friday, where he announced the 23-man squad for the upcoming double-header against Tunisia, the Frenchman addressed concerns about the status of his assistants, who have reportedly been working without formal contracts and with months of unpaid salaries.
Since January 2013, goalkeeper coach Sidath Sarr and assistant Boubacar Gadiaga have operated under these conditions. Yet Giresse took the opportunity to underline his solidarity with them.
“If people believe I am receiving regular payments, let me be clear: I won’t tell you how many months I have gone without pay,” Giresse stated. His comment subtly highlighted that he, too, has experienced salary delays, aligning himself with his backroom team.
Giresse praised his assistants for their loyalty and commitment in spite of the challenges. “They are extremely dedicated professionals. They share in the project we are building together. Even in tough times, they continue working without complaint,” he said.
The issue of unpaid staff is not a new one in Senegalese football. In the lead-up to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, then-head coach Amara Traoré threatened to withdraw from the tournament unless his assistants, including Abdoulaye Sarr, were paid. The ongoing failure to address such administrative matters has raised concerns about governance and professionalism within the Senegalese Football Federation.
Gaston Mbengue, head of the federation’s communication and marketing commission, sought to reassure the public by stating that discussions are underway. “Solutions are being explored with the federation and the Ministry of Sports, who are acting on behalf of the state,” he said.
Despite these financial distractions, Giresse remains focused on Senegal’s preparation for their crucial qualifiers against Tunisia. The situation, however, underscores persistent structural and financial issues within the national setup that continue to affect even the highest levels of management.
As the team gears up for a key international window, many in Senegal will be hoping that both on-pitch success and off-pitch reform can go hand-in-hand.
