Senegal FA faces fresh visa and travel problems ahead of international fixtures

The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) is facing renewed criticism after eight Under-17 players were left in Dakar without visas for France, while further logistical difficulties were reported during the senior team’s journey to Marseille.

The latest problems come after the organisation surrounding the Lions was heavily questioned following the 2026 World Cup. With the Under-17 and senior sides both preparing for international fixtures, supporters have again expressed their frustration.

Eight players selected by Lamine Sane were unable to obtain their French visas in time to join the squad for matches against France’s Under-17s on 2 and 4 October at Clairefontaine. The games form part of Senegal’s preparations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The rest of the group left Dakar on Wednesday, 30 September, but all three goalkeepers named in the squad were among those who stayed behind. They are captain Assane Sarr, Daouda Alassane Ba of Generation Foot and Mamadou Diabate Gueye of Diambars.

Five outfield players are also affected: Cheikh Thior, Emile Niaga Sadio, Ibrahima Dione “Vampire”, Mahamet Ba and Khalifa Ababacar Seck.

According to Dsport, efforts are continuing to secure the necessary documents and allow the players to join their team-mates. However, the uncertainty could force Lamine Sane and his staff to call up players based in France at short notice, including those from amateur structures, to complete the squad.

With the Under-17 World Cup only a few weeks away, the disruption has created a major complication for Senegal’s preparations.

Further concerns for senior squad

The Under-17s are not the only Senegalese team affected. According to 13football, members of the senior side’s administrative, medical and security teams also experienced visa problems during the delegation’s trip.

A further incident was reported during the team’s transit through Addis-Ababa in Ethiopia. Players and staff members were allegedly required to handle their own luggage.

Senegal are due to travel on to Marseille, where they will face Comoros on 4 October.

Each incident might, in isolation, be viewed as a routine travel problem. Their accumulation, only months after the 2026 World Cup and the criticism of certain logistical aspects surrounding the team, has instead prompted fresh questions about the FSF.

The developments have also triggered a reaction on Senegalese social media. “Have we really learned the lessons from the last World Cup?” 13football asked while reporting on the difficulties experienced by the delegation.

The FSF was already under significant pressure after the Lions’ disappointing World Cup campaign. The latest episodes have therefore come at a difficult time for the organisation.

Senegal continues to possess an exceptional pool of talent and has competitive teams across several age groups. The frustration has grown because their preparations are being disrupted by administrative and logistical issues.

The FSF would have hoped for a far smoother return to international action than one involving eight Under-17 players missing the Clairefontaine trip and reported difficulties around the senior team’s travel arrangements.