Senegal’s Patrick Vieira decision delayed as first squad announcement looms

Patrick Vieira has reportedly returned to France without signing a final contract to become Senegal manager, leaving the national team’s coaching situation uncertain just weeks before the start of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) approved Vieira’s appointment several weeks ago, but the agreement is understood to remain incomplete. Final approval from the state is still required, particularly on the financial and logistical arrangements covering Vieira’s contract and that of his staff.

According to Les Echos, the former France international has not yet signed a definitive agreement with Senegal.

Vieira is now believed to have travelled back to France while the outstanding administrative and financial details are resolved. His return adds to the uncertainty surrounding an appointment that had been expected to give the national team a clear new direction.

The situation is further complicated by the position of Pape Thiaw. Although Thiaw was reported to have been removed from the role, he has apparently not received formal notification of his dismissal.

That leaves Senegal in an unusual position: Vieira has been publicly identified as the incoming manager but has not yet formally taken charge, while Thiaw has not officially been released from his duties.

Despite the uncertainty, Vieira’s first squad is expected to be announced on Sunday, 6 September, unless there is another change in the situation. The exact format of the announcement has not yet been decided, and the FSF is expected to meet to determine how the squad will be published.

The list will be closely watched because it should offer the first indication of Vieira’s plans with Senegal. His initial selection is expected to provide clues about the players he intends to use in the team’s forthcoming matches against Mozambique and Ethiopia.

Those games will be played on 23 and 27 September respectively as part of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The latest developments are unlikely to improve the FSF’s reputation after a period in which the federation has faced criticism over the handling and communication of several important matters. The arrangements surrounding Thiaw’s contract and his eventual succession have been among the most prominent examples.

Vieira’s appointment was expected to provide a fresh start and establish greater clarity around the national team. Instead, uncertainty over the paperwork has continued.

The former France midfielder has not yet made a public statement about his arrival. His official presentation has also yet to take place, while it remains unclear whether all the contractual documents relating to his appointment have been signed.

With only three weeks to go before Senegal’s first competitive commitments, the federation still has important details to settle. The delay leaves Vieira’s expected first steps in charge overshadowed by questions over whether his appointment has been fully completed.