World Cup qualifier: Senegal’s Kinshasa mission blocked amid transparency dispute

Preparations for Senegal’s World Cup qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa on 9 September have been disrupted after a planned reconnaissance mission was halted by state authorities.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) had submitted a request to send a delegation ahead of the match at the Stade des Martyrs.

However, approval was withheld when officials discovered that a non-elected individual had been included in the delegation list.

Government representatives, who have been closely monitoring the management of the national team, insisted on strict transparency.

Allowing an unofficial member to take part in an official mission was deemed unacceptable.

The authorities could not validate this decision, a source close to the matter explained. How can you give a mission order to someone who is not part of the Executive Committee? How can you integrate him when he has no administrative role in the new federation?

The person at the centre of the dispute is said to be highly active within Senegalese football but did not secure a place in the recently elected executive.

His attempted inclusion sparked internal criticism and ultimately led to the state’s intervention.

The issue arises at a delicate time for the FSF, with the government emphasising accountability following recent elections.

The veto underlines a new determination from authorities to ensure that only recognised officials with a formal mandate are entrusted with responsibilities linked to the senior national team.

Meanwhile, FSF president Abdoulaye Fall, officially confirmed by the electoral commission, will be travelling to Kenya this week for the first strategic workshop of the CAF IMPACT programme.

The event, held on the margins of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Pamoja 2024 in Kampala and Nairobi, will gather presidents and general secretaries from all 54 member associations.

Mr Fall is expected to attend the workshop alongside interim general secretary Mamadou Diouf, highlighting the federation’s commitment to continental engagement even as domestic scrutiny intensifies.

For Senegal, the blocked reconnaissance trip means logistical and tactical assessments in Kinshasa will be delayed, adding a layer of uncertainty ahead of a key qualifier.

With the Stade des Martyrs known for its intimidating atmosphere, officials had hoped to prepare early.

Instead, attention has turned to resolving the dispute at home and ensuring that future missions reflect both the state’s demand for transparency and the federation’s operational needs.

The episode has further exposed the delicate balance between football governance and state oversight in Senegal, with the national team caught in the middle as it prepares for a crucial World Cup qualifying campaign.