Senegal’s football federation has dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw following the national team’s early exit from the World Cup.
The decision comes after captain Sadio Mané announced his retirement from international duty and midfielder Pape Gueye declared he would not return until the coaching staff changed.
In an official statement, the federation said a comprehensive review of the team’s performance justified the move, describing it as necessary for the long‑term interests of Senegalese football.
The statement added that the federation’s president will hold a press conference on Monday, July 13, to explain the reasoning, assess the current situation and outline future plans.
Despite a talented roster that includes Chelsea forwards Nicolas Jackson and Mamadou Sarr, Senegal lost three of four World Cup matches, conceding nine goals.
The federation indicated that a new coach will be sought, naming former midfielder Patrick Vieira as a potential candidate.
Vieira, born in Dakar and raised in France, won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France and secured three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal.
Although his managerial record has been mixed, his tenure at Crystal Palace earned praise, and he has been linked to top‑level positions, including a possible succession at Manchester City.
Since leaving Italian side Genoa in November, Vieira has served as a pundit during the World Cup and remains unattached to a club.
