Istanbul/Anadolu

The Senegalese Football Federation decided on Sunday to begin procedures to sack national team coach Pape Thiaw and his technical staff, days after the Lions of Teranga were eliminated from the round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup.

The federation said in a statement that its executive committee decided during a meeting on Saturday to initiate procedures to terminate the duties of Thiaw and all members of his technical staff.

It added that the decision came after Senegal's elimination from the round of 32, following an evaluation of the team's results and prospects, in the interest of Senegalese football.

Thiaw (45) took over as Senegal coach in October 2024, succeeding Aliou Cissé.

He led the team in 25 matches, achieving 15 wins, six draws, and four losses.

He also led Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final and qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In the World Cup group stage, Senegal lost to France and Norway before winning 5-0 against Iraq and advancing to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams.

In the round of 32, they led Belgium 2-0 before conceding two goals in the last four minutes of the second half, then a penalty goal in extra time, losing 2-3 and exiting the tournament.

The Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco last January had previously witnessed an incident where Thiaw asked his players to leave the field after a penalty was awarded to the hosts in stoppage time of the second half.

The players returned to the field after a stoppage of about 17 minutes, then Ibrahim Diaz missed the penalty, and later Pape Gueye scored Senegal's winning goal in extra time.

However, last March, the African Football Confederation declared Morocco the winner of the tournament, after canceling the final match result due to Senegal's withdrawal.

Senegal filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), hoping to reclaim the title.