Kalidou Koulibaly, captain of the Senegal national team, criticized the president of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Fall, following the controversial press conference held by the latter on Monday, in which he revealed sensitive details regarding the national team's failures in the 2026 World Cup.

Koulibaly published a strong message on his social media account, calling for restraint and an end to the public settling of scores initiated by Fall after the elimination of the "Teranga Lions" in the round of 16 by Belgium, with a score of 3-2 after extra time, despite their lead until the 86th minute.

The former Napoli player wrote: "Do we really have to appear foolish like this on the global stage? Let us stop these personal conflicts that only produce division. Let us not waste years of work, sacrifice, and progress."

Fall detonates time bombs

Fall had held a press conference in which he specifically named a number of individuals responsible for the national team's failure, foremost among them the sacked coach Pape Thiaw, who immediately paid the price for the failure by being dismissed from his post.

The president of the Senegalese Federation said: "Some players began to control the coach. The players noticed that we perhaps did not dare to replace some players, or involve others, or even call up some. Even the national technical director, in his report, insisted on the need for greater involvement because he was not involved in this tournament."

Fall also criticized the team doctor, hinting at the inadequacy of his training as a gynecologist, implying that his medical specialty does not match the requirements of working with a football team.

Koulibaly defends Senegal's image

In the midst of criticism directed at him personally due to his poor physical condition during the tournament, Koulibaly expressed his strong displeasure at the public airing of internal disputes in such a degrading manner.

Koulibaly had led the Senegal national team in the first two matches of the World Cup despite his unstable physical fitness, but he remained on the bench in the following two matches due to his disappointing performance, before recently retiring from international football.

Koulibaly added in his message: "There are many who bear responsibility. Everyone must take their responsibility clearly and humbly. Because today, not only football suffers, but also the image of Senegal."

The former captain concluded his message with a warning tone: "If we continue like this, we will not advance football, but rather make it regress. Advice to those concerned: the lion may fall sometimes, but he always rises again."