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The president of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Fall, revealed a shocking surprise regarding the first team's doctor, Abdourahmane Fédior, following the disappointing farewell of the Lions of Teranga from the 2026 World Cup round of 32.

Abdourahmane Fédior has held the position of Senegal national team doctor since 2017, and during that period he participated in three World Cups, in addition to five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the 2021 title.

Fédior is a 'gynecologist'

Fall said during a press conference: 'Our main doctor did not have the required academic qualifications to accompany our athletes in the World Cup; he is essentially a gynecologist, and this is something I discovered late. Based on the comments I received, the players were not sufficiently reassured about receiving support from him.'

Fall explained that the Senegalese federation officials sought to obtain additional medical expertise to reassure the team, because health comes before everything.

Sports Medicine Association rejects Fall's accusations

For its part, the Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine, in an official statement, rejected these allegations, describing them as 'baseless and defamatory,' explaining that Fédior holds a specialized diploma in sports medicine and sports biology from the Faculty of Medicine at Cheikh Anta Diop University, and previously headed the physiotherapy department at Fann Hospital.

Dismissal of Pape Thiaw

It is noteworthy that the Senegalese Football Federation announced the dismissal of Pape Thiaw from coaching the first team, after the early World Cup exit in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Three players from the Saudi Roshn League participated with the Senegal national team in the 2026 World Cup: Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Al-Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly, and Al-Nassr star Sadio Mane.