Without a formal contract or salary, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw once refused to lead the team to the United States.

According to Senegalese journalist Khadim Diakhate, the Senegal national football team experienced internal turmoil before departing for the United States, with head coach Pape Thiaw reportedly refusing to travel at one point.

Reports claim that Thiaw’s contract had already expired back in February, and without a renewal in place, he initially refused to lead the team to the United States for their World Cup training camp. Despite preparations for the tournament already being underway, Thiaw had reportedly been working without an official contract or salary.

Sources revealed that Senegal’s Ministry of Sports was not responsible for delaying Thiaw’s renewal. The approval of coaching contracts falls under the authority of the country’s President and Prime Minister, rather than the Sports Ministry itself. In fact, the ministry had consistently supported Thiaw staying on as head coach and had even pushed for a salary increase.

The journalist added that following direct intervention from the president of the Senegalese Football Federation, Thiaw eventually agreed to lead the team at the World Cup. However, amid the chaos, Senegal’s flight was delayed.

In addition, ongoing disputes over unpaid debts, training facilities, and the team’s World Cup preparation plans have reportedly kept tensions high within the camp.