Abdullah Sidou Sou, Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation, broke his silence to respond to the criticisms directed at the Federation following the dismissal of coach Bab Thiao and his technical staff after Senegal's exit from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16 at the hands of Belgium.
The Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation addressed all controversial files, starting from the contract crisis, through financial corruption accusations, to the moral scandal that occurred at the residence in the United States.
The crisis of Bab Thiao's contract and the specifications of the new coach
Abdullah Sidou confirmed that the Senegalese national team failed to achieve the required aspirations on both the sporting and financial levels at the 2026 World Cup, compared to the available capabilities, affirming that the dismissal came after determining individual responsibilities.
The Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation revealed, in an extended interview with the local RTS channel, the behind-the-scenes of the former coach Bab Thiao's contract crisis, explaining that the Federation president presented him with the draft contract since February 26, 2026, in coordination with the Ministry of Sports.
However, Bab Thiao objected to the salary and bonus clauses that were discussed with him, which caused the prolongation of negotiations and the signing of the contract hours before the start of the World Cup.
Regarding the next phase, Sidou stressed that the Federation is racing against time in August to name an alternative coach, saying: "Senegal no longer accepts playing a secondary role, and we need a coach of the highest caliber."
Behind the scenes of the "moral scandal" in the America camp
The Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation pointed to the validity of the reports that were circulated regarding a sexual harassment incident inside the delegation's residence in the United States.
He explained that the Federation took immediate and decisive precautionary measures to save the country's reputation; it was decided to deport the team chef and return him to Senegal after his transgression was proven.
Abdullah Sidou noted that the matter is due to cultural differences, as some behaviors that some may see in Senegal as mere friendly joking are classified under American law as sexual harassment and require police intervention.
In a related context, the Senegalese Federation denied media investigations that spoke of poor organization, black market tickets, and lack of nutrition for the players, announcing that it would sue the promoters of these reports on charges of defamation.
The Secretary General of the Senegalese Federation stressed the defense of its financial integrity and personal reputation and the reputation of the Federation president, denying the rumors that reached them regarding holding loud parties and consuming alcohol.
Sidou stated that financial expenditures are subject to the president's powers alone, and that attempts to destabilize the Senegalese national team will not deter the Federation from continuing its plan to correct the course again.
