Senegal Coach Aliou Cissé Dismissed Amid Government Pressure

Senegal coach Aliou Cissé, who led the team to significant successes including an Africa Cup of Nations title, lost his job as the government requested the national soccer federation not to renew his contract. His tenure saw the team reach two AFCON finals and the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup.

Senegal coach Aliou Cissé, who led the team to an Africa Cup of Nations title and the past two World Cup tournaments, lost his job Wednesday with the national soccer federation citing a government request not to renew his contract.

Cissé, who had been nearing 10 years in charge, guided the Teranga Lions to two AFCON finals — winning in 2022 — and to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup despite the absence of star forward Sadio Mané.

The Senegalese soccer body released a letter thanking Cissé for his contributions and "brilliant results." The former Paris Saint-Germain defender had been set to announce his squad for upcoming AFCON qualifiers for 2025 but will no longer be doing so. The government sports ministry attributed the decision to unmet tournament objectives, the team's declining FIFA ranking, and the potential for strained relations with the Senegalese public.

It's uncertain if the ministry's request breaches FIFA rules on government interference in soccer federation affairs. Senegal, after failing to defend its African title this year, saw Cissé's team eliminated in the round of 16 by eventual champions Ivory Coast. FIFA currently ranks Senegal No. 21 globally, down from a record high achieved earlier this year.

Senegal is unbeaten in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group and has upcoming games against Malawi. An interim coaching team will be appointed for the next fixtures.

In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Senegal is also unbeaten but trails leader Sudan by two points, resuming play next March.

(With inputs from agencies.)