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World Cup star's wish granted as manager sacked in brutal fashion after boycott threat

Pape Thiaw has been sacked by Senegal in the latest managerial dismissal from the 2026 World Cup, and the decision came falling a clear falling out with one of his players

Pape Thiaw has been sacked as Senegal head coach. The 45-year-old becomes the latest managerial casualty after this summer's World Cup following their exit to Belgium in the round of 32.

Thiaw's dismissal comes in the wake of their knockout collapse, where they had a two-goal advantage before the Red Devils staged a late comeback before completing the turnaround in extra-time. In the aftermath of their devastating tournament exit, star midfielder Pape Gueye threatened strike action unless a managerial change had been sanctioned.

The Villarreal man has now got his wish after Senegal conducted a "thorough evaluation" of the situation that Thiaw had created and took action, ending his two-year tenure in the post.

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The African giants will now reset and begin preparations for next year's Africa Cup of Nations held across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Tensions with the Teranga Lions has threatened to boil over after their collapse at the World Cup. The Africa Cup of Nations finalists had one foot in the round of 16 before two goals in three minutes from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans tipped the game on its head.

Gueye, who scored twice in the resounding win over Iraq in the group stages, and posted a cryptic yet remarkable post about the state of affairs for Senegal.

He said: "l'Il be back to give you a few words regarding elimination... but l announce today that as long as it's this technical staff l'II take a break from the selection."

ESPN have reported that there has been administrative dysfunction, dressing room unrest, public criticism and tactical errors during their campaign. Thiaw was the assistant of his predecessor, Aliou Cisse, who left the post in October 2024 which split the nation having taken them to the pinnacle of African football.

In their statement, Senegal said they will hold a press conference where they will present the reasons for the decision as well as the prospects for the future. They reiterated that their decision was made in the best interests of Senegalese football.

With Thiaw leaving, it marks a new chapter for Senegalese football with Liverpool icon Sadio Mane retiring from international.

He said: Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave the very best of myself and I always fought fiercely for our homeland.

"Your constant support has been the engine of my success. Tomorrow, I will gladly put my experience at the service of the nation, whether within a technical staff, on the sidelines as a coach, or in the governing bodies."

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