The head coach of the Senegalese National Team has broken his silence regarding the dramatic “walk-off” during a recent international fixture, just as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) prepares to announce a disciplinary ruling.
Speaking at a press conference today, Thursday, 22 January 2026, the coach (under heavy scrutiny) explained that the decision to lead the Teranga Lions off the pitch was a “matter of player safety and dignity,” rather than a tactical protest.
The controversy stems from an incident earlier this week during a high-stakes match.1 Tensions boiled over due to two primary factors.-
The coaching staff claims that several players were subjected to persistent racial slurs from a section of the home crowd, which the match officials reportedly failed to address.
Reports suggest that multiple flares were thrown onto the pitch near the Senegalese goal, creating what the coach described as an “unplayable and hazardous environment.”
The Coach’s Defense
“I did not take my players off the field to disrupt the game. I took them off to protect them. As a leader, my first duty is to the human beings under my care, not the scoreboard. If CAF wants to sanction us for standing up against hate and danger, then that is a price we are willing to pay for the future of African football.”
CAF’s Disciplinary Committee is expected to meet within the next 48 hours. Legal experts suggest Senegal could face:
Forfeit of the Match: A standard 3-0 loss awarded to the opposing team.
Heavy Fines: Financial penalties ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
Suspension: A possible ban from the next round of qualifying matches or a “closed-door” home game mandate.
