The return plan for the Senegal national team, which was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, turned into a crisis after the tournament. It was reported that some players, as well as technical and administrative staff members, were forced to wait in the USA after the private flight scheduled to take the team home was cancelled.
According to information in the Senegalese press, the background of the crisis lies in an organizational dispute between the Senegalese Ministry of Sports and the Senegalese Football Federation. It was reported that the parties blamed each other regarding which institution was responsible for preparing the return flight and the travel process.
Following the cancellation of the private flight, the delegation's return schedule was thrown into uncertainty. It was stated that because a solution to the crisis could not be found quickly, some individuals remained in the USA, while some players were able to return to their country through their own means.
The report noted that some players, including Babi Alassani Gui, Edward Mendy, Mori Diao, and Ismail Jacobs, completed their return journey through individual efforts.
The disruption has sparked debates in the Senegalese sports community regarding the national team's post-tournament organization process and administrative responsibilities. It was reported that both the Senegalese Football Federation and the Senegalese Ministry of Sports are expected to issue separate statements on the matter.
News Source: 12punto
