DAKAR: Senegal’s disappointing FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign has sparked controversy over the qualifications of the national team’s doctor, with the Senegal Football Federation and the country’s Sports Medicine Association offering conflicting accounts.
Senegal was eliminated from the tournament after a 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32.
Following the team’s exit, the Senegal Football Federation claimed that the national team’s doctor lacked the specialist expertise required to provide comprehensive medical care to players during the tournament.
According to the federation, Dr. Abdurrahman Fideyour is a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology (gynecology) rather than sports medicine, raising questions about his suitability for the role.
The issue was highlighted during the federation’s review of the team’s World Cup performance.
Reports indicate that Dr. Fideyour has been serving with the Senegal national football team since 2017, during which the team participated in three FIFA World Cups and five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
However, the Sports Medicine Association of Senegal rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and defamatory.
The association maintained that Dr. Fideyour is qualified in sports medicine and defended his professional credentials.
Meanwhile, the Senegal Football Federation also announced the dismissal of national team head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, stating that a change in the coaching staff had become necessary following the team’s disappointing World Cup performance.
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