Senegal Football Federation Faces Criticism Over Medical Staff During World Cup

The Senegal football federation is under fire for the qualifications of its team doctor during the FIFA World Cup, with players expressing concerns about medical care. The federation's president revealed that the doctor was trained as a gynaecologist, prompting a response from the Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine, which defended the doctor's credentials. Following a disappointing World Cup campaign, Senegal has also made changes to its coaching staff. As the tournament progresses, the focus shifts to the semi-finals featuring top teams like France and Spain.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 14, 2026, 11:18 IST

Concerns Raised About Team Doctor's Qualifications

On Monday, the president of Senegal's football federation expressed concerns regarding the team's physician, stating that he lacked the necessary specialized training to adequately support the squad during the ongoing FIFA World Cup in North America. Abdoulaye Fall, the federation's chief, disclosed in a press briefing that the team doctor was 'trained as a gynaecologist,' leading to worries among players about the quality of medical assistance they were receiving, especially since the issue was identified late. Fall remarked, 'Based on the feedback I received, the players were not sufficiently reassured about being supported by him. We had to find convincing expertise so they could feel reassured, because health comes before everything.'

Senegalese Sports Medicine Association Defends Team Doctor

Senegal's Sports Medicine Association Rejects Allegations

The Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine has labeled these claims as 'unfounded and defamatory' in a statement issued late Monday. They emphasized that Abderahmane Fediore, the team doctor, holds a specialist diploma in sports medicine and sports biology from Cheikh Anta Diop University. Fediore has been serving as Senegal's team physician since 2017, having participated in five Africa Cup of Nations and three World Cups. He previously managed the physiotherapy department at Fann Hospital.

Senegal's Disappointing World Cup Journey

Senegal's FIFA World Cup Campaign

Following a disappointing performance in the World Cup, Senegal dismissed coach Pape Bouna Thiaw on Saturday, citing the need for a change. After their victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final in January, expectations were high for a better showing in the World Cup. However, the team lost their initial two group matches against Norway and France. In the round of 32, they led Belgium 2-0 with just five minutes remaining but ultimately lost 3-2 in extra time. As the World Cup approaches its conclusion, France, Spain, Argentina, and England are set to compete in the semi-finals, with France facing Spain and the winner going on to meet the victor of the Argentina vs. England match in the final.