Pape Gueye from Senegal refuses the return of the national team as long as the current staff remains in place

After taking a two-goal lead in the dying minutes against Belgium and missing out on the World Cup, Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye announced he will retire from international football as long as the current coaching staff remains at the helm.

Senegal led 2–0 until the 85th minute in the round of 32, but conceded twice before the end of regular time before losing 3–2 on a penalty deep into extra time.

Gueye wrote on Instagram: «As long as this coaching staff is in place, I will take a break from the national team.»

The 27-year-old Villarreal CF midfielder, who scored twice in Senegal’s 5-0 group stage win over Iraq, did not directly mention head coach Pape Thiaw.

It has been a turbulent year for Senegal. The team initially won the Africa Cup of Nations in January, with Gueye scoring the extra-time winner against Morocco, but the result was later overturned after an unprecedented appeal.

The controversy stemmed from Senegal walking off the pitch after hosts Morocco were awarded an injury time penalty as the match was goalless. Play resumed after a 15-minute break and the penalty was eventually saved.

However, following Morocco’s appeal against the disciplinary rulings, the Confederation of African Football ruled that Senegal should forfeit the match and suspended Thiaw for five matches in the next edition of the tournament.

Senegal is now awaiting the outcome of its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.

Published on July 2, 2026