The Senegalese Football Association (FSF) announced on Tuesday the appointment of Frenchman Patrick Vieira as coach of the national team.
Vieira replaces Pape Bouna Thiaw, who was sacked in July.
The decision was taken on Monday August 17 by the FSF Emergency Committee, meeting in an extraordinary session by videoconference.
According to the press release published by the body, the appointment of Patrick Vieira was ratified “unanimously” by the members present.
The French technician, born in Dakar, thus becomes the new coach of the Lions.
A former French international, he notably managed New York City FC, OGC Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa before his appointment to Senegal.
The FSF specifies that “exchanges relating to the administrative and contractual terms of his taking office continue between the parties”.
It adds that “the date of the official presentation of the new national coach, as well as the next stages of his installation, will be the subject of a subsequent communication”.
Vieira’s appointment comes a little more than a month after the FSF’s decision to terminate the functions of Pape Thiaw and his staff.
Meeting on Saturday July 11, 2026, the executive committee decided on this procedure following the elimination of Senegal in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Belgium (2-3 after extra time).
In its press release dated July 11, published on July 12, the FSF mentioned “an in-depth evaluation of the sporting results and the prospects of the national selection”.
The president of the FSF, Abdoulaye Fall, then held a press conference on Monday July 13 at the Léopold Sédar Senghor stadium to review the situation of the national team and future prospects.
With Patrick Vieira, the Senegalese selection therefore opens a new stage after its mixed fortune at the 2026 World Cup.
The FSF indicates that information concerning the presentation of the new coach and his installation will be communicated later.
SS/ac/fss/as/APA