Senegal lose 3–1 to France as Federation crisis boils over

France 3–1, and the real story was off the pitch

Your team walked into MetLife Stadium and took a 3–1 loss to the defending world champions in the Group I opener (2) (3). It was not 2002. Mbappé and company were clinical, and Pape Thiaw's side had no answer.

But the scoreline is not what fans will be talking about tomorrow.

Bonus payments unpaid, Thiaw has no contract, and the food is bad

This is ugly. Players have not received their World Cup bonuses. Coach Pape Thiaw is working without a signed contract. The hotel and meals have been substandard, according to reports out of the camp (1) (2).

And while the players deal with that, certain Federation officials have flown their families and entourages to the United States in large numbers, living comfortably at the FSF's expense. "While the players suffer from inadequate support, certain members of the Federation live a life of luxury," one report states (1).

The delegation is oversized and costly. The players are noticing.

Norway on Monday, and the stakes are now enormous

Senegal face Norway in the second Group I match on Monday (1) (2). Lose, and the tournament is essentially over. Win, and everything is still on the table.

Thiaw and his squad need to shut out the noise from the Federation and find a result. The talent in this group deserves better than what is happening behind the scenes.

Fan-reaktioner

The mood among Senegal supporters is angry, and it is not directed at the players. Most of the frustration online is aimed squarely at the FSF leadership. The contrast between the conditions for the squad and the lifestyle of Federation officials in the U.S. has fans calling the situation an embarrassment.