Senegal coach Aliou Cisse and Staff awaiting unpaid salaries despite 2021 AFCON victory: Report

Aliou Cisse has not been paid for 6 months despite winning the 2021 AFCON.

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse and Staff awaiting unpaid salaries despite 2021 AFCON victory: Report

Aliou Cisse has not been paid salaries totaling up to €180,000 for the past 6 months. (Image via The Guardian)

Senegal national team coach, Aliou Cisse and his staff, have reportedly not received their salaries, linked to their roles with the team for the past six months. The 2021 (held in 2022) Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach is owed approximately €30,000 per month, accumulating to a substantial total of €180,000, sparking demands for payment.

Cisse, a former Senegalese captain, and notable defensive midfielder, played for European clubs like Lille, Birmingham City, PSG, and Montpellier. He became Senegal’s head coach in 2015, leading them through the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments. In February 2022, he guided Senegal to their first-ever win at the 2021 African Cup of Nations, defeating Egypt in a penalty shootout. This success marked redemption for Cisse after experiencing two earlier final losses.

YouTube video

Cisse and his team faced a similar issue when he started with the team. The recent delay in salary payments didn’t surprise them. Cisse, a respected African manager, has kept the non-payment quiet to avoid media attention and protect the team’s AFCON title defense. He’s owed around €30,000 monthly by the Senegalese football authorities.

FS Video

Meanwhile, Aliou Cisse is considered among the top African managers, prompting numerous requests from Senegal fans to the country’s football association to settle the national management’s outstanding payments.

Aliou Cisse-led Senegal national team to defend their title in the 2023 African Cup of Nations

The 34th edition of the coveted African Cup of Nations is scheduled to be held between the 13th of January 2024 to the 11th of February, 2024 in Ivory Coast. The AFCON has been postponed to 2024 over weather concerns. Under Aliou Cisse’s leadership, reigning champions Senegal are strongly favored to claim victory once again, given their recent successes in prior editions.

Senegal national team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Senegal national team during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. (Image via Gulf Times)

Furthermore, Senegal, a strong African team, is led by Al-Hilal star Kalidou Koulibaly. The squad includes both young and experienced players like Edouard Mendy, Sadio Mane from Al-Nassr, Chelsea’s Nicholas Jackson, and more. Many players have European competition experience, making Senegal a strong contender for the 2024 AFCON title. Other top contenders include Egypt with Mohamed Salah, Nigeria with Victor Osimhen, and hosts Ivory Coast.

In case you missed: