Senegal FA chief says team doctor was trained as a gynaecologist
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Senegal's federation questioned the team doctor's sports medicine credentials after the World Cup.
- Players reportedly lacked confidence in the medical support available during the tournament.
- Sports medicine officials strongly defended the doctor's qualifications and experience.
The remarks were made by Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) President Abdoulaye Fall during a press conference on Monday, where officials reviewed the team's early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Federation chief raises concerns over medical expertise
Fall said concerns over the academic background of Dr Abderahmane Fédior only came to light after the World Cup preparations were well underway.Our head doctor does not have the academic profile to accompany our athletes. Dr Fediore is a gynaecologist by training. That is something I discovered late.According to Fall, several members of the squad questioned whether they were receiving the level of specialist medical care expected at a major international tournament.
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.
Sports medicine association rejects the claims
The allegations were swiftly challenged by the Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine, which described the comments as "unfounded and defamatory."In a statement released later on Monday, the association defended Dr Fédior's qualifications, noting that he holds a specialist diploma in sports medicine and sports biology from Cheikh Anta Diop University's Faculty of Medicine.
The organisation also highlighted his extensive experience, including:
- Serving as Senegal's national team doctor since 2017.
- Working at three FIFA World Cups.
- Participating in five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
- Previously leading the physiotherapy department at Fann Hospital.
Questions over the federation's oversight
Despite the association's defence of Dr Fédior's credentials, Fall acknowledged that the federation is reviewing how questions over the doctor's background were not identified earlier.His comments have intensified scrutiny of the federation's internal vetting procedures, particularly given the importance of specialist sports medicine at elite international competitions.
Player confidence became a central issue during the review, with Fall suggesting that concerns over medical support affected trust within the squad.
Whilst the federation has not indicated whether Dr Fédior will remain in his role, an internal audit is now expected to examine the appointment process and broader medical structure surrounding the national team.
World Cup disappointment deepens crisis
The medical controversy follows a difficult World Cup for the Lions of Teranga.Senegal entered the tournament with high expectations after winning the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, but failed to meet those ambitions.
Their campaign began with defeats to France and Norway before they secured a comprehensive victory over Iraq to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
However, their tournament ended in dramatic fashion in the Round of 32.
Leading Belgium 2-0 entering the closing stages, Senegal conceded twice late in normal time before losing 3-2 after extra time, bringing an abrupt end to their World Cup hopes.
The disappointing campaign has already led to major changes, with head coach Pape Thiaw dismissed on Saturday as the federation begins a broader review of the national team's performance.
Whether the ongoing audit results in further changes within Senegal's medical department remains to be seen, but the debate over player welfare and specialist expertise is now firmly at the centre of the federation's post-World Cup assessment.
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