Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has announced he is putting his international career on hold following the country’s dramatic FIFA World Cup exit, saying he will not return while the current coaching staff remains in charge.
The 26-year-old made the announcement in an Instagram statement after Senegal squandered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium after extra time in the Round of 16.
The decision comes after Gueye questioned his substitution during the match. Speaking after the defeat, he said he was “physically fine” when he was taken off, contradicting head coach, Pape Thiaw’s suggestion that the change was made because of fatigue.
“I was physically fine, but after that I respect the coach’s decisions,” Gueye said.
Thiaw defended the substitution, insisting several players were showing signs of exhaustion as Belgium mounted their comeback.
Gueye’s decision has intensified scrutiny of Senegal’s coaching staff following the team’s heartbreaking elimination, raising fresh uncertainty over the future of both the midfielder and head coach Pape Thiaw ahead of the next international window.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
