former Senegal player El Hadji Diouf during 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 match between Senegal and Sudan at Grand Stadium Tangier in Tangier, Morocco on 03 January 2026 ©Adnane Kandoussi/BackpagePix
Monday Jan 26, 2026. 11:00
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has distanced itself from comments made by former international player and ambassador El-Hadji Diouf about the Senegalese state.
Following the Lions of Teranga’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, the 45-year-old spoke on stage with famous singer Youssou Ndour during the title celebrations, blasting Senegalese authorities.
“Youssou Ndour and I are a state. We are stronger than the state. We have done everything for this state, so the state must respect us and leave us alone. Otherwise, there will be no peace,” said Diouf, according to Afrik Foot.
The FSF responded to the former player’s outburst on social media on Sunday, posting a statement condemning his words and emphasising they do not reflect the views of the federation.
“The Senegalese federation has taken note with regret of the recent media appearances of former international Mr. El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf,” the statement reads.
Governing body made it absolutely clear that Diouf’s words do not represent the organisation, stating it “wishes to completely distance itself from the remarks made by Mr. Diouf regarding the State of Senegal.”
The statement once again clearly emphasised the Diouf’s views were his own, reflected his one personal opinion and “in no way reflect the position of the FSF.”
The former Liverpool player’s outburst also touched on the topic of land, with Diouf claiming that several plots which were promised to members of Senegal’s 2021 AFCON winning team had been reclaimed by the nation’s new administration.
The footballing body was sure to address this issue in its statement as well.
“The land issue raised is being diligently addressed by the highest authorities of the Republic, and the FSF remains convinced that a suitable solution will be found,” the statement reads.
What should be a time of celebration in the West African nation seems to be evolving into a continuation of the drama that marked the AFCON final.
By Nic Gleeson