The start of Patrick Vieira’s tenure as Senegal manager has been thrown into further doubt, with the former France international reportedly back in France while his contract remains unsigned.
Vieira was expected to begin preparing his first squad for Senegal’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. However, according to Les Echos, he has yet to complete a definitive agreement with the Senegal Football Federation (FSF).
The FSF is understood to have approved Vieira’s appointment several weeks ago. The move still appears to require final approval from the Senegalese state, particularly on the financial and logistical arrangements connected to Vieira’s contract and the agreements for his coaching staff.
While those issues remain unresolved, Vieira is reported to have returned to France.
The uncertainty also extends to the status of Pape Thiaw. Although he has been widely reported to be leaving his position, Thiaw has apparently not received formal notification of his dismissal.
That leaves Senegal in an unusual situation: Vieira has been designated as the new manager but has not yet formally taken charge, while Thiaw remains part of the set-up on paper because his departure has not been officially confirmed.
Despite the confusion, Vieira’s first squad is still expected to be announced on Sunday, 6 September, unless there is another change in the situation.
The federation has yet to decide how the announcement will be made and is expected to hold a meeting to determine the publication arrangements.
The squad will be closely watched because it should offer the first indication of Vieira’s plans before Senegal’s upcoming fixtures against Mozambique and Ethiopia. Those matches are scheduled for 23 and 27 September respectively, as part of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Vieira has not made a public statement about his move to Senegal. His official presentation has also yet to take place, and it remains unclear whether all of the contractual documents have been signed.
The latest developments are another setback for the FSF, which has faced criticism in recent months over the handling and communication of several issues. Those concerns have included Pape Thiaw’s contract and the process surrounding his potential replacement.
Vieira’s appointment was intended to provide a clearer direction after that uncertainty. Instead, administrative questions continue to surround the change in leadership.
With three weeks to go before Senegal’s first official commitments under the new arrangement, the federation still appears to be dealing with unresolved matters involving the incoming manager, his staff and the outgoing coach.
The FSF’s handling of the transition is therefore likely to remain under scrutiny, particularly if Vieira’s squad announcement is delayed or if further questions emerge over the status of his contract.