Senegal is facing a fresh wave of controversy following its elimination from the 2026 World Cup, after Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation, revealed that the national team’s longtime doctor, Abdourahmane Fédior, is originally trained as a gynecologist.

During a press conference reviewing the World Cup performance, Fall stated that Fédior “does not have the academic training necessary to care for our athletes,” highlighting concerns about the medical support provided to the team. He admitted discovering this “late” and noted that some players “did not have full confidence” in the doctor’s expertise. “The players were not sufficiently convinced to be accompanied by him. We needed to find convincing experience so they could feel at ease, because health comes first,” Fall said, as reported by local outlet SeneNews.

Fédior responded to these claims with indignation, calling them “falsehoods” that undermine his professional record. He explained that while his initial specialty was gynecology, he earned a diploma in sports medicine in 2008 as part of the first cohort of that program. He emphasized that he has focused on sports medicine since the 1980s, working with clubs and national teams.

The Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine (ASMS) also defended Fédior, expressing “deep indignation” at Fall’s remarks in a statement published this Tuesday by the public newspaper Le Soleil. The ASMS confirmed that Fédior holds a specialized diploma in sports medicine and biology from the University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar.

Moreover, the association highlighted that Fédior has served as the head doctor of the senior national team since 2017, participated in five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and three World Cups, and currently acts as an official physician for both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.

According to Seneweb, Fédior is considering filing a defamation lawsuit against Fall, arguing that the federation president’s comments have seriously damaged his credibility.

This episode sheds light on the critical role of qualified medical professionals in sports, especially as teams prepare for high-stakes international competitions. It also raises questions about transparency and trust within sports institutions, issues that resonate beyond Senegal’s borders. For fans and players alike, ensuring that health and safety come first remains a universal priority.