The case of the next Lions head coach has taken a new turn. Chosen by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) to succeed Pape Thiaw, Patrick Vieira has left Dakar to return to France, while his contract has still not been finalized.
The FSF officially announced the appointment of the former French international on August 18, following a unanimous decision by its Emergency Committee. The body had, however, stated that the administrative and contractual details of his appointment still needed to be settled.
Nearly three weeks later, the matter has still not been resolved. Patrick Vieira reportedly decided to return to France, tired of the delays surrounding the finalization of his arrival. His departure does not, however, mean at this stage that he is giving up on the position.
The main obstacle is now said to be linked to the final validation of the case by the Senegalese state, particularly regarding financial and logistical aspects. The Federation, for its part, is said to have maintained its choice in favor of the 50-year-old coach.
Pape Thiaw still in limbo
This situation comes as Pape Thiaw's departure has still not been formally settled. Although he is publicly presented as having been dismissed, the former head coach has reportedly not received any official notification regarding the end of his duties.
The succession thus finds itself in a rather unusual situation: a head coach has been announced but has not yet signed his contract, while a former coach's administrative situation has apparently not been definitively resolved.
With just a few weeks to go before the next international fixtures, the FSF must now speed things up to move out of this zone of uncertainty. Patrick Vieira remains the announced choice to take charge of the Lions, but his effective appointment still depends on the outcome of this administrative matter.
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