Senegal's football federation want to end Guy Stephan's contract

The move came after the Teranga Lions failed to impress at the 2004 Cup of Nations where they started as one of the favourites, but were knocked out in an ill-tempered quarter-final by eventual champions Tunisia.

The federation's president Said Fakhry has made it clear that the executive committee wants to end Stephan's contract but that it needs approval from the government.

"The coach's contract was signed by both the sports ministry and the federation, but the coach is an employee of the state and it's up to the authorities to make the final decision," Fakhry explained.

Stephan said that he had tried to get a hearing with the federation in the past few days but with no luck.

"Obviously they did not want to give me a hearing," the Frenchman said.

"Evidently they preferred to make the decision inside their office.

"I was told of it while I was preparing to select a squad for the upcoming friendly with Algeria.

"So there you go, that's football."

Stephan, who replaced compatriot Bruno Metsu after he left for a Gulf State club, signed a three-year contract in January last year.