 Guy Stephan is to stay in charge of Senegal for the time being |
Senegal coach Guy Stephan will stay in his job for the time being, because the government has not approved the football federation's decision to sack him. Senegal's governing body for football - the FSF - wanted to fire Stephan in March after the country's elimination from the African Cup of Nations at the quarter-final stage.
The Lions of Teranga's defeat came amidst accusations of indiscipline and a lack of control over the country's top players.
However, the FSF's decision needed to be approved by the sports ministry, which co-signed Stephan's contract and shares the cost of his salary.
FSF spokesman Mbacke Seck said that they are yet to hear back from the ministry.
"Given the matches that we have ahead of us, we could not continue like this so we are keeping Mr Stephan," he said.
Senegal's opening games in the 2006 World Cup and Cup of Nations qualifying campaign are against the DR Congo on 4 June and Togo two weeks later.
Before the Cup of Nations Senegal were one of the favourites to win the title, having reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup finals, but they were beaten by hosts Tunisia in an ill-tempered quarter-final clash.
Senegal's Cup of Nations debacle ended with striker El Hadji Diouf earning a four-match international ban while three of the coaching staff were banned for periods up to 18 months for their part in a brawl that followed their defeat by Tunisia in the last eight.
MMIX
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