Football in Senegal suspended after deadly protests
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has announced the suspension of domestic football until further notice due to ongoing protests in the country triggered by the trial of an opposition leader.
The FSF made this decision following a government order amidst escalating tensions following Ousmane Sonko’s recent sentencing to two years in prison.
According to the presidency, the death toll has risen to 16 since the protests began, making them some of the most deadly in recent decades. Sadly, two members of the security forces were among those who lost their lives.
The FSF stated in a released statement, “All football competitions are suspended until further notice throughout the national territory,” acknowledging the government’s directive.
Fortunately, the reigning African champions, the Teranga Lions, who have already secured a spot in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, are unaffected as they are scheduled to play against the bottom-ranked team in Group L, Benin, on 17 June as part of their qualification fixtures.
AS Académie Génération Foot currently leads the Senegalese top-tier table with a four-point advantage over Diambars, with five rounds of matches left to be played. However, the suspension of football will affect their quest for the title.
Additionally, men’s, women’s, and youth FA Cup fixtures will be affected, including the knockout stages initially slated for 21 to 25 June.
