Patrick Vieira Named Senegal Coach but Contract Remains Unsigned

Senegal's football federation has announced Patrick Vieira as the national team's new head coach, although the appointment is not yet complete. BBC Sport reports that the former France captain has not signed a contract, while the date for his formal presentation remains unknown. The federation said talks over administrative and contractual arrangements are continuing between the parties.

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The federation unanimously approved Vieira on Monday as the successor to Pape Thiaw. Former Netherlands international Patrick Kluivert was among the other candidates considered, alongside Patrice Carteron and former Senegal internationals Habib Beye and Oumar Daf. The announcement comes while questions remain over the termination of Thiaw's agreement.

Thiaw was dismissed after Senegal's last-32 exit to Belgium at the World Cup. According to the BBC report, the government, which funds the national team, had not formally endorsed that decision. Thiaw is seeking several months of unpaid wages and bonuses, with the overall amount reported at almost $815,000. That dispute adds another unresolved contractual issue around the team.

The federation's leadership is also awaiting a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling on an election that has been contested for the past year. A decision is expected by Friday, and the outcome could raise questions about the leadership's legitimacy and potentially Vieira's selection. For now, the federation has presented him as its choice while acknowledging that the deal's formal details remain under discussion.

Senegal has little time before returning to competition. Its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign begins away to Mozambique on September 23, with a match against Ethiopia following days later. Vieira would inherit a side trying to refresh its squad after a successful period led by established players including Sadio Mane, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye.

The role would also carry a personal connection for Vieira, who was born in Dakar before moving to France as a child. He later helped France win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 and became a prominent Arsenal midfielder. His coaching career has included New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa, which he left by mutual consent last November. Whether he now formally takes charge of Senegal depends on the outstanding agreement being completed.