AFCON 2023: Defending champions Senegal reportedly court crisis by owing head coach Cisse six months salary

Senegal, the defending champions gearing up for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, find themselves entangled in a crisis as reports emerge suggesting that head coach Aliou Cisse is owed six months' worth of salary.

The former Teranga Lions captain, who has been at the helm of the national team since 2015, played a pivotal role in securing Senegal's first-ever AFCON title in 2021.

Cisse, along with his entire coaching crew, is reportedly facing a significant financial setback, with the Senegal Football Association failing to disburse their salaries for the past six months. 

Despite Cisse's impressive track record, including guiding Senegal to two consecutive World Cup qualifications and clinching the AFCON title, the FA has allegedly not fulfilled its financial obligations, according to a report by SNewsAfrica.

Cisse, whose managerial tenure makes him one of the longest-serving coaches in African football, is said to earn a substantial monthly salary of €30,000. 

The total outstanding amount owed by the Football Association to Cisse stands at €180,000. This significant sum is expected to be settled before the AFCON tournament kicks off on January 13, raising concerns about the financial stability of Senegal's national team management.

The unfolding scandal surrounding the delayed payments adds an unwarranted layer of uncertainty to Senegal's AFCON campaign. Beyond the immediate impact on Cisse's financial well-being, the situation raises questions about the coach's future with the Senegal national team. As the defending champions navigate this off-field challenge, it remains to be seen how the payment issue will influence the team's focus and performance on the continental stage.