The president of the Senegal Football Association acknowledges that the team physician was a gynecologist.

[caption id="attachment_1322242" align="alignnone" width="612"] EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 22: Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy of Senegal receives medical attention after an injury during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 22, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)[/caption]The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has found itself in turmoil following president Abdoulaye Fall's revelation that the national team's long-time head physician, Dr. Fedior, is actually a gynaecologist by training—a startling discovery he admitted came "too late." This shocking announcement was made during a press briefing on Monday, July 13, as the federation assessed Senegal's underwhelming World Cup performance. Dr. Fedior had served the Lions of Teranga for a decade. "Our head physician does not possess the necessary qualifications to support our athletes," Fall stated to the media. "Dr. Fedior is trained as a gynaecologist. That is something I learned too late." This revelation has sparked significant concerns about the federation's vetting procedures, with Fall acknowledging that the evaluation of the head medic's qualifications came far too late. An audit of the federation is currently in progress to determine how such an essential oversight could have gone unnoticed for so long. The immediate repercussions were felt within Senegal's camp, as several senior players voiced serious concerns regarding the medical staff. According to Fall, "numerous players on the Senegalese national team were not feeling content or assured about receiving treatment and medical follow-up under the doctor's care." The disparity between the doctor's primary specialization and the requirements of elite sports medicine left some players hesitant to participate in examinations or rehabilitation programs under his guidance. This medical controversy was just one of a series of organizational failures that hindered Senegal's 2026 World Cup journey. On the field, Senegal commenced the tournament with a 3-1 loss to France, followed by a 3-2 defeat to Norway. They bounced back with a dominating 5-0 victory over Iraq to advance as one of the best third-placed teams, but their World Cup adventure concluded in a heartbreaking manner against Belgium. The Lions of Teranga were ahead 2-0 until the 83rd minute of their Round of 32 match, only to concede two late goals and a penalty in extra time, resulting in a 3-2 defeat.