Senegal midfielder Gueye refuses to play while coaching staff stay in charge

Senegal international Pape Gueye says he does not want to play for his country while the squad's coaching staff are in charge. - AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough - Stephanie Scarbrough

Gueye, who plays his club football for Villareal in Spain, revealed his move on social media a day after Senegal squanderd a two-goal lead in their 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the last 32 at the World Cup.

"I ⁠will  come back to tell you ​a few words regarding the elimination," said Gueye.

"But I ​announce today that, as long as this technical staff remains in place, I'll be taking a break ​from the national team."

Senegal cruising to the last 16

Habib Diarra ‌and ⁠Ismaila Sarr both scored to put the West Africans in charge after 50 minutes of the game against Belgium in Seattle.

Gueye was replaced shortly after the hour mark as head coach Pape Thiaw sent ​on defender Lamine ⁠Camara to protect the advantage.

However, Belgium struck twice ​in the final four minutes through ​Romelu ⁠Lukaku and skipper Youri Tielemans to send the match into extra time.

Last hurrah: Senegal's Sadio Mané

In the final minute of the extra 30 minutes, Camarra fouled Tielemans in the penalty area. Tielemans swept home the resulting penalty kick to complete the comeback.

On Thursday, Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice as Spain swept Austria 3-0 in Los Angeles to reach the last 16. Pedro Porro got the other goal.

They will play the winner of the game between Portugal and Croatia in Toronto.

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