Patrick Vieira appointed Senegal head coach
Patrick Vieira has been appointed the new head coach of Senegal's senior national team, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has announced.
The appointment of the former France international was approved unanimously by the federation's Emergency Committee following an extraordinary meeting held by videoconference on Monday, 17 August.
Vieira succeeds Pape Thiaw, who was removed from his position following Senegal's disappointing campaign at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
The FSF said all statutory members of the Emergency Committee took part in the meeting, with the exception of sixth vice-president Cheikh Ahmet Tidiane Seck, whose absence was officially excused.
After deliberations, the committee unanimously endorsed Vieira's appointment as coach of the Teranga Lions.
The federation described the decision as a strategic move aimed at establishing a "high-level technical set-up" capable of matching Senegal's sporting ambitions.
Vieira, a World Cup winner with France and a former Arsenal and Inter Milan midfielder, brings significant experience from both domestic and international football to the role.
He has previously managed clubs including Arsenal's youth side, New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace and Strasbourg, giving him experience in different footballing environments.
His appointment marks a new chapter for Senegal after a disappointing World Cup campaign that led to the departure of Thiaw.
The FSF, however, said discussions over the administrative and contractual arrangements surrounding Vieira's appointment are still ongoing.
"The exchanges relating to the administrative and contractual arrangements for his taking office are continuing between the parties," the federation said in its communiqué.
It added that the date of Vieira's official presentation, along with the next steps in his installation as national team coach, would be announced at a later date.
Vieira will now be tasked with restoring Senegal's competitiveness and maintaining the country's status as one of Africa's leading football nations.
The Teranga Lions have enjoyed considerable success in recent years, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 and establishing themselves as regular contenders on the continental and global stage.