The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has announced the suspension of all domestic football activities until further notice due to the ongoing violent protests in the country.
These demonstrations were triggered by the prosecution of an opposition leader, resulting in significant tensions across Senegal following his recent sentencing to a two-year prison term.
The protests have sadly claimed the lives of at least 16 individuals since Thursday, making them some of the deadliest in recent history. Among the casualties are two members of the security forces, as reported by the presidency.
“In compliance with a government directive, the FSF has declared the suspension of all football competitions across the national territory, effective immediately”.
However, the reigning African champions, the Teranga Lions, who have already secured their spot in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, will not be affected by this decision.
They are currently scheduled to face Benin, the bottom-placed team in Group L, on June 17 for their qualifying fixture.
In the Senegalese top tier league, AS Académie Génération Foot currently leads the table with a four-point advantage over second-placed Diambars. With five rounds of matches left to be played, the outcome of the league remains uncertain due to the suspension.
Additionally, other football competitions, including the men’s, women’s, and youth FA Cup fixtures, have been affected by this suspension. The knockout stages, originally planned for June 21 to 25, will be rescheduled accordingly.