Mali faces coaching uncertainty amid Football Federation crisis

Malian football remains in limbo as the country awaits the date of an extraordinary general assembly to elect a new executive board for the football federation (FEMAFOOT), following the mass resignation of Mamoutou “Bavieux” Touré’s administration.

Behind-the-scenes political maneuvering has already begun, but the question of the national team coach also hangs in the balance. Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, appointed in August 2024 on a two-year contract, has reportedly not received regular salary payments. “I have never been paid normally,” he lamented last month.

According to sources, FEMAFOOT and the Sports Ministry have yet to fully settle salary arrears owed to former coaches Eric Chelle and Mohamed Magassouba, as well as several youth and women’s team coaches.

This precarious financial situation limits options for a new coach, particularly as Saintfiet who will not be retained regardless, faces interference from the Ministry of Sports and internal power struggles within FEMAFOOT.

Following the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final elimination of Mali, the Ministry of Youth and Sports officially requested the dismissal of Saintfiet in a January 13 letter.

With the federation in crisis and the executive board dissolved, the Belgian’s departure appears likely to be accelerated, though FEMAFOOT has yet to issue an official statement.