Mondial 2026 : France - Sénégal, le cœur de Ricardo Faty balance
With less than six months to go before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the match between France and Senegal is already attracting a lot of attention. For former Senegalese international Ricardo Faty, this first-round duel, scheduled for June 16, has a special significance.
A former midfielder for the "Lions" (6 caps), Ricardo Faty also represented France at youth level. This dual heritage makes the choice a difficult one as this spectacular match approaches. For him, this game evokes the indelible memory of 2002, when Senegal defeated the reigning world champions (1-0). "Something clicked in my mind, like in all the other young players of my generation: 'Wow, we can beat them!'" he told the media outlet Urban Pitch.
Now a coach in France, Faty refuses to choose between his two homelands. His position is imbued with nostalgia and loyalty to the two nations that shaped him: "Senegal is my blood, France is my heart. I can't choose. I played for Senegal and I coach in France. They are both my countries."
For the former international, the verdict boils down to a simple formula: may the best team win on the field.
Commentaires (4)
By Enitan Abdultawab
President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referees Committee, Olivier Safari, has hinted that the body may move to review existing regulations guiding the use of towels by goalkeepers, following the controversy that trailed their use during the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The controversy came to light during the semi-final clash between Nigeria and host nation Morocco, where Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was repeatedly distracted as stadium officials interfered with the towels placed behind his goal.
Videos of the disruptions quickly went viral, drawing criticism from fans and pundits over the lack of control around the pitch.
The issue resurfaced and intensified during the final, again involving the host nation.
Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy experienced similar interference, with ball boys, stewards and even players handling or removing his towels during the match. One widely circulated clip showed Africa Footballer of the Year, Achraf Hakimi, taking Mendy’s towel from the goal area.
Tensions escalated further when Senegal’s substitute goalkeeper, Yehvann Diouf, attempted to safeguard the towels.
Diouf was chased around the pitch by stewards and ball boys before being forcibly escorted off, creating disorderly scenes that momentarily overshadowed the final.
Despite the distractions, Senegal went on to secure the AFCON title. However, the incidents may yet have consequences, with potential sanctions reportedly looming for sections of Senegal’s supporters, head coach Pape Thiaw, and the Senegal Football Federation.
Reacting to the episode, President of the Confederation of African Football Referees Committee, Olivier Safari, admitted the situation exposed a gap in regulations and hinted at possible changes ahead of future tournaments.
“This is a problem organisers must take into account in future competitions,” Safari said in an interview with Canal+ Afrique. He noted that towels are not officially recognised as playing equipment and cautioned against their misuse. “When a goalkeeper carries a towel, it must be done in a sporting and fair-play manner. Once it is used to shout instructions or influence the game, I believe it should be removed from the playing area.”
Comme pour blâmer la presence des serviettes sur l’aire de jeu et non le comportement des fans et même de joueur le meilleur africain de l’année😳 et préparer l’opinion à un éventuel blanchiment du camp marocain. Curieux, non?
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