A Member of the Senegalese Parliament, Cheikh Thioro Mbacke has prompted to demand a comprehensive audit and full disclosure of the funds spent during Senegal’s campaigns in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The politician called for an “exhaustive assessment,” highlighting a lack of recent efforts to uphold the constitutional principle of transparency in the West African nation due to Corruption and mismanagement allegations.
In an open letter, Mbacke expressed deep concerns over the handling of public funds by the Ministry of Sports and the Senegalese Football Federation. “In accordance with the constitutional principle of transparency in the management of public affairs and the obligation to account for this management, the conditions of use of funds linked to the national football team’s campaigns for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2022 FIFA World Cup by the Ministry and the Federation raise numerous questions,” Mbacke noted in his letter sent to the Ministry of Sports.
He added, “The people must, without delay, obtain answers to these questions,” and copied the letter to the Speaker of Parliament.
The MP’s scrutiny comes after Senegal’s football team, despite being one of the favorites, was ousted early from AFCON 2023, finishing in ninth place. Mbacke’s request extends to several key points of financial clarity, including the total expenditure on the two major football campaigns, the bonuses received by players, and compensations for staff and officials.
Furthermore, he seeks to uncover whether a detailed financial statement from the Senegalese Football Federation is available—a document that would ideally showcase prudent management of resources.
“Madam Minister, does this mean that the file relating to the management of these two major competitions has never been instructed by your services in accordance with the requirements of accountability in the management of public affairs?” the letter adds.
This bold move by the MP has been met with mixed reactions. While some applaud his insistence on accountability, others are wary of the potential disruptions it might cause within the sports sector. However, Mbacke remains steadfast, stating, “While waiting to receive these documents, we kindly ask you to provide clear and detailed explanations to MPs.”
