Mali dismisses Belgian football coach after major tournament setbacks

The Mali national football team has concluded its partnership with head coach Tom Saintfiet, the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) announced. The Belgian tactician, who took charge in August 2024, faced criticism after failing to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and falling short in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Mali was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Senegal.

Femafoot acknowledges Saintfiet’s contributions

Mahazou Cisset, the newly elected president of Femafoot, expressed gratitude toward Saintfiet in an official statement shared on the federation’s social media platforms. The communiqué highlighted the coach’s «consistent dedication, exemplary professionalism, and remarkable determination» in leading the Aigles du Mali (Eagles of Mali). The message emphasized how Saintfiet maintained team cohesion and structured technical work despite challenging circumstances.