LSFP challenges FSF delay and proposes October 10 start

The Senegalese Professional Football League (LSFP) is seeking to bring forward the delayed start of the national championships, putting it at odds with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). It has asked for discussions with the federation and proposed October 10 as the new opening date for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2.

The FSF’s emergency committee decided on September 29 to move the start from October 3 to October 17, citing the international schedule of Senegal’s national teams. The LSFP accepts that the national sides must be given priority, but believes the two-week postponement is longer than necessary. It also indicated that it was not involved in the decision-making process.

The league says it had already prepared clubs, commercial partners, broadcasters, media organisations and other professional football stakeholders for the season. A change of this scale therefore creates sporting, organisational and financial adjustments. The LSFP wants those consequences examined jointly with the FSF before the calendar is finalised.

The dispute comes as the round of 32 in the LFA Cup remains scheduled for October 5 and 6, during the same period as friendly matches involving national teams. The LSFP also reaffirmed its support for Senegal’s selections, while stressing that professional clubs, players, coaches and training centres contribute to the strength of those teams.