The start of Senegal's Ligue 1, scheduled for October 3, 2026, is uncertain due to a request from Jaraaf de Dakar for a postponement. The club's president, Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane SECK, has asked the Ligue Sénégalaise de Football Professionnel (LSFP) to delay the start of the championship until further notice. This request comes as a result of a FIFA-imposed ban on player recruitment, which has been in effect since February 26, 2026.
The ban prevents Jaraaf from registering new players, which is a significant issue given that the club has recently signed around ten new players and appointed a new coach, Sellé DIENG. According to SECK, it would be preferable to wait until the situation is resolved before launching the competition. Jaraaf is not the only club affected by this ban, as AS Pikine and US Gorée are also under a recruitment embargo and cannot register new players.
The impact of the ban is already being felt, with AS Pikine failing to secure the signing of Mouhamed WELE, who has joined the Kawkab Athletic Club de Marrakech instead. The LSFP has not yet responded to Jaraaf's request for a postponement. The league had previously announced the start of the season for October 3, 2026, and had released the full schedule for the first half of the season.
A highly anticipated match between AS Pikine and Jaraaf is scheduled for the 14th day of the season. However, the latest administrative developments may lead to a delay in the start of the championship, which is eagerly awaited by local football fans. The uncertainty surrounding the start of the season is a significant concern for the clubs and the league.
The LSFP's response to Jaraaf's request will be crucial in determining the fate of the season. If the request is approved, it could lead to a delay in the start of the championship, which would have a ripple effect on the entire season. The clubs have been preparing for the new season, and any delay could impact their preparations.
The FIFA ban on player recruitment is a separate issue that needs to be addressed by the clubs. The ban was imposed due to undisclosed reasons, and the clubs need to resolve the issue to avoid any further consequences. The situation is being closely watched by the football community, and a resolution is expected soon.
The delay in the start of the season could also impact the national team's preparations, as several players from the local league are expected to be called up for international duty. The uncertainty surrounding the season is a concern for the football authorities, and a swift resolution is needed to avoid any further complications.
Key points
- Jaraaf de Dakar has requested a postponement of the Ligue 1 start due to a FIFA-imposed ban on player recruitment.
