The era of Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet with the Mali national football team has come to an end. The Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) announced this week that Saintfiet, aged 53, has been relieved of his duties as head coach. His departure follows the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and their quarter-final exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they were defeated by Senegal.
Femafoot acknowledges Saintfiet’s contributions
In a statement shared on social media, Mahazou Cisset, the newly elected president of the Femafoot, expressed gratitude for Saintfiet’s work. The federation praised his unwavering commitment, professionalism, and resilience in guiding the team through challenging circumstances. Their message highlighted how he maintained team cohesion, implemented structured training, and represented Mali’s national colors with dignity.
«During your tenure, you demonstrated consistent dedication, exemplary professionalism, and remarkable determination in fulfilling your mission. Despite a demanding environment, you successfully fostered team unity, established a strong technical framework, and carried the colors of the Mali national team with pride and dignity.»
Saintfiet, nicknamed
