Tom Saintfiet: Malian government calls for sacking of coach

Mali’s Ministry of Sports has formally requested the sacking of head coach Tom Saintfiet, citing unmet performance expectations tied to the national team’s long-term objectives.

In a letter dated January 13, 2026, the Ministry of Youth and Sports called on the Malian Football Federation (FEMAFOOT) to end their working relationship with Saintfiet following the country’s disappointing campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Director of #Mali‘s sports ministry has requested the termination of Tom Saintfiet’s contract as Eagles’ coach after failing to attain 4 objectives:

-2025 AFCON qualification
-Reach 2025 AFCON final
-2026 World Cup Qualification
-Last 16 of the 2026 World Cup

via @Romain_Molina pic.twitter.com/X2NBh6bz0Y

— Olúwashínà Òkélèjì (@oluwashina) February 18, 2026

According to the letter, Saintfiet was unable to achieve a number of objectives, with the first being the qualification of the national team to the final phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Tom Saintfiet guided Mali to AFCON quarterfinals

The second was to reach at least the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations; third was the qualification of the national team ‘seniors’ to the final phase of the next World Cup.

“It is clear he (Tom Saintfiet) was only able to achieve one goal out of four. In light of what is being done, I would be grateful if you could arrange for the immediate termination of the contract,” read part of the statement.

The 52-year-old Belgian coach recently dismissed claims that he had resigned as the coach of Mali and was heading to handle Rwanda national team.

“Contrary to some media reports, I did not resign from my job in Mali and I did not apply for a job in Rwanda,” Saintfiet wrote on his social media pages.

In Morocco, Mali were drawn against the host nation alongside Comoros, and Zambia. Their first game ended in a 1-1 draw, before drawing 1-1 against Morocco.

Mali lost to Senegal in the quarterfinals

Mali’s final group fixture against Comoros ended in a 0-0 draw with the West African nation qualifying alongside Morocco to the knockout stages. In the Round of 16, Mali eliminated Tunisia on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

However, their journey ended in the quarterfinals after losing 1-0 against Senegal, who went ahead to win the 2025 AFCON after beating Morocco in the final.

Tom Saintfiet helped Mali to qualify for the 2025 AFCON as first in the Group I, with the stunning achievement of four wins and two draws, with 10 goals scored and just one conceded, resulting the best defense in Africa.

Under his leadership, Mali achieved the record of most goals scored in a single match, a record that stood since 1972, reached against Eswatini, a match that finished 6-0 for Mali.