Belgian tactician Tom Saintfiet has confirmed his immediate resignation as head coach of the Mali national football team. His departure, effective since late April 2026, comes at a time of heightened political instability and security challenges within the West African nation.
Tom Saintfiet is no longer at the helm of Mali’s national squad. The coach, who took charge in August 2024, announced his exit overnight, citing the extremely tense environment in the country following a series of assaults by jihadist groups and Tuareg rebels.
« Today marks the completion of my assignment as the head coach for the senior national team of Mali. It was a mission fulfilled with immense pride and commitment, even though circumstances were at times difficult. The moment has arrived for me to pursue a new professional endeavor, » Saintfiet conveyed in a message posted on his Facebook account on April 27, 2026.
Tom Saintfiet’s impressive record: only two defeats in 17 matches
« In these exceptionally trying times that Mali is currently navigating, my sincerest thoughts are undeniably with the Malian people and the entire nation. More than ever, I extend a message of empathy, solidarity, and unity. Football remains fundamentally a sport, a powerful force for bringing people together, and I truly hope it will continue to embody values of peace and optimism for Mali, » added the coach, who had succeeded Éric Chelle on the Eagles’ bench.
During Tom Saintfiet’s leadership, Mali, despite a challenging start in World Cup qualifiers, suffered only two losses across 17 competitive fixtures. This included a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the quarter-finals of the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. « May peace, stability, and hope permanently return to Mali. I wish Mali the very best! Go, Eagles! » concluded the 53-year-old manager, who had previously been linked with the Ghana coaching role before Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz was appointed to lead the Black Stars. The Malian Football Federation, through its president Mahazou dit Baba Cissé, acknowledged Saintfiet’s contributions and has initiated a search for his successor.