Eagles Coach Quits Over Unpaid Wages

Tom Saintfiet has resigned as head coach of the Mali national football team, the Eagles, following a dispute over delayed salary payments.

The Belgian tactician reportedly ended his tenure with the Malian side after concerns regarding outstanding remuneration could not be resolved.

Saintfiet had led Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a performance that garnered praise for his tactical discipline and structured approach. Despite this impressive continental showing, administrative issues appear to have brought his time with the team to an abrupt close.

The experienced coach, who has managed several national teams across Africa, is understood to be among the applicants for the vacant Rwanda national team coaching position as he continues his managerial career.