French media: The departure of the French national team's security chief has sparked infighting within the football association.

According to multiple French media reports, the conflict between the French national team and the French Football Federation has been escalating since the 2026 World Cup, with the focus being the future of Mohamed Senhagi, who is in charge of the team's security.

According to the French newspaper L'Équipe, the French Football Federation posted a job opening for the position of head of security for the French national team a few days before the team's training camp in Clairefontaine began on June 29. Senhagi, who has held this position since 2004, angered coach Deschamps and the players.

The former police officer was forced to retire early in 2022 after receiving a gift from Mbappe, which was deemed illegal by his superiors; however, the French Football Federation allowed him to remain in his post until the start of the World Cup in order to ease tensions within the team.

Deschamps understood Senhagi's importance to the French national team, and he had the players' support. The players were even prepared to boycott their trip to the United States without the security chief. Therefore, Deschamps directly pressured the French Football Federation to clear up any ambiguity and ensure Senhagi's presence at training camp.

Nevertheless, Senhagi's situation remains delicate after learning of the job posting. He fears he might be replaced before training camp even begins, leading to speculation about his future with the French national team, despite his close ties with several top figures in French football.

Mohamed Senhagi has close ties to the Mbappe family, Zidane, Barthez, and many other French football figures, and is a key figure in the French national team. However, he has not received support from the French Football Federation's management, whose attitude towards this gift controversy has been rather lukewarm.

In the context of the situation, the French Football Federation (FA) seems to want to part ways with Senhagi, but Zidane, seen as Deschamps' successor, is demanding that he remain in his position. Zidane, who is expected to take charge of the French national team at the end of July, has already sent a new, hard-line signal to the FA.

It's worth noting that France finished fourth in the 2026 World Cup, losing 4-6 to England in the third-place match last Saturday. Throughout the tournament, the team had several clashes with the French Football Federation, the latest being the "Senhagi incident," the repercussions of which may continue after Zidane takes over.