Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new head coach of the Senegal national football team, returning to management after leaving Serie A club Genoa last November.
The 50-year-old succeeds Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed following a disappointing World Cup campaign in which Senegal lost three of their four matches, concluding with a round-of-32 exit against Belgium.
Born in Senegal, Vieira brings a wealth of elite footballing experience, having won three Premier League titles with Arsenal and both the World Cup and European Championship as a player with France.
The Senegalese Football Federation announced the news on social media, confirming that details regarding Vieira's official presentation and immediate plans will be communicated in due course.
Vieira assumes control during a turbulent period following the overturning of Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations title win by Caf due to a pitch walk-off protest, with an appeal hearing scheduled at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in October.