The Belgian, who replaced Eric Chelle in 2024, left his role after nearly two years in charge of the Eagles.
During his time, Saintfiet, who has previously coached Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, Togo, and The Gambia, recorded nine wins, six draws, and just two losses in 17 official matches.
He also led Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost to eventual champions Senegal at the Tangier Grand Stadium.
With four months still left on his contract, the 53-year-old decided to leave, although reports suggest he may have been pushed out after failing to qualify Mali for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and not reaching the semi-finals of the last AFCON.
However, a reliable source within the Malian Football Federation, speaking anonymously, told Flashscore that Saintfiet’s decision was forced following Mahazou Baba Cisse’s preference for appointing local coaches over expatriates.
The source also claimed the Belgian tactician had been made aware of the situation when Cisse took office.
Cisse was elected the new president of FEMAFOOT unopposed on April 16, 2025, in an election overseen by representatives from FIFA, CAF, and WAFU-A.
Although a call for applications to replace Saintfiet has since been opened, reports suggest Mali are leaning towards appointing former international defender Fousseni Diawara.
The former Saint-Etienne and Ajaccio right-back is currently viewed as the frontrunner for the role, having previously served as head coach of Mali’s U23 side and assistant coach of the senior national team.
He is currently working as assistant coach of the Guinea national football team.
The most recent Malian coach to hold the senior job was Chelle, who was dismissed following a goalless draw against 10-man Madagascar in a World Cup qualifier held in Johannesburg.
