AFCON 2015 – Senegal-West Ham Conflict Brews over Diafra Sakho’s Controversial Return
Tensions are rising between West Ham United and the Senegalese Football Federation after Diafra Sakho made a surprise return to action for his club—despite being ruled out of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations due to a reported back injury.
Sakho, who was initially declared unfit by West Ham due to a herniated disc—an injury said to require 4 to 6 weeks of rest—scored the winning goal in an FA Cup tie against Bristol City this Sunday. The forward had been withheld from Senegal’s AFCON squad, a decision that had already sparked frustration within the Senegalese camp.
Now, after seeing the striker back on the pitch much earlier than expected, the Senegalese FA is considering taking the matter to FIFA. Federation president Augustin Senghor previously threatened to escalate the issue, stating:
“We will contact FIFA and the English Football Association to assert our rights. The regulations will apply, since Diafra Sakho will not be able to play during the time indicated for his unavailability.”
Senegal had demanded that Sakho be assessed by national team doctors, a request reportedly ignored by West Ham. The club maintained their stance on his fitness and kept the player in London.
This case could now become a regulatory and legal test for FIFA regarding club vs. country obligations, particularly during major international tournaments like the AFCON.
Whether sanctions will follow—or Sakho will be banned from playing during the official injury period—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Senegal is not letting this go quietly.
