Assane Diao cleared for Senegal debut as Ilay Camara’s nationality switch faces delays

Assane Diao has officially been cleared to represent Senegal after FIFA approved his nationality switch, allowing him to be available for the national team’s World Cup qualifier against Sudan.

However, Ilay Camara remains in limbo, with his paperwork yet to be finalized.

Senegal Finalizes Nationality Switches for Key Players

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed on Friday that several players, including Assane Diao, Yehvann Diouf, and Antoine Alpha Mendy, have completed their nationality change process and are now eligible to play for the Lions of Teranga.

FIFA ratified the changes following a decision from its Football Tribunal on March 19, 2025.

“FIFA has officially approved the nationality switch for Yehvann Diouf and Assane Diao, as determined by the single judge of the FIFA Football Tribunal.

Additionally, Antoine Alpha Mendy has been deemed eligible to represent Senegal,” the FSF announced in a statement.

With this confirmation, all three players will be available for selection in Senegal’s World Cup qualifying match against Sudan on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

Ilay Camara’s Case Still Unresolved

Despite the positive developments for Diao and his teammates, Ilay Camara’s situation remains unresolved.

The 22-year-old, who previously represented Belgium at youth level, is still awaiting clearance from FIFA due to delays in receiving necessary documents from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA).

According to the FSF, repeated requests for confirmation of Camara’s sporting history with Belgium’s national teams have gone unanswered, creating uncertainty over his availability.

“Only Ilay Camara’s case remains pending due to the Royal Belgian Football Association’s delay in responding to requests for confirmation of his status. Despite multiple follow-ups, the issue has yet to be resolved,” the FSF stated.

With time running out before Senegal’s crucial qualifier, Camara’s chances of featuring against Sudan remain uncertain, highlighting the bureaucratic challenges often faced by players switching national allegiances.