Sakho Withdrawn from AFCON: FSF Accuses West Ham of Obstruction
Despite being initially slated to join Senegal’s final squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, Diafra Sakho will not be part of the tournament. His club, West Ham United, has cited a back injury as the reason for his withdrawal. However, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) strongly disputes this claim.
The FSF has accused the English Premier League side of deliberately withholding the striker and refusing to allow Senegal’s medical staff to independently assess his condition.
“We will contact FIFA and the English FA to assert our rights,” said FSF President Augustin Senghor. “The regulations will apply, and Diafra Sakho will not be allowed to play for his club during the period of declared unavailability.”
Senghor criticized the club’s lack of transparency, claiming West Ham informed Senegal only at the last minute—a day before the final squad submission deadline to CAF—that Sakho would be sidelined for six weeks and unable to fly to join the team.
“West Ham clearly disrespected us,” Senghor added. “It’s evident they intended to keep Sakho out of the national team, just as Senegal was preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Senegal views the club’s behavior as a violation of FIFA regulations, which require clubs to release players for international duty unless medically exempt, and only after proper medical verification.
With tensions rising, this incident could mark the start of a formal dispute between the FSF and West Ham United, with FIFA potentially being asked to intervene.
