Sudan has reportedly lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, contesting the eligibility of Assane Diao in Senegal’s recent 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
The dispute centers on the regulations governing national team switches, with claims that the Real Betis winger did not meet the required waiting period before representing the Teranga Lions.
According to journalist Micky Jnr, Sudan has raised concerns over a possible breach of FIFA’s three-year waiting rule, which applies to players who have previously represented one national team before switching allegiance to another.
The complaint, if upheld, could have significant implications for Senegal’s qualification campaign.
FIFA’s eligibility rules under scrutiny
FIFA’s regulations stipulate that a player who has represented one national team in official competition must wait three years before switching to another, provided they meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
Diao, who had previously played for Spain at youth level, opted to represent Senegal, his country of origin.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) took immediate steps to secure the required clearance from FIFA to ensure his eligibility before he made his debut for Senegal in the qualifiers.
Senegal confident in compliance
Despite Sudan’s challenge, the FSF remains confident that all procedures were followed correctly.
The federation acted swiftly to secure FIFA’s approval for Diao’s switch, ensuring compliance with international regulations before selecting him for the squad.
This was a precautionary measure to avoid a situation similar to that of Emilio Nsue, who was deemed ineligible for Equatorial Guinea, leading to sanctions against the team.
Selon @MickyJnr__, Le Soudan aurait déposé une plainte officielle auprès de la FIFA contre le Sénégal pour avoir aligné Assane Diao lors du match d’hier ! 🤔
La plainte concerne le règlement de la FIFA concernant la période d’attente de trois ans avant de passer d’une sélection… pic.twitter.com/rUGACsZ7gN
— Joueurs SN 🇸🇳 (@JoueursSN) March 23, 2025
With FIFA having granted approval for Diao’s participation, the complaint is unlikely to succeed.
However, if Sudan’s challenge is upheld, Senegal could face disciplinary action, which might include forfeiting points from the match in question.
Potential impact on qualification
Senegal, one of Africa’s top footballing nations, is keen to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Any disciplinary ruling against the team could complicate their qualification campaign, making FIFA’s response to Sudan’s complaint a matter of keen interest.
As the case unfolds, FIFA’s stance on eligibility rules and their application will come under scrutiny.
For now, Senegal remains confident that they acted within the framework of the governing body’s regulations, but Sudan’s complaint has added a layer of uncertainty to an already intense qualification race.
