The Sudan Football Association has filed a formal complaint with FIFA against Senegal, alleging that Assane Diao was ineligible to play in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on March 22, 2025.
The dispute revolves around FIFA’s nationality switch regulations, which require a three-year waiting period for players who have previously represented another nation in official competitions.
Diao, who entered the match as a substitute in the 79th minute, replacing Ismaila Sarr, has previously played for Spain’s U-21 side.
His appearances include four matches: a friendly on October 13, 2023, and three UEFA U-21 European Championship qualifiers on October 17, November 17, and November 21 of the same year.
FIFA rules stipulate that a player who has competed at the youth level in official competitions must fulfill specific criteria before switching international allegiance.
Sudan is contesting that Diao has not yet met these conditions and was therefore ineligible for Senegal’s squad.
The case is now under FIFA’s review, with football’s global governing body expected to assess the situation before reaching a decision.
