Sudanese Football Association vice president Osama Ataa Elmanan announced that Sudan has officially filed a complaint against Senegal regarding the eligibility of Assane Diao.
This decision came after the National Teams Committee, in coordination with the Talent Scouting Committee, obtained what they described as important documents prompting them to submit the protest.
This development follows Sudan’s goalless draw against Senegal in the fifth round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Diao featured in the match as a substitute, coming on in the 79th minute to replace Ismaïla Sarr for his Senegal debut after previously representing Spain's youth national teams.
Earlier, the Senegalese Football Federation confirmed in an official statement that FIFA had approved the nationality change of Assane Diao and Yehvann Diouf to represent Senegal. This decision was made by a single judge at FIFA’s Football Tribunal on March 19, 2025.
FIFA also confirmed the eligibility of Antoine Alpha Mendy to play for Senegal, while the case of Ilay Camara remains pending due to a delayed response from the Royal Belgian Football Association.
Following Saturday's draw, the Group B standings are:
1. Sudan – 11 points
2. DR Congo – 10 points
3. Senegal – 9 points
4. Togo – 4 points
5. Mauritania – 2 points
6. South Sudan – 2 points
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