The Sudan Football Association has lodged an official complaint with FIFA against Senegal for fielding Assane Diao in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
The dispute centers on FIFA’s eligibility rules regarding nationality switches, specifically the three-year waiting period required for players who have previously represented another country in official competitions.
Diao, who came on as a substitute in the 79th minute to replace Ismaila Sarr in the match that ended in a 0-0 draw, has previously featured for Spain’s U-21 team. He played in four matches, including a friendly on October 13, 2023, and three UEFA U-21 European Championship qualifiers on October 17, November 17, and November 21, 2023.
FIFA regulations state that a player who has represented a nation at youth level in official competitions must meet specific conditions to switch allegiance. Sudan is arguing that Diao does not yet meet these criteria and should have been ineligible for selection by Senegal.
The complaint is now in FIFA’s hands, and the global football governing body is expected to review the matter before making a decision.
