The Sudan Football Association has officially reported Senegal to FIFA, challenging the eligibility of Assane Diao in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
At the heart of the dispute is FIFA’s nationality switch rule, which mandates a three-year waiting period for players who have previously represented another country in official competitions.
Diao, who replaced Ismaila Sarr in the 79th minute of the goalless draw, had previously played for Spain’s U-21 team. His appearances include a friendly on October 13, 2023, and three UEFA U-21 European Championship qualifiers on October 17, November 17, and November 21, 2023.
According to FIFA regulations, players who have competed in official youth competitions for one nation must fulfill specific criteria before switching allegiances. Sudan argues that Diao has not yet met these requirements and should have been ineligible to play for Senegal.
FIFA is now reviewing the complaint, with a decision expected in due course