Senegal call for France to be disqualified from U17 World Cup

by
Collins Okinyo
November 24, 2023

Senegal have called for France to be disqualified from the U17 World Cup after Les Bleuets fielded a potentially ineligible player during the Group Stages of the tournament, currently taking place in Indonesia.

Montpellier HSC forward Yanis Issoufou has featured three times for France during this tournament, registering two assists and playing an important role in Les Bleuets’ progression to the knockout rounds, however, he was absent from Wednesday’s Round of 16 match against Senegal.

The decision to omit Issoufou from the teamsheet was one made hastily and was in reaction to reports of the player’s ineligibility. As reported by Sport News Africa, Issoufou represented Niger U17s in a competition that allowed the African nation to compete in the U17 World Cup. FIFA rules (article 24) prohibit a player from representing two nations during the same tournament. The FFF did not want to take any chances against Senegal and Issoufou therefore did not play.

🇸🇳 Le Sénégal, éliminé par la France en huitièmes de finale de la Coupe du Monde U17 dénonce l’inégibilité de Yanis Issoufou et demande la disqualification de la France.

A priori, les dirigeants français ignoraient que le montpelliérain avait déjà joué en U17 avec le Niger. pic.twitter.com/fTLnBktuuC

— EspoirsduFootball (@EspoirsduFoot) November 23, 2023

France went on to beat Senegal on penalties (5-3) to progress to the Quarter-finals, however, their participation going forward could be in question after Senegal lodged an official request for Les Bleuets’ disqualification. In an official letter, sent to the Director of the competition, the African nation highlighted the need to apply article 24, as well as article 8 b of FIFA’s rules for the 2023 U17 World Cup.

“We request, therefore, Mr. Director, that considering what has happened, France be disqualified from the 2023 Indonesia U17 World Cup for fielding an illegible player,” reads the letter from the Senegal

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Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com