Sunderland AFC could face disciplinary action from FIFA following a controversy surrounding the late release of midfielder Habib Diarra for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Despite a Dec. 15 deadline for players to join their national teams, Diarra featured as a substitute in Sunderland’s 0-0 draw against Brighton on Saturday.
The club reportedly held the player back to complete injury rehabilitation, but former FIFA referee Keith Hackett warned that “FIFA will not take kindly” to the delay without explicit prior approval.
Diarra played for the Black Cats five days after the mandatory release date. He is expected to join Senegal today, just 24 hours before their opening match.
If Senegal goes deep into the tournament, Sunderland could be without Diarra until their Jan. 24 fixture against West Ham.
