Sunderland could be contacted by governing body after Habib Diarra call vs Brighton
Habib Diarra featured for Sunderland against Brighton, five days after the Black Cats were supposed to have released him for AFCON.
Sunderland secured a point in a 0-0 draw against Brighton on Saturday, which, in the grand scheme of things, is a good result for the Black Cats.
However, given the dominance they had in the game, Sunderland will feel as though they could have had a lot more had it not been for their lack of quality when in the final third.
With that said, a decision made on Diarra in the second half could land the Mackems in a spot of bother, according to Keith Hackett.
AFCON were pressured into late decision
Originally, those competing at AFCON were supposed to jet away for the competition on 8 December, but after requests were made by several clubs, the Confederation allowed that to be delayed.
Sunderland’s win over Newcastle was believed to be the last game that would see those competing take part in Premier League action, but for Diarra, that wasn’t the case.
The Black Cats kept the Senegal midfielder beyond that date so that he could complete his rehabilitation, and Hackett has questioned whether Sunderland had permission to do so.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, he said: “FIFA will not take kindly to the actions of Sunderland appearing to delay the departure of Diarra for him to participate in the AFCON Tournament.
“It will be interesting to witness if AFCON have given approval. If not, then I expect they will be receiving correspondence from the tournament organisers.“
When is Diarra likely to return for Sunderland?
Providing Diarra has not suffered any setbacks after his appearance at the Amex, he will leave for AFCON on Monday, with Senegal due to play their first game on Tuesday.
Given the strength that his country has, they will be expected to go far in the competition, and potentially even to the final.
Should that be the case, Diarra would be away on international duty until 18 January.
Sunderland‘s next game after that is away to West Ham on 24 January, which could be the date of his return.
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