France’s participation in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia is in jeopardy due to possible disqualification for allegedly fielding an ineligible player.
The player in question is 17-year-old Yanis Issoufou, a Montpellier star who previously played for Niger Republic in the qualifiers three months ago.
FIFA rules prohibit players from representing two different teams in the same competition, which is the primary issue at hand.
Reports from sportnewsafrica.com suggest that FIFA was not notified of Issoufou’s apparent change of nationality, raising questions about the French team’s compliance with the governing body’s regulations.
France advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament after defeating Senegal 5-3 on penalties, but Burkina Faso is reportedly considering lodging an appeal to be considered for the next round of the competition, citing France’s alleged violation as the reason for their elimination.
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Issoufou’s background reveals that he is a product of AC Pissevin Valdegour, Nimes, and Montpellier’s youth academies.
He made his debut in the French Ligue 1 during the 2023/24 season and has played once for Montpellier in the current campaign.
At the ongoing 2023 U-17 FIFA World Cup, Issoufou has recorded one assist in three games, but his team’s prospects in the tournament are uncertain as the situation surrounding his eligibility unfolds.
