Sunderland were within AFCON rules over Habib Diarra, with his delayed departure agreed by all parties

Sunderland have not breached any FIFA or AFCON regulations over Habib Diarra’s involvement against Brighton, despite claims circulating online suggesting the club could face disciplinary action.

Diarra featured in Sunderland’s 0-0 Premier League draw with Brighton on Saturday. However, in the days after, reports claimed the club should have released him for the Africa Cup of Nations. Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, speaking to Mackem News, questioned whether Sunderland had permission to retain the midfielder beyond an assumed release date, and suggested the Black Cats could face sanctions.

However, The Echo understands those claims are misplaced. Under FIFA regulations, the release date for players called up to international tournaments is set centrally, with any variation to that timetable requiring mutual agreement between the player’s club and national association. In Diarra’s case, that agreement was in place.

Sunderland retained the Senegal international to allow him to complete his rehabilitation from injury, with the full knowledge and approval of all relevant parties. There was no unilateral decision taken by the club, nor any attempt to delay his departure without consent.

Head coach Régis Le Bris has also addressed the situation in recent press conferences, making clear that Diarra’s return to action was carefully managed and coordinated with Senegal’s medical staff. Sending the midfielder to AFCON without ensuring he was fit to participate in competitive matches would have made little sense for either club or country.

Diarra is now expected to link up with Senegal ahead of the tournament, with his workload expected to be managed progressively as he builds match sharpness. There is therefore no expectation of correspondence, sanctions or further action from FIFA or AFCON organisers, with Sunderland fully compliant with international release regulations throughout the process.

After the Brighton game, Le Bris said of Diarra: “We were happy to go all the way through the rehab process with him. This was the conclusion of that, and now he is ready to play. So, he will go with his national team. It will be progressive with them as well, in order to make sure everything goes well, and then after AFCON, he will be 100 per cent with us and in good shape.”

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Le Bris added after the Brighton game: “I thought we played well for 65–70 minutes and had opportunities to score. “We didn’t today, but I think it is always important, when you go away from home against a strong side, to seize those opportunities.

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“After that, Brighton pushed, which is normal, and we were a bit on the edge, but it is still a good point. Their subs gave them an extra drive, so we had to defend,” he continued. It is not easy for the new lads in the squad to step up, but they need time and experience to improve. Our centre-backs were very good, as usual, but the squad is always connected to defend together. It is not always a question of individual players or centre-backs; it is very much about the collective spirit.”