West Ham striker Diafra Sakho might face FIFA ban

Diafra Sakho might be banned from FIFA competitions including the Premier League

London, Jan 28 (IANS): Premier League club West Ham United FC's Diafra Sakho could face a major ban as the Senegalese striker pulled out of the Africa Cup of Nations with a back injury, but played for the club during the continental tournament period.

The Senegalese football federation (CAF) Tuesday lodged an official complaint with FIFA. Senegal coach Alain Giresse also blasted the 25-year-old on Monday night, after he featured for his club side against Bristol City Sunday, dailymail.co.uk reported Wednesday.

Sakho climbed off the bench to bag the winner in the FA Cup fourth round clash against the League One side, but Senegal officials were not expecting him to play.

However, Senegal football chief wrote to FIFA and demanded they take action, which could mean the summer signing from French club Metz could be banned by world football's governing body.

The tournament in Equatorial Guinea runs until Feb 8, and although Senegal have already crashed out, FIFA can stop Sakho appearing for the Hammers for the duration of the competition.

That means he could miss the English Premier League games against Liverpool and Manchester United, while they could issue a fine or an even longer ban.

Senegalese fans also want the Hammers booted out of the FA Cup, Sam Allardyce's side travel to West Bromwich Albion in the fifth round next month.