Senegal star Pape Gueye was absent when Senegal drew with Guinea on Friday, prompting many fans to ask about the Marseille midfielder’s whereabouts. After the match, national team coach Allou Cisse explained that Gueye had “an administration problem” that was revealed just before kick-off. The problem in question, in fact, is a complete FIFA-issued suspension from participating in any footballing activities.“Pape Gueye had an administrative problem just before the match kicked off. Five minutes before, we were notified that FIFA suspended him for a transfer between his club Marseille and Watford. His lawyer informed us this morning that something is happening, but we received the formal confirmation just before the match with Guinea. That’s why we’ve had to remove him from the match sheet.”AFCON 2021: West African derby ends in a barren drawThe former Le Havre man is suspended because of the ongoing dispute between his current club Olympique de Marseille and Watford after his transfer to the Olympian club in 2020. As Gueye’s contract with Le Havre was in its last six months, the player was free to negotiate with any club. Or to be more precise, the player or his agents are allowed to talk to any club.Premier League club Watford announced in April 2020 that the deal had been reached for Gueye’s arrival.”Watford FC is delighted to confirm the signing of French midfielder Pape Gueye. He signed a five-year deal with the Hornets, effective from July 1 2020. With Gueye’s current deal at France Ligue 2 side Le Havre expiring this summer, an official agreement has already been lodged with all relevant authorities.”Saturday, 19.00: (1.25) Nigeria (5.90) Sudan (18.0)And yet, when the 2020/21 season kicked off, Gueye was a Marseille player. The 22-year-old Senegal international had disputed his Watford contract, terminated it unilaterally and freely joined Marseille, which had not paid transfer compensation, much to the dismay of the Hornets, who initiated a legal process. 🚨 BREAKING: FIFA has suspended Pape Gueye (22) from playing football as part of their investigation into his transfer involving 🏴 Watford and 🇫🇷 Marseille in 2018. He can’t take part in the ongoing 2021 AFCON until further notice.#AFCON2021 #TeamSenegal #Gueye #OM #Watford pic.twitter.com/C38WL7MEYA— #AFCON2021 ✪ (@MickyJnr__) January 14, 2022 Apparently, FIFA deems this situation irregular. It remains to be seen what sanction will be pronounced against Pape Gueye, knowing that a suspension would also affect the Marseille club. After the ongoing saga with Watford not wanting to release Ismaila Sarr to play in the AFCON and now Pape Gueye having to withdraw from the tournament because of Watford’s appeal, we can safely say that the people of Senegal have got a new most-hated club.
