Keita Balde has assured his Senegalese teammates of his unflinching support at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as he continues to serve an anti-doping ban.
Balde was banned from football-related activities in September by the Italian Anti-Doping Organisation after he made his debut in the Russian Premier League for Spartak Moscow.
According to FIFA statutes, any doping-related sanction imposed by any national or international association is automatically accepted by FIFA and recognised by all all confederations and associations.
Meanwhile, Spartak Moscow have claimed that no banned substance was found in Balde but he was guilty of breaking the test procedure after Cagliari’s 5-1 defeat to Udinese in a Serie A match in April 2022.
Balde was part of Aliou Cisse’s squad that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon this February but he is missing in the 26-man squad that will fly the Senegalese colours in Qatar.
In a lengthy social media post of goodwill, the former Inter Milan and Lazio star said: “Today there is no room for sadness in my head and in my heart. The joy of seeing my country represented at the World Cup by these fantastic 26 guys and this delegation who are like a family to me is much greater than all the rest.
“Senegal for me means happiness, humility, sacrifice, family. Senegal is my home. In the coming weeks, my heart will be at home, together with the boys, in Qatar.
“I will feel like the 27th player of the group, but above all I will be the 1st fan of these colors, proud and proud to see the African champion team fighting on the pitch for this great country.
“I would like to thank coach Aliou Cissè and the Senegalese Federation for the closeness and support they have shown me in this particular moment, making me feel an integral part of the national team every day.
“A huge thank you also to my club, Spartak Moscow, who have never made me lack its full support to be back soon available in the best conditions.”
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