The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) have publicly condemned the refusal of French Ligue 2 club, Metz to release two players – Lamine Camara and Papa Amadou Diallo for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.
The Africa U-20 Cup of Nations champions are preparing to jet out to South America this weekend ahead of their opening match against Japan U20 on May 21.
Following Senegal’s success at the AFCON U20 in March, Metz moved to sign Camara and Diallo with the former making his Ligue 2 debut against Bordeaux on April 15 and he has two league appearances under his belt.
Camara was named the Best Player of the Tournament at this year’s AFCON U20 following his standout performances for the Young Teranga Lions and also produced impressive performances at the African Nations Championship earlier this year.
Diallo, on his part, plays for Metz youth team and he was named in Metz’s first-team for a Ligue 2 match on May 6 against Niort.
Both players have crucial roles in Pape Thiaw’s team and their absence comes as a worry for Senegal.
“The Senegalese Football Federation informs the public that FC Metz has firmly and definitively refused to release the players Lamine Camara and Papa Amadou Diallo for their participation in the next U20 World Cup, despite the insistence of the President of the FSF,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Moroccan club RS Berkane have granted permission to Mamadou Lamine Camara to join the Young Teranga Lions this week after initial reluctance.
Senegal are in Group C of the FIFA U-20 World Cup against Colombia, Israel and Japan.
