EPL club facing ban over Diafra Sakho's refusal to play in AFCON 2015

Diafra Sakho did not fly with Senegal to the 2015 African Cup of Nations, citing a back injury behind his reason for not taking part in the tournament.

Incidentally, the same week, the 25 year-old featured for West Ham in An FA Cup match against Bristol City at Ashton Gate, which now places the club at risk of facing FIFA ban and a consequent point loss.

According to a FIFA rule; ''a player who has not reported for international duty due to an injury cannot play for his club during the period he should have been released, unless there is an agreement in place between club and country.’’

With Senegal already out of the Nations Cup which is already in the semi-final stage, West Ham are under investigation for breach of the rule.

If the club is found guilty after the investigations, West Ham could be kicked out of the FA Cup or face points deduction in any game Sakho played.

The club however maintains that they have not broken any regulation.

‘Diafra Sakho and West Ham United vigorously deny that they have acted in breach of Fifa regulations,’ disregarding 'the proceedings as clearly unfounded and are requesting their dismissal.’