French Ligue 1 club-side, Dijon FC have stopped the Republic of Benin goalkeeper, Saturnin Allagbe from taking part in the 2022 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria.
Allagbe is the latest Beninoise player to be stopped by his French club from coming for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against the Super Eagles and Sierra Leone later this month of March.
Ligue 1 bottom side, Dijon announced they have told their players who have to play outside Europe during the FIFA window they will not be released because they cannot afford for them to have to quarantine for several days on their return.
An official statement on Dijon’s website read: “The DFCO announces that it has taken the decision not to release its international players playing outside Europe during the next international break at the end of March.
“Forced to have to observe a period of isolation of more than five days upon returning from their selections, internationals playing outside the European area will not be allowed to join their respective national teams.
“Indeed, as authorized by FIFA, the DFCO does not wish to release players who will be unable to defend the club’s colors during the Olympique de Marseille – DFCO match, scheduled for Sunday April 4 (31st day of Ligue 1 Uber Eats).
“The DFCO will eventually review its position following changes in health regulations.” Dijon have crucial Ligue 1 and Coupe de France appointments soon after the international break.
On Tuesday, another French club Brest announced that Benin striker, Steve Mounie will not be released for the AFCON qualifiers against Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
Embattled Benin coach, Michel Dussuyer was forced to move announcement of a final squad for these matches to Thursday because of the uncertainties surrounding the availability of their top foreign pros.
By Oluyemi Ogunseyin