The potential inclusion of striker Yanis Issoufou could impact France’s performance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, according to Foot Mercato reports.
Issoufou previously represented the Niger youth side in the West African Football Union tournament, a competition linked to World Cup qualifying. FIFA rules prohibit a player from representing more than one national team within the same tournament, so Issoufou’s participation for two different teams raises eligibility questions. Opponents could lodge objections with FIFA, and Burkina Faso has signaled it might appeal over a group-stage match against France.
The World Junior Championships are taking place in Indonesia, running from November 10 to December 2. France topped their group, picking up nine points from three games. In the round of 16, France defeated Senegal in a penalty shootout. France is slated to face Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals on November 25.
Earlier in the year, the Russian national team earned praise for its conduct and spirit in a match against Cuba, highlighting the emphasis many teams place on professional attitudes on the world stage.