Watford won't release Sarr for AFCON - confirmed Senegal federation

The

has announced that

have refused to release

for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Sarr, who is currently sidelined with an injury, was on Senegal's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament will be held in Cameroon from January 9 with 24 teams and will feature many players from the Premier League.

Senegal Football Federation (FSF) statement reads: "By mail on Friday, December 31, the English club Watford notified on the basis of arguments equally specious as fallacious its decision to block the player Ismaila Sarr, who has expressed his desire to join the Senegalese selection for the next Cup of Nations in Cameroon."

The FSF also confirmed that the club has no plans to release Sarr before January 3. Senegal, who were runners-up in the 2019 competition, have announced that they will file a complaint to FIFA if the situation continues.

"The Senegal Football Federation wishes to express with this communication its deep condemnation of the disrespectful, pernicious and discriminatory behaviour of Watford's hierarchy who look by all means to prevent a player from playing with his national team,"

the statement concluded.

Watford also did not allow the presence of Emmanuel Dennis, citing the fact that the Nigerian federation did not register their request in time.

Claudio Ranieri's side is currently ranked 17th in the Premier League, two points away from relegation.

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