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West Ham's FA Cup run in doubt after FIFA probe into Hammers striker

FIFA are looking into whether West Ham striker Diafra Sakho was elligble to play in their FA Cup win over Bristol City, and could remove them from the competition if found guilty.

Sakho withdrew from Senegal's African Cup of Nations squad with a back injury, which the club said made it impossible for him to fly.

But he came off the bench to score the winner against League One outfit Bristol to earn his side a Fifth Round clash with fellow Premier League side West Brom on the 14th February.

The Senegal FA's anger at his initial withdrawl was compounded further by his appearance for his club, especially as the country were knocked out of the Cup of Nations just two days later.

According to FIFA rules, a player cannot appear for his club if he is meant to be on international duty, and if it is found that the player could have in fact played for his country, then the Hammers will face action.

It is more than likely that FIFA would order the Football Association to overturn their victory over the League One side, given that Sakho scored the winning goal.

Fifa is investigating a "potential violation" of its regulations by both the club and striker Diafra Sakho over his selection - but have not made it clear whether the issue will be resolved before West Ham take on the Baggies in the Fifth Round.


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