Federation sends striker home for slapping team captain

The Malian Football Federation have reportedly sent striker Adama Niane back home from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt after he allegedly slapped team captain Abdoulay Diaby.

The RSC Charleroi forward was expelled from his national team camp this week after he allegedly slapped fellow teammate and captain Abdoulay Diaby.

According to Footmali, the altercation allegedly initiated when Mali national team players ordered a hairdresser to their hotel and once he arrived Diaby sat on the barber chair. This didn’t please Niane who attacked his captain before slapping him.

The team’s media officer, Ibrahim Coulibaly also confirmed that the player has been sent home.

He told reporters: “Adama Niane was excluded from the Eagles group for non-respect,”

Before this recent incident, Burundi had sent home 32-year-old midfielder Selemani Ndikumana for ill-discipline, before their first game without offering any further details.

On Wednesday Egypt sent Amr Warda packing for alleged sexual harassment of several women social media. Warda has since been recalled back to the squad.

Mali has since faced Tunisia with their reduced 22-man squad on June 28 at the Suez Stadium which ended 1-1.