West Ham reject claims they acted improperly over Diafra Sakho's availability 
West Ham have strongly rejected claims they have acted improperly over selecting Diafra Sakho in an FA Cup tie. FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the striker and the club for a 'potential violation of regulations'. If found guilty.
Sakho played against Bristol City in the FA Cup on January 25, coming off the bench to score an 81st-minute winner after withdrawing from Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations squad with a back injury. If FIFA find the Hammers available to the world's governing body is to expel West Ham from the FA Cup. The Senegalese Football Association accused West Ham of a "lack of respect" and the relationship deteriorated further
when the Londoners insisted Sakho was unable to travel to the tournament to be checked out by his national team's medical staff because the flight could aggravate the injury.
West Ham are adamant they have not broken any rules over Sakho, who was left out of their squad to face Liverpool last Saturday.
A club statement released on Monday morning read: "Diafra Sakho and West Ham United vigorously deny that they have acted in breach of FIFA regulations.
"They regard the proceedings as clearly unfounded and are requesting their dismissal. At this stage, neither the player nor the club can make any further comments."
Senegal were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations on January 27 following a 2-0 defeat by Algeria. The tournament runs until February 8.
With FIFA announcing it would investigate the club's actions, a statement read:
"Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the player Diafra Sakho and the club West Ham United for a potential violation of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players."
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce said: "If you speak to the lad you would know how angry and disappointed he is at being denied the opportunity to play football when it is not our fault.
"We have covered all the rules and regulations, but at this moment in time it is sensible to do the right thing and not get involved any more."
Sakho, who has scored 10 goals since arriving from Metz, could face a domestic suspension and the club handed handed a fine, if they are found to have violated FIFA's rules which require players to be made available for international duty.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11685/9695766/west-ham-reject-claims-they-acted-improperly-over-diafra-sakhos-availability
