CAS suspends FIFA decision over Papa Gueye, with Marseille midfielder allowed to play at AFCON  

The Court of Arbitration for Sport, also known as CAS, has decided to suspend the decision of FIFA concerning Pape Gueye.  

The OM midfielder was subject to investigation after agreeing personal terms with Watford over a move, before pulling the plug on the deal and eventually joining Marseille in the summer of 2020.

The world football governing body, FIFA, decided to ban the player whilst they investigated the strange scenario regarding his transfer. This meant that he would be ineligible for the current Africa Cup of Nations tournament. 

Midfielder was banned by football’s governing body after failed Watford transfer back in 2020

Since then, CAS have got involved and overruled the decision, meaning that Gueye is now eligible to compete for Senegal at AFCON. 

Watford had agreed a five-year deal for the 22-year-old in a deal worth in the region of £45,000 a month, prior to his contract at Le Havre coming to an end that season.

It’s understood Gueye’s contract at Vicarage Road would have increased, had the midfielder actually become a Watford player.

The Hornets were evidently trying to save costs as the French club wanted close to £3 million which Watford were not willing to pay due, knowing they could sign the midfielder for free upon the ending of his contract. 

Following the decision by CAS, Gueye is now cleared to represent Senegal at AFCON 2022

The Premier League club released promotional material over the signing, including a press release and images of Gueye holding the club’s yellow and black kit.

However, 24 hours after announcing the signing, it was revealed the Gueye would in fact be joining Marseille from Watford.

 The Senegalese midfielder publicly stated that he would not join the Premier League club over contract ‘irregularities’ in the agreement.

Gueye had signed an agreement with Watford prior to his deal at Le Havre coming to an end