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Fenerbahce’s young forward Sidiki Cherif has been called up to the France U21 national team but will not be able to take part due to incomplete citizenship procedures, a development that has triggered internal concern within the French federation.
Cherif, who recently joined Fenerbahce from Angers during the mid-season transfer window, had been selected for the France U21 squad.
However, according to reports cited from French outlet L’Equipe, the Guinea-born player has not yet finalized the legal citizenship process required to represent France at the international level.
As a result, despite receiving a call-up, he will not be able to join the training camp or feature in official matches. At the same time, a separate issue involving another young player has added to the disruption.
Mamadou Diakhon, who plays for Club Brugge, has reportedly chosen to represent Senegal instead of France.
The reports indicate that Diakhon declined the France call-up without formally notifying the federation in advance, further complicating squad planning ahead of upcoming fixtures.
The French Football Federation is said to have only learned that both players would be unavailable after the squad announcement had already been made.
This sequence of events has led to internal tension, as the late discovery exposed gaps in coordination and communication.
The France U21 side is preparing for European Championship qualifying matches against Luxembourg U21 on March 26 and Iceland U21 on March 30.
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