Senegal backs Keita as doping ban hits World Cup hopes |

Senegal mentor Aliou Cisse and his troops have shown their support to Keita Balde, who is banned by Italy’s anti-doping body.

The Lions of Teranga star has been suspended for 90 days for protocol transgressions when taking a test in April.

Balde, who is now playing his trade for Spartak Moscow in Russia, could miss the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to an anti-doping violation.

The player was part of Senegal at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the last three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

“Keita Balde has been in contact with many team-mates from the Senegalese national team and with coach Cisse himself,” a source close to the player told BBC Sport Africa.

“All of them have shown solidarity and support, with the hope that everything can possibly be fixed quickly and he can be part of the expedition to Qatar.

“He is considered one of the most experienced members of the group, and his presence is valued and important in the dressing room.”

The 27-year-old will be eligible to play again on 5 December which puts his participation in the World Cup in doubt.

Cisse’s side will play their group stage matches between 21-29 November, with the knockout stage taking place from 3 December onwards.

Meanwhile, according to Balde’s agents, Sports Management, the test showed no signs of banned substances.

“It’s important to underline and highlight that Keita Balde’s test result is negative, so clearly no banned substances have been found in his test,” a statement from Balde’s agents, Sports Management, said.

“However, in accordance with the disciplinary code, any doping-related sanction imposed by another national or international sports association, or national anti-doping organisation, is automatically accepted by FIFA and must be recognised by all confederations and associations.

“As a consequence, the sanction applied by the Italian Anti-Doping Organisation is subject to recognition by the Russian Football Federation.”