French U20 Star Striker Yanked from World Cup Semi-Final by Saudi Club

The French U20 team loses its star striker before facing Morocco in the World Cup semi-final, scheduled for this Wednesday, October 15. Saïmon Bouabré, who scored a brace against Norway in the quarter-finals, has been recalled by his Saudi club Neom, which did not want to release him outside the autumn break, according to Le Parisien, which recalls that the former Monaco player joined the Bleuets at the World Cup at the end of the group stage.

Neom had agreed to let their player go to allow him to play only two matches at the U20 World Cup in Chile, namely the round of 16 and the quarter-finals. Saïmon Bouabré should therefore normally return to his club before the closing of the international window this Tuesday, October 14.

The French Football Federation (FFF) is trying to negotiate with the Saudi club to allow the native of Saint-Etienne to continue the adventure with the Bleuets. Neom, fourth in the Saudi Pro League, faces Al-Qadisiyah, second, this Sunday and will need their striker to make the difference in this crucial match.

Bernard Diomède’s men will have to do without Bouabré against the Atlas Lions, whom they will face this Wednesday in the U20 World Cup semi-final.