Senegal's Cheikhou Kouyate has departed from the Africa Cup of Nations to attend the funeral of his father.
The 34-year-old, who is a player for Nottingham Forest, was listed as an unused substitute in Senegal's 3-0 victory against Gambia on Monday. In response to this development, the Senegalese Football Federation released a statement confirming that he has been allowed to travel to Dakar to attend his father's funeral.
The statement read: "The president of the Senegalese Football Federation Mr Augustin Senghor, the members of the executive committee, the coach of the national football team Mr Aliou Cisse, the players of the national football team and the football family have the regret and deep pain to inform you of the death of Mr Bangiougou Kouyate, father of Cheikhou Kouyate, member of the Senegal national team.
"His death occurred this Tuesday, January 16, in Dakar. The funeral is planned for Wednesday, January 17 at the Khar Yalla mosque followed by the burial at the Musalman cemetery in Yoff. In this painful circumstance, the Senegalese Football Federation presents its most saddened condolences to Cheikhou Kouyate who was also authorized to leave the national team gathering today, to go to the funeral in Dakar."
A number of Forest supporters shared messages of support on social media. "Extending my heartfelt condolences to Cheikhou and his family at this time," wrote one, with another saying: "Very good decision of the FSF to authorise Cheikhou to accompany his dad to his final resting place."
A third added: "Deepest condolences, horrible news," while another continued: "So sorry to hear this. Condolences to him and his family."
Kouyate made his senior Senegal debut in 2012 and participated in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. He made his first AFCON appearance in 2015, shortly after completing the move to West Ham.