Roma lose El Aynaoui appeal over AFCON, Ndicka and Diao get permission | OneFootball

Roma have lost their appeal to use Neil El Aynaoui in tonight’s Serie A match against Como, as Morocco refused permission, but Evan Ndicka and Assane Diao will play.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.

This is the final match of Serie A Week 15 and in theory the players who have been called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty should be available to their clubs until the conclusion of the round.

However, as this game is scheduled for a Monday evening, it technically falls outside the parameters and their nations can withdraw them.

El Aynaoui out of Roma squad, Ndicka stays in

Roma defender Obite Evan Ndicka looks on during the Italian Serie A football match between AS Roma and Torino on February 26, 2024 at the Olympic stadium in Rome. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP) (Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)

Roma asked permission to both Morocco for El Aynaoui and the Ivory Coast for Ndicka.

While the defender was allowed to remain because the first Ivory Coast match against Mozambique isn’t until December 24, Morocco won their appeal to FIFA to call in El Aynaoui as they open up the tournament against Comoros on December 21.

It means the midfielder won’t be in the squad for Roma tonight.

LECCE, ITALY – APRIL 19: Assane Diao of Como scores his team’s advantage goal during the Serie A match between Lecce and Como at Stadio Via del Mare on April 19, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Como had a similar issue, with Cesc Fabregas describing an “unpleasant” conversation with the coach of Senegal, but they do have Assane Diao in their squad tonight.

Senegal begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Botswana on December 23.