FIFA showing African football no respect, says Kanoute

MADRID, June 16 (Reuters) Mali striker Frederic Kanoute said a FIFA decision ordering him to skip international duty so he can play for Sevilla in the final league match of the Spanish season is an insult to African football.

''It shows a lack of respect towards me and Mali,'' the 29-year-old was quoted as saying in daily Sport today.

''I'm upset for my country because FIFA is showing no respect for African national sides. We are not important for them.'' Kanoute, Sevilla's top scorer this season, arrived back with his club late yesterday after being ordered to return to Spain on the eve of an important African Nations Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone.

Spanish media reported that the FIFA decision came as a result of pressure from Real Madrid, who wanted their Mali international midfielder Mahamadou Diarra to play in their title decider against Real Mallorca.

Real announced they had received authorisation from FIFA and the various national federations so that all their international players would be available for tomorrow's match at the Bernabeu.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced yesterday they had agreed to allow Robinho to play for Real after the club apologised for not letting him train with his country.

The Brazilian forward remained in Spain to train with Real this week despite Brazilian demands he join them for their training camp ahead of the Copa America in Venezuela.

The Spanish season is the last major European football to finish this year and will not come to a close until June 23 with the final of the King's Cup between Sevilla and Getafe.

Last year the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had to get special permission from FIFA to extend the season while national sides prepared for the World Cup in order to play a postponed match between Sevilla and Barcelona.

REUTERS SAM PM1437