Kanoute gets all-clear to play for Mali

Tottenham Hotspur striker Frederic Kanoute has been given clearance to represent Mali at this month’s African Nations Cup.

FIFA, world football’s governing body announced that he is eligible to represent his parents’ country.

Tottenham have asked whether Kanoute can join the Mali squad after the Premiership match against Liverpool on 17 January.

A club spokesman said: “We have written to Fifa asking them that if Frederic gets the OK, we would appreciate their help in terms of relaxing that release period.”

FIFA’s status committee also decided Leeds United’s Lamine Sakho and Mohamed Sissoko of Valencia can play for Mali and Senegal respectively at the tournament.