Udinese's Idrissa Gueye reported for using false driving licence
Udinese forward Idrissa Gueye has been reported to Italian authorities for allegedly using a false driving licence, according to reports in Italy. The incident occurred last week when the 19-year-old Senegalese talent, on loan from French club Metz, was stopped by border police at the Fernetti crossing near Trieste while returning from Slovenia.
Italian media, including La Gazzetta dello Sport, report that police charged Gueye with using a false document under article 489 of the penal code. His vehicle was impounded, forcing the player to arrange alternative transport back to Udine. The club has since enlisted its trusted lawyer, Maurizio Miculan, to handle the case and demonstrate the player's good faith.
The defence is expected to argue that Gueye was unaware the licence was counterfeit, believing it to be a regular document issued in his native Senegal. This is not an isolated incident for African footballers in Europe, with similar cases often stemming from complications in converting domestic driving licences to comply with EU regulations. The news only emerged publicly on Sunday, though the stop itself happened prior to Udinese's Serie A match against Como.
Despite the off-field distraction, Gueye featured in that fixture, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1-1 draw that helped Udinese reach 40 points. The young attacker joined the Friulian club on a season-long loan from Metz last summer, adding to their offensive options. His integration into the squad had been progressing without major incident until this legal complication arose.
The case now moves to the legal realm, where Miculan will seek to resolve the matter. For now, Gueye continues to train normally with the squad under manager Florian Runjaic. The club has not issued an official statement but is understood to be supporting the player through the process. The outcome will likely hinge on proving the administrative error was made in good faith during the licence's conversion.
Such bureaucratic issues can present significant hurdles for players moving from outside the European Union, requiring careful management of documentation beyond just work permits. For Gueye, the focus will be on settling the matter swiftly to avoid any impact on his fledgling career in Italy, where he aims to secure more consistent playing time after his loan spell.
