Gueye asked to explain absence after accusations of homophobia

The Senegal international was absent for Saturday's 4-0 win over Montpellier in Ligue 1 for "personal reasons" rather than injury, according to coach Mauricio Pochettino. Gueye must "issue a public apology" or say the rumours he refused to take part in French football's fight against homophobia are "unfounded", according to a letter seen Wednesday by AFP addressed to the player.

He also missed a match last year on a day dedicated to raising awareness against discrimination.

"This absence (against Montpellier)... is very widely interpreted as a refusal to participate," wrote the FFF's ethics board. "One of two things, either the hypotheses are unfounded and we invite you to immediately express yourself in order to silence these rumours," the letter continued. "Or the rumours are true. In this case we ask you to be aware of the impact of your actions and the very serious error committed."

"In refusing to take part in this collective initiative you are validating discriminatory behaviour... and not only against the LGBTQI+ community," it added.

Gueye on Tuesday received the support of Senegal's President Macky Sall. "I support Idrissa Gana Gueye. His religious beliefs must be respected," he wrote on Twitter.