Sunderland terminate Emmanuel Eboue's contract

Sunderland have terminated Emmanuel Eboue's contract following confirmation of his 12-month FIFA-imposed ban.

The governing body dished out the punishment earlier today after it was alleged that the 32-year-old had failed to pay his former agent.

FIFA added that the suspension would be lifted as soon as Eboue paid the outstanding amount, but nonetheless the Black Cats have decided to release the Ivorian.

"The suspension relates to a monetary dispute between the player and a former agent, which precedes his time at Sunderland AFC and was not something that the club was made aware of by the player," read a statement on the club's official website.

"Eboue signed a contract with Sunderland AFC until the end of the current season and the club has therefore given notice of its intention to terminate the contract. The player has two weeks in which to appeal this decision."

Eboue, who only arrived at the Stadium of Light earlier this month, failed to make a senior appearance for Sam Allardyce's men.