National League side Wealdstone have initiated a formal investigation into one of their own players following an unauthorised appearance in the televised Baller League tournament. The club confirmed that winger Sak Hassan, 24, participated in Monday's round of games for Prime FC, a team owned by influencer KSI, without seeking or receiving permission from Wealdstone.
Contract Breach and Club Statement
In a statement released on social media platform X, Wealdstone expressed their surprise and concern over Hassan's involvement. The club emphasised that they were neither approached for permission nor informed in advance about his participation. Wealdstone stated they will now be following up directly with both the Baller League organisers and Hassan himself, withholding further comment until those discussions are complete.
Hassan's Performance and Background
Sak Hassan has been a regular fixture for Wealdstone this season, making 32 appearances and contributing three goals and four assists as the club pushes for a National League play-off position. His last official appearance for the Stones came on March 7 in a 4-1 victory over Braintree Town.
However, his most recent competitive outing was in the Baller League, a six-a-side tournament featuring influencers and former professionals. Hassan, who previously played for 26ers in the first season of Baller League, scored the opening goal and provided two assists during Prime FC's 7-3 victory over N5 FC at London's Copperbox Arena.
KSI Connection and Tapping-Up Allegations
The situation becomes more complex due to the involvement of KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji. The YouTube star recently became part-owner of National League South club Dagenham and Redbridge after the sixth-tier team was taken over by the Happy Fan Group consortium.
In a conversation with social media personality Chunkz, KSI appeared to reference Hassan, saying, "You mentioned him to me, so I talked to him and I was like, 'Bro, I've got a big thing coming'." When Chunkz interjected with "Dagenham and Redbridge," KSI appeared to nod, adding, "So, there's that. And I also said, 'Bro, think of the club'." This exchange has raised questions about potential tapping-up, though no formal allegations have been made.
KSI's Football Ambitions
Following his investment in Dagenham and Redbridge earlier this month, KSI expressed ambitious plans for the club. He stated his desire to bring the Daggers back to their glory days and eventually reach the Premier League, acknowledging the process would require patience from supporters while promising to build a globally recognised and exciting team.
The investigation into Hassan's Baller League appearance comes at a sensitive time for Wealdstone as they continue their push for promotion. The club must now navigate contractual issues while maintaining focus on their on-field objectives, with Hassan's future involvement uncertain pending the outcome of their inquiries.
