Liverpool could reportedly be without defender Joel Matip for another month due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding his eligibility.
Matip ‘refused to play’ for Cameroon after being named in the preliminary squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 25-year-old was withdrawn from selection by Liverpool for Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United after they failed to receive confirmation that he was eligible for the match from FIFA.
Fifa says that without his country’s permission, Matip cannot play for Liverpool until the end of Cameroon’s participation in the tournament.
FIFA guidelines dictate that, unless Cameroon back down in the row, Matip may be unable to feature for the duration of the tournament, plus a further five days.
A FIFA spokesman told PA: “We can confirm that Liverpool FC contacted FIFA about the matter. Our services answered by directing the club to the applicable provisions (Annexe 1 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players) in particular its article 5.
“FIFA also indicated that any potential violation of the applicable provisions would need to be investigated by the FIFA disciplinary committee. We cannot provide any further comment on this issue.”
- The decision means that Matip could miss six more matches before being eligible to return against Tottenham Hotspur on February 10.
- Matip has made 1
4 Reds appearances this season.
- The German-born player has lastly played for Cameroon in Sept
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