Fooball Apex body FIFA has waded in on the drag between Liverpool, Joel Matip and Cameroon.
FIFA claims that the final decision rests with Cameroon as they would have to permit the player to play for Liverpool, reports say.
Matip has not been in action for his national side since September 2015 could not appear in the game against Manchester United on Sunday as FIFA did not give the player the required eligibility clearance to feature.
The African side called up the player despite Matip’s assertion that he does not want to play for the national team anymore. Cameroon invited him for the ongoing African Cup of Nations, which the player declined. However, FIFA ruled in favour of the country even as he has no intention to represent his country.
Liverpool sought for FIFA to clarify the issue as the stalemate between all parties continued. This means that except Cameroon can permit him, Matip would have to sit out of football matches throughout the rest of the duration Cameroon would spend at the tournament. He would have to wait for another five days as well before he can feature for the Reds, in line with FIFA guidelines.
Liverpool would not be able to play him, even though they need his services as the back, as they would risk FIFA sanctions.
“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,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
Matip would miss the FA Cup clash this week and probably next week’s Premier League game if Cameroon stay on in the tournament.
