Joel Matip could face punishment for snubbing Cameroon. The Reds defender got a call up from his native country for AFCON but decided to remain with the Reds.
As much as seven Cameroon players including West Bromwich Albion’s Allan Nyom have decided to give the tournament a miss. Matip has been a regular starter since he made a switch from Schalke.
Cameroon boss Hugo Broos was hoping that the defender would join the camp but the player revealed earlier that he doesn’t want to play for his country and would love to help Liverpool in their quest to the Premier League title.
Fifa rules stated, “A player who has been called up by his association for one of its representative teams is, unless otherwise agreed by the relevant association, not entitled to play for the club… during the period for which he has been released or should have been released.”
Sadio Mane is expected to leave for Gabon for his international duty with Senegal. Broos has threatened that he will take the matter to FIFA and if the Governing body of football intervenes the defender could face a ban for six matches.
Wow, this could really turn ugly for both the player and Liverpool.
