Report: Liverpool could risk Matip in FA Cup replay despite eligibility concern
Liverpool could test FIFA's rule book and play defender Joel Matip this week despite questions over the eligibility of a player who had been selected to represent Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe confirms the Reds are considering whether to take the risk Wednesday in the FA Cup third-round replay against Plymouth Argyle.
Matip withdrew himself from consideration for AFCON despite being selected to Cameroon manager Hugo Broos' preliminary squad. He was not included in the final 23-man list.
Liverpool officials apparently believe Matip already announced his retirement from international football, thus freeing him from any obligations.
But Jurgen Klopp still refrained from calling up Matip for Sunday's marquee match against Manchester United in fear of drawing a sanction from world football's governing body.
Liverpool said it tried to get a swift response from either FIFA or Cameroon's football federation prior to the contest, but the club failed to receive confirmation that it can go ahead and field the 25-year-old without repercussions.
FIFA didn't provide much of an update Monday, simply pointing out Article 5 must be respected and that its disciplinary committee would open an investigation if there is any potential violation.
The provision states:
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 with which he is registered during the period for which he has been released or should have been released pursuant to the provisions of this annexe, plus an additional period of five days.
If Liverpool has to wait until the completion of the Africa Cup of Nations, which ends Feb. 5, the former Schalke centre-back would miss five matches in total. He would be in line to return Feb. 11 against Tottenham.
Should Klopp decide to give Matip playing time, Liverpool could incur anything between a fine and points deduction.
Citing a "bad experience" with Cameroon's coaching staff, Matip last played for the national team in September 2015.
Two years ago, West Ham received a £71,000 penalty for allowing Diafra Sakho to play in an FA Cup fixture. A back injury prevented Sakho from representing Senegal at AFCON, but he still appeared and scored for the Hammers during the tournament - an apparent breach of FIFA rules.