Matip could face FIFA sanctions for skipping African Cup of Nations

Liverpool defender Joel Matip is one of seven Cameroon players who could face disciplinary charges by FIFA for rejecting their places in the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

Earlier this month, Matip confirmed he would be staying put at Anfield during the continental tournament, which kicks off in mid-January.

The centre-back eluded to a "bad experience" with the former coaching staff as his reason for not attending, according to a statement from Fecafoot, as translated by BBC Sport.

Cameroon manager Hugo Broos believes these players should be disciplined for being too invested in their personal careers.

"These players have put personal interest above those of the national team and the federation reserves the right to take action against the players in accordance with FIFA regulations," Broos said.

Since joining the Reds in the summer of 2016, Matip has been a knight in shining armor, amidst a back four plagued with errors. He has made 14 appearances for Liverpool this year, helping the club to second place in the Premier League.

Apart from Matip, the other six Cameroon players include fellow Premier League defender Allan Nyom (West Brom), Andre Onana (Ajax), Guy N'dy Assembe (Nancy), Maxime Poundje (Bordeaux), Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Olympique Marseille), and Ibrahim Amadou (Lille).

West Brom full-back Nyom turned down his place in the squad in order to keep his spot in the starting lineup for his club side, after joining from Watford last summer.

If the players are found guilty in the eyes of FIFA, they could face a possible suspension for the length of the tournament, or a monetary fine to be paid to their national football federation.