I get that people think it's a load of tosh and say play him but the consequences of doing so could hit us hard.
For example, if he plays tomorrow we could be expelled from the FA Cup, not just this season but possibly next as well. If he plays in a league game we could have points deducted, possibly as many as 10. Do you really want to jeopardise European football next season and/or the possibility of winning the Title? We could also face a hefty fine and he could also face a long ban, possibly the rest of the season.
Whilst this is unresolved, he's an ineligible player and we would be treated the same as any other club for fielding him as such.
The International retirement thing is an agreement between the player and the national manager. Matip had that agreement with the old manager after they fell out but he doesn't have it with the new one and he made it quite clear that even if he wasn't selected, he wouldn't be eligible to play for his club whilst Cameroon were still involved in the tournament. That is why FIFA are saying we have to sort it with their FA. FIFA only get involved if he plays club football and Cameroon make a complaint.
It's sh*t but them's the rules and as an ex Club Secretary you can't just play an ineligible player because you don't agree with them and expect to get away with it.
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