Liverpool withdraw Joel Matip from Manchester United game after FIFA, AFCON uncertainty

LIVERPOOL were robbed of one of their most important players, forced to withdraw Joel Matip from the clash against Manchester United due to a lack of clarity from FIFA

Joel Matip of Liverpool.

JOEL Matip missed Liverpool’s Premier League game at Manchester United on Monday morning (AEDT) because his club are still awaiting clearance from FIFA following his retirement from international football with Cameroon.

Matip, 25, announced he no longer wished to be considered for selection by Cameroon last year and was not named in their Africa Cup of Nations squad and the lack of clarity over the situation has frustrated manager Jurgen Klopp.

Having returned to fitness after an ankle problem, Liverpool could not play Matip against United because they are waiting for world governing body FIFA to provide clarity on his eligibility.

“Liverpool Football Club can confirm Joel Matip has been withdrawn from selection for today’s Premier League fixture at Manchester United as the club continues to seek clarity from FIFA as to the player’s eligibility,” Liverpool said in a statement on their website.

Usual shambles from FIFA. Liverpool have been unable to get any clarity from the governing body over Matip's eligibility. #LFC

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) January 15, 2017

I think that's what's known as a farcical situation.

— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) January 15, 2017

Klopp spoke after the 1-1 draw, saying the situation needs to be solved quickly as Liverpool’s fixtures begin to pile up.

“Our understanding is Joël is retired from international football and we, the club, did everything we had to do to make this clear but until now we could not get the response we need to be 100 per cent sure that he can play,” said Klopp.

Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp shakes hands with Joel Matip.

“It’s pretty difficult and pretty frustrating, to be honest. He’s been in training for five days and would have been in the squad, 100 per cent, maybe on the pitch today, so I don’t think it’s fair.

“But we cannot do more and are still waiting on the decision. We could not take the risk.

“But we need to get an answer as quickly as possible because on Wednesday we have the next game [an FA Cup third-round replay at Plymouth] and then another game and another game. We cannot wait forever.

“It is public now, we have this problem and we are not the only team with this problem.”

Liverpool’s official statement read further: “The Cameroon Football Federation have failed to confirm that Matip can ... play club football during the period of the Africa Cup of Nations.

“Liverpool have subsequently repeatedly sought, as a matter of urgency, clarity from FIFA in this regard.

“This includes assurances the player was called up for the tournament in accordance with the world governing body’s regulations.

“It is Liverpool’s view that the player should be available for club football during the period of the competition and will continue to work for a speedy and unambiguous resolution.”

Originally published as Liverpool withdraw Joel Matip from Manchester United game after FIFA, AFCON uncertainty