Arsenal loanee banned from playing for new club after major error

Arsenal defender Omar Rekik is currently banned from playing for his new loan club due to a major paperwork error.

Rekik signed for Arsenal in 2021, having had a storied youth career that saw him take in spells with Feyenoord, Manchester City, PSV and Marseille.

He moved to the Emirates Stadium from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin at the age of 19, and was seen as a potential future star.

The Tunisia international is yet to make his competitive debut for the Gunners, though, and has had several loan spells elsewhere with mixed success.

At the beginning of this month, he signed for Swiss Super League side Servette on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy.

But as things stand, he is unable to play for his new club.

Swiss outlet 20 Minuten reported that Servette had a squad registration deadline of February 15 to register their 25-man squad for the rest of the season.

But they failed to unregister four players that had left the club during the transfer window, meaning they were still on the squad list.

That came at the expense of Rekik and three other new signings, who were therefore not registered and banned from playing in competitive matches.

Getty/The Arsenal Football Club)

One of the four players was automatically unregistered as he went out on loan, meaning Tunisian midfielder Dylan Bronn was able to play their most recent match on Saturday.

However, Rekik and two other players - Japan international Takuma Nishimura and Lorient loanee Bassirou Ndiaye - are still unable to play. According to the report, Servette are awaiting the verdict of a transfer committee as they argue their case.

A Servette spokesperson told 20 Minuten: "We are trying to resolve this administrative issue and we do not wish to react at this moment."

It is claimed, however, that the problem can be solved by loaning out one of the club's registered players to another European country where the transfer window is still open.

And the transfer window for the Swiss fifth division also remains open until February 28, which could be an option for some of the club's younger players.

However, Rekik and the other two players involved in the saga - may have to simply bide their time until learning whether they will be able to play any part in the remainder of the season.

Topics: Arsenal, Football, Transfers

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.