Liverpool player banned by FIFA after retirement mix-up hasn't played since

A Liverpool player who was banned by FIFA after a retirement mix-up has not played for his country since.

Back in 2017, Liverpool were forced to withdraw defender Joel Matip from selection for their Premier League clash against Manchester United.

This was due to the fact that the club had not received clarity from FIFA over Matip’s eligibility.

A statement from the club read: “Liverpool Football Club can confirm Joël Matip has been withdrawn from selection for today’s Premier League fixture at Manchester United as the club continues to seek clarity from Fifa as to the player’s eligibility.

“Matip, who was not included in Cameroon’s final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, has previously communicated his withdrawal from consideration for international selection, with his last appearance for Cameroon occurring in September 2015.”

It continued: “The Cameroon Football Federation have failed to confirm that Matip can therefore 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.”

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In 2021, it was reported that Cameroon invited Matip to resume his International career.

However, the defender declined the offer.

At the time, Cameroon manager Toni Conceicao said: “The situation of Matip is not new. There are players who wanted to come back to the national team. For me, there is no need to enlist a player who is not ready to return.

“Matip does not want to return to the national team, that is the issue.”

Matip last featured for Cameroon in 2015 and has not played for his country since.