Neymar Could Have To Wait Even Longer For His PSG Debut

At his official unveiling as a PSG player on Friday, Neymar made it clear that he was chomping at the bit to take the pitch.

After speaking to the world's media at a press conference, and then being presented in his new colours at his new home, the Parc Des Princes, Neymar trained with his new teammates and had been eager to make his debut as the Parisians got their Ligue One campaign under way with a home match against newly-promoted Amiens today, saying: "I have trained in pre-season. I stopped for two days, but I am ready, I've seen the pitch and I want to put the PSG shirt on and play."

Image: PA

However, frustratingly for the 25-year old, PSG's supporters, and all those who wanted to see the world's most expensive player in action on Saturday, due to the relevant documentation not arriving in time, Neymar was unable to take part

A deadline of Friday midnight was set by which LFP, the governing body in France, were required to submit the international transfer certificate so that Neymar would be allowed to take to the field.

But those at La Liga, who did their best to prevent Neymar's move to PSG from happening when the initially rejecting the release clause payment, did not send the paperwork over to their French counterparts in time - meaning Neymar had to watch the 2-0 win from the stands, having been paraded around the Parc Des Princes prior to the game.

Next weekend's away trip to Guingamp looked to be the fixture most likely to mark the debut of the £198 million man, however it seems like the 25-year old may have to wait even longer.

L'Equipe say that as of now, Neymar is still unavailable for selection as the International Transfer Certificate has still not been received by the French football federation, and it's believed that Barcelona who are responsible for holding up the process.

The report says the Spanish football federation are waiting on the Blaugrana have yet to grant permission to send over the documents so that their former player can take to the pitch.

Image: PA

If no progress is made before Saturday midnight, Neymar will be ineligible for the second game running, on Sunday and will be forced to wait for his debut to come in a home match against Toulouse on August 20.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Ligue One, PSG, Neymar

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_