The centre-back will be available for selection against Swansea City after the governing body ruled in his favour following Cameroon's complaint
The centre-back will be available for selection against Swansea City after the governing body ruled in his favour following Cameroon's complaint
Joel Matip is eligible to play for Liverpool with immediate effect as FIFA has dismissed Cameroon's case against the defender.
The 25-year-old, who recently recovered from a troublesome ankle issue, had to be withdrawn from the matchday squad against Manchester United last Sunday and missed the midweek FA Cup replay at Plymouth Argyle as the Reds sought clarity on whether he was allowed to feature for the club during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Having being drafted into Cameroon’s provisional list for the tournament despite making it clear he would be continuing his self-imposed exile of over a year, Matip was then omitted from their final squad.
With the Indomitable Lions wanting the centre-back sanctioned for refusing a call-up, Liverpool and the player maintained he had communicated his unavailability to them in advance and on several occasions considering he last represented the national team in September 2015.
And FIFA has now agreed that Matip had nothing to answer for, meaning Jurgen Klopp can now consider him for selection against Swansea City at Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds boss admitted that the summer arrival from Schalke has "not been that involved" in preparations for the encounter given his ongoing situation, so he may not return immediately to the starting lineup.
