The Cameroon Football Federation have threatened to take legal action conscientious objectors who refuse to play for their country at next year’s African Cup of Nations.
Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip, who has not played international football since 2015, is one of seven Cameroon who have pulled out of their 35-man squad, with West Bromwich Albion defender Allan Nyom also ducking it.
These withdrawals have not gone down well with the CFF, who have published the following in a statement.
“ Joel Matip does not want to play with the Lions at the moment due to a bad experience with the previous technical staff.
“These players want to privilege their personal interest to the detriment of the national team, which some of them have already used for their development. The Cameroon Football Federation reserves the right to take action against these players in accordance with FIFA regulations.
“However, the coach wants to reassure the public that he will put in place the best team possible with players who are motivated and determined to defend the colours of Cameroon.”
What action could be taken in accordance with FIFA regulations? Well, according to RTE, the CFF could push for bans to prevent the seven players from representing their clubs for the duration of the tournament.
Despite the mass snub, Cameroon are still among the favourites to win Africa’s greatest prize.
One player Liverpool will definitely be without during the African Cup of Nations is Senegal speedster Sadio Mane.
Liverpool will miss Mane, who has been in fabulous form so far this season.
Sadio Mane at #LFC
16 PL starts
8 goals
4 assists
?????(literally)#EVELIV pic.twitter.com/QLzx9tSpa2— Robert Summerscales (@robsummerscales) December 19, 2016
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