The stand off over Giovani dos Santos continues, as he is named in Mallorca’s squad just as FIFA ask that he is released to Mexico.
Mallorca have disputed Mexico’s right to have the player four days before their June 4 World Cup qualifier with Jamaica, arguing that it is not an official date designated by FIFA.
The Mexican Federation reported the club to FIFA and it seemingly worked, with Giovani leaving for Houston on Thursday.
However, he was called back to Palma via a phone call after Mallorca received verification from the Spanish Football League (LFP) to play him against Real Valladolid on Saturday.
On from that, though and as Gregorio Manzano confirmed in his Press conference today, FIFA have now contacted the Islanders to release the player.
“At this time, Gio cannot play with us tomorrow,” Manzano told reporters.
“The Football League (LFP) authorised us to play him against Valladolid, but this morning arrived a statement from FIFA citing a regulation that says players must be made available to their national teams for the Confederations Cup.
“We are being told that all players have to be with their national teams by June 1 [tomorrow]. It is a new variable on the table and is being negotiated right now.”
Mallorca need to win in Week 38 to have any hope of avoiding relegation.
