After much conjecture, confusion, and debate over the eligibility of Liverpool center back Joel Matip in the last week, FIFA has officially confirmed that the Cameroon international has been cleared the world’s governing body.
Matip has already become a key figure for Liverpool after moving to the club in summer on a free transfer for Bundesliga side Schalke. He had been sorely missed while out injured, and Liverpool saw that compounded as they were not willing to take a chance of losing points or having to forfeit a cup tie.
Liverpool took a very sensible approach as they did not know his status in the eyes of FIFA. It would have been a major embarrassment to have had points deducted or a win taken away, so they couldn’t afford to play him.
Liverpool’s official website states that “the club now considers the player available for selection.” With that said, expect Liverpool to be using Matip immediately. Whether he plays against Swansea is up in the air as a potential Wembley final looms if the club can overcome a 1-0 deficit against Southampton on Tuesday in the EFL Cup.
