The Benin Republic national team has reported Turkish Super Lig club Goztepe to FIFA due to the club’s decision to prevent midfielder Junior Olaitan from joining the national team for World Cup qualifiers. According to coach Gernot Rohr, the club’s actions were prompted by Olaitan’s undisclosed injury, which has kept him from playing in Goztepe’s last two games.
As a result, Olaitan will miss Benin Republic’s final two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Lesotho. Despite his injury, FIFA regulations require Goztepe to release Olaitan to the Benin Football Federation. Rohr stated, “He is not with us because his club prevented him from joining the national team. We have therefore sent a letter to FIFA to denounce this situation. Even an injured player must report to his national team’s training camp.”
The Benin Republic currently leads Group C in the African qualifying series, benefiting from FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from South Africa. This decision was made after South Africa fielded ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in a 2-0 victory against Lesotho last March. Olaitan, who grew up in Nigeria but chose to represent Benin Republic, will now be absent from the team’s crucial upcoming matches.
The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges faced by national teams in ensuring the release of players from their clubs, particularly when injuries are involved. FIFA’s regulations are designed to protect the rights of national teams and ensure fair play, but conflicts can still arise. The Benin Republic’s report to FIFA will likely lead to further investigation and potential action against Goztepe.
The outcome of this situation will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future disputes between national teams and clubs. Meanwhile, the Benin Republic will focus on securing victories in their remaining World Cup qualifying matches, with the hope of advancing to the next stage of the tournament. With the team’s current lead in Group C, they are well-positioned to achieve their goal, but the absence of key players like Olaitan may still pose a challenge.