2026 World Cup Qualifier: Gernot Rohr Reports Club to FIFA Over Olaitan’s Release Refusal

Benin Republic Takes Action Against Turkish Club Goztepe over Player Dispute

Benin National Team Faces Challenges with Goztepe

The Benin Republic national team is embroiled in a dispute with the Turkish Super Lig club, Goztepe, after the club allegedly blocked midfielder Junior Olaitan from participating in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The Benin Football Federation has escalated the matter to FIFA, accusing the club of unlawfully preventing Olaitan from joining the national team despite FIFA regulations mandating player release.

Junior Olaitan’s Controversial Absence

Junior Olaitan, who chose to represent Benin despite growing up in Nigeria, has been sidelined from the national squad’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Lesotho. Goztepe cited an undisclosed injury as the reason for retaining Olaitan, though he has not participated in the club’s last two matches.

FIFA Regulations and Benin’s Response

Under FIFA’s rules, clubs must release players for international duty, irrespective of injury status. Benin’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, expressed frustration over the situation, stating through Emegypt, “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.”

Impact on Benin’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign

Despite the setback, the Benin Republic leads Group C of the African qualifying series. This is largely due to FIFA’s decision to penalize South Africa by deducting three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their March victory against Lesotho. This ruling has provided Benin with a valuable advantage in their quest for World Cup qualification.