Liverpool are facing an investigation over fielding an ineligible player in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The player in question is Pedro Chirivella who returned from his loan at Extremadura in the summer. The investigation relates to whether or not he received international clearance upon his return to England.
Liverpool Face Investigation over Pedro Chirivella’s Cup Appearance
Pedro Chirivella’s International Clearance
The FA will be investigating whether or not Pedro Chirivella’s transfer has received international clearance. This is because, despite having made previous appearances for the club, Chirivella went on loan to Extremadura in January. As a result, the FA requires the player to apply for an international transfer certificate in order to be eligible for Liverpool. Chirivella replaced Naby Keita against MK Dons and played the last thirty minutes of the tie.
Liverpool will argue that there are mitigating circumstances; they made an application to the FA back in July. Indeed, the situation was believed to have been dealt with already. Thus, Liverpool will seek to blame an administrative error from the FA.
Fine and Punishment
If found guilty, Liverpool will be liable to punishment from the EFL. This could be as severe as expulsion from the tournament. Having progressed to the fourth round, this would be a disappointment for the youngsters in the team. These players consider the Carabao Cup their best chance of first-team action. It would also be a disappointing way to end the club’s pursuit of the trophy.
However, the more likely punishment is a fine. Sunderland were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in the same tournament in 2014. They played Ji Dong-Won against MK Dons. He hadn’t received international clearance after returning from a loan at Augsburg. Therefore, Sunderland received a fine as a result. If found guilty, Liverpool will point to this case as a precedent set by tournament organisers.
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