The unfolding saga surrounding the young and versatile Olympique de Marseille (OM) player, Régis Mughe, has taken a complex turn as he grapples with the consequences of refusing a call-up to the Cameroon national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023. OM finds itself in a predicament as the player awaits authorization from the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) to resume his club duties.
At just 19 years old, Régis Mughe, hailing from Douala, made a pivotal decision to prioritize club over country by declining the call-up from the Indomitable Lions for AFCON 2023, a move that has left him in a delicate situation.
FIFA regulations stipulate that players can only refuse national team summons under specific circumstances, such as injury or force majeure.
However, Mughe’s decision has not been met with approval from FECAFOOT, led by the legendary Samuel Eto’o.
The federation’s silence has left OM unable to utilize the young winger, leaving both the player and the club in a state of uncertainty.
Addressing the situation at a press conference ahead of the 18th day of the League clash between OM and Strasbourg, coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed his dismay over Mughe’s predicament.
Gattuso conveyed the frustration of the Cameroonian player, who has been unable to participate in training due to the ongoing situation.
“As for the lawyers, they didn’t call me. He trained with the team. FIFA has not commented, we are waiting. (…) You have no idea how saddened I am by his situation.
I feel a lot of frustration,” shared Gattuso, highlighting the impact of Mughe’s absence on the team.
With key players representing their nations in the AFCON 2023, OM is keen to resolve the matter swiftly to bolster its squad for the upcoming challenges, especially with aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League.
The uncertainty surrounding Régis Mughe’s future remains, leaving Marseille hopeful for a resolution that will allow the talented player to return to the field promptly.
As the saga unfolds, OM grapples with the absence of Mughe, a player crucial to filling the void during the AFCON period, when several key members of the squad are on national team duty.
Francois-Regis Mughe, qui a refusé d’aller à la CAN avec le Cameroun, n’est pas autorisé par son pays à jouer avec l’OM pour le moment. 😨
Étant donné que le joueur n’a pas le droit de refuser une convocation en sélection, les Lions Indomptables doivent envoyer une lettre… pic.twitter.com/32Q1POVcoB
— Footballogue (@Footballogue) January 6, 2024
