Oh dear, after our last venture into the world of Aussie footballers ended so unhappily with Kewell and Viduka, the news that we had signed another footballer but that he was an Aussie felt a bit like being told your mother-in-law has driven over the cliff, in your new car! But this time it hasn't ended badly, it's gone wrong before it has started! Though it's not the fault of the player or the Aussie national team coach this time. Leeds United have had to report Neuchatel Xamax to FIFA after failing to receive international clearance for Joel Griffiths from the Swiss club. An omission which prevented him turning out in the 3-0 win over Sheffiled Wednesday last Saturday.
The 26-year-old Australian international midfielder signed an 18-month contract last week, but has yet to play for the Whites even at Reserve level!
Leeds United CEO Shaun Harvey said in a statement, "Leeds United Football Club have officially complained to FIFA after Swiss club Neuchatel Xamax failed to issue international clearance for Joel Griffiths.The club completed the transfer seven days ago and no justifiable reason has been provided by the Swiss club for not issuing the appropriate consent. The FA raised the matter with their Swiss counterparts and are fully supportive of our position. We hope the matter will be resolved with the minimum of delay."
As Joel Griffiths is married to a British national he does not require a work permit, so there's no delay there. Rumours that the delay is financial, caused by Swiss banks being too busy counting the Jewish gold they stole from Holocaust victims in WWII has been dismissed as a scurrilous rumour by the Swiss Embassy. "We do confirm or deny State secrets...erm..." stuttered an irritated Burgher. Presumably, some one dropped the paperwork in the cheese fondue and now it won't go through the fax machine?
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