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01st Dec 2023

Andre Onana could be banned from playing for Man United under FIFA rules

Callum Boyle

Onana may reportedly turn down a place in Cameroon’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations

Andre Onana may be banned from playing for Manchester United – even if he rejects the chance to represent Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Onana is expected to be called up to play in the tournament, which takes place in the Ivory Coast between January 13 and February 11 next year.


If Cameroon go all the way then Onana could miss as many as six games for United in the Premier League and FA Cup.

However multiple reports are claiming that the former Ajax ‘keeper is considering rejecting a call-up amid fears he may lose his number one spot to Altay Bayindir.

The 27-year-old has had a difficult start to life at United and was at fault for all three of the goals conceded in Tuesday’s draw to Galatasaray.

But even if Onana chooses not to play for Cameroon, he may still not be able to feature for the Red Devils.

As reported by The Sun, FIFA’s regulations state: “A player who has been called up by his association for one of its representative teams is, unless otherwise agreed by the relevant association, not entitled to play for the club with which he is registered during the period for which he has been released or should have been released… plus an additional period of five days.”

This means that Cameroon would have to given Onana and United permission to allow him to play.

After a period of time away from the international set up Onana returned in August and has added three caps to his name.

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