Neymar’s PSG debut could be delayed again

PAPERWORK SNAG

by the French time.

Neymar was unveiled to the PSG fans on Saturday, but watched from the stands as his new team started its league campaign with a 2-0 win.

The former Santos forward was then expected to play on Sunday night at Guingamp at the 18,000-capacity Stade du Roudourou, but PSG fans might have to wait a bit longer to see the star in action.

The French league said in an email to The Associated Press on Thursday that it had not received the document needed from the Spanish federation. It added the deadline for receiving the document was midnight local time.

The league, however, said Neymar could still be qualified league on for Sunday’s game if PSG and the French federation decide against referring the issue to FIFA after the deadline expires.

“If the French federation does not start proceedings with FIFA, we could still receive the ICT up until Saturday night,” the league said.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, PSG is unlikely to ask FIFA to rule on the issue because it could slow down proceedings further. The club did not immediately answer a message from The Associated Press seeking comments.

FIFA told the AP that it “has not been contacted by the FFF (French football federation) in connection with the player Neymar and the ITC procedure.”

Barcelona said there is nothing strange about the situation and that the wait is due to the banks, which have to make the 222 million euros available in the club’s account before the transfer is authorized.