After a series of mistakes that caused Man Utd to face difficulties in the Champions League, Andre Onana is said to intend not to join the Cameroon national team to attend the African Championship (CAN) in early 2024. This goalkeeper wants to stay in England to keep position in the main team “Red Devils”.
However, a little-mentioned FIFA regulation may prevent the former Inter goalkeeper from playing for Man Utd during CAN.
“A player who refuses a call-up from the National Federation for team levels will not be allowed to play for the host club while the Federation registers that player with FIFA. This player will only be able to return to play for the club after the registration period from the Federation expires, plus 5 days,” FIFA regulations state.
In the case of Onana being called up by the Cameroon team but still refused. This goalkeeper will also not be able to play during CAN 2024 (from January 13, 2024 to February 11, 2024 at the latest).
At the 2022 World Cup, Onana quarreled with coach Rigobert Song and was kicked out of the national team. Immediately after that, the goalkeeper also sent a letter confirming his retirement from his international career. However, by mid-2023, Onana suddenly withdrew this decision and announced that he was ready to return to play for the “Indomitable Lion”.
In the match against Galatasaray in the Champions League, Onana made a mistake that directly led to a goal, thereby causing MU to almost be eliminated in the group stage. However, the goalkeeper born in 1996 is still protected by coach Ten Hag. The strategist born in 1970 declared that the entire MU team will be responsible for any individual who makes a mistake.
Onana is the goalkeeper who has made the most mistakes leading to goals conceded in the Champions League from the 2018/19 season until now. Onana’s mistake could cause Man Utd to be eliminated from the tournament. In the final round, they must win against Bayern Munich and wait for Galatasaray and Copenhagen to divide the points.