Everton Football Club News

• Nickname:Toffees
• Founded:1878
• Manager:David Moyes

• Ground:Goodison Park
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Belgium complain over Fellaini

13 Oct 2009 - 09:40:18

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Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini could be prevented from playing for the Toffees this weekend following a complaint from the Belgium FA.

Fellaini, who played for Belgium against Turkey on Saturday, has pulled out of Wednesday's international against Estonia after citing the need for surgery on his wisdom teeth.

His absence has upset the Belgium authorities, who have now asked FIFA to intervene and prevent him from playing against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday.

"Fellaini is called for the match with Estonia. If he decides not to come he knows the consequences," said the Belgium FA's director general Jean-Marie Phillips.

"(Coach) Mr Advocaat has asked that the FIFA regulations strictly apply and therefore Marouane may not play this weekend with Everton.

"The coach has talked with Fellaini, but I do not know what he said. I would imagine that he tried to convince him that the operation could be done another time but he obviously did not succeed.

"I am happy that everyone around the Red Devils are on the same wavelength, but if FIFA decides in Everton's favour we will accept that."

However, Everton are adamant that Fellaini was given permission to leave the international camp midway through their double-header.

"This is a personal dispute between the player and the coach," explained club spokesman Ian Ross.

"Everton's not to blame and in our view there is nothing that can prevent Marouane from playing on Saturday against Wolverhampton."