Rangers wait on UEFA

24 August 2011 11:00

Rangers are awaiting a decision from UEFA over the eligibility of new signing Carlos Bocanegra after Europa League opponents Maribor lodged a complaint over his involvement in their first leg.

Bocanegra played in the 2-1 first-leg defeat in Slovenia last Thursday after receiving international clearance for his signing from St Etienne earlier in the day. But the USA international was unable to feature in Sunday's 3-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over Motherwell because he had not yet obtained the necessary paperwork to gain employment in the UK.

Rangers had registered the player with the Scottish Football Association and are insistent they broke no rules, with the work permit issue being a matter for the UK Border Agency.

In a statement on their official website, the club said: "We are extremely surprised by the complaint of NK Maribor.

"As confirmed by the SFA, Carlos Bocanegra was deemed eligible to play at a domestic level within the UEFA deadline in accordance with the requirements of the UEFA Regulations.

"We have at all times acted with due regard to the requirements of the UEFA Europa League Regulations and we are confident that the complaint of NK Maribor will be rejected by UEFA."

UEFA have confirmed their control and disciplinary body will investigate the matter, but Bocanegra's involvement in Thursday night's second leg at Ibrox could hinge on a quick decision. The American has now obtained a visa.

Earlier this month, Rangers succeeded with an appeal to UEFA over the eligibility of Dorin Goian for their Champions League qualifier in Malmo.

The Romanian was signed and registered before the first leg at Ibrox but could not play because of work permit issues.

UEFA initially decreed he was then unable to play in the away leg but Rangers successfully argued all documentation had been completed before the deadline, except the work permit, although the defender subsequently missed the draw in Sweden through injury.

Source: PA