Defoe in the clear: Football League confirm that Spurs striker was free to face Burnley

26 January 2009 16:23
Winning his Spurs: Jermain Defoe wraps up Tottenham's Carling Cup semi-final victory against Burnley last week. Defoe played and scored in the decisive second leg at Turf Moor as Harry Redknapp's men lost 3-2 in extra-time but secured an aggregate 6-4 win to set up a final showdown with Manchester United on March 1. However, a statement from the Football League said: 'Contrary to newspaper reports, the Football League can confirm that Tottenham Hotspur player Jermaine Defoe was eligible to play in last Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final against Burnley. 'Defoe had not already appeared in this season's competition, having only been a non-playing substitute in Portsmouth's match with Chelsea. 'Additionally, there are no rules preventing a player not registered in time for the first leg from playing in the second leg.'   More... Harry not Keane: Spurs boss rules out another old boy return for Liverpool flop Robbie 'Defoe was not eligible to play' - Burnley appeal over Cup defeat to Spurs Chimbonda completes return to Spurs - but won't be eligible for Stoke clash TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET  

Source: Daily_Mail