South Africa Tell FIFA: Punish Everton Over Pienaar

The war of words between South Africa and Everton continues following the debacle over Steven Pienaar and the African Cup of Nations.

The Toffees midfielder had hoped to remain in England for a few more days to participate in Tuesday's Carling Cup semi final first leg match at Chelsea.

And while it initially appeared that Pienaar would be allowed to do so, the South African FA have come down hard on Everton, demanding he be released for international duty immediately.

14 Day Rule

Both sides invoked the 14-day ruling, claiming they had a right to acquire the player's services on Tuesday, but ultimately FIFA have sided with South Africa, citing that the 14-day period is that prior to the start of the African Cup of Nations on 20th January, not prior to South Africa's first game in the competition, three days later.

Therefore Everton must do without Pienaar for Tuesday's game, even though the Nigerian federation has allowed stars such as Yobo, Yakubu and Chelsea's Obi to remain behind.

Toffees Disappointed

"We are extremely disappointed that a common sense attitude has not been shown, as has been the case with a number of other federations," Everton secretary David Harrison told the club's official website.

"Despite FIFA's attempts to clarify the regulation, we do feel - as do a number of other European clubs - that there is a distinct grey area on this ruling and we are extremely disappointed that this has only been made clear at this late stage."

Manager David Moyes added: "The rules, in my view, do not stipulate exactly whether it is 14 days before the tournament or 14 days before South Africa's first game. We have taken the latter view.

"We pay his wages, we pay him well and he is an employee of Everton and 14 days is more than enough time to prepare for the African Cup of Nations - which comes in the middle of our season. From my point of view as Everton manager, I fought tooth and nail for him. I was not going to let it go without a fight."

South Africa Demand Action

South Africa meanwhile, want FIFA to come down hard on Everton for attempting to break the rules. "For the South African Football Association, our intention is not to punish the player, because the player is not to be blamed in this particular instance," a spokesman said. "We've played the game by the rules, so FIFA will have to sanction the team." It remains to be seen whether the world governing body will act.