January 17, 2007

Liverpool make Mascherano plea to FIFA

LONDON : Liverpool have sent a letter to FIFA asking the world football governing body to ease one of its rules so they can sign Argentinian midfielder Javier Mascherano on loan from West Ham, the BBC reported.

The Reds are keen to bring Mascherano, 22, to Anfield during the transfer window from their English Premiership rivals.

However, under FIFA regulations, he cannot play for another club this season as he has already represented Brazilian side Corinthians and West Ham this season.

Nevertheless, a FIFA spokesman told the BBC on Tuesday that their "player status department" was considering the issue.

Mascherano arrived at Upton Park, the east London home of West Ham, with international team-mate Carlos Tevez, back in August but has only played six minutes since the October 22 defeat against Tottenham.

Under a FIFA rule intoroduced in 2005, a footballer cannot play competitively for more than two different clubs between July 1 and June 30 the following year. - AFP/de

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