After yesterday's post was published, the Vancouver Whitecaps responded to my inquiries on the situation dealing with Tanzanian international Nizar Khalfan and why he was not released to go play for his national side.
In my post, I mentioned how I thought that it seemed a little fishy that the Vancouver Whitecaps would not release Khalfan, but they have released every other player that they have ever had on the roster when international duty has called. It seems that my hunch was pretty well bang on; it was addressed in the following letter from Club President Bob Lenarduzzi.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Vancouver Whitecaps FC have had a great relationship with Tanzania Football
Federation (TFF), particularly following pre-season matches held in Tanzania
two years ago. The club has released Nizar Khalfan before, and will again in
the future. Unfortunately, we didn’t receive notification until March 22nd,
which was not enough time to issue Khalfan’s release. We are working closely
with TFF to ensure we receive proper notification in the future.
Bob Lenarduzzi, President
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Three days' notice for a player's release for a national fixture is by no means anywhere close to the 14 days stipulated by FIFA. I personally feel bad for everyone involved because Khalfan has been instrumental in the midfield for his home nation. I feel bad for Khalfan because every player lives for the chance to play in games like these. I fell bad for the 'Caps because the international press does not seem all that interested in what comes of this story beyond the fact that the Whitecaps refused to release the player and the TFF was talking tough about legal action.
On a brighter note Nizar should feature heavily in the 'Caps game against the Philly Cream Cheese... err Union, is it? Anyways, he should get lots of minutes with injuries to Chiumiento and Teibert limiting their playing time.
In all reality, it seems as though the Whitecaps are a little more dangerous with Khalfan in the lineup this year anyways, so the more we see of him the better.