Benin Republic’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, has confirmed that the nation’s football federation has filed a complaint with FIFA against Turkish club Goztepe for refusing to release midfielder Junior Olaitan for international duty.
Olaitan was expected to join the Squirrels for their final two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Lesotho, but the Turkish side reportedly blocked his release, citing an undisclosed injury.
Speaking to Mega Sports, Rohr expressed his frustration over the club’s decision, stressing that it violates FIFA regulations, which require clubs to release players called up for national duty — even if they are injured.
“He’s not with us because his club stopped him from coming,” Rohr said. “We have reported the matter to FIFA. Even an injured player is expected to report to camp for evaluation.”
Olaitan, who was born in Nigeria but represents Benin Republic internationally, has missed Goztepe’s last two games. Rohr and his staff had planned to assess his fitness personally during training, but the club’s refusal made that impossible.
Currently, Benin sit top of Group C in the African qualifiers after FIFA deducted three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their March win over Lesotho.
With upcoming matches against Rwanda and Lesotho, the Squirrels will be aiming for back-to-back wins to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup — a feat that would mark a historic moment for Benin football.
