Yoane Wissa returns late from international duty after DR Congo celebrations
Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa helped DR Congo to qualify for this summer's World Cup last week by beating Jamaica 1-0 after extra time.
Wissa played the full 90 minutes but made way early during extra time for some fresh legs.
The win saw the DR Congo side return to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, sparking wild celebrations around the country.
The Congolese FA held on to its players for an extra six days after the win in order to partake in special celebrations.
Lille were furious about DR Congo's celebrations
FIFA rules dictate that players are to return to their clubs within 48 hours after the last international match, and it seems that the Congolese FA defied those rules without really clearing it with any of its players' respective clubs.
While it doesn't sound like Newcastle have been too angry about Wissa's prolonged stay away from the club, The Shields Gazette reports that Lille boss Olivier Letang was furious that former Toon defender Chancel Mbemba didn't make it back in time to take part in their game against Lens.
“The Congolese Football Federation unilaterally decided to keep the players until Monday, even though FIFA regulations are clear. Players must return to their clubs within 48 hours of the match.“The player was supposed to be back on Thursday. The case is already with FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, as this is a very dangerous precedent for all clubs that pay players’ salaries. The relevant bodies are very sensitive to this matter and have already written to the Congolese Football Association.”
Did Newcastle realise Wissa was missing?
There's still time for Newcastle to jump on this bandwagon, but as Newcastle didn't have a game during the time Wissa was away, they may be more inclined to let it slide, given the historic nature of Congo's achievement.
To be fair, even if Newcastle had a game, would Wissa have been involved anyway? The 29-year-old can barely get a kick at Newcastle at the moment.
Although it would have been good for him to come back and actually train with his team properly for the first time this season, so maybe the club will take action after all.
