Arsenal protest over Essien means Chelsea could lose points

It has been reported in Africa today that Arsenal are considering an official complaint about Michael Essien playing for Chelsea when he should have been on international duty with Ghana.

Essien played against Wolves (and scored twice in the 4-0 win) on November 21st, but under FIFA rules he was ineligible to play for them as he had refused to turn up for Ghana’s friendly game against Angola on the previous Wednesday.

Essien, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan were all fined £3000 for not turning up.

Chelsea’s next game was the 3-0 win at the Emirates, and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes that Essien should have been suspended for that game, and is trying to get the result annuled. Wolves are also thought to be considering action against Chelsea.

“Essien didn’t play for Ghana but he still played against us,” said Wenger.

“He was not entitled to do so.”

Wenger continued: “We will investigate to see if there has been a breach of the regulations.”

Chelsea believe that they had received permission from Ghana to play Essien, but Fred Pappoe, the Ghana association’s vice-president, said that he knew nothing about permission being granted, and all the missing players were punished with a fine.

This could have a significant impact on the title race if Arsenal’s complaint is upheld.