St Johnstone do not expect to receive any financial compensation following Uche Ikpeazu’s call-up to Uganda’s Africa Cup of Nations squad, despite the striker departing for the tournament in Morocco this week.
Manager Simo Valakari confirmed Ikpeazu was absent from the matchday squad for the 2-1 win over Ayr United due to illness, having also missed the postponed cup tie against Hearts B earlier in the week, before travelling for international duty.
“Uche has been sick this week and now he travels to Afcon,” Valakari said. “We are very proud of him and wish him all the best.”
Uganda head coach Paul Put has raised concerns about player availability, with the Cranes fielding a reduced squad of 14 players in a recent friendly against Moroccan club, AS FAR.
Put criticised Fifa’s decision to allow clubs to retain players until December 15, just days before the tournament begins.
Uganda play Gabon in their final warm-up match on Wednesday before opening their AFCON campaign against Tunisia on December 23. Group matches against Tanzania on December 27 and Nigeria on December 30 follow.
As a result, Ikpeazu is set to miss St Johnstone fixtures against Hearts B, Morton and Ross County. Should Uganda fail to progress from the group, the forward is expected to be available for the January 3 match against Arbroath.
While Ikpeazu’s selection represents a first AFCON call-up for a current St Johnstone player, there is no indication the club will benefit financially.
There is no established precedent for the Confederation of African Football compensating clubs for player release during the AFCON finals.
St Johnstone previously received payments under Fifa’s Club Benefit Programme, earning £160,000 when David Wotherspoon was selected for Canada’s 2022 World Cup squad and £81,000 following Alan Mannus’ involvement with Northern Ireland at Euro 2016. Courier Sport understands Saints have received no indication that a similar scheme will apply for this AFCON tournament.
