WCQ 2026: “We reported them to FIFA” – Gernot Rohr on the club’s refusal to release Olaitan

Benin Republic national team coach Gernot Rohr says the country’s National Federation has reported Turkish Super Lig club Goztepe to football’s governing body FIFA.

This was due to the club’s decision to prevent Junior Olaitan from joining the national team for the World Cup qualifiers.

The club have reportedly refused to allow the midfielder to join their national team as he is currently nursing an undisclosed injury.

This means he will not feature in Benin’s final two matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Lesotho.

Olaitan, who grew up in Nigeria but chose to represent Benin Republic, did not play in Goztepe’s last two matches.

The Turkish side is required under Fifa regulations to release Olaitan to the Benin Football Federation, whether the player is injured or not.

According to Mega Sports, Rohr said: “He is not with us because his club prevented him from joining the national team.

“We therefore sent a letter to FIFA to denounce this situation. Even an injured player must report to his national team’s training camp.”

Benin Republic currently tops Group C of the African qualifying series due to FIFA’s decision to deduct 3 points from South Africa.

FIFA made the decision after South Africa fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the 2-0 win over Lesotho last March.