Liverpool: Joel Matip could face 'action' for turning down Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations call-up

The Germany-born defender has withdrawn from his national team's provisional squad due to 'a bad experience with previous staff'

Matip has established himself as a key figure in Klopp's side (Getty)

Joel Matip has been warned that he could face 'action' from the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) after declining an international call-up for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

The Liverpool defender, who has not played for his national team since 2014, is one of seven players to have withdrawn from Cameroon’s provisional squad for the tournament in Gabon.

In a strongly-worded statement, Fecafoot cited “a bad experience with previous staff” as the reason for Matip’s decision and warned that he and six others may face punishment.

“Seven have called the coach by telephone to notify him of their unavailability,” the statement read.

“Joel Matip does not want to play with the Lions at the moment due to a bad experience with the previous technical staff.

“These players want to privilege their personal interest to the detriment of the national team, which some of them have already used for their development.

“The Cameroon Football Federation reserves the right to take action against these players in accordance with Fifa regulations.

“However, the coach wants to reassure the public that he will put in place the best team possible with players who are motivated and determined to defend the colours of Cameroon.”

Fifa's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players document states that players are, “as a general rule... obliged to respond affirmatively when called up by the association he is eligible to represent”.

​Matip has established himself as an important part of Jurgen Klopp’s side since arriving from Schalke 04 on a free transfer in the summer.

The 25-year-old centre-back has made 14 appearances so far this season, though his playing time has been curtailed in recent weeks by an ankle injury.

Sadio Mane, Liverpool’s other African international, is expected to represent Senegal at the Cup of Nations, which takes place between mid-January and early February.

The 24-year-old forward, who scored a stoppage time winner in Monday’s Merseyside derby against Everton, will miss key clashes against Manchester United and Chelsea.