Sydney FC has defended its decision to deny Sky Blues prodigy Akol Akon the chance to play for Australia at the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup due to the club’s squad lacking the depth to cover his absence.
A club versus country row has emerged over the services of Akon, who was set to be a key player in Australia’s squad at the November 19-December 13 tournament in Qatar.
However, the Sky Blues have refused to release the 17-year-old winger, and have no obligation to do so.
Despite being furious with Sydney’s stance, Football Australia has begrudgingly accepted the situation, as has Akon.
Sky Blues officials also rejected a request for an official statement on why they would not allow Akon to play at the under-17 World Cup.
However, at the crux of the matter is the Sydneysiders believing their squad is too thin to have Akon go to Qatar and miss three A-League games due to current injuries.
The Sky Blues have also argued that they have already allowed eight players to go to the tournament.
However, only two of them – Australian striker Zach Harrison and New Zealand defender Ethan Dyer – are part of the club’s A-League squad.
It’s understood that Sydney coach Patrick Kisnorbo and the club’s sporting director Alex Baumjohann also believe Akon – who will leave the Sky Blues at end of the season having already signed with American Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids – is better off playing games in the A-League against older players rather than going head-to-head with players of his own age at an under-17 World Cup.
Akol was used off the bench in the Sky Blues’ season-opening 0-0 draw with the Western Sydney Wanderers last Friday night.
However, he’s in strong contention to be elevated to the starting side on Sunday when Sydney hosts Adelaide United at Allianz Stadium.