Sheffield United signed Michael Verrips on a free transfer on deadline day in August.
The goalkeeper had a year left on his contract with KV Mechelen, but terminated his contract with them and that allowed the Blades to sign him as a free agent.
Earlier in August, the Belgian side accused the 22-year-old and the English club of not following “correct transfer” protocol and they also confirmed they’d “take the necessary steps with FIFA” in regards to the matter.
On August 19th, Voetbalnieuws and Voetbalkrant reported Sheffield could face potential trouble if they include the Dutchman in their matchday squad.
Sheffield settled for a 3-3 draw against Manchester United and with Dean Henderson ineligible to face his parent club, Chris Wilder started Simon Moore and Verrips was on the bench for the first time in the Premier League fixture.
Gazet Van Antwerpen in Belgium reported on Tuesday that Mechelen are still waiting for FIFA’s decision on the Verrips case.
They claim if the sport’s governing body finds Verrips’ transfer to Bramall Lane as ‘unlawful’, then the keeper risks being suspended for four to six months and Sheffield United could also face a transfer ban for two windows.
Gazet Van Antwerpen state, ‘in that respect, it is therefore not without risk that Sheffield did not even wait for the FIFA decision to include the goalkeeper in the selection for an official competition.’
The report adds there’s no official contact between two clubs and it’s unclear when FIFA will ‘issue a ruling’.
Gazet Van Antwerpen end their report by stating ‘A case has also been brought before the labor court, but this may not occur until 2021.’
