Akol Akon’s hopes of playing at the under-17s FIFA World Cup have been revived as Sydney FC and Football Australia came to an agreement on his availability.
It was reported by a number of outlets on Wednesday the winger would not represent Australia next month as the Sky Blues had blocked him from doing so.
Akol Akon is the youngest player to ever feature in an A-League grand final. Getty Images
Sydney FC’s decision was reportedly related to concerns about the squad’s depth as well as Akon’s position in cementing himself as a key figure in the senior team.
But the club has since confirmed he will be allowed to play if he is selected.
“Our goal has always been to give our young players every opportunity to represent their country,” Sydney FC executive vice chairman Sebastian Gray said.
“The biggest club in Australia, we see developing the next generation of Socceroos and Matildas as a responsibility to the national game, and one we take seriously.
“There are times, like this one, when we have to balance that with our own squad and our ambition to win trophies for Sydney FC.
“We’ve worked hard alongside Football Australia to find the right solution, and we’re delighted Akol will have this opportunity if selected.”
Football Australia executive director of football Heather Garriock was elated that the organisation and Sydney FC were able to come to an agreement.
“We’re pleased Akol may now have that opportunity, and we’ll keep working closely with Sydney FC and all clubs to give our best young players every chance to represent their country,” she said.
“Our position has always been that representing Australia at a FIFA World Cup is a special experience that benefits the player, their club and Australian football.”
Australian great Mark Bosnich couldn’t understand why club football would ever be seen as more important than representing the green and gold at any level.
“They should let him (Akon) go,” the former Aston Villa goalkeeper said on SEN earlier in the week.
Sydney FC’s Akol Akon on the ball. Getty Images
“Why would you want to deny someone the opportunity to play in a World Cup for their country? I can’t understand why they’d want to do that.
“Let him go play at the World Cup, do the right thing.”
As per the current FIFA rules, clubs are not obliged to release talent for youth international duty if the matches do not fall within the senior window.
The decision then falls on the organisers of domestic leagues – Football Australia and the A-League do not have an active agreement on the matter.
Akon could have therefore been legally held back to play senior football in the A-League in preparation for his move to the MLS with the Colorado Rapids. Akon has signed a deal to join the American club at the end of this A-League season. He is contracted with the Rapids until the end of 2031 with an option for 2032.
Akon’s agent Tony Rallis earlier this week questioned, in a statement to News Corp, why the Sky Blues are banking heavily on a teenager who has completed just one professional pre-season.
“That raises serious questions about recruitment,” he said.
“It is evident that Sydney FC’s foreign recruitment over the past two-and-a-half years has been a failure … leaving the club increasingly reliant on youngsters.”
Rallis said A-League teams like Sydney FC cannot continue to whine about low transfer fees if they deny the next generation of opportunities to prove their worth to scouts watching the international landscape.
“If Australian clubs genuinely want to increase player valuations, they must start treating youth World Cups as opportunities, not inconveniences,” he ended.
The CommBank Joeys team will be unveiled in the coming weeks, with their campaign to kick off in Qatar on November 19 against Argentina.
Australia will also face Denmark and Mozambique in the group stage.