sion turmoil

SION coach Laurent Roussey has washed his hands of the bizarre situation which could see the Swiss club ultimately forfeit their Europa League tie against Celtic.

The Swiss side have five players in their squad who are, in the eyes of Fifa, ineligible to play in the first leg at Parkhead tonight.

Sion allegedly broke a registration embargo by Fifa at the weekend when Pascal Feindouno, Mario Mutsch and Gabri all played. Jose Goncalves and Billy Ketkeophomphone are also in Sion’s European squad, approved by the Swiss FA who, along with the club, have been warned by Uefa about possible sanctions.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport, which will rule on the issue, will not deliver its verdict until after the second leg next Thursday.

However, last night Roussey distanced himself from the controversy.

“I am the coach, I am here to play the game,” said the Frenchman who vowed to pick from his full squad. “It is a matter for my boss.

“If we win the game I’ve done my job then what happens after that has nothing to do with me.”

Roussey says his players will be inspired by Celtic Park. He said: “It is a lovely stadium, a temple of football.

“The first thing we can do is make sure we don’t damage the next game so if we leave with a draw we will be happy.”