Blues call on Fifa to solve Babayaro dispute

Chelsea are locked in another dispute with Nigeria over the availability of defender Celestine Babayaro.

Babayaro has refused to play for Nigeria until his country's FA have paid him back for the cost of more than half-a-dozen flights used to join up with the national team.

These date back a year to the African Nations' Cup finals and add up to a total well into five figures.

Babayaro is cautious about kicking up too much of a fuss, given that his family still live in Nigeria and he would like to play for his country again.

But, while he earns a high salary at Stamford Bridge, he does not want the problem - which is believed to extend to other Nigerian squad members - to continue.

Chelsea, who have made their feelings clear on the matter to the Nigerian FA, have therefore asked Fifa to become involved to resolve the situation.

Assistant manager Gwyn Williams said the club are "liaising with Fifa" and awaiting a decision as to whether Babayaro will be able to play at Highbury this weekend.

The defender is not commenting on the dispute but has made it clear he wants to play at Highbury.

Babayaro told ClubCall: "We need to turn around our away form because we're doing okay at home. I hope this Saturday will be the turning point, and we will get a victory at Arsenal."

It is hardly the first time Chelsea have been at odds with the Nigerian FA after previous rows over call-ups, as well as Babayaro's failure to return on time from the African Nations' Cup.

Similar problems over availability have also previously been experienced by Saturday's opponents Arsenal with Nigerian striker Kanu.

But he has not been selected in the Nigeria squad this time after not taking part in last year's Olympics.

Nigeria, with four points, currently lead their four-team African Nations' Cup qualifying group, which also includes Madagascar and Namibia. Two teams qualify for the 16-nation tournament in Mali next year.