Chelsea's Babayaro stuck in international stalemate

Chelsea are still seeking a solution to their dispute with the Nigerian Football Association over the availability of Celestine Babayaro.

Babayaro was ruled out of last weekend's match at Arsenal under Fifa rules because he had been called up by Nigeria for their African Nations' Cup qualifying game against Zambia.

However, he is refusing to play for his country again until they reimburse him for thousands of pounds in expenses, which he has incurred travelling for international games over the past year.

The problem is still far from over, with Chelsea having appealed for Fifa to intervene last week only to be told they should seek a compromise themselves with the Nigerian FA.

Chelsea assistant manager Gwyn Williams has confirmed that there had so far been "no word" from the Nigerian FA as to a possible solution.

The indications seem to be that the Nigerian FA are refusing to back down, claiming Babayaro should again pay his own air fare and they will reimburse him when he arrives in his native country.

Chelsea are therefore waiting to hear exactly when he can play for them as there are several more international fixtures scheduled for Nigeria between now and the end of the domestic season.

Nigeria face Sudan at home in a World Cup qualifying game on January 27, which is the day before Chelsea face Gillingham in the FA Cup fourth round and just four days before they play Newcastle.

Nigeria also have two competitive games in March against Zambia and Ghana, one in April against Sierra Leone and another in May against Liberia.

There is a maximum number of times that a country can call up a player and invoke Fifa rules either forcing them to attend or suspending them from domestic action, but Chelsea are still hoping a solution can be found.