Ex-Fifa official: Celtic in line for desperate SFA talks after Alexandro Bernabei news
Celtic will be in discussion with the Scottish FA about whether new signing Alexandro Bernabei is eligible for the start of the 2022-23 season.
That is the view of ex-Fifa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Bernabei’s possible suspension at the start of the campaign.
The Hoops confirmed last week (30 June) that the 21-year-old had signed from Argentinian club Lanus on a five-year deal.
The left-back was sent off for a headbutt in his final game for Lanus and was handed a two-game suspension.
He missed his side’s game with River Plate as a result, but he still has one game left on his ban from the Argentinian FA.
FootballScotland reported last week (22 June) that the Argentinian FA could include the suspension in the transfer certificate.
It is yet to be confirmed whether it was included and what Bernabei’s status is ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
“It’s likely that Celtic are seeking clarification from the Argentinian FA and they will do that through the Scottish FA,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“There will be clarification on it, it may well be that they feel it is OK for him to go ahead without suspension.
“Often, this is more about the generation of knowledge and something that has already been clarified.
“It’s not great publicity, you’ve brought a player in who then can’t play because he’s banned.
“Obviously the club will seek more information.”
If the ban is carried over, Bernabei will miss Celtic’s opening game against Aberdeen at the end of the month (31 July).
He would then be eligible to make his debut the following week away at Ross County (6 August).
In other news, Celtic are expected to sign a Christopher Jullien replacement after a journalist’s update.