Leeds United fall victim to ‘nonsensical’ FIFA rule ahead of Premier League clash vs Everton
Leeds face Everton in their first Premier League clash of the season, and one notable player will be absent.
Daniel Farke’s men are just days away from making their return to the Premier League, with Leeds facing Everton at Elland Road under the lights.
Seven new arrivals have checked in so far this summer, and a handful of those are expected to start against the Toffees on Monday night.
However, one of those will not be eligible to play, and the reason comes down to a rule enforced by FIFA.
This article includes exclusive comments from former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
Jaka Bijol set to miss Everton clash through suspension
Leeds prioritised their defence when it came to recruitment this summer, and they achieved that with the signing of Jaka Bijol.
The Slovenian powerhouse joined the Whites from Udinese, but as a result of a red card picked up in the last game of the season, Bijol will be suspended against Everton.
| Bijol at Udinese last season | |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Clean sheets | 9 |
“It’s a nonsensical rule,” Paul Robinson exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“I can’t understand it. It’s stupid, it’s pointless. It’s a completely different country, a different league. If he was suspended from the game for other reasons, then I would understand it. Similarly to Sandro Tonali, etc.
“But for a red card? It is a ridiculous rule.”
Bijol will be eligible to play in Leeds United’s second game of the season, when they make the trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal.
Pascal Struijk must take his chance vs Everton
With Bijol suspended, it is all but nailed on that Pascal Struijk will start at Elland Road.
The Dutchman was outstanding last season in the Championship and came up with some big moments that helped Leeds on their way back to the Premier League.
However, with Bijol returning for the Arsenal clash, Struijk is going to have to impress if he is to keep his place in the side under Farke.
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