NZ Knights frustrated over Hamza clearance

New Zealand Knights continue to be frustrated in their bid to gain an international clearance for Ghanaian international midfielder Hamza Mohammed.

Knights CEO Bob Patterson said: "We have done everything right from day one with regards Hamza and did in fact receive a letter advising that there were no impediments in the way of his transfer. Unfortunately our efforts to have that international transfer lodged with the Ghanaian FA have until now proved fruitless. Calls are unanswered, messages not returned and written dialogue not responded to.

Without the ITC (International Transfer Certificate) we cannot play Hamza, despite having the initial letter from the Ghanaian FA." Patterson said that every avenue had been explored, with great support from Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Oceania.

"The FFA has gone out of their way to assist us, as have representatives from Oceania. Both continue to lobby on our behalf and will support us in action with FIFA to see the situation resolved as soon as possible. FIFA statutes however specify a 30 day period before they will become involved and with the short term nature of Hamza's contract this does not help to us in our current predicament. Our focus is a quick resolution so we can get a very good player on the field representing the Knights in the Hyundai A-League."