Allyson Swaby in limbo
Incorrect paperwork leaves her ineligible for PSG this season, according to reports
Published:Saturday | March 25, 2023 | 12:20 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
To access this article in full please login or register today
What seemed to be a landmark move to Paris Saint Germain (PSG) for national defender Allyson Swaby has instead turned into an unfortunate circumstance which could see her unable to take the field for her new club for the rest of the season....
What seemed to be a landmark move to Paris Saint Germain (PSG) for national defender Allyson Swaby has instead turned into an unfortunate circumstance which could see her unable to take the field for her new club for the rest of the season.
According to French journalist Anthony Reich, Swaby’s parent club Angel City of the National Women’s Soccer league incorrectly filled out the international transfer form which caused complications. PSG announced Swaby’s arrival on January 30, just before the transfer deadline closed, for a six-month deal. Discussions took place between both clubs and the French Football Federation to resolve the issue. However, it could not be done before the deadline.
“Exchanges took place between the franchise, the club, and the French Football Federation (responsible for approving the contracts). But due, in particular, to the time difference with California, the final answer did not arrive in time,” Reich said in an article published on Thursday in RMC Sport. “PSG, keen to keep their new defender in the face of numerous injuries in this sector, then appealed to FIFA. It was dismissed.”
Another opportunity at an appeal, this time with the football tribunal was also unsuccessful meaning that Swaby will not be eligible to compete for PSG this season.
“A second appeal was initiated with the Football Court, again with failure. The result, almost two months after her arrival, Allyson Swaby knows full well that she will not be able to play in competition until the end of the French season with PSG,” Reich reported.
PSG are reportedly interested in securing Swaby for next season but according to Women’s Football reporter Theo Lloyd-Hughes yesterday, Angel City head coach Freya Coombe said Swaby should still be an Angel City player if the paperwork to register her for PSG did not go through as reported. Neither PSG nor Angel City FC have released a statement regarding the matter as yet.
Swaby has not suited up for her new club since being unveiled in January, including their recent Women’s Championships League 1-0 defeat to Wolfsburg on Wednesday. The decision will be a setback not only for the club but also for her preparations for the Women’s World Cup this summer. Her last competitive game was February 22, playing for Jamaica in their Cup of Nations match against Australia.