This is something that had threatened to happen, but now the Addicks have confirmed that they will not allow China to call-up midfielder Zheng Zhi towards the end of October.
Clear international windows are set out each season, but as the China matches fall outside of the current international break (which we have just gone into) under new Fifa rules the Addicks are not obliged to release him, so they won’t.
Addicks boss Alan Pardew is sympathetic towards the Chinese but he has confirmed that Zheng Zhi will not be released to play their World Cup qualifying double header against Burma on the 21st and 28th of October, as he told the Addicks website: ‘I apologise to the Chinese federation, but I have made the decision to keep him here.
‘If he were to travel, he would miss our games against Wolves, Plymouth and QPR because the fixtures fall outside of the international window.
‘I know Zizi is an important player for his country, but he is also important for us.
‘I am sure that China will be able to get the results they need from the two games without him.’
Zheng Zhi has been in brilliant form for the Addicks this season, with Andy Reid and himself the star performers against the Tykes at the weekend, Zheng scoring the Addicks goal.
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Well the ruling bodies are on our side this time so I think that we are well within out rights to do this, and it is the right thing for us to have done.
I think it’s good that he’s not going. But I can see it from the Chinese point of view too! He’s such an important player for both.
There Is A Danger Of Upsetting A Player On These Issues And It Can Often Come Back To Haunt You….!
If Zheng Zhi really wanted to go (not that I’m saying he doesn’t) I’m sure the Addicks would have let him, but with it being outside of the designated international window we are within our rights to say no.
Charlton pay ZZ’s wages and as far as I am aware get no compensation from International governing bodies if the guy gets injured playing for his country. It’s good that we get a say in it and from ZZ’s point of view if he loses his place it could potentially harm his long term career, especially if he is out of favour when contract re-negotiations come around.
Completely agree harryH.
Good point HarryH 🙂