Jakarta - Florent Malouda is actually a former French national team player. But, in this year's Gold Cup, Malouda also plays for French Guiana. Loh, how come?
Malouda was born in French Guyana 37 years ago. His football career, however, was mostly spent in Europe, especially in the French competition and rose to his name as he strengthened Lyon and Chelsea.
His glorious career at the club is equipped with him being one of the mainstays of the squad Les Bleus. From 2004 debut, Malouda already has 80 caps and nine goals until 2012.
After his career faded with injury, Malouda is only playing in India with Delhy Dynamos and last in the Egyptian club, Wadi Degla.
After five years absent from the international football scene, Malouda decided to play for French national team Guyana which is his hometown. French Guiana itself is not a member of FIFA so Malouda is allowed to defend the national team, as does the Catalan or Basque national team in Spain.
His debut with French Guiana acted against Barbados in friendly games this year and has brought his team finished third in the Caribbean Cup tournament. Malouda's name also entered the French Guiana squad in the Gold Cup tournament this month.
Serving captain, Malouda played his first international tournament against Honduras on Tuesday (12/7) evening local time. This is then a long debate.
The reason, what Malouda did violate FIFA rules that players can not defend two different national team. While the Gold Cup is an official tournament under the banner of the world football association.
"The rules are not allowed," said a spokesman for the North American Federation of Football, Central, and Caribbean Islands (CONCACAF) as quoted Soccernet.
"We are using FIFA rules, and players who have been down in official FIFA matches with other national teams can not perform in the Gold Cup."
"Specifically, he can not play, he can play, but not allowed here."
Although CONCACAF has not taken action on Malouda's action, it is likely that French Guiana will be disqualified from Honduras counter-action and lost 0-3. The game itself ended in a goalless draw.
French Guiana are joined in Group A with Canada, Costa Rica and Honduras. In the first game, French Guiana lost 2-4 from Canada.