Football United

Benfica striker Tomo Sokota was a last minute call-up to the Croatian national team for their midweek friendly with Israel. However, Benfica has appealed the decision and will not allow the striker to play for his country.
According to FIFA regualtions, a national team must give a club team 15 days notice when they call-up a player.

If they do not, the club holds the right to veto the decision and thats exactly what Benfica have done.

Benfica have several injured players in attack (Nuno Gomes, Mantorras and Carlitos) and cannot afford to let the Croatian striker play for his country with the Portuguese Super Cup looming this coming weekend.

Benfica will face rivals FC Porto, and manager Giovanni Trapattoni wants to have all the clubs' healthy players at his disposal.

Source: Goal.com