Why does EUFA and the FA enforce silly rules regarding player eligibility in their various Cup competitions??? My understanding is that Onyewu is "Cup-tied" because he played one match for Standard Liege back in September...What does THAT have to do with Newcastle fighting for a berth in the EUFA Cup semifinals??? How would Onyewu's taking part hurt the sport??? I can understand the rules in the domestic cup competitions with all the players on loan from big clubs down to smaller ones, but where is the conflict of interest for Onyewu with Liege gone and buried from the competition??? If EUFA is going to continue with a "winter transfer window" they should relax the rules for these situations.
The rules are there to actually help the smaller clubs having their better players taken as the tournament goes on. Who's to say if Liege had gone through and Newcastle out Onyewu wouldn't of stayed.
