Betsy refused International permission

Last updated : 14 February 2005 By The Chairman
Athletic have refused permission to The Football Association of the Seychelles who wanted striker Kevin Betsy to play for them against South Africa in the COSAFA Cup on February 26th. Betsy would have been away on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius for a week. As the FA do not officially recognised the International, Athletic were within their rights to refuse permission.

Brian Talbot told the official website, “I wouldn't take him (Betsy) on again if he didn't retire from International football. No chance. I don't think the club would either. I think when you're paying good wages out, you want them committed to your football club. If they're playing for England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland it's not a problem but when your playing for New Zealand it's difficult.”


Betsy's philosophial reply was, “I won't be playing for the Seychelles, not at this present time. I still quality for any of the home nations and I just want to concentrate on my club football. I've been called up before but at this present time I don't want to jeopardise my club career by trotting off all over the world to play international football.”