Portsmouth miss out on FIFA compensation after Yengi updates – Exclusive
Kusini Yengi has endured a torrid season of injuries and inconsistency at Portsmouth.
The Australian international is now sidelined with a minor hamstring strain, which was sustained on international duty having travelled all the way Down Under only to be ruled out of both of the Socceroos’ wins over Indonesia and China.
Yengi has also failed to break his scoring duck this season in the Championship when he has featured, the latest of his starts coming in the defeat to Preston North End on 15 March.
Portsmouth FIFA compensation debated over Yengi
The discussion over whether clubs are eligible to claim compensation can provide some grey areas when their players are injured on international duty, as Yengi recently was.
John Mousinho confirmed it is likely to only be around a 10-day absence for the 26-year-old before he can make a return to action.
Finance expert Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Pompey News, admitted the Blues will be unable to appeal to FIFA for reimbursement on Yengi’s injury as the medical absence must be over a spell of at least 28 days.
“It has to be more than 28 days, or roughly a calendar month,” Plumley explained.
“Any knocks or niggles won’t be compensated, so Portsmouth are unlikely to be able to claim for this one.”
Yengi could be in contention to return to the matchday squad for Saturday’s trip to The Den to face Millwall in the Championship (5 April).
Pompey dashed by constant injury woes
Portsmouth have had plenty to deal with in the injury department this season, making likely survival in the Championship all the more impressive.
It’s a wonder what more the Blues could have achieved without long-term sideline spells for several key players.
Yengi is one of only a handful of senior internationals at Fratton Park who could at least have cushioned the blow with some FIFA compensation, but Pompey will not be eligible.
| Kusini Yengi – Portsmouth 2024-25 | Total |
| Appearances | 11 |
| Minutes played | 494 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
While the likes of Callum Lang, Conor Shaughnessy and Rob Atkinson remain out, Portsmouth are at least boosted by the return of Jordan Williams last weekend against Blackburn.
Next up is a trip to The Den, and Mousinho will hope to have Yengi among his travelling party.