Standard give up on Meteb

Meteb signed a contract with the Belgian side last month, but suddenly went back to Egypt before claiming that the army has denied him for traveling.

After giving him some time to justify his stance, Standard do not seem to be convinced with the 27-year-old's excuses.

"The story of the army cannot be checked. It is just a clear indication that he has no intention to return to Belgium," Standard director Pierre Francois told Nieuwsblad newspaper.

"We no more count on him. I think we would look ridiculous if we still say that Emad Meteb is the transfer of the season.

"The club is blameless now. We have a perfectly valid contract that was not respected."

Francois' comments mean a clear message that Standard will raise the case to FIFA, who could well impose a heavy sanction against Meteb.

Apart from an inevitable fine, the former Ahli striker is facing a lengthy ban for the breach of contract.

Meteb has already lost his place in Egypt's roster and will play no club football before 2011.