Liverpool defender Joel Matip is facing five games on the sidelines over his FIFA row.
The Sun says the Kop centre-back, 25, was picked even though he quit international football over a year ago.
Yet Cameroon are ignoring pleas from Anfield's top brass to confirm Matip can play while the tournament is on in Gabon.
Liverpool play Plymouth in an FA Cup replay on Wednesday and fear they could face a Fifa rap if Matip is in the side. And if the defender is forced to sit it out until Cameroon's cup commitments are over, he may be sidelined until Spurs go to Anfield on February 11 — six days after the final.
Matip was pulled out of Sunday's trip to Manchester United while Liverpool chased answers over his eligibility.