Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made an official complaint to Fifa after Cameroon defender Lauren was late returning to the club from the African Cup of Nations.
Wenger claimed that Lauren had his passport taken away so he could take part in celebrations in Cameroon after their trophy win in Mali.
Lauren returned to Arsenal on Sunday in time to fly out with the squad for the Champions League Group D match against Bayer Leverkusen.
Wenger, who last week had demanded an explanation from his player, instead vented his anger on the Cameroon Football Association.
"We have made an official complaint to Fifa because his passport was taken away from him in Cameroon," Wenger said.
"He is not responsible (for his late return).
"The only way that he is responsible is that we did not want him to fly back to Cameroon after the tournament as we knew it would be
difficult for him to get back out again."
Lauren played in the final and was then flown to Cameroon to take part in a victory parade, which was delayed several times by the president.
Serious
"We gave them (the Cameroon FA) a player, even though he was injured, and they wouldn`t let him come back. It`s unbelievable," said Wenger.
And the Arsenal manager dismissed claims that Lauren might have been delayed because he was enjoying the celebrations in Cameroon.
"He is a serious player who does not go out partying," he said.
"He looked quite sharp in training and we have no doubts about his fitness."
Wenger`s anger was no doubt heightened because it is not the first time a player has returned to Arsenal late after playing for an African side.
Nigeria`s Nwankwo Kanu went walkabout after the Cup of Nations two years ago.
