Debut in doubt: PSG yet to receive transfer certificate for Neymar

Brazil skipper was expected to debut in Sunday’s game

PARIS: Neymar is poised to make his much-anticipated debut for Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday when they travel to Guingamp in their second game of the Ligue 1 season.

However, the French league are still waiting on a transfer certificate from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) before the Brazilian can finally play.

The certificate has to arrive before Sunday if Neymar is to take to the pitch at the Stade du Roudourou this weekend, with it possible that FIFA may have to intervene if the RFEF do not send the document by Friday.

But the French Football Federation (FFF) appear confident that the saga surrounding Neymar, who cost PSG a staggering world record of €222m, is near its end.

"The transfer is complete, so this should not last," FFF president Noel Le Graet told sports daily L'Equipe. "The federation is in contact with our Spanish counterparts. There is no reason for this hold-up to continue. These are complicated deals, but there is no missing document today. I do not need to tell you that there are a few problems within the Spanish federation. I do not doubt that this will be quickly solved. Wolves do not eat each other, you know."

Neymar watched from the Parc des Princes stands as PSG cruised to a low-key 2-0 win over newly promoted Amiens in their Ligue 1 opener last time out, and coach Unai Emery will want the forward available sooner rather than later.

"He's a player who will help the club get to a higher level," he said. "Without Neymar PSG is a great club, but with Neymar it's a little better. The way we will adapt being close to a player like him... The other players here are also some great players, so together we can get better and grow."