Liberty Professionals are grappling with the absence of Michael Osei after the games governing body, FIFA handed the former Asante Kotoko player a four-month ban.

The player was absent from Liberty?s lineup as they lost 2-1 to Power Fc on Sunday.

Osei is locked in a contractual disagreement with Chinese side, Busan Icons over the refund of $30,000 paid the player by the Asian side in 2001.

Busan Icons formerly managed by former Asante Kotoko coach, Ian Porterfield signed Osei in 2001.

Michael Osei received $30,000 as inducement fee from the Chinese outfit but the Kotoko management in office as at the time refused to release the player?s international transfer certificate.

Liberty Professionals signed Michael Osei on a three-year contract from Kotoko for an undisclosed fee at the start of the season.