Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport

Obi claims he was 'forced' to sign for United

Fifa is expecting Nigeria's John Mikel Obi to explain his role in the transfer dispute between Chelsea and Manchester United by next Monday.

Obi is at the centre of an astonishing tug-of-war between the two English Premiership sides.

The 18-year-old signed a contract to join United from Norwegian side Lyn Oslo in April but has since claimed that he was made to sign the deal against his will.

He has since indicated his desire to play for Chelsea instead.

Andreas Herren, head of Fifa's media department, said the row - prompted by a report from United and Norwegian club Lyn Oslo - is far from being settled.

"We are waiting for the player's position on 4 July," Herren told BBC Sport on Wednesday.

"No decision is likely to come in the near future, at least as long as we do not have the player's statement on this matter."

Obi is currently playing for Nigeria at the World Youth Championship in Holland.