Brendan Rodgers and Celtic have confirmed the reason behind Shin Yamada’s sudden omission from the squad for Celtic’s heavy 5–1 loss to Ajax on Thursday night.

The Japanese striker, signed from Kawasaki Frontale in a £1.5 million deal, had initially been named on the bench in the buildup to the Como Cup tie.

But minutes later, Celtic reposted their team sheet without his name. Yamada had even warmed up, but never made the matchday list when play began.

In his post-match remarks, Rodgers explained the omission was down to a UEFA registration oversight. “We were told he wasn’t registered and couldn’t play in the game.

“It was a UEFA game… we thought it would be through so he obviously came with us and travelled. But then, later on, an hour before the game, we were told he wasn’t,” the Celtic boss told the National  .

That transparency came amid a night to forget on the pitch, as Ajax ran riot. Despite an early equaliser from Yang Hyun‑Jun, Celtic collapsed after the break, shipping five without reply in the end.

Supporters had voiced concern on social media amid speculation over whether Yamada had been withdrawn due to injury. But Rodgers insisted there was no knock; it was purely down to UEFA. Which begs the question having signed last week, what was the hold up. Was it Celtic’s hesitance or UEFA’s?

Since joining, Yamada has become the latest in a growing group of Japanese players at Parkhead, joining Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, and Hayato Inamura.

Rodgers described him as strong, athletic, and someone capable of scoring and creating goals—adding needed firepower following departures of Kyogo back in January.

Celtic fans will be hoping this administrative hiccup doesn’t recur. With pre-season nearing its end, Rodgers has one last test before the competitive season begins—a third-place playoff against Al‑Ahli. Whether Yamada will take his place then remains uncertain.