Barnsley are hopeful that they can block Ryan Williams playing at the Asian Under 23 Championships next month.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who has only just returned from a long-term injury, has been called into the Australian squad for the tournament in Qatar from January 12-30.
Head coach Lee Johnson said: "We are going to fight that because we could lose him for a full month. We think we might have a case because I believe the competition is not an official FIFA date. If we do have that power, we will use it.
"You wonder why on Earth there is an under 23 tournament in the middle of January when most players will be playing at their clubs at their age."
Former Barnsley loan star Williams signed from Fulham for a six-figure fee in the summer but has so far played just two matches.
