Shaktar allege that the transfer to Zaragoza was unlawful, breaching its contract with the player and the rules of the game. Shakhtar say they turned down a $6 million official bid for the player from Zaragoza, only to find him unveiled as Real Zaragoza’s new signing.
FC Shakhtar CEO, Sergey Palkin told SportBusiness.com that the FIFA ruling today could have a huge impact on world football. “We hope that FIFA realises the gravity of the situation and upholds its rules and regulations. Under FIFA rules it is not correct for a club to be able to pressure a player into breaching his contract.
“We had a buy-out clause in Matuzalem’s contract for €25 million, so we want the correct amount of compensation. We did everything according to the rules, we paid the player on time, paid the transfer fee on time. He was our player and a very important player. He was our captain and leader going into a season in which we are a Champions League club. Should FIFA not rule in our favour, it would demolish the rules of football and the respect clubs have for contracts.
“It would lead to a situation far beyond that created by the Bosman ruling. It would mean players could do as they pleased. How would football clubs work in a world without rules? How would football function with an open situation in which players can simply walk out of clubs? It is simply not possible. FIFA must act.”
Pulkin added that should FIFA rule against Shakhtar, or not award it sufficient compensation, the club would appeal to the Court of Arbitration in Lausanne.
