Athirson Future in the Balance
Wednesday 10th January 2001
Fifa are on the verge of deciding whether Brazilian wing-back Athirson will
stay at Flamengo or join Juventus, after both clubs claim they have the
player tied to a contract.
Athirson is in dispute with Flamengo over a contract signed on his behalf by
his former agent Marlene Mattos last year. Since then, the defender's new
representative, Roberto Carlos Mota, has set up a �2 million transfer to the
Turin giants - and Athirson is desperate to go.
Both clubs have presented their official documents to Fifa in Zurich, and
the world's governing body are set to announce a decision.
The Brazilian club are determined to block the Juventus deal, claiming they
have had offers of more than �10 million from other European clubs, while
the Serie A side are hoping that Athirson's agent will get his
"unauthorised" Flamengo contract annulled by Fifa.
Athirson's current contract at the Brazilian club expired in December,
although the player or his agent could face punishment from Fifa for signing
contracts with two different clubs.
On the other hand Fifa may well delay their decision until later this month,
when Athirson is set to bring a lawsuit against Flamengo vice-president
Walter Oaquim, for claiming the player had "cheated" the club.
