Fifa Delay Decision on Athirson
Thursday 11th January 2001
Fifa have announced that Brazilian wing-back Athirson could have to wait
another week before discovering whether he will must at Flamengo or join
Juventus. Both clubs claim they have the player tied to a contract.
Athirson is in dispute with Flamengo over a deal signed on his behalf last
year by former agent Marlene Mattos. The defender's new representative,
Roberto Carlos Mota, has since set up a �2 million transfer to the Turin
giants - and Athirson is desperate to go.
But a Fifa spokesman has announced: "We will have to take some time to study
this complicated case. It could take a day or it could take a week."
But the situation is infuriating for Athirson who is desperate for the whole
saga to finish. "I am praying to God that it will all end as soon as
possible because it is awful waiting," he moaned.
"The only thing that I want is to play for Juventus - they are the only team
I have signed for."
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 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.
Fifa may be delaying their decision until later this month, when Athirson is
due to bring a lawsuit against Flamengo vice-president Walter Oaquim for
claiming he "cheated" the club.
