April 11 – UEFA have issued a warning to Chelsea against trying to seek a fee for loaned out goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois playing them in the Champions League semifinals for Atletico Madrid.
The Belgian keeper has been in brilliant form for the Spaniards this season but reports before today’s semifinal draw suggested they may have to pay Chelsea up to £5 million if the pairings pitted cash-strapped Atletico against his parent club.
That’s exactly what happened but UEFA say any attempt by Chelsea to get a hefty fee out of Atletico would be against the rules and unforceable.
“In response to media reports referring to the situation of Club Atlético de Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, UEFA would like to reiterate its position,” said a statement.
“The integrity of sporting competition is a fundamental principle for UEFA.
“Both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations contain clear provisions which strictly forbid any club to exert, or attempt to exert, any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match.
“It follows that any provision in a private contract between clubs which might function in such a way as to influence who a club fields in a match is null, void and unenforceable so far as UEFA is concerned.
“Furthermore, any attempt to enforce such a provision would be a clear violation of both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and would therefore be sanctioned accordingly.”
Courtois signed a five-year contract with Chelsea in 2011 when he moved from Genk for an undisclosed fee but has never played for the Londoners. He is spending a third season at Atletico but is likely to end up being the successor to Chelsea number one Petr Cech.
In next month’s eagerly awaited semis Atletico face Chelsea while the other tie throws up an even more mouth-watering clash between holders Bayern Munich and nine-time winners Real Madrid for a place in next month’s final in Lisbon.
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