By Samindra Kunti
January 16 – Brazilian club Santos is facing a mutiny in its ranks after four players took the club to court over arrears for outstanding salaries and fees. The judicial trouble is hampering Santos’s preparations for the new domestic season which begins with the state leagues this month – Santos play in the Paulista.
Goalkeeper Aranha, midfielder Arouca, striker Leandro Damiao and Chilean Eugenio Mena sued Santos over four months of unpaid wages, including image rights, holiday compensations and a 13th month.
Judge Charles de Souza of the fifth labor court in Santos granted the injunction to Mena. His contract with Santos that ran until June 2017 is now suspended. Mena is negotiating a transfer to Cruzeiro, although Santos can still appeal the decision.
Arouca’s court date has been moved to the end of this month. The midfielder participated in the medical exams at his club, but his layer Cristina Olmos initiated legal proceedings over the arrears via a labor action (ação trabalhista). Arouca subsequently left for his hometown Rio de Janeiro and did not return for the training sessions at Santos’s training complex Rei Pelé.
Aranha’s case was dismissed. Santos, in response, do not plan to retain Aranha as their number one goalkeeper. The club is looking to acquire the services of Goias goalkeeper Renan.
Leandro Damiao’s case is pending.
Santos is trying to resolve the financial crisis that has resulted in the conflict with its personnel. Last Tuesday the club paid two months of CLT (Consolidações de Leis Trabalhistas) – employment income tax.
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