Eagles, BT in Bokosi fight
A big boardroom fight has erupted between Blue Eagles and Blantyre United who have unilaterally ‘terminated’ the clearance for the cops’ youthful striker Innocent Bokosi over unpaid transfer fees.
Eagles paid K200 000 (about $1 197) developmental fee, but United are demanding a total of K1.5 million for their player. The police side insist that they do not pay conventional transfer fees.
In a letter dated January 19 2012, addressed to Eagles general secretary Ackis Muwanga, United administrator Lawson Nakoma said they had cancelled Bokosi’s clearance.
“You will recall that our clearance letter dated October 15 2011 indicated that a transfer fee will be agreed between you and us. Unfortunately, your club has shown unbearable reluctance to come to a negotiating table for the applicable transfer fees,” reads part of the letter from Nakoma.
“We further advise that Innocent Bokosi is valued at K1 500 000 ($8 982) and at this juncture, we will be talking to any club that is interested in his services. We will be launching a claim to you through Sulom for a fair compensation to us due to resultant loss of service from our player,” Nakoma adds.
Interestingly, Muwanga challenged that they would hold on to the player unless United pay compensation for investment in the player, including school fees of K40 000 (about $239) per term and accommodation.
“We have the clearance which they issued in satisfaction with the terms of the contract. They were quiet until the last games of the season when Innocent scored regularly. They have to pay us for damages, including his K150 000 (about $898) loan,” said the Eagles spokesperson.
But Sulom general secretary Williams Banda on Thursday urged chairpersons for both teams to resolve the matter as there are several implications on a player’s clearance once a club selling a player has authorised the issuance of a transfer certificate.
“If they fail, then they could be arbitration; otherwise, there are procedures (to reverse clearance),” Banda said about Bokosi who is believed to be under-20.
Sulom issues a clearance on authority of the club selling a player. Fifa rules on players status restricts sale of under-21, but only compensation to most immediate club and all his nursery sides.
