FIFA will reportedly side with Lionel Messi in the wantaway star’s exit clause war with Barcelona.
Following the Argentine striker’s transfer request to leave the Camp Nou, the club are fiercely demanding any prospective bidders meet his release clause.
Lionel Messi should have an ally in Fifa when it comes to forcing through his release clauseCredit: AFP
With Messi’s buyout standing at an inconceivable £630million, the 33-year-old is said to have enacted a clause allowing him to leave for free.
The stipulation applied to the end of the 2019/20 campaign, which was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And Barcelona have reportedly told Messi it has expired – potentially setting in motion a huge legal battle.
With the June 10 deadline passed, the player’s entourage believe a natural extension is enforceable due to the pandemic.
And, according to El Pais, Fifa will not stand in their way if they hit the eject button.
The Spanish newspaper claim to have been told by sources inside football’s governing body that it has no precedent to prevent Messi from leaving.
In the last 15 years, there have been no interventions from Fifa or the Court of Arbitration for Sport on cases that would apply to dealing with this latest saga.
As a result, Messi would only have to apply to Fifa’s Transfer Matching System to fill out the relevant documentation and complete a move.
However, the transfer may not be that simple with Barcelona reportedly planning to take the matter to the courts.
A negotiated agreement is still possible but the exact fee may be taken out of both parties’ hands if the dispute enters the Barcelona legal system.
Catalan media reports suggest a compromised fee of £199m will be accepted by the LaLiga giants to allow their talisman a transfer.
Newspaper Sport also note that, were Messi to make an unlikely move across Spain, Fifa’s influence would be diminished further as the country’s laws would take precedence over the Swiss organisation’s.
Should the striker get his wish, Manchester City appear best-placed to secure his services.
Financial Fair Play is reportedly a big factor in the ability of Pep Guardiola’s side to complete a deal however, with Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain watching keenly.
Lionel Messi ‘has contacted old Barcelona mentor Pep Guardiola’ to tell him he wants Man City transfer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
