Off late, role of soccer Governing Bodies has changed from just being a watchdog to an adjudicator who intervenes on any matter that could harm the interest of any player, team, or institute. After just one day when UEFA held Chelsea’s penalty clause unforeseeable for loaned goalie Thibaut Courtois, governing watchdog has again warned the league side to refrain exercising any penalty as any some fining would be against the integrity of the game on European soil. Notably, goalie Thibaut Courtois has been sent on loan by the Blues to Spanish side Atletico Madrid with a clause that he can’t play against his parent club, but if circumstances ask him to play in violation of the contract terms, Atletico would have to pay hefty penalty to the English side. Since, Spanish giant would have to play against Chelsea in the semifinal of the Champions League, UEFA referred the matter to its adjudication committee who held that any such clause would intrude natural rights of justice hence this is unenforceable. Actually, the problem Jose Mourinho facing is the fact that Belgian footballer is in great form and if he stands against them, it would become even harder for them to deceive him on the goalpost.
Anyways, issuing another warning to the Stamford Bridge side, UEFA issued another statement mentioning, “In response to media reports referring to the situation of Club Atlético de Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, UEFA would like to reiterate its position. 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 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.”
Looking at the whole case, it is very much unlikely that Chelsea would let it go easily, in fact, matter would heat up again after the semifinal should Courtois imparts. Moreover, the £5 million fine could also be abridged if both the teams agreed upon. Well, let us see how the exclusive violation is handled by the governing body!