Super Eagles sensation caught in payment dispute between Heerenveen, CSKA Moscow

Eredivisie campaigners Heerenveen have taken the matter of CSKA Moscow’s unfulfilled obligations over the transfer of Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke to FIFA’s doorstep, Soccernet.ng reports.

Expressing their dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Russian side, Heerenveen has lodged a formal petition against CSKA Moscow, according to Voetbal Primeur.

The situation remains unresolved, leaving SC Heerenveen still awaiting the complete transfer fee for the highly talented 25-year-old Nigerian.

Ejuke’s move to CSKA Moscow was finalized in 2020 for a substantial sum of twelve million euros.

While the first three payment installments were successfully executed in accordance with the agreement between the two clubs, the fourth payment, a significant amount of three million euros, which was due in May 2022, failed to materialize, causing great uncertainty for Heerenveen.

CSKA Moscow have attributed the delay in transferring the outstanding amount to the sanctions imposed on Russian banks due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

However, Heerenveen remain unconvinced by this explanation and feels powerless in their attempts to resolve the issue.

Ferry de Haan, the director of the club, has revealed their efforts to involve various authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but acknowledges the unlikelihood of cooperation from the other party.

With FIFA now handling the case, the resolution remains a waiting game for Heerenveen.

The club has also sought the support of other clubs facing similar predicaments, underscoring the frustrating nature of the situation.

The failure to receive the entitled funds not only deals a blow to their immediate financial liquidity but also raises concerns about their future stability. The outstanding sum represents a significant amount, and Heerenveen fears the potential long-term impact this unresolved matter may have on their financial well-being.

Interestingly, Chidera Ejuke, the player at the center of this transfer dispute, spent the current season on loan at Hertha BSC in the German Bundesliga.

The dribbling wizard bypassed CSKA Moscow by making use of FIFA’s provision to suspend his contract in Russia against the club’s wishes.

However, following Hertha Berlin’s relegation on the final day of the season, Ejuke has parted ways with the club.

It is expected that he will return to CSKA Moscow for the upcoming season, but reports indicate that several Premier League clubs in England are interested in acquiring his services.