Blues fury at Courtois green light
UE FA last night told Chelsea t hey cannot stop their own goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois playing against them in the Champions League semi-finals.
The 21-year-old Belgian, in the third season of a loan from Stamford Bridge to Atletico Madrid, found himself in the middle of a huge contract row after the two clubs were pitted against each other in yesterday morning’s draw.
Atletico say there is a clause in his loan agreement stipulating they would have to pay a fee of £5million to field him in both legs. But a strongly worded UEFA statement yesterday insisted the clause contravenes their regulations and so cannot be applied.
The statement read: ‘ 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 (or may not) 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 be sanctioned accordingly.’
It is understood Atletico’s decision to go public with the clause has angered Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have maintained their stance to not discuss the finer details of the Courtois loan contract yesterday, insisting such matters should stay confidential.
But, while the Blues insist Courtois has always been eligible to face them, whether or not they would look to invoke the clause privately is unclear.
Nevertheless, there is a feeling at Chelsea that Atletico purposefully leaked the details of the penalty clause to ensure the stipulation is scrutinised.
Given yesterday’s ruling, the clause could be seen to influence Atletico manager Diego Simeone’s decision over Courtois’ selection.
Atletico’s tight finances mean they would struggle to pay the £5m, which Simeone is aware of.
Both clubs are keen to resolve the issue, knowing their relationship will be key to transfer dealings this summer. Atletico want to secure another season-long loan deal for the Belgium international, while Chelsea would like to sign Diego Costa from the Vicente Calderon Stadium and are also said to be considering a move for midfielder Arda Turan.
One way of resolving the issue could ssee Atletico reduce Costa’s £32m release clause to help Chelsea sign the star.
That would mean Atletico would not bbe required to directly pay Chelsea any money, though such a move would be open to scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Sportsmail understands despite the awkward situation of facing his parent club, Courtois is desperate to play in the semi-final. This is his third season at Atletico and he has strong ties with the club.
Chief executive Ron Gourlay said yesterday: ‘ The loan was arranged at the start of the season. He could play against Chelsea — that was never in doubt.
‘Regarding the (UEFA) statement that came out, we’ll evaluate it over the next 24 to 48 hours. As far as we’re concerned we complied with loan rules. He can play against Chelsea — if selected.’
Atletico director Clemente Villaverde added: ‘Courtois can play whatever happens. There is a UEFA regulation which prohibits any agreement between clubs that prevents a player from participating freely in the competition.’