Ashley's £8million Battle Over Gutierrez
By Tyne-Talk
October 16 2008
Newcastle United could be pulled before the Football Association to battle a compensation claim being filed by Real Mallorca for Argentinean Jonas Gutierrez. Gutierrez was former manager Kevin Keegan's first major summer signing but sustained a shoulder injury on International duty in early September and has been sidelined ever since.
Real Mallorca are claiming that Newcastle United paid nothing (true) for the 24 year old midfielder when he signed a 5 year deal and are seeking an £8million settlement fee.
At the time, both Jonas and Newcastle United believed that the he was entitled to join the club after ripping up his previous contract under FIFA Article 17 "Consequences of terminating a contract without just cause."
The article states that any player that signed a contract under the age of 28 and has worked 3 years of the deal can use the clause to terminate their contract. However compensation must be paid by the player, in this case Gutierrez.
The £8million claim represents the figure Real Mallorca are said to have turned down from Portsmouth in January before Gutierrez made his move. In a bizarre twist the man himself also sought action over finances after Real Mallorca refused to hand over his final wages, this came as the club began their bid for compensation initially launching it at the player. Their attention has now turned and is involving Newcastle United.
Vicente Morales, representing Real Mallorca, told the Evening Chronicle:
"Newcastle are responsible. Newcastle have signed Jonas without paying a Euro."
Further controversy lies in the unconfirmed nature of Gutierrez previous registration with both Real Mallorca and Argentinean side Velez Sarsfield claiming ownership.
A court date has been set for February in Spain.
Despite the battle behind the scenes (not that much remains behind closed doors at St James' Park) Jonas is hoping to feature in Monday's game against Manchester City, he said:
"I hope I will be fit for Manchester City. If not, I definitely expect to be back for Sunderland.
I loved working with Kevin Keegan, but working with Joe Kinnear is also good.
He is different, but in a good way. Now I just want to get back playing again after my injury."
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