Tottenham could be facing legal action from Shakhtar Donetsk over the transfer of Manor Solomon.
Solomon joined Spurs on a free transfer last summer, capitalising on a FIFA ruling that permitted foreign players in Ukraine to suspend their contracts due to the ongoing conflict.
This ruling allowed the Lilywhites to sign Solomon without a transfer fee, even though his contract with Shakhtar was valid until the end of 2023.
As reported by The Telegraph’s football news correspondent Matt Law, Shakhtar’s chief executive, Serhiy Palkin, has condemned Tottenham’s actions, accusing the club of unethical behaviour and exploitation.
He argued that Shakhtar deserved either a transfer fee or a substantial sell-on clause for Solomon.
The Ukrainian club believes they have been unfairly deprived of a potential transfer fee for Solomon, whose market value is approximately €13 million. Consequently, Shakhtar are now contemplating legal action to seek compensation.
Palkin highlighted that Spurs offered a 10% sell-on fee for any future transfer of Solomon, which he deemed insufficient for a club of Tottenham’s stature. He stressed that the offer was inadequate and did not reflect the true value of the player.
Shakhtar had previously contested the FIFA ruling that allowed their foreign players to leave, but their appeals were rejected by both FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Now, Shakhtar are pursuing legal action against clubs that benefited from this ruling, including the Lilywhites.
The resolution of Shakhtar’s potential legal action remains uncertain.
Tottenham have yet to fully benefit from Solomon’s signing due to a meniscus injury that has kept him sidelined for 33 games since last October.
In fact, there have been suggestions that the club will be willing to sell him this summer. Reputable club insider Paul O’Keefe recently claimed that the club will be listening to bids for him.