Earlier today it was reported that a Russian club, Torpedo Moscow, rescinded the contract of a player due to fan backlash.
The player, Erving Botaka-Yoboma, had signed a deal with the club just 6 days before, but his contract was terminated reportedly due to fan backlash over the colour of the player’s skin.
The Russian club in an emailed statement to THE HERALD, have stated that the decision to rescind the player’s contract was due solely to sporting reasons.
According to the Football Club’s press-office, Erving Botaka-Yoboma was to be signed without cost, but Torpedo Moscow received information which showed that the selling club would be entitled to a form of compensation, something which the Russian club’s press office claimed is against club policy.
The statement read in part: “The Russian Torpedo Football Club regrets that the transfer of player Erving Botaka-Yoboma to our club caused a sharp reaction.
“We declare that our transfer policy is exclusively based on sports principles.
“We oppose any form of discrimination.
“The cancellation of Erving Botaka-Yoboma’s transfer is solely related to the cost of transfer.
“Erving Botaka-Yoboma was offered to sign a contract, the transfer was to take place free of charge. However, on July 17, 2018, we received a letter from the previous club of the player with a warning about a compensation payout requirement. In accordance with the policy of the club, which does not include payment for transfers, the transition did not take place. There were no other reasons to refuse the services of the football player.
“We will make every effort to ensure that such situations will not occur in the future”
The emailed statement also added that there would be a press conference later today at 3pm (Moscow time) in which the President of Torpedo Moscow and Elena Yelentseva and Erving Botaka-Yoboma will be present to further discuss the issue on ground and why his contract had to be rescinded.