PSV slam Sevilla over Kone fee
Arouna Kone
The Ivorian striker joined Sevilla from PSV in 2007 for 12 million euros a five-year-contract which stipulated that Sevilla would pay PSV an extra two million euros if they sold Kone to another club.
Sevilla sold the 28-year-old player to Levante in May 2012 after he had spent the 2011/12 season on loan with the club and PSV says they are still owed 2 million euros.
“Today Sevilla have added a new Spanish episode by simply refusing to pay a contractual obligation and also refusing mediation from the European Club Association," a statement on the PSV website said.
“The procedures with FIFA to settle disputes are lengthy, and it looks as if some Spanish clubs, like Sevilla, are misusing the extra time to spend their money differently and maybe a future administrative bankruptcy protects them from paying the bills.
“In this case Sevilla should pay PSV 2m euros because of a contractual obligation about Arouna Kone, dated August 29, 2007, which reads; 'In case the player is transferred to a third club or upon termination of his contract (for whatever reason) Sevilla will always pay €2m to PSV'.
“There can be no multi-interpretation of this clause, Sevilla should simply pay."
"We urge FIFA, UEFA, ECA, but especially the Spanish football environment to start working on the improvement of the reputation of Spanish clubs. The first step is to fulfill contractual obligations."
Sevilla have been active in the transfer market in recent weeks, signing the likes of Diego Lopez, Hedwiges Maduro and Bryan Rabello.
{message}