Matuzalem Maybe Go

Shakhtar Donetsk insist that Francelino Matuzalem, who joined Real Zaragoza this summer, remains their rightful property, adding that no deal ever took place between the Zaragozans and the Ukrainians. Still waiting for the issue of a fee to be settled, Shakhtar are aiming for 25 million euros...

Francelino Matuzalem may have already turned out for new club Real Zaragoza, but his transfer saga is far from complete.

The blanquillos presented the player in mid-July in a ceremony that apparently came as something of a shock to his then-employers at Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Ukrainian side insists that they never agreed a deal with Zaragoza over Matuzalem, and went on to accuse the Spanish side of convincing the player to unilaterally terminate his contract with Shakhtar.

Had Zaragoza done so, they'd be in clear violation of a FIFA statute outlawing "tapping up" and direct negotiation with a player under contract.

Shakhtar representative Sergei Palkin said, "Zaragoza got in touch with us through their intermediaries, and when no deal Matcame to fruition they opted to speak to the player in a covert manner."

"FIFA have to consider criteria of vital importance to the club, such as the value of the player to the team, and the cost of signing one of similar stature," the added.

Palkin went on to say, "Not only have we had to do without one of our stars, but we have also received no compensation.

"The acrimonious exit of Matuzalem has damaged our image as a club and saddened our fans. In order to replace him, we would need tens of millions of euros."

Indeed, some sources speculate that the club could be in line to receive up to 25 million.

The Brazilian midfielder spent five seasons in Italy, enjoying spells with Napoli, Piacenza and Brescia, before making the switch to Ukraine for €14m in 2004.

He quickly moved through the ranks at Shakhtar, even being appointed captain for the 2006-07 season