Former Sunderland flop Ricky Alvarez may be forced by the club to sign him, following a dispute over the player’s contract between The Black Cats and Inter Milan.
Alvarez joined Sunderland on loan from the Serie A side last season on deadline day, but the Argentina international made just eight Premier League appearances as the club once again struggled at the wrong end of the table.
And according to the Sunderland Echo, Sunderland’s survival means that they were duty-bound to sign Alvarez on a permanent deal for around £8 million, but the club say that Inter Milan breached the terms of the deal, meaning they are under no such obligation to sign the forward.
All of this means the 27-year-old is currently without a club, with Inter contacting FIFA several months ago to act as arbitrators in their dispute.
The Italian side’s financial officer Michael Williamson is reported as saying: “We’ve made our arguments on this.
“FIFA is working on this and we’re co-operating with the investigation, the judgement will be communicated when it arrives.
“However, we’re sure we’re in the right. It’s important for every club to respect the FIFA regulations, if they don’t they’re not cut out for football.”
Sporting director Piero Ausilio added, according to the newspaper: “All of our defences are based on something clear and well-written in English. We believe we’ve respected our rights in full.
“There was a loan with the unique condition of a large redemption in the event of staying up, regardless of appearances, without excuses.
“They found something else instead, which we consider unjust. In a few days FIFA will make a judgement, but we’re relying on the agreement (with Sunderland).
“The player has been sold to Sunderland, and that will be recognised by FIFA.”
The disagreement will present a headache to new Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce, who is already facing an uphill battle to save his new side from the drop.
Sunderland are the only side yet to win in the Premier League this season and face fierce rivals Newcastle United in the North East derby this weekend.
