Former Persija Jakarta star, Marko Simic, has prevailed in a prolonged dispute with his former club concerning unpaid wages. The footballer, who departed the club under contentious circumstances, will receive a substantial 20.7 billion Rupiahs as decreed by FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber.
Simic’s tenure at Persija Jakarta was distinguished by outstanding performances, tallying 73 goals in 111 games, and making a significant contribution to the club’s 2018 Liga 1 Indonesia title victory. However, the situation took a turn for the worse when he alleged that the club had neglected to remunerate him during the COVID-19 pandemic, spanning from May 2020 to April 2022. The disagreement led to his exclusion during the latter part of the 2021/22 season.
Following a stint at Serbian top-flight club FK Radnicki 1923, Simic sought recourse from FIFA. The judgment favored the 35-year-old, with Persija Jakarta instructed to settle the outstanding 20.7 billion Rupiahs. This sum comprises overdue wages, bonuses for goals and assists, accommodation and travel reimbursements, as well as compensation for breach of contract.
Persija Jakarta has been granted a 45-day timeframe to fulfill the settlement. Failure to do so will result in a registration ban for the upcoming transfer window, barring the club from adding new players to their roster. The management of Persija Jakarta has refrained from commenting on the matter thus far. It remains to be seen how the club will address this financial and regulatory challenge.
In the realm of professional football, disputes between players and clubs are not uncommon. The resolution of these matters often involves various legal and regulatory bodies, which, in this case, culminated in FIFA’s involvement. The ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding contractual obligations in sports.
It is crucial for clubs and players to prioritize transparent and responsible financial practices to mitigate such disputes. The case of Marko Simic and Persija Jakarta underscores the significance of upholding professional relationships and honoring contractual commitments within the football landscape. As the football community awaits the next steps, the resolution of this dispute sets a precedent for upholding integrity and accountability within the sport.
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