Pogoń Szczecin have launched formal action against Romanian club CFR Cluj after failing to receive a reported payment of around 250,000 euros for defender Marian Huja.
The Polish Ekstraklasa side announced Huja's departure to Cluj at the start of July following a season-long loan spell. However, goal.pl reported that the payment deadline has passed without Pogoń receiving any of the agreed funds, which total just over one million Polish złoty.
Pogoń Szczecin managing director Tan Kesler told goal.pl that the club was very disappointed with Cluj's stance. Kesler confirmed that the payment deadline had elapsed without money arriving and stated that Pogoń had already taken appropriate steps to safeguard their financial interests.
Potential FIFA tribunal and transfer sanction
According to Polish newspaper Przegląd Sportowy, Pogoń intend to submit a formal complaint to the FIFA Tribunal to compel Cluj to clear the debt. If the Romanian organization fails to settle the balance, they could face a transfer ban imposed by football's global governing body.
Pogoń Szczecin compete in the Ekstraklasa, the top division of Polish professional football, and are commonly known as Duma Pomorza, or Pride of Pomerania. CFR Cluj are based in Cluj-Napoca and compete in Romania's top division, Liga I. FIFA operates a legal tribunal system to resolve contract and financial disputes between international clubs.
Player background and prospective Moroccan move
Huja made 16 appearances during his time with Pogoń, scoring two goals and recording one assist for the Polish side before making his move to Cluj permanent.
Recent media reports indicate that Huja may leave Cluj shortly after arriving. Moroccan publication Hespress, cited by goal.com, reported that Raja Casablanca's board reached a preliminary agreement with Cluj for a transaction valued at approximately 350,000 euros.
Foreign news outlets reported that Huja is open to departing the Romanian club following reports of a strained relationship with the team's head coach. The defender is reportedly seeking a change of scenery and a fresh challenge for the upcoming season.
