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Transfers of Saturday, 9 July 2011

Source: Ghanasoccernet

Scandal Breaks Out Over Mensah's Evian Move

Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah is in BIG trouble as Udinese are preparing to report him to Fifa because they are unaware of his move to the French side Evian, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

The 21-year-old, who has four years remaining on his contract with Udinese, could be BANNED by Fifa for at least six months for breaching his contract.

Evian announced this week that they had signed Mensah on a free transfer but this flies in the face of the five-contract he signed with his Italian club just last year.

The Italian club will also report his Ghana-registered Fifa agent Antoine Figali to the world governing body for inducing the player to violate his contract.

The newly-promoted French side Evian will also not be sparred as they will also be accused of encouraging the player to breach his contract with Udinese, a highly-placed source in the board of the Italian club has told GHANAsoccernet.com.

The 21-year-old defender travelled to France this week for a medical before sealing a four-year contract.

Udinese officials are shocked that Evian could sign a player without checking his contract especially with the club they had just bought Ghana youth midfielder Rabiu Mohammed from.

They will also make a strong case against Figali and his partner Fabien Pivateau, who manages most of the Ghana players, are said to have brokered the move.

Figali deferred his comment when GHANAsoccernet.com contacted him about Udinese’s accusations against him.

Football world was shocked on Friday when Evian announced that they had signed Mensah on a free transfer.

The centre-back spent the second-half of last season on loan at Spanish side Granada because of the lack of playing time in Italy.

Udinese had asked him report for pre-season next week which means he could get some playing time in this season when they will be playing in the Champions League.

Rival Italian side Lecce were also keen on signing him from Udinese.

The revelation has already marred Pivateau’s relationship with Udinese after transferring players like Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari and Kwadwo Asamoah to the club.