Fulham could face transfer embargo over French starlet Ange-Freddy Plumain as furious Lens threaten legal action.
Fulham have been threatened with legal proceedings over the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Ange-Freddy Plumain and could face a transfer embargo.
French Ligue 2 side Lens were furious when Fulham confirmed the transfer on their website and the club released a statement claiming Plumain was still under contract and Martin Jol’s side had therefore broken FIFA rules.
Chelsea found themselves in a similar position over the signing of Gael Kakuta in 2007, which resulted in a two-year transfer embargo and a four-month suspension for the player.
Like Plumain, Kakuta was also a Lens player and Fulham could now face a similar wrath having reportedly not sought permission to speak to the player.
‘English club Fulham recently reported the signing of Ange-Freddy Plumain,’ read an official statement from Lens.
‘Racing Club de Lens is surprised to hear the information to the extent that the player still under contract, and had no authorization on a possible engagement.
‘The player has been absent from his place of work since July 8, without a valid reason. A procedure has been initiated against the various parties concerned.’
Chelsea appealed their embargo in the Court of Arbitration and the order was lifted and £100,000 compensation was paid to Lens.
The 18-year-old is expected to be in Fulham’s development squad for the coming season’s Under 21 Premier League.
Plumain represented France at Under 16 level and made 22 appearances for Lens last season.
