While Samir Nurkovic gets to revive his career at TS Galaxy, Royal AM remain sucked in worsening costs in the matter relating to the Serbian's case against the club.
Royal AM – who are sitting in 13th position – are already feeling the weight of the transfer ban imposed by FIFA for their failure to pay Nurkovic double figures in the million ranks after the world governing body ruled in favour of the player.
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FIFA employs an interest rate of 5% per annum which leaves what is due to Nurkovic rising with every month.
The option of taking the case to CAS will also come at a cost of almost R1 million just to be heard in Switzerland and so far, it is unclear if they will still pursue that option as it is unclear if they have paid the appeal fees.
CAS fees are usually in the range of 40 000 Swiss Frans (approx. R840 000) depending on the complexity of the matter and can range up to R1,2 million.
"Firstly, let me clarify the fact that Samir joining TS Galaxy is nowhere connected to the case," says Davor Lazic, who is Nurkovic's lawyer and based in Croatia.
"TS Galaxy have nothing to do with the case because they signed Samir as a free agent without breaching any rules.
"Samir could have signed for any other club be in Cape Town City or Raja Casablanca and there would have been no connection with the case.
"The FIFA decision remains final and binding because deadlines were not met and the appeal with CAS is based on merits that Royal AM have rights to.
"If the appeal fee has been paid by Royal AM, CAS will then make their decision based on what is presented to them by all parties.
"With regards to the transfer ban, it will remain applicable until Samir is paid all the money awarded to him plus interest while there is also an option of a points deduction.
"Samir had a contract and they terminated it without just cause.
"I would have thought they (Royal AM) would respect the FIFA ruling but they have decided to exercise their options which come with extra costs for lawyers and CAS," says Lazic.
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Meanwhile, since joining TS Galaxy Nurkovic has made two appearances playing 90 minutes against Richards Bay before lasting 69 minutes away at Stellenbosch.
Before joining Galaxy, Nurkovic had gone 17 months without playing competitive football with his last appearance having been in the colours of Kaizer Chiefs on May 8, 2022, against Mamelodi Sundowns.