CSKA Moscow Faces Payment Dispute Over Ejuke Transfer
CSKA Moscow remains unsettled about the full payment owed to Heerenveen for the transfer of Nigerian forward Chidera Ejuke. The dispute centers on a remaining 3 million euros that, according to Dutch club officials, cannot be released due to sanctions on Russian banks and a lack of cooperation from the army club. vi.nl
The situation is complicated by diplomatic and financial constraints. The Dutch club argues that the money should move through the proper international channels, but attempts to advance the payment have been blocked by the sanctions regime and by what Heerenveen describes as insufficient cooperation from CSKA Moscow. In the words of the Dutch club’s leadership, the necessary government and banking permissions would require a willing partner on the other side, which has not materialized. vi.nl
Heerenveen first raised concerns in the fall of 2022, filing a formal complaint with FIFA over the outstanding balance linked to Ejuke’s transfer. The club pressed FIFA to review the payment issue and determine what remedies could be pursued under international transfer rules. vi.nl
In July of the following year, Ejuke benefited from a FIFA measure that allowed foreign players under contract in the Russian Premier League to suspend their deals through June 30, 2023. This decision effectively paused Ejuke’s obligations with CSKA Moscow while he paused his playing duties abroad, affecting the financial and legal dynamics of the transfer dispute. vi.nl
Responses from CSKA Moscow and its communications team have been mixed as the case progressed. Kirill Breido, a former CSKA Moscow Communications Director, acknowledged the Dutch club’s objection to FIFA over the transfer terms and the price that CSKA had not fully paid. The exchange highlights how sanctions, contract suspensions, and international oversight intersect in high-profile football transfers. vi.nl