FIFA responds: James left Madrid for free

The transfer of James Rodríguez to Everton this summer was very popular. The Colombian left Real Madrid when he still had one year of contract to complete in Zidane's team. The English club was supposed to pay a good clause for his departure, but FIFA confirms that it was not.

Both Real Madrid and Everton pointed out that the transfer was given at zero cost, almost as a favor of the Spanish club with the player to facilitate his departure in the midst of his difficult situation in the institution of Chamartín.

However, many said that the figure was close to 25 million euros, and that alerted institutions such as Envigado and Banfield, who expected a small (but representative) percentage of solidarity by FIFA regulations in the training of players.

Envigado submitted a petition to FIFA to clarify the truth of the signing of James and they were surprised that the soccer regulator confirmed that it was free. This was stated President Ramiro Ruiz in a conversation with “60 minutes around” from Antena 2 Colombia.

“We got a bit lost on the subject. They answered that indeed the signing had been for free … Today James is among the most valued players and reached his 100th goal in Europe, something that not just anyone can achieve. But for them it's still free”, Said the manager.

“But obviously We had no arguments to file a lawsuit and we had to assume the communication that came to us from Everton and leave it at that.Ruiz added, officially closing the James chapter and his transfer.

The addition of James has been a complete success for Everton. Not only because the Colombian is showing a great level on the field of play, but also because the playmaker is being a great claim to increase the value of the Everton brand. In fact, the arrival of James has facilitated the arrival of new sponsors for the English club.

Everton works to make its products, such as jerseys, more available in South America. “James is a big driver of sales in that part of the world, he will also be entitled to the portion of the profits, but the Blues hope to be able to take advantage of and increase the demand for official club products “, highlights the newspaper 'Echo Liverpool'.