Atletico Keeper, Courtois To Play Against His Parent Club Chelsea In UCL Semi-Final Clash
The European football governing body, UEFA has made it clear that Chelsea’s on-loan star, and the Goal Keeper of Atletico Madrid, Thibaut Courtois will be allowed to play for Atletico Madrid when the two clubs meet in the Champions League semi-final.
After drawing Atletico Madrid in the Semi -final of the Champions League, a debate sparked up as to whether Chelsea would demand some money before allowing Courtois play against his parent club.
UEFA has however cleared air on it and the player will now play against his parent club, Chelsea in the colours of Atletico Madrid .
“In response to media reports referring to the situation of Club Atlético de Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, UEFA would like to reiterate its position,” the statement read.
“The integrity of sporting competition is a fundamental principle for UEFA.
“Both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations contain clear provisions which strictly forbid any club to exert, or attempt to exert, any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match.
“It follows that any provision in a private contract between clubs which might function in such a way as to influence who a club fields in a match is null, void and unenforceable so far as UEFA is concerned.”
This is the second time this season that a loaned player has featured against his parent club, when Mo Bangura played for IF Elfsborg against Celtic.
Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the other semi-final feature.