Levski Faces Potential Transfer Ban Amidst Dispute Over Armstrong Oko-Flex Deal
A potential transfer ban looms over Bulgarian football club Levski Sofia following allegations of improper recruitment practices concerning player Armstrong Oko-Flex. The controversy, stemming from his transfer from Botev Plovdiv, has ignited a legal battle with opinions sharply divided among football law experts.
A licensed football agent and lawyer, Christian Raichev, first voiced the concerns on social media, alleging that Levski illegally contacted Oko-Flex while he was still under contract with Botev Plovdiv. According to Raichev, this action violated Article 8, paragraph 3 of the Bulgarian Football Union (BFS) regulations regarding player contracts and transfers. “Without the permission of PFC Botev Plovdiv and with the remaining term of the contract exceeding 6 months, PFC Levski contacted the footballer and negotiated his personal conditions,” Raichev stated, adding that a ban on registering new players during the next transfer window could be imposed if the violation is confirmed.
The dispute centers on the validity of Oko-Flex’s contract termination and the activation of a buyout clause. Raichev asserts that the Sports and Technical Commission of the BFS incorrectly assumed the clause was activated, when, in reality, the transfer funds were initially provided by the player himself, following a unilateral contract termination notice. He further contends that the clause was intended to guarantee a minimum transfer amount, not to grant the player the right to terminate his contract independently.
“Proceedings regarding the actions of Armstrong Oko-Flex and the violation of his contract with PFC Botev Plovdiv have already been initiated before the FIFA authorities,” Raichev revealed, suggesting potential financial and sporting sanctions for both Levski and Oko-Flex, as well as emphasizing that the BFS lacks the authority to rule on the contract’s validity – a decision that rests solely with FIFA.
However, these claims have been challenged by Georgi Gradev, a prominent sports law lawyer, who reviewed the legal arguments presented by Botev Plovdiv’s legal counsel. Gradev believes Levski acted within the rules and is unlikely to face punishment. He argues that FIFA precedent considers prior consent to negotiations granted when a buyout clause is present.
“In the presence of a buy-out / release clause, FIFA assumes that the former club has given prior consent to negotiations and transfer upon fulfillment of the agreed conditions,” Gradev explained. He also dismissed the significance of who made the payment, stating that FIFA only recognizes full and unconditional payment of the agreed-upon amount. Furthermore, Gradev pointed out that the BFS’s Sports and Technical Commission’s rulings on contract terminations are not binding on FIFA.
Ultimately, Gradev concludes that if Botev Plovdiv’s case relies on the arguments presented by their legal team, it is “likely to be rejected by FIFA.”
The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for Levski’s future transfer activity and could set a precedent for player contract negotiations within Bulgarian football. The case is now firmly in the hands of FIFA, with a final decision expected to determine whether the 26-time Bulgarian champion will face sanctions for its pursuit of Armstrong Oko-Flex.
