Toon target Maiga to be punished by Sochaux
Posted on August 16th, 2011 | 20 Comments |
As reported yesterday, Sochaux’s want-away Malian striker Modibo Maiga has been trying to force a move to Newcastle by refusing to play for his current club. It seems he didn’t turn up to the training session that took place after that either.
This has got his Sochaux bosses hopping mad and it seems they’re preparing to dish out some sort of punishment to the player. An official statement from the club reads as follows:
FC Sochaux-Montbéliard recorded in amazement the boycott by one of its players of the game against Ligue 1 side Stade Malherbe Caen and absence without leave of the same player from the training session scheduled on Sunday 14 August 2011. The club condemns this unacceptable behaviour from a player which is contractually bound after signing in the summer of 2010 for a period of four years (until June 2014). FCSM consider that this behaviour is totally disrespectful to the club, his teammates and his fans. It will not be without consequence or punishment.
Sochaux are feeling doubly concerned at the moment because they also fear that midfielder Marvin Martin wants a move to Arsenal. Having already lost Ideye Brown to Dynamo Kiev, the loss of Martin and Maiga would leave their squad seriously depleted, particularly given that they are competing for the Europa League this season too.
Sochaux have apparently offered Maiga a new contract with better terms, but Maiga said:
“They did not propose anything to me before the offer from Newcastle covering five years. I have a family counting on me.
“I do not want to quarrel with Sochaux. I will respect my contract. I’m ready to play and I will be 100% but it is necessary that the President discusses my transfer.”
Can’t say I’m keen on players simply refusing to play in order to get their own way and I think Sochaux are right to fine him. But it’s clear he wants out and you’d have to wonder what his motivation levels will be like if the club refuse his move.
If he is going to join us, it will certainly be off the back of a gloomy departure from Sochaux.
Thanks to nzedtoonman for the heads-up on this story.
hmmm…
It seems Hatem has started a trend…