The FIFA Player Status Chamber issued its decision in the referenced case FPSD-16636 between the Egyptian Modern Sport Club and Loto-Popo on the contractual situation of the Nigerian Imourane Hassane.
At the end of the proceedings, FIFA rejected all the claims against the Beninese club. Lotto-Popo does not receive any sports sanction, must not pay any financial compensation and retains the validity of its contractual rights over the player.
The dispute mainly concerned the exercise of a purchase option following the loan of Imourane Hassane to Modern Sport.
Lotto-Popo recognized as the owner club of Imourane Hassane
FIFA's decision confirms that the Nigerian player Imourane Hassane was bound to Loto-Popo by a current contract from 20 October 2022 to 19 October 2025.
His move to Modern Sport was solely a loan agreement. The Egyptian club did not automatically have the definitive rights to the player.
This clarification is one of the central elements of the decision of the Player's Statute Chamber.
The $50,000 purchase option declared invalid
FIFA estimates that Modern Sport did not meet the conditions for the $50,000 purchase option.
According to the evidence reviewed by the Chamber, prior payment of the $20,000 loan fee was an indispensable condition before any final acquisition of the player.
However, despite several revivals sent by Loto-Popo between October 2023 and May 2024, this payment was never made in accordance with the terms and conditions laid down.
FIFA also notes that an attempted payment on 7 March 2024 was returned by the bank.
In addition, the $50,000 later transmitted by Modern Sport was also returned, preventing any finalisation of the transfer of Imourane Hassane.
No incentive to break up against Loto-Popo
Modern Sport also accused Loto-Popo of inciting Imourane Hassane to break his engagement with the Egyptian club and demanding sports sanctions.
This request was rejected.
FIFA considers that there could be no incentive to break up as there was no valid contract at the time of the alleged facts.
Lotto-Popo was recognized as having simply exercised its right to call back the player at the end of the loan.
The return of Imourane Hassane validated by FIFA
On August 21, 2024, Loto-Popo initiated the return procedure of Imourane Hassane into the TMS system.
After a first refusal by the Egyptian Federation on September 5, 2024, the Players & Status Chamber validated the player's return on September 12, 2024.
Imourane Hassane was then able to resume the competition under the colors of Loto-Popo.
A decision in favour of the Beninese club
In the end, the decision FPSD-16636 represents a legal victory for Loto-Popo.
FIFA confirmed the contract rights of the Beninese club over Imourane Hassane, invalidated the purchase option claimed by Modern Sport and rejected all requests for sanctions or financial compensation made against the Benin champion.
