Spartans to submit counter-claim to FIFA

Premier League club Ħamrun Spartans are to write to FIFA presenting their arguments on the compensation claim lodged by three amateur Dutch clubs over their former Dutch winger Sylvano Comvalius.

Mounting speculation that FIFA had ordered Ħamrun to pay compensation for Comvalius, reported to be in the region of €150,000, prompted the club to issue a short statement on Thursday night.

"Ħamrun Spartans FC have prepared their counter claims regarding the case of player Sylvano Comvalius," the statement said.

"In this situation, the club can't give more details as these can prove detrimental to the club. The club reassures its members that it is being assisted by experts in the matter."

The request for compensation by the three Dutch clubs first came to light last November. Quick Boys, FC Omniworld and Diemen are arguing that they are entitled to compensation as they played a role in the development of Comvalius.

Comvalius, who joined Birkirkara in the summer of 2009 for an undisclosed fee, was 21 when he signed his first professional deal with the Spartans.

According to FIFA rules, clubs are entitled to training compensation if a player aged under 23 secures a professional contract with another team.

The Comvalius case is reminiscent of a similar, successful claim made by Hibernians against Sliema over former Malta U-21 midfielder Julian Vella a few years back.

Vella, who came up through the youth ranks of Hibs, signed a deal with Sliema in January 2008 after a brief spell with N. Ireland club Lisburn Distillery where he was still registered as an amateur player.