Midfielder Matías Rojas, formerly of Corinthians, was announced as a new reinforcement for Inter Miami, Messi’s team, which competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), this Tuesday afternoon. The contract is valid until the end of 2024, with an option to extend to 2025 and 2026.
Shortly after the announcement, Corinthians issued a statement informing about the Paraguayan’s release from FIFA to go to another club.
“FIFA granted release to Matías Rojas to carry out his professional activity, guaranteeing only the right to work. In relation to any amounts that may be owed, the case still depends on FIFA’s arbitration decision”, the club announced.
When he was still under contract with Corinthians, Rojas was spotted in the Inter Miami uniform, last Saturday, at the Lockhart Stadium while watching Messi’s team’s victory against Nashville, in the 10th round of MLS.
Welcome to the dream, Matías! 💫🇵🇾
We have signed Paraguayan national team midfielder Matías Rojas.
🔗 Details: https://t.co/6lgZQxHcrp pic.twitter.com/1HnrT5gAuZ
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 23, 2024
Rojas arrived at Corinthians in July 2023, but did not have a smooth passage. He played 30 games and provided three assists. His last appearance for the São Paulo team was on February 25th. The player, who had a contract with Timão until mid-2027, left the club under the justification of delayed image rights and filed a lawsuit with FIFA to collect around R$40 million, money that the player would have to receive by the end of his contract at Parque São Jorge.
The Corinthians board tried to reach an agreement regarding the payment of late image rights, but this did not happen. The club disagrees with Rojas’ demands and will defend itself at football’s highest authority. If punished by FIFA, Timão may be prevented from registering new players until it settles its dispute with Rojas.
Now with Rojas announced by the Miami team, if Timão prevails in FIFA against the player, the North American club will have to pay Corinthians an amount as a transfer fee.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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