Chelsea could become embroiled in LEGAL BATTLE over TAPPING-UP scandal
Tom Weber
- Updated: 7 Aug 2023 19:04 BST
- 3 min read
Juventus may have breached FIFA regulations regarding the 'tapping-up' of players with their Romelu Lukaku approach, according to Italian media.
The striker has been embroiled in a heated and drawn-out transfer saga that, rather than subsiding, is only getting more ridiculous. Chelsea are keen to get the €113 million man off the books as soon as possible, but his Italian suitors can't afford to match their asking price for the Belgian.
After weeks of tense negotiations, Lukaku appeared to be close to heading to Inter permanently after spending last season at the club on loan, only for it to be revealed that he had been in talks with hated rivals Juventus. This prompted Inter, who were on the verge of a breakthrough in the talks, to pull out of the negotiations altogether.
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Juventus then appeared to have a clear run at the 30-year-old, but their financial issues have complicated the matter. They attempted to persuade Chelsea with a loan offer that was ultimately rebuffed and now the two clubs are negotiating a potential swap deal that would see Dusan Vlahovic go the other way, while Juventus are also asking for an additional €40m.
Now, doubt has been cast on whether Juventus' approach for Lukaku was truly legal.
Lukaku 'tapped up'
According to Gazetta dello Sport, Juventus may have breached FIFA regulations when they allegedly 'tapped up' Lukaku during the bygone season.
Di Marzio has claimed that Juventus initiated contact with the player's camp already in March, doing so without permission from either Chelsea or loan club Inter, which is strictly against the rules as it could turn a player's head and affect his performance.
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He goes on to say that Lukaku ultimately agreed to join Juventus in June, mere days after Inter lost the Champions League final to Manchester City. If true, Inter would be entitled to take the matter to FIFA.
The Bianconeri obviously deny the allegations, claiming that they only began talks with the player after Chelsea granted them permission to do so in the transfer window.
