Is Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson at the club to stay?
Pontus Jansson of Leeds United
The future of Pontus Jansson at Leeds United became a little more complicated this week.
Italian outlet Toro News write that Torino have complained to FIFA to arbitrate a dispute, believing they are owed £3.5 million.
Leeds were supposedly due to pay the fee after Jansson played his 20th game on loan for the club, while the Whites waited until after the January transfer window closed to ‘convert’ his loan deal to become permanent.
Pontus Jansson at Torino
Leeds are due to pay the fee once this loan agreement concludes at the end of June, but Torino want the money now.
They have called in FIFA to settle the dispute, and Toro News report one option available to the world’s governing body if they see fit is to cancel the transfer and make Jansson a Torino player once more.
The outlet admit though this is unlikely, as this is not Torino’s intention.
Torino’s desire is for a quick resolution, and for Leeds to pay the money immediately.
Pontus Jansson of Leeds United celebrates
Another option available to FIFA, claim Toro News, is that Leeds could be hit with a financial penalty if it is found they have acted improperly.
The expectation is that this will be ironed out in due course but FIFA are not known for acting quickly in these regards, and unless Leeds panic and pay up quickly, it could very well reach July before FIFA pass judgement, and the money will be owed then in any case.
Interest from rival teams in Jansson certainly complicates matters and if Jansson wanted to leave, this could be a way for him to force a switch, but there is presently no indication of the Swedish defender desiring to do so, penning a four-year contract in February.
While disconcerting, there is no need for Leeds fans to panic just yet.
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