Shenhua bid to block Drogba switch

Didier Drogba’s transfer to Galatasaray could yet be in doubt as Shanghai Shenhua seem to have no intention of letting him leave.

The 34-year-old was set to continue his career at the Turkish champions after signing an 18-month deal with Galatasaray in the January transfer window.

However, Shanghai Shenhua have contested the transfer as they claim Drogba is still under contract with the Chinese side.

The Ivory Coast international’s Turkish representative stated earlier this week that Drogba had rescinded his contract due to Shanghai’s failure to pay him for three months, but Shenhua are adamant that they fulfilled all their obligations.

The Shanghai side have provided the Chinese football association (CFA) with the necessary papers to prove that they did pay Drogba all the wages owed, and have urged the CFA not to release the player’s international transfer certificate.

Drogba would not be eligible for Galatasaray in official games if the CFA does not provide the Turkish giants with the international transfer certificate.

Galatasaray president Unal Aysal believes there is no problem with the validity of Drogba’s new deal.

“Drogba is a great player, a huge star, there is no problem with his contract,” Aysal said.

“Drogba parted ways with his previous club due to non-payment of wages, this is a serious breach of contract.

“This is obviously was issue between Drogba and his former club, it doesn’t concern us at all, we signed him as a free agent.

“There is nothing to prevent Drogba playing for Galatasaray.”