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Tribunal may decide on Sodje switch from York
YORK CITY director Sophie Hicks last night lifted the lid on the full story behind Onome Sodje's departure to Barnsley.
The Nigerian-born striker has stunned supporters and officials at the Blue Square Premier club by joining Yorkshire neighbours Barnsley in a hush-hush deal.
Only two months ago, York had won a two-year battle to secure the 20-year-old's permanent residency in the United Kingdom.
He had not been employable on a professional basis until the successful outcome of a Home Office appeal.
Sodje, who joined York after spells with Charlton Athletic and Ebbsfleet, has now turned his back on the Minstermen and signed a one-year deal to play Championship football with Barnsley.
Hicks claims JM Packaging – the company owned by club chairman Jason McGill – provided 5,000 to cover the legal costs involved in the case while Sodje had also received written support from York MP Hugh Bayley and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.
It was understood that Sodje would subsequently repay York's loyalty by signing a two-year deal this summer.
Hicks has also revealed that Barnsley offered to pay 100,000 for Sodje's services two seasons ago.
The move collapsed at that stage when Barnsley became aware of the personal issues.
According to Hicks, the Football Association have told York that they may now be entitled to compensation from Barnsley due to the exceptional circumstances. A tribunal is likely.
Last night, Barnsley's general manager Don Rowing admitted that his club was fully aware of the circumstances but insisted they had not acted dishonourably or contravened any League rules.
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has claimed Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona have made offers for France playmaker Franck Ribery.
Ribery is a known target for big-spending Real Madrid but Rummenigge has revealed three of their European rivals have stolen a march in their pursuit of the 26-year-old.
The former Germany international said: "We are relaxed and proud that we have one of the best three players in the world under contract.
"Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and his advisor Pedro Jimenez asked if we were willing to speak with them over a transfer but we rejected the chance and we have no intention of selling Ribery."
Asked if Madrid made an offer, he replied: "No but other clubs have done.
"Chelsea have lodged a bid, as have Manchester United and Barcelona."
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Weather for Yorkshire
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
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