New Hyundai A-League club North Queensland has released midfielder Felipe from his contract after the Brazilian decided he wanted to stay in Saudi Arabia.
Felipe signed a two-year deal with the Fury but the club gave him permission to play in Saudi Arabia before joining his new team-mates on a pre-season tour to Singapore.
North Queensland chief executive Dean Hassall said the club felt betrayed after Felipe’s agent requested that the 27-year-old be released from his contract so he could continue to play in Saudi Arabia.
“Felipe’s agent said it was all go for Singapore and the next thing we know he’s asked for a release from his two-year deal,” Hassall said in a statement.
“There’s a feeling of betrayal, the club acted in good faith by allowing Felipe to play in Saudi Arabia while he had a contract with the Fury.”
“Ian Ferguson is a coach who expects loyalty and respect from his players and Felipe’s decision to turn his back on the Fury doesn’t sit well with him or the club’s administration regardless of how good the deal is in Saudi Arabia.”
The Fury are waiting on an agreed compensation fee before officially releasing the former Wellington Phoenix player.
“North Queensland Fury FC and Felipe’s management have agreed on compensation for the split and we’re confident we’ll be able to fill that spot with an equally exciting player,” Hassall said.
“We’re just waiting to receive the compensation that has been negotiated and we’ll release Felipe from his contract.”
“That should happen in the next few days and we can re-focus our attention on finding a replacement.”
