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From how I understand the amatuer player signings, a club can offer x player professional terms and the losing club will receive compensation based on a tribunal court. If Mikel was on amatuer terms at Lyn, then United could have offered him a professional contract at any time. This is exactly how United signed Pique and Rossi, amongst many others over the years. The losing club can attempt to match or better the professional offer. If not, they receive compensation.
I figure all three clubs and the player's agent acted illegally in some manner or two. But the facts are 1) Mikel was on amatuer terms, 2) United could sign him to professional terms whenever, 3) Chelsea bought his registration from United, and 4) knowing all the facts, Chelsea agreed to settle OUT OF COURT.
BTW, didn't Lyn return the 2m or so United paid and then Chelsea covered those intitial costs through the settlement?
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