Geoffroy Serey Die, the Ivorian footballer from FC Basel, is facing a controversy related to a dual signing incident dating back to 2008. The issue involves his transfer from ES Sétif to FC Sion, during which he allegedly signed a contract with Zamalek simultaneously. FIFA has suspended him for four months for a “breach of contract without valid reason.”
Serey Die, who was with ES Sétif in Algeria at the time, is accused of joining FC Sion in May 2008 while already having a prior commitment with the Egyptian club Zamalek. FIFA ruled partially in favor of Zamalek after a lengthy process, resulting in the suspension of the Ivorian midfielder from any competition with Basel or the Ivorian national team for four months starting the 2013/2014 season.
FC Basel, where Serey Die currently plays, claims it only became aware of the procedure against the player this spring and was unaware of the situation during the negotiations with FC Sion. Serey Die has the option to appeal the suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne within 20 days. The matter only involves Serey Die and Zamalek, with FC Basel and FC Sion not directly affected.
