RS Berkane launch legal action over Paul Valère’s disputed move to Iraq

Moroccan champions RS Berkane have announced they are pursuing legal action against Senegalese forward Paul Valère Bassène after Iraqi club Al-Karma confirmed his signing despite the player still being under contract with the Botola Pro side.

The club insists Bassène remains tied to a valid contract until June 2027 and says any agreement reached with another club without its approval constitutes a breach of his contractual obligations.

Iraqi move sparks transfer dispute

The row emerged after Al-Karma announced on Saturday that they had completed the signing of the Senegalese striker.

Bassène joined RS Berkane from fellow Moroccan club Mouloudia Oujda in the summer of 2023 on a four-year contract, leaving two years remaining on his deal when news of his move to Iraq surfaced.

RS Berkane responded with an official statement on Sunday, reaffirming that the player is still under contract with the club.

“Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RS Berkane) wishes to inform its loyal fans and the sports public that, following rumors regarding player Paul Valère Bassène signing with another club, we confirm that the player remains bound by a valid professional contract with our club until June 30, 2027,” the club stated.

Club vows to protect its interests

The Moroccan side warned that any contract signed by the player without the club’s consent would not be recognised.

“Consequently, any agreement or contract the player has entered into with another club, without prior consent or adherence to legal procedures, is considered a clear breach of his contractual obligations.”

RS Berkane added that they have already begun the process of seeking redress through football’s governing bodies.

“In order to safeguard its interests and protect its legitimate rights, the club confirms that it has initiated all necessary legal procedures with the competent national and international authorities to take the appropriate action regarding this matter,” they concluded.

Future of transfer now uncertain

Although Al-Karma has announced Bassène as a new signing, the transfer is now the subject of a contractual dispute.

Unless the two clubs reach an agreement, the case is expected to be handled by the relevant national and international football authorities, who will determine whether the transfer complies with the player’s contractual obligations and football regulations.