FIFA order Leeds United to pay £24.5m to Jean-Kevin Augustin over breach of contract | OneFootball

Leeds United have been ordered to pay an enormous £24.5 million to their former player Jean-Kevin Augustin over a breach of contract.

According to The Athletic, the Whites have appealed against the decision which was made by FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber.

The Yorkshire outfit signed Augustin on loan from RB Leipzig in the winter transfer window of the 2019-20 season.

However, the forward made only three substitute appearances during the second half of the season.

The Frenchman’s contract included an obligation to buy for £18m if the club sealed promotion from the Championship.

But the Whites refused to pay the transfer fee, arguing the player’s loan expired on June 30 and they were promoted on July 17 after the campaign was delayed due to the pandemic.

After FIFA ruled in favour of Leipzig in 2021, the English club also lost their appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport last year.

The two clubs reached a £15.5m settlement over the transfer dispute, but the saga still continues with the player also demanding payment for a five-year contract.

Augustin, who is currently playing for Swiss club Basel, took the case to FIFA who ordered Leeds to pay a staggering £24.5m.

The latest decision is a big blow for the Whites who are already struggling to maintain their top-flight status for next season.

They are 16th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone.