Mexes cleared for Roma return
Friday, September 10, 2004
Article summary
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has temporarily lifted the FIFA suspension on AS Roma's Philippe Mexes.
Article body
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne has temporarily cancelled the suspension imposed by FIFA on AS Roma defender Philippe Mexes, and the player will be eligible to play until the tribunal has had the opportunity to examine the case further.
Six-week suspension
World football's governing body had suspended the 22-year-old French international defender for six weeks after Mexes agreed a four-year deal with Roma while still under contract at AJ Auxerre.
Contract dispute
Mexes claimed he was able to move for €4m citing a clause in his Auxerre contract, but that argument was disputed by the French club. His case was referred to FIFA, who gave the transfer international clearance but suspended Mexes for unilateral breach of contract.
Serie A kick-off
The defender will therefore be able to play when Roma begin their Serie A campaign at home to ACF Fiorentina on Sunday and is also eligible for the opening game of the new UEFA Champions League season, at home against FC Dynamo Kyiv on 15 September.
