Soccer: Smeltz deal in danger

Shane Smeltz's move to Turkey could be blocked by the Chinese club he ditched last month. Photo / Getty Images

All Whites striker Shane Smeltz's determination to further his soccer career in Turkey could be sabotaged by the Chinese club he spurned last month.

Smeltz, back-to-back winner of the A-League's golden boot, left the Gold Coast for Turkish capital Ankara on Tuesday to formalise a two-year deal with Genclerbirligi SK.

However, Chinese Super League club Shandong Luneng, upset Smeltz walked out a day into his contract, are seeking compensation or sanctions against the 29-year-old via an appeal to the sport's governing body FIFA.

Shandong are seeking compensation from Smeltz of the value of his contract - around $A1.3 million ($NZ1.64 million) gross - or a ban of up to six months, which would apply globally.

Smeltz signed with Shandong for a $A300,000 transfer fee but quickly realised his wife and two children would be unable to settle in China.

He has argued that since the international transfer certificate that ratifies overseas moves had not been issued by Football Federation Australia, the deal is void.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper today reported Shandong were offended by his actions and refused to accept the return of the $A300,000 fee while the case is heard.

Smeltz was welcomed back to the Gold Coast, though management were always aware he could exercise an out clause and pursue another overseas move.

Gold Coast chief executive Clive Mensink said the club had done nothing wrong in relation to Smeltz's aborted move to China.

"Gold Coast United stands by its position on retaining the international transfer certificate, and we've always been confident of that," he told the Daily Telegraph.

"We're confident the evidence will show this is correct. We deem Shane to be our player and it's up to another club to prove otherwise."

Professional Footballers Association of Australia chief executive Brendan Schwab said in general terms, a player could not unilaterally walk out on a contract.

"It's absolutely right that the status of a player's contract is a two-way issue - if a player breaks his contract without just cause, he will be under an obligation to pay compensation to his employer, just as a club should be in the reverse situation," he said.

"However in almost all instances where a player then joins another club, the new club is jointly and severally liable for compensation."

- NZPA