N’Golo Kante transfer blocked by FIFA as furious statement released | Football | Sport

Fenerbahce’s pursuit of former Chelsea and Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante has been blocked by FIFA. The Turkish Super Lig club announced that the proposed move from Saudi outfit Al-Ittihad was scrapped due to administrative blunders outside their jurisdiction.

The transfer depended on a swap arrangement that would have seen Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri head in the opposite direction. Reports suggest the deal would have involved a transfer fee of approximately £3million. However, Fenerbahce maintain that Al-Ittihad submitted incorrect details into the transfer system and failed to rectify the mistakes before Monday’s deadline. Appeals were reportedly lodged, but FIFA turned them down.

The two-time former Premier League champion Kante could now depart Al-Ittihad without a fee this summer when his contract runs out in June. Fenerbahce have voiced their anger at the collapsed transfer.

A club statement declared: “The transfer process involving N’Golo Kanté and Youssef En-Nesyri with Al Ittihad Club has been meticulously conducted by our club in all aspects, as planned.

“In line with the requests of our technical team, agreements have been reached with the players; the medical examinations of the player to be transferred have been completed, the necessary approvals have been obtained, and our club has fulfilled all its obligations completely and on time.

“The documents related to the transfer registration have been uploaded to the system correctly and completely within the specified period.

“However, due to the opposing club’s incorrect entry of the relevant TMS information, the transactions could not be completed within the transfer registration period, independently of our club.

“Accordingly, an extension was requested, necessary discussions were held with FIFA by our club, and all steps were taken to resolve the issue. Despite this, the opposing club has not completed the transactions without providing any justification to us.

“As a result of these developments, the transfer process, unfortunately, could not be finalised. We understand and share the disappointment this process has caused within our community.

“Our club continues its squad restructuring with the same determination and discipline in line with its sporting goals.”

Kante moved to the Saudi outfit in 2023 on a three-year contract. He featured in the team that secured a league and cup double last season.

The France World Cup winner has featured in 21 matches across all competitions, scoring once. Al-Ittihad are currently 12 points behind league leaders Al-Hilal, in sixth position.