Colombia striker Teofilo Gutierrez has finally completed his dream move to Argentina’s River Plate.
The transfer had been put in doubt after Mexican club Cruz Azul accused River of delaying their payment for the player.
The Argentine club have now completed the transfer. After sending the required $1.7 million the Argentine Football Association (AFA) cleared Gutierrez to play for the fabled Argentine heavyweights.
He is now free to appear in River’s game with Godoy Cruz on Sunday.
This should mark the end of a long series of delays that has prevented “Tio” from pulling on the famous red and white strip.
Two weeks ago his name was cited by the head of the Argentine tax authority, AFIP, in connection with “irregularities” in the way Argentine teams conduct their business. Then Cruz Azul threatened to take Gutierrez back to Mexico City if River didn’t pay what they owed immediately.
MORE: Teofilo Gutierrez’ River Plate contract in doubt
River’s vice-president Diego Turniles reminded Cruz Azul about the restrictions AFIP imposes on money transfers out of Argentina: “We all know that sending money out of Argentina isn’t that simple, you have to do lots of paperwork…Cruz Azul know the situation and so their comments were surprising.”
Teofilo Gutierrez previously played in Argentina for Racing Club, for whom he scored 22 goals in 42 games, and Lanus, but left both clubs prematurely.
He was sacked from Racing after brandishing a toy gun in the team changing rooms, and had his contract cancelled at Lanus after flying back to his hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia, without the permission of the club.
At Cruz Azul he scored 6 goals in 21 games.
River Plate are the most successful team in Argentine history. They have won the championship 35 times. They currently trail leader’s San Lorenzo by 3 points.
Sources
- Teófilo Guitérrez, habilitado para jugar con River (El Espectador)
- Diego Turnes, sobre Teófilo Gutiérrez (Sitio Oficial: Club River Plate)
- ‘Teo’ Gutiérrez no jugaría más en Racing Club (El Espectador)
- Lanús rescindió el contrato del colombiano Teófilo Gutiérrez (Terra)
- Posiciones de Primera División Torneo Final 2012/2013 (AFA)