Blatsis Secures Fifa Win Against Turkish Club

PFA Release: Australian international Con Blatsis has put his Turkish nightmare behind him after a massive win in FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber against his former Turkish club Koceali Spor.

PFA Release: Australian international Con Blatsis (pictured in his days at South Melbourne) has put his Turkish nightmare behind him after a massive win in FIFA-s Dispute Resolution Chamber against his former Turkish club Koceali Spor.

After months of contractual non-compliance by Koceali Spor, the former South Melbourne championship player won his free agency and a damages payout from the club after the Professional Footballers- Association took Blatsis- case to FIFA and won.

It is the end of a tough period for Blatsis, but things are certainly looking brighter for the 26-year old, with a contract looming in the UK and a damages payout to compensate him for his Turkish pain.

“I never really thought a club could treat a player in such an inhuman and unprofessional way,” said Blatsis.

“As a professional, it-s hard enough to fit into a new squad and perform without having worries like finances. At a time when I was under a lot of stress, the PFA made it a lot easier for me and sorted out all the legal issues so that I could concentrate on my game.”

“I have to thank the PFA and John (Didulica) for resolving and winning my case, but mostly for the support they have given me over the past six months.”

The PFA-s John Didulica was delighted for Blatsis, who at least has something tangible now to mitigate his six months of hardship.

“It would have been easy for Con to have picked up and left the club.”

“He could have let them win the battle, but he had the strength of character to stick around to ensure that firstly he could continue his professional development but also protect his legal rights.”

“The treatment of players of the quality of Con in this way reinforces the urgent need for Australia to have an elite, but equally well managed competition capable of sustaining professional footballers.”

“This will ensure that our talented players will not have to endure what Con did to make a living out of the game.”