Authoritative interpretation is key, Hwang In-beom’s career depended
The career of Hwang In-beom (26) depended on authoritative interpretation.
Hwang In-beom is currently the core of the Korean national team’s midfield. In the last 2022 International Football Federation (FIFA) World Cup, he played a big role as a central midfielder for Paulo Bentujo and made the 16th round. Hwang In-beom was evaluated as the best player in his team Olympiacos, showing off his extraordinary presence.
However, on August 11th, Hwang In-beom was excluded from the team’s important Europa League 3rd qualifier 1st match against KRC Genk. It is highly likely that the core of the team was excluded without any mention for other reasons other than injuries. And this turned out to be a reality.
On the 11th, the Greek press ‘Gazeta Greece’ said, “A sudden incident has occurred with Hwang In-beom. According to the club, Hwang In-beom will break the remaining two-year contract and leave. “The club will make it clear that there are no players above the team and will interview the player’s representative through the club’s lawyer.”
Of course, the media represented the club’s position, but at least it was possible to know what the conflict between Hwang In-beom and Olympiacos was. It is the difference in authoritative interpretation related to Hwang In-beom’s contract.
In March 2022, the International Football Federation (FIFA) granted temporary free contracts to foreign players playing in Russia and Ukraine through a council. As war broke out due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the safety of players, especially foreign players unrelated to the war, was placed in an environment where the safety was not guaranteed. And it was announced to be valid until June 30, 2022, after which it was extended for another year.
At the time of March 2022, Hwang In-beom was a member of the Russian club Rubin Kazan. He was able to suspend his contract and transfer to another team because he escaped the threat of war. Hwang In-beom, desperate for a team to play for the World Cup, moved to FC Seoul in April 2022. After playing for about three months, he signed a contract with Olympiacos in July.
Olympiacos did not disclose the contract period of Hwang In-beom when he was recruited, but Greek media reported that it was 3 years at the time. Hwang In-beom signed a three-year contract with Rubin Kazan in 2020. This is the part at issue.메이저놀이터
Hwang In-beom’s side believes that he is eligible for a temporary free contract because he transferred to FC Seoul and Olympiacos due to the special situation of war while his contract with Rubin Kazan was valid. In other words, a 3-year contract with Olympiacos is regarded as a 1+2 year contract. On the other hand, Olympiacos sees it as a full three-year contract.
Olympiacos midfielder Hwang In-beom. Photo｜Screen capture from Olympiacos official SNS
The two sides are showing a sharp difference in position, and there is a high possibility that FIFA’s authoritative interpretation will be reached. If this happens, it seems that whether Hwang In-beom will be recognized as a temporary free agent until June 2023 will play an important role in the ruling.
Of course, there may be as-yet undisclosed information that could play a major role in this case. Also, depending on how the contract was drafted by both parties, the legal judgment could come out differently.
However, looking at the situation so far, it seems clear that authoritative interpretation will have a significant impact on Hwang In-beom’s career. If the club wins legally, Hwang In-beom will be in trouble. This is because the club may not intentionally use Hwang In-beom, and even if it is important, he may stay at Olympiacos without making a career leap for the most important two years in his career. It is a situation that can have a profound impact on a player’s career, whether resolved for good or bad.
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