CAS Ruling: Leeds owe Leipzig €21 million in Augustin transfer dispute
A sporting trade dispute involving RB Leipzig and Leeds United that lasted some two-and-a-half years has finally ended in a ruling.
On Saturday, the International Court for Arbitration of Sport (CAS) decreed that Leipzig are entitled to €21 million for the obligatory purchase of French striker Jean-Kevin Augustin.
While there is talk of an appeal from the EPL side, a ruling issued on Saturday upheld judgements issued by both FIFA and UEFA in a transfer dispute involving Germany's RB Leipzig and England's Leeds United. The International Court for Arbitration of Sport (CAS) determined that Leipzig "is entitled to payment of a transfer fee by LUFC in accordance with the purchase commitment for Jean-Kevin Augustin."
On Saturday, the International Court for Arbitration of Sport (CAS) decreed that Leipzig are entitled to €21 million for the obligatory purchase of French striker Jean-Kevin Augustin.
The Augustin dispute dates back to the COVID-interrupted 2019/20 season. Leipzig loaned the disappointing French striker out to the English outfit during the January 2020 window. At that time, Leeds were playing in the EFL Championship. The loan-agreement stipulated that, should Leeds attain promotion, they were required to sign the Frenchman permanently at a cost of €21 million.
Leeds did achieve promotion, but wriggled out of the deal based on the fact that the global pandemic pushed the conclusion of the season back beyond Augustin's original contract date. Since then, the now 25-year-old forward has played for FC Nantes in Ligue 1 and currently kicks for FC Basel in the Swiss Super League.
Shortly after the ruling, the German club issued a statement declaring the matter to be "in principle, resolved". The Yorkshire based English club itself released a statement saying that they would "carefully consider all legal options with a view to an immediate appeal." Under the terms of the CAS ruling, Leeds must begin to pay Leipzig back in installments.
Some €6.7 million is due before the end of the calendar year.