Sporting CP Still Appealing Controversial Transfer Of Ex Inter Milan Star – CAS Hearing Set For December 9th

A hearing in the case around the transfer of Joao Mario from Inter Milan to Benfica involving accusations by Sporting CP is set for December.

This according to Portuguese newspaper Record, via FCInterNews. They report that the Court of Arbitration of Sport will hear the case on December 9th.

Midfielder Joao Mario was at the centre of a somewhat bizarre transfer saga in the summer of 2021.

The backdrop for the situation was the Portuguese international’s move to Inter in the summer of 2016.

Inter signed Mario off the back of the Euros that summer. Mario had been a regular starter for Portugal as they won their first every major trophy at the tournament.

The Nerazzurri signed Mario from his boyhood club, Sporting.

Despite big expectations for the midfielder at Inter, he never quite found his best form. This led to loan moves to the likes of Spartak Moscow and West Ham United.

Mario then spent the 2020-21 season out on loan back at Sporting. He helped the club to its first Portuguese league title in almost two decades.

Appeal In Joao Mario Transfer Case Between Inter & Sporting Set For December 9th

Sporting had tried to sign Mario on a permanent basis after his loan ended in 2021.

However, the Lisbon giants were unable to agree a fee on the deal with Inter.

As the negotiations between Inter and Sporting dragged on, Benfica sensed an opportunity to sign Mario.

Despite being the bitter rivals, they took advantage to the stalling talks between Inter and Sporting.

And as Mario grew impatient with the negotiations between Sporting and Inter, he decided to instead join Benfica.

The only problem was a clause in the deal between Inter and Sporting from 2016.

Sporting believed that the Nerazzurri would have to pay them a penalty of around €30 million if they were to sell Mario directly to a rival from within the Portuguese league.

Thus, Inter did not sell Mario to Benfica.

However, the Nerazzurri did terminate the Portuguese international’s contract via mutual consent. He was then free to join Benfica.

There was then reportedly a sort of gentleman’s agreement between Inter and Benfica regarding future transfer business, in lieu of a fee.

Sporting saw this as circumventing their contract with Inter regarding Mario’s initial transfer.

Therefore, the Portuguese club took the Nerazzurri to court.

On the 10th of July, 2023, FIFA ruled in favour of Inter. However, Sporting launched another appeal on September 6th of that year.

And now, Record report, there will be another hearing regarding the matter. This will take place on the 9th of December of this year.