At least $3,021,989 is what Fernando Gaibor is demanding from Independiente de Avellaneda for debt, and the Ecuadorian midfielder would be "free" to sign with another team without fear of legal reprisals from his former club. The details of the thorny case between the player and the Argentine institution were revealed by lawyer Andrés Holguín to the specialized website Fútbol Ecuador.
After eight seasons at Emelec (2010-2017), where he won four Ecuadorian championships (2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017), Gaibor was transferred to Independiente with a five-year contract. Despite certain flashes of performances and goals, the tricolor lost prominence in the squad then led by Ariel Holan and was loaned in mid-2019 to Al-Wasl in Arab football.
In August 2020, amid legal disputes initiated in March, the former Emelec player declared himself a free agent and did not return to Avellaneda, citing debts from Independiente, in addition to elevating his claim to FIFA.
"He was provisionally cleared when it was allowed in our football, in October of the previous year. FIFA resolved the case in record time of three days. From that moment on, Fernando was free from his previous contract without prejudice," said Holguín about Gaibor, who signed with Guayaquil City in the LigaPro last November.
The coveted midfielder has been sought after by the main Ecuadorian clubs in this winter transfer market. Due to the ongoing litigation between Gaibor and Independiente, Holguín pointed out that no team would acquire a legal problem by signing the talented footballer.
"Paper endures everything. Independiente can hold the club that hires him additionally responsible, but they will have nothing to do with it. Guayaquil City, which asked me for advice at the time, signed him in November, after the FIFA ruling; if they are not responsible, even worse for a second club that signs him. If Independiente demands it, it doesn't mean they will be right, they must prove that the club that signs him influenced the termination of the previous contract," he said.
And regarding Gaibor's million-dollar lawsuit against the Argentine club, the lawyer expressed confidence: "I also don't see Fernando losing the lawsuit, which has been very well presented. FIFA also takes into account Independiente's history, which is not one of the best." (D)