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Adelaide United’s Norwegian striker Kristian Opseth is unlikely to make his official Reds debut in next week’s FFA Cup clash

Adelaide United’s Norwegian signing Kristian Opseth has not been cleared by his Turkish club Büyüksehir Belediye Erzurumspor, putting his Reds debut in doubt.

SOCCER — A-League — Adelaide United new signing — Kristian Fardal Opseth at Coopers Stadium. Picture SARAH REED
SOCCER — A-League — Adelaide United new signing — Kristian Fardal Opseth at Coopers Stadium. Picture SARAH REED

Adelaide United’s new Norwegian signing Kristian Opseth’s former club Turkey’s Büyüksehir Belediye Erzurumspor is refusing to clear the striker.

Opseth, 29, is now unlikely to make his debut for Adelaide during next week’s FFA Cup away clash to Brisbane Olympic after the Reds striker penned a one-year deal last month.

It’s understood Erzurumspor wants Adelaide to pay a transfer fee before applying for an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) which would allow the Norwegian to be registered for the Reds.

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Opseth’s transfer market value is estimated to be about $1 million.

He was contracted to the club until 2021.

Erzurumspor signed him in January before it was relegated in May after he had scored one goal with two assists in 12 matches in Turkey.

Opseth was then announced as Adelaide’s latest signing alongside Reds football director Bruce Djite on July 31.

Adelaide United Director of Football Bruce Djite (left) announces the signing of Norwegian striker Kristian Opseth on July 31. Picture: AAP Image/Kelly Barnes
Adelaide United Director of Football Bruce Djite (left) announces the signing of Norwegian striker Kristian Opseth on July 31. Picture: AAP Image/Kelly Barnes

At the press conference Djite said there was no transfer fee involved after the club paid about $150,000 to Belgium’s Club Brugge for its former midfielder Riley McGree to return to Adelaide.

“Kristian (Opseth) terminated his contract in Turkey and we have requested an International Transfer Clearance as is normal process,’’ Djite said on Thursday.

“We expect to receive approval of his registration in the coming weeks.”

A spokesman Professional Footballers Australian said they were aware of the Opseth situation.

“PFA are aware and will support as needed to ensure FIFA Regulations are complied with,’’ a PFA spokesman said.

It’s believed that Opseth was allowed to walk away from Turkish football due to FIFA regulations because Erzurumspor was not up to date with his contracted payments.

FIFA can sanction the club to retrieve the outstanding payments.

Norwegian striker Kristian Opseth at Coopers Stadium, Hindmarsh, after signing for Adelaide United. Picture: AAP Image
Norwegian striker Kristian Opseth at Coopers Stadium, Hindmarsh, after signing for Adelaide United. Picture: AAP Image

FIFA can terminate a contract if a club unlawfully fails to pay a player at least two monthly salaries providing the player makes the complaint in writing.

Opseth skipped Adelaide’s easy 5-2 FFA Cup win over Melbourne Knights in Melbourne last week because he wasn’t ready said coach Gertjan Verbeek after the Norwegian targetman revealed he had been training alone in Norway during the off season.

With Opseth destined to miss the FFA Cup clash in Brisbane due to ITC complications, Verbeek may have to again blood rookie striker Al-Hassan Toure, 19, against Olympic.

The ex-Croydon Kings forward scored in the 11th minute to give Adelaide a 1-0 lead over the Knights which could cement him a spot at Perry Park after United lost a friendly 1-0 to Melbourne City at Hindmarsh Stadium in a locked doors friendly on Wednesday.

Erzurumspor officials have been contacted for comment.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/football/a-league/teams/adelaide/adelaide-uniteds-norwegian-striker-kristian-opseth-is-unlikely-to-make-his-official-reds-debut-in-next-weeks-ffa-cup-clash/news-story/fb2624cdcdd065ea90f130067d7fd368