Dubai: Despite Inter Milan holding Luis Figo's registration and refusing to sell him, Al Ittihad released a statement last night where they insisted the delay in the Portuguese player's signature was due to a contractual dispute with the midfielder.
The Al Ittihad club statement said: "The press conference has been postponed but will be held later in the presence of Mansour Al Balawi, President of Al -Ittihad Club, and Luis Figo.
"The delay in finalising the contract was with regard to one clause in the agreement that was raised unexpectedly and only a few hours prior to the press conference.
"According to the clause, the player maintained that 70 per cent of the contract value must be provided during the first six months of the contract period and the rest during the remaining 18 months.
"The player also sought the right to nullify the contract for any reason whatsoever and at any time during the first six months.
"To protect the club's long-term interests and avoid imposing unwarranted financial commitments on it, Mansour Al Balawi refused to accept the clause.
"Al Ittihad Club has a busy schedule ahead and it is very important that the club's future prospects are not adversely affected in any way.
"The administration of Al Ittihad Club appreciates the support provided by the media to the contract signing, which has indeed brought international attention to the club.
"We have, for long, been associated with international stars, and the media too would be aware that last minute negotiations and delays in signing contracts happen.
"The club will organise a press conference once the negotiations are over."
