FIFA Investigates Potential Exploitation as Barcelona Pursues Portuguese Wonderkid Cardoso Varela
ZAGREB, Croatia – A dispute involving Portuguese youth international Cardoso varela, 16, has drawn the intervention of FIFA amid allegations of exploitation and a contested transfer that has ignited interest from European giants Barcelona and Chelsea. The winger currently plays for Croatian club NK Lokomotiva Zagreb, but his path to professional football has been shadowed by controversy stemming from his departure from FC Porto.
Varela gained prominence through strong performances, including appearances for Portugal’s Under-17 team.Recent issues arose when contract renewal talks with Porto failed, reportedly involving agents and tutors, with claims that the player’s family’s economic vulnerability was exploited.following his exit from Porto,an attempt was made to register Varela with Lokomotiva Zagreb,triggering a FIFA inquiry after Porto alleged the move was part of a scheme to facilitate a transfer to a larger club abroad,using the Croatian side as a stepping-stone.
According to Goncalo Tristao Santos, Transfermarkt’s Area Manager in Portugal, “FC Porto has alleged that this move was part of a scheme involving agents aiming to facilitate his transfer to a bigger club abroad, using the Croatian club as a stepping-stone, so FIFA intervened. Porto’s complaint to FIFA led to a block on Varela’s registration in the Croatian club.” Porto has since sent letters to Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation voicing objections to a potential transfer and raising concerns about legality and potential exploitation.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Barcelona is reportedly leading the race to sign Varela. Spanish reports indicate Barca is confident of securing the winger – who has been compared to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr – for an initial fee of €5 million, with a potential €20 million in bonuses. chelsea is also monitoring the situation, known for its strategy of acquiring promising young talent, but Barcelona currently appears to be in pole position.
Varela has already made his mark with Lokomotiva Zagreb, becoming the youngest player to feature in the UEFA Europa League this season after appearing as a substitute against Fenerbahce in September. His inclusion in first-team action underscores his potential, even as his future remains uncertain pending the outcome of FIFA’s investigation.