After an inconsistent three seasons at Real Madrid, James Rodriguez joined Bayern Munich on a two-year loan at the beginning of the current campaign: now he has been drawn against his parent club in the Champions League semi-finals.
But James’ sporadic form during the first half of the season coincided with Ancelotti’s failings in Germany – the Italian was relieved of his duties in September and James’ Bayern future was suddenly thrown into doubt. NaijaBet.com
However, the 26-year-old has actually improved since the exit of Ancelotti, putting in some fine performances for returning coach Jupp Heynckes.
As a result, Bayern may opt to trigger their option to sign James permanently at the end of next season. Though that will depend on whether he wants to stick around with new boss Niko Kovac now set to arrive in the summer.
Can James play against Real Madrid?
Bayern will face the current holders in the semi-finals, the second leg of which will be played at the Bernabeu. NaijaBet.com
UEFA regulations stipulate that Madrid wouldn’t have been able include a clause in James’ loan agreement that would prevent him from playing against his parent club, meaning he will be allowed to feature in the semi-finals.
Those regulations were reiterated in April 2014 following controversy over the availability of Thibaut Courtois – then on loan at Atletico Madrid – to play against his parent club Chelsea in the Champions League. NaijaBet.com
Thibaut Courtois in action for Atletico Madrid against his parent club Chelsea
In a statement, UEFA stated: “Both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations contain clear provisions which strictly forbid any club to exert, or attempt to exert, any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match. NaijaBet.com
“It follows that any provision in a private contract between clubs which might function in such a way as to influence who a club fields in a match is null, void and unenforceable so far as UEFA is concerned.
“Furthermore, any attempt to enforce such a provision would be a clear violation of both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and would therefore be sanctioned accordingly.” NaijaBet.com
