FIFA issues an update on their investigation into Michael Verrips' move to Sheffield United

A spokesperson for the world governing body has told The Star it has yet to reach a judgement on whether Verrips was right to unilaterally cancel his contract with Mechelen after they became embroiled in a match-fixing scandal.

The 23-year-old’s decision paved the way for his arrival at Bramall Lane, where he signed a four year deal in August.

“We can confirm that no decision has been passed for this case yet,” a FIFA representative said. “Thus the situation is the same as before.”

Mechelen approached officials in Zurich within 24 hours of Verrips’ unveiling by United, pledging to take “the necessary steps” following his decision to leave the AFAS-stadion Achter de Kazerne.

That was prompted by a ruling that representatives purporting to be acting on Mechelen’s behalf had attempted to bribe players from Waasland-Beveren ahead of a Jupiler Pro League fixture in 2018; before Verrip’s arrival in Flanders.

They were subsequently handed a 12 month ban from both European football and the Belgian Cup, which, having lifted in 2019, had seen them qualify for the Europa League.

United took legal advice before recruiting Verrips, who suffered a concussion on his debut against AFC Fylde last weekend. He was able to take part in that FA Cup third round tie because Mechelen’s grievance is with the player himself, rather than his present employers.