FIFA: Stephen Appiah is free

Fifa has declared that Ghana captain Stephen Appiah is a free agent, rubbishing Fenerbahce's quest to get transfer fees from his potential transfer to a top English club.

The 27-year-old's revelation that he is a free agent sparked massive interest from top clubs in Europe including Premiership sides Portsmouth, Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham.

In the wake of the interest from the English sides, Appiah's former Turkish club warned that clubs would have to pay through their noses if they want to sign him even though Fifa had declared him a free agent.

This prompted Fifpro, the global players' union, to accuse Fifa that its failure to fully resolve the issue has prompted Fenerbahce to ask from transfer fees, which is preventing clubs from signing Appiah.

Despite the demands from Fenerbahce, Fifa insists that Appiah is a free agent and can join any club in the world for free while the other part of his acrimonious stand-off with the Turkish club is sorted.

"It should be noted that FIFA received not less than three requests, claims and counter-claims from the club and the player in the period between 31 January 2008 and 28 April 2008 ," Fifa said in statement to Ghanasoccernet.

"On 11 June 2008, after giving the parties time to present their positions on the matter, FIFA advised by fax to both parties to consider their labour relationship as terminated and to focus on the financial aspects of the matter.

"It was also advised that should the player sign a new contract with a new club, in the case that an International Transfer Certificate were needed for an international transfer, the Turkish FF should provide it, in order to not hinder the player's career."

The revelation by Fifa is likely to spark intense interest from the English clubs in the Ghana captain after recovering from a botched knee surgery by doctors of the Turkish club.

Appiah has excelled in two World Cup qualifying matches since retuning to action in September for the Black Stars.

He fell out spectacularly with Fenerbahce after doctors botched his knee surgery and accused him of abandoning his post while he had their permission to receive personal treatment in Italy.