Italian club slams Ugandan forward for quitting club after obtaining salary advance while on holiday
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 06.08.25. | 08:26
However, the South Sudan international who was born in Koboko, Uganda, took to social media on Monday, 4 August, to announce his departure from the Italian fourth-tier side
Italian club ASD Lucera Calcio has slammed Ugandan-born forward Innocent Media for quitting the club after being handed a salary advance while away on a requested holiday.
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Media has been with the Italian outfit for two years, having joined on 1 July 2023 from Ugandan club Arua Hill Sports Club.
However, the South Sudan international who was born in Koboko, Uganda, took to social media on Monday, 4 August, to announce his departure from the Italian fourth-tier side.
“Thank you, Lucera Calcio, for the unforgettable memories, invaluable lessons, and personal and professional growth I have experienced during my time here.
As I prepare to begin a new chapter in my journey, I carry with me deep gratitude for everyone who has been part of this experience. Lucera Calcio will always hold a special place in my heart,” posted Media on his Facebook page.
However, in a strong riposte, the Italian club has vehemently condemned the manner of Media’s exit, accusing the player and an unnamed club of forcing the transfer of a player who had requested a time out for a holiday.
“The footballer (Media), after asking for and obtaining permission to temporarily return to Uganda during the summer break — with round-trip air tickets fully supported by the company — has subsequently chosen, unilaterally and without any notice, not to return, advancing his availability to another local club and sending through this company an international transfer request.
The company emphasises that such a request has never been anticipated by any formal communication from the player, nor at least by a direct comparison, as it would have been dutiful,” reads part of a statement from Lecera’s Facebook.
Lucera went ahead to accuse the other unnamed club of professional misconduct, as the player had a contract that was running until July 2026.
“What makes the matter even more serious is the displeasing behaviour of the other club involved. It chose not to establish any contact with Lucera Calcio, lacking respect but also institutional correctness between clubs.
Everything, despite Lucera Calcio having already supported direct costs for the footballer’s travel and responded positively, upon his request, to an advance payment of a monthly salary,” the statement continued.
Despite the accusations, Lucera has allowed the player to leave and wished him well in his endeavours.
“Although distancing ourselves from behaviour that we consider serious and unacceptable, we still wish Innocent Ronald Media a peaceful personal and professional future,” they concluded.
