While the Saudi League spends millions on top-flight players, contrasting news of thrift has emerged from Cyprus where a soccer team has hired a Brazilian player banned in his own country.
Pafos FC took to Twitter over the weekend to express its delight in signing the “highly acclaimed Brazilian” Alef Manga, 28, from Coritiba in Brazil’s Serie A:
Manga can’t play in his native Brazil until he stands trial for match-fixing, his charges linked to a major scandal that involves multiple Brazilian soccer professionals, members of Congress, and federal police.
the franchise will pay €300,000 ($330,000) for Manga’s services in Cyprus until June 2024
That hasn’t stopped the Russian-owned Pafos FC from getting the edge on their Cypriot First Division rivals. Brazilian media reports the franchise will pay €300,000 ($330,000) for Manga’s services in Cyprus until June 2024.
Pafos’ Deputy Director of Football Operations, Bolivar Silveira, was quoted on the soccer player’s Instagram page as stating Manga is a: “winger or striker who has stood out a lot in Brazil.” According to ESPN, he’s scored 13 goals and assisted eight in the past two seasons of Brazil’s premier soccer league.
