El TAS orders Independiente to settle Lomónaco debt

El TAS ruled, as reported by Olé, that Club Atlético Independiente – known as the Rojo – must clear the outstanding sum linked to defender Kevin Lomónaco, with a deadline that could trigger an inhibition if missed. The decision follows Bragantino’s claim over the Argentine side’s earlier obligations.

Debt figures and deadline

The Brazilian club Red Bull Bragantino initially demanded $3,917,100, but noted that $400,000 had already been paid. After reviewing Independiente’s defence, the Tribunal Arbitral del Deporte reduced the core amount to $2,881,975.

The TAS also partially upheld Independiente’s appeal concerning accrued fines and interest, meaning some additional charges were dismissed while others remain enforceable.

Independiente now has 45 days from notification to settle the balance, setting the final payment date on 2 November. Failure to meet this deadline could see the club inhibited from registering new players.

Transfer details and future implications

Lomónaco left Independiente on 1 September, minutes before the Spanish market closed, joining Elche for $5,500,000 and acquiring 80 % of his economic rights, despite an original release clause near $15 million.

The agreement also cancelled a separate debt Bragantino held over Iván Marcone and allowed Independiente to retain 20 % of any future sale of Lomónaco.

Kevin arrived from Bragantino in mid‑2024, after Independiente paid $3 million for a share of his registration. The fee was never fully settled, prompting the TAS claim. He has yet to make an official debut for Elche, even as his performances in Argentina attracted interest from clubs such as Atlético Mineiro, Pachuca, Betis and Alavés, and a brief consideration by Lionel Scaloni for the Argentina national team.