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| Felipe will remain in Saudi Arabia [GALLO/GETTY] |
Brazilian midfielder Felipe has been released from his two year-contract with the new North Queensland Fury club in Australia's A-League.
The Fury, whose marquee signing is former English Premier League star Robbie Fowler, on Tuesday said it had agreed to a compensation deal after Felipe's agent requested the 27-year-old Brazilian be let out of his A-League contract so he could continue to play for a club in Saudi Arabia.
Fury chief executive Dean Hassall said the club felt betrayed because it gave Felipe permission to play in Saudi Arabia in the leadup to the club's inaugural A-League season on the understanding the Brazilian would meet his new teammates on a preseason tour to Singapore.
"Felipe's agent said it was all go for Singapore and the next thing we know he's asked for a release from his two-year deal,'' Hassall said in a statement.
"There's a feeling of betrayal. The club acted in good faith by allowing Felipe to play in Saudi Arabia while he had a contract with the Fury.
"North Queensland Fury FC and Felipe's management have agreed on compensation for the split and we're confident we'll be able to fill that spot with an equally exciting player.''
The 27-year-old Felipe, who had signed in February, last played in the A-League for the Wellington Phoenix in the 2007-08 season.
Ex-Liverpool striker Fowler signed a two-year deal with North Queensland last year.
The 33-year-old Fowler, who was released by Blackburn Rovers in December, was one of the leading scorers in English topflight football and played 26 times for England.
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