by DAVE MARTINEZ

Call it a misunderstanding.

On Tuesday afternoon, Sport Boys Warnes Vice President Clíver Rocha gathered the local media for a press conference, accusing the New York Cosmos of failing to payout their loan deal for star Bolivian striker, Yasmani Duk – and issuing an ultimatum on payment of their agreed $50,000 transfer.

“If they don’t deposit the money, Oriente Petrolero can also think we are trying to be clever, because we have not received any money either,” Rocha said. “We don’t want to think that they are [trying to get one over].

“We will wait to see what happens. We don’t know why they needed this type of pressure [a press conference] to open dialogue.”

While a damning accusation, there is more to the story than meets the eye.

Speaking to Duk’s agent, Rodrigo Osorio, EoS has learned that the New York Cosmos did not back out of their obligation to pay for the transfer of his striker. Instead, simple ignorance pushed Sport Boys to make a public declaration that never should have been made in the first place.

“It was a misunderstanding,” Osorio said. “[Duk] is the first player that they are sending on transfer. [Sport Boys] didn’t have a clear understanding of the transfer market. They thought they would receive their money on February 1st, but the player just left Bolivia on the 18th. He didn’t have a visa and couldn’t travel, and also had to pass his medical.

“Here they wanted their money on February 1st. That is why they said the Cosmos were late on their payment. It wasn’t a month — it was three or four days.”

According to Osorio, Sport Boys’ public outcry was met with a quick response from the Cosmos; a payment in full for the loanee. “Now, everything is back to normal,” Osorio said.

Duk has been training with the club, taking part in the team’s 1-0 loss to San Jose Earthquakes last week. He is back in camp this week and will travel with the Cosmos for their Florida training camp.

When contacted by EoS, the Cosmos issued a statement on the entire situation.

“This particular loan agreement has proved to be a lengthy and complex process. The club has open lines of communication with Duk’s representatives and the club has adhered to the terms of the agreement which were agreed by all parties.”

Sport Boys Warnes and Orient Petrolero are expected to address the loan deal within the next day.