Milan Palenik finally made his competitive Dundee debut last night, but the defender’s protracted transfer to Scotland could see the Slovakian FA in hot water with FIFA after allegations of a cash-for-clearance scandal . Palenik was signed on a one-year contract in the middle of last month, but a lack of international clearance meant he missed Saturday’s league visit to Livingston and was only able to play against Morton in the CIS Cup when the necessary paperwork arrived from Eastern Europe with just minutes to spare yesterday. Now the Dark Blues, dismayed at the repeated delays in their dealings with the Slovak football authorities, have raised concerns with the SFA, who had already intervened on their behalf over the last week or so. And what have been described as “irregularities” are to be passed on for the world ruling body to give their opinion. Dens Park chief executive Dave MacKinnon was choosing his words carefully today, but the Evening Telegraph understands that, during contact with the Slovakian FA, the club and Palenik’s agents were given the impression clearance would be forthcoming if money changed hands. It is believed sums ranging from £100 to £3000 for a document that can be faxed from one football association to another in a matter of a few minutes were mentioned. That has left Dundee and their player less than impressed, though it has been stressed his former club completed their paperwork promptly and in a normal fashion. FIFA are to be informed. The lengthy delay had little effect on the big central defender, who helped his new team keep a clean sheet against Morton with an impressive individual display. Palenik took over from Gary MacKenzie, who was suffering from a cold.
