Football
Reuters 17y

Soccer-Dein expects FIFA and G14 to end legal battle soon

By Darren Ennis

BRUSSELS, Dec 7 - Europe's top clubs and soccer's
world governing body FIFA should end their bitter legal dispute
within the next 12 months, Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein said
on Thursday.

The G14, which represents 18 of the world's most powerful
clubs, is involved in a battle with FIFA over a number of
issues, notably two court cases related to the release of
players for internationals and compensation should they get
injured.

Dein, chairman of the G14, will propose "a mechanism" to
FIFA in the coming weeks which he believes will put an end to
the ongoing row.

"This will allow all sides to elegantly exit from the
situation," he said following a G14 general assembly in
Brussels.

"There is more dialogue than ever and it should be solved
within the next 12 months."

The proposal was put forward by a major British insurance
company during Thursday's meeting and followed a presentation by
Newcastle United who are seeking compensation from the English
FA over an injury to striker Michael Owen on international duty.

Newcastle are not a member of the G14, which includes the
likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan, but Dein
said the compromise "is for the benefit of all clubs".

While Newcastle have not finalised any legal action, a
similar Belgian court case taken against FIFA by first division
Charleroi and the G14 has been referred to the European Court of
Justice.

Another case is pending involving Olympique Lyon of France
and Dein said if the matter is not resolved, "many other cases
will develop".

"After the World Cup we are looking at around seven cases,
but that was based on over 700 players, so nobody wants this
issue to escalate," he said.

Last week, G14 general manager Thomas Kurth said he saw a
solution to the issue before Euro 2008, while FIFA and Europe's
governing body UEFA have also hinted in recent weeks that the
matter is close to being resolved.

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