Landmark compensation case referred

Monday, 15, May 2006 09:41

A landmark case which could see national federations pay clubs compensation for players injured on international duty has been referred to the European Court of Justice.

Belgian side Charleroi had brought Fifa to court in Belgium demanding compensation after their player, Abdelmajid Oulmers, was ruled out for eight months after suffering an injury while playing for Morocco against Burkina Faso in October 2004.

The potential ruling could have massive implications on world football and the judgement has been welcomed by the G14 group, which represents 18 of Europe's top club sides, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

"Fifa's argument was that its rules were not in any way subject to EU law," G14 general manager Thomas Kurth said.

"But we asked for a ruling at the European Court of Justice on these rules, which we've always said are unfair to every club, not just G14 members."

The Belgian club claim that they should be financial reimbursed for the injury as it affected their chances in the Belgian league and cup.

The G14 group has argued that clubs should get compensation as they are the ones who pay the player's wages and they have backed similar action brought by Olympique Lyonnais in the French courts.

A ruling in favour of Charleroi could give more power to the clubs over releasing players for national fixtures and would mean potentially huge bills for national associations.