G14 could expand to 50 clubs

To try to resolve conflicts with football's ruling organizations, the G14, which currently represents 18 of Europe's leading clubs, will expand to 50 by the end of the year.

The G14, which includes among others English Manchester United, Spanish Real Madrid and Italian AC Milan, is in disagreement with FIFA and UEFA over matters such as the release of players for international duty and the international calendar.

One constant argument is regarding compensation for players injured while playing for their country, and has led to two court cases, one which is pending at the European Court of Justice.

FIFA and UEFA does not recognise or deal with the G14 and feels the lobby group is elitist and does not represent the majority of clubs in Europe.

"We understand UEFA's concerns and we accept that we may have not been representative of all clubs, but we have now decided to make this change and expand," G14 general manger Thomas Kurth told Reuters. "If this is given a positive response by UEFA, then we hope this could be the first step in solving the problems we have."

Kurth would not name any clubs that may be invited to join, but G14 sources said English Chelsea and Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers were possibilities.

"We will have a new name and constitution. We will decide on the exact criteria but in general terms, the clubs involved would be like minded and have a tradition of playing regularly in European competition," Kurth said.

A UEFA spokesman said his organisation would "wait and see the exact make up of the new grouping and what they stand for", but others in the organisation said the move could lead to G14 being endorsed by UEFA.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.