G14 SUBMIT 10-POINT PLAN AS PART OF FAR-REACHING FOOTBALL REVIEW

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Given the chance to participate, G14, comprised of 18 of the top clubs in Europe, has submitted a 10-point plan to a committee conducting an expansive review of how football is run in the continent.

The plan asks for G14, which has never been recognized before by any official football body, to become more active in the decision-making process for club competitions, and even national competitions. Obtained by Reuters, the plan says G14 want a direct vote when UEFA puts together its international schedule. Additionally, the group wants a separate chief executive to deal with club issues. Currently, the same official works with club and national team matters.

The most contentious claims are sure to be the ones involving compensation. G14 wants players to be compensated for participating in international games tournaments, and also wants national federations to compensate clubs if a player is injured during an international game.  The group also wants a share of revenues from the World Cup and European Championships.

FIFA claims that revenue generated by international competitions is invested in national youth level programs, and that compensating clubs for injured players would cripple some national organizations.

The issue of injury compensation is being tested this month, with Belgian club Charleroi suing FIFA after one of its players was lost for the 2005 season because of an injury suffered during for Morocco in a friendly against Burkina Faso. G14 is backing the suit, along with a similar action by French Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyon.

Also at issue, is the number of UEFA Champions League games. G14 want more match days, and objected when the second group stage was eliminated after 2002.

Barcelona Vice President Ferran Soriano told BBC Sport: “We are not talking about doubling the number of games, it may be adding just one or two. We have to have the chance to participate in the final decision. The last time it was changed from two group stages to one we couldn't say anything and that can't happen again. In general terms the Champions League is a fantastic competition but we want to have more games if possible.”