Barthez awaits loan decision

FIFA have reached a decision on whether Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez will be allowed to move to Marseille on loan – but it will not be announced until all concerned parties had been informed.

Marseille, whose reserve goalkeeper Cedric Carasso is a long-term injury absentee, hope they will be given a special dispensation to sign Barthez outside of the normal transfer window.

Barthez has fallen out of favour with United boss Alex Ferguson and has been told France coach Jacques Santini he must play regular first-team football if he is to be sure of his place in the Euro 2004 squad.