Greedy G14 could ruin international football

IT MAY not stir the blood quite like a 25 yard volley to the roof of the net, a save in a penalty shoot-out or a last minute winner that lifts a cup or staves off relegation, but anyone who has ever fallen under football’s spell should sit up and pay attention to a compensation case which is currently before the Belgian courts.

Because, depending on the outcome, it could drive a stake through the heart of the international game.

The case is being taken by the Belgian club Charleroi, backed by 18 of Europe's richest clubs.