G14 chief sees end to legal battles

ARSENAL vice-chairman David Dein expects an end to the legal disputes between Europe’s clubs and soccer’s governing bodies during his tenure as chairman of the G14 pressure group of clubs.

The G14, which represents 18 of the world’s most powerful clubs, is involved in a battle with soccer’s world governing body FIFA over a number of issues, notably two court cases related to the release players for internationals while not being compensated if they get injured.

A Belgian court case taken against FIFA by first division Charleroi and the G14 over a player injured on international duty has been referred to the European Court of Justice, while a similar case is pending involving Olympique Lyon of France.