New G14 deal leads to player payments

A MOMENTOUS peace deal was yesterday agreed between FIFA, UEFA and the European clubs that will lead to the G14 organisation disbanding and clubs being paid for their players appearing in the World Cup or European Championships.

In what has been hailed “an historic day for football”, the group of the world’s richest clubs known as G14 – including Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal – will be dissolved and their court cases against FIFA withdrawn.

It means the threat of a European breakaway league featuring the top clubs has been removed.

In a return move that will have far-reaching consequences for the game, FIFA and UEFA will make “financial contributions for players’ participation in European Championships and World Cups”.

The details of how clubs will be compensated have yet to be worked out but the world and European governing bodies have both agreed to the principle.

A new independent European clubs’ organisation will also be a set up that will be recognised by football’s ruling powers. The announcement follows a summit meeting between the clubs, FIFA and UEFA in Zurich after which FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: “Something very special has happened. The clubs, which are the basic cells of our game and fundamental to its thriving, are at last to become a part of the pyramidal football organisation.”

G14 had been a thorn in the side of the world and European governing bodies for more than a decade, threatening breakaway super leagues and taking legal action after players were injured on international duty.

At yesterday’s meeting the clubs, FIFA and UEFA signed a letter of intent about the plans. As well as G14 being dissolved, the European Club Forum will evolve into the European Club Association – an independent body but recognised by FIFA and UEFA.

A statement released after the meeting read: “As part of the planned moves, UEFA and FIFA will enter into a series of commitments including financial contributions for player participation in European Championships and World Cups, subject to the approval of their respective bodies.”

UEFA president Michel Platini added: “The demands of the clubs to be heard and to be associated, also financially, are well-founded.”

However Fianna Fáil MEP Eoin Ryan warned the decision could have negative implications for associations like the FAI. He said: “Clarity is needed that this new agreement reached between UEFA and the G14 grouping will not result in National Football Associations from smaller countries having to pay clubs for the release of players so that they can play for their country at an international level.”