Soccer: Chelsea want to join Euro big boys

Chelsea have revealed their desire to join the expanded version of the G14 elite group of European clubs.

The club's aim is to ensure that players who break contracts are shunned by leading teams.

G14, who include Liverpool and Manchester United, are expanding to around 20 or 24 members and have established a formal presence by opening offices in Brussels.

General secretary Thomas Kurth said they had "planned the principle of expansion" and while Rangers and Celtic had both expressed an interest in joining, no English clubs had yet done so.

However, Chelsea are also keen to be involved in the increasingly powerful lobbying group, especially in the wake of the relative confusion as to how to deal with changes in the transfer system.

They want to establish a common code of practice across Europe which would lead to clubs telling players who broke their contracts with other teams to "get lost".

Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson declared: "G14, if it is going to be the real voice of the big clubs, must be expanded.

"If it isn't then watch out for a second 'alliance' of clubs. In Italy, Lazio and Roma are out in the cold. On European results over recent years, Arsenal, Leeds and ourselves should be in.

"It is only by the big clubs of Europe meeting and talking regularly that there will be any chance of a sensible way forward."

Hutchinson believes that inter-club cooperation can help cope with the "latest EC meddling" that is set to increase the financial burden on clubs due to increases in the wages of top players and create further contract uncertainty.

He argues that wage levels are set by up to 20 clubs - mainly United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, Leeds, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Lazio, Roma, Juventus, Bayern Munich and PSG.

"Across Europe, there is a growing concern that pay packets are already at a dangerous level," he wrote in Chelsea's matchday programme for their weekend game against Sunderland.

"Agents thinking of exploiting the next bonanza should proceed with caution. Wage capping is unworkable and would be challenged in the courts.

"But the major clubs in Europe have the clout to control the latest challenge to the game's long-term stability. It only needs a common-sense attitude. "