Metz go to FIFA over Saha money

Metz have appealed to FIFA for help in reclaiming money they claim is owed to them by Fulham over the sale of Louis Saha to Manchester United.

The French club, where Saha played between 1997 and 2000, say they should have received 15% of the profit Fulham made after the French international joined the Red Devils in January 2004 for £12.8m (€19.4m).

But according to Metz’s official website, www.fcmetz.com, Fulham still owe the club around £1.3m (€2m).

Metz also claimed they failed to get a response from the London club when contacted about the matter, and a spokesman has now confirmed they have turned to FIFA to help them settle the issue.

“About two weeks ago FC Metz submitted their case to the French Football Federation, who appealed to the English FA,” the club spokesman said.

“But they never responded and neither did Fulham at the time of the transfer.

“That is why president Charles Molinari decided to complain to FIFA to get the payment.

“We know that it might take months but we will be patient,” he concluded.

Saha, who has five international caps, has scored seven goals in 12 appearances since joining the Old Trafford club.