Clubs must be compensated for internationals - Gill

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has warned FIFA the current policy of clubs releasing players for internationals without compensation cannot continue.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter remains totally opposed to paying top clubs to release their players and has cut off all contact with the G14 group of clubs.

The G14 have lodged a formal complaint against the world governing body to the Swiss competition authorities.

Gill said: “We are not saying you shouldn’t have championships but the fact the governing bodies can generate vast amounts of money in sponsorship and TV revenue through an asset they get for free is something that just cannot continue.

“We are waiting to see what FIFA’s response is to the complaint we have put forward to the competition authorities but there has to be scope for FIFA and UEFA to slice some of the profits they make from major tournaments to repay the clubs who provide the assets which provide the income.”

United and other like-minded major European clubs are now working through the 102-member European Club Forum in an effort to get their point across.

Gill claims there was "unequivocal support" for the principle of payment for players, even if it is only established for those who actually compete in the finals.