UEFA worried by legal claims

Europe’s governing body UEFA is to confront the thorny issue of clubs claiming compensation for players injured on international duty.

The matter is proving an increasing problem for the game’s authorities, with two classic club-versus-country rows ending up in court.

Belgian club Charleroi want damages after midfielder Abdelmajid Oulmers tore ankle ligaments while on international duty for Morocco in 2004 and their case is due to be heard in March.

The chairman of French champions Lyon, Jean-Michel Aulas, has also announced that legal action will be taken after defender Eric Abidal fractured his foot playing for France.

The two cases have been described by UEFA chief executive Lars Christer Olsson as potential powder kegs that could lead to landmark rulings as defining as Bosman.

“If the two players currently in the spotlight would have had proper insurance, we probably would not have had either of these cases,” said Olsson.