Sochaux ask FIFA to stop Newcastle talking to striker

French club Sochaux have asked FIFA to intervene after claiming Newcastle made an illegal approach to striker Modibo Maiga.

The Mali international has been conspicuous by his absence from Sochaux’s squad since indicating his desperation to be allowed to talk to the Magpies.

But his current employers accuse Newcastle of speaking to 23-year-old Maiga without their permission and have confirmed they contacted FIFA yesterday over the issue.

A statement on their official website, fcsochaux.fr, read: “On Monday August 22, 2011, FC Sochaux-Montbeliard sent a referral to FIFA with the aim of obtaining (assurances) on the part of Newcastle United that they will stop their contacts with Modibo Maiga, who is under contract with FCSM until 2014.

“This (contact) is in violation of Article 18 of the current international regulations.

“This measure comes after Sochaux demanded without success, in an official manner and on two occasions, that the English club put a stop to their actions.”