G-14 and FIFA face another day in court after the group representing 18 of Europe's most powerful football clubs joined a lawsuit taken by the promoter of a major youth tournament against the world governing body. "It was the latest action in a battle between the G-14, representing clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, and FIFA over issues such as compensation for players injured on international duty," commented Darren Ennis of Reuters.
Secretive London-based Gifted Group Ltd, the organiser of the self-described Champions Youth Cup in Malaysia, together with G-14 filed a lawsuit this week in Brussels against FIFA over its failure to give the tournament its official endorsement. Both GGL and the G-14 have also lodged a complaint against FIFA with the European Commission, accusing them of abusing their dominant position, GGL chairman Jonathan Price told Reuters.
A FIFA spokesman said the organisation had received a copy of complaint. "But since this is now subject of a complaint, FIFA cannot comment for time being," he said. Price said FIFA had "done a U-turn after finding out the G-14 are involved and we are seeking an injunction to stop them interfering. After initially endorsing our competition, FIFA's perceived involvement of G-14 meant they reversed this position nearly two months later, leaving the tournament's future hanging in the balance."
G14 general manager Thomas Kurth confirmed that his organisation, whose clubs were due to send 11 teams to the 16-club tournament in August, had joined the case.
Secretive London-based Gifted Group Ltd, the organiser of the self-described Champions Youth Cup in Malaysia, together with G-14 filed a lawsuit this week in Brussels against FIFA over its failure to give the tournament its official endorsement. Both GGL and the G-14 have also lodged a complaint against FIFA with the European Commission, accusing them of abusing their dominant position, GGL chairman Jonathan Price told Reuters.
A FIFA spokesman said the organisation had received a copy of complaint. "But since this is now subject of a complaint, FIFA cannot comment for time being," he said. Price said FIFA had "done a U-turn after finding out the G-14 are involved and we are seeking an injunction to stop them interfering. After initially endorsing our competition, FIFA's perceived involvement of G-14 meant they reversed this position nearly two months later, leaving the tournament's future hanging in the balance."
G14 general manager Thomas Kurth confirmed that his organisation, whose clubs were due to send 11 teams to the 16-club tournament in August, had joined the case.