BLATTER BLATHER

Last updated : 21 December 2003 By Editor

Anyway, this is what he has to say:

"I hear of a threat to go to the civil courts - even to the European courts - but that is strictly prohibited in our rules.

"And if you take that action, the repercussions will be unprecedented.

"You do not go to court. You present your case to our tribunal in Lausanne or you pay the consequences.

"These are the rules of Fifa and they will be adhered to."

Fifa director of communications Markus Ziegler revealed there would be repercussions even if Ferdinand was to go it alone in court.

"It is correct that Fifa statutes forbid clubs from taking civil action against their national associations," he said.

"The clubs must comply with the statutes of Fifa and the rulings of their national association. Clearly, no team should go to civil courts to settle disputes.

"Individual players are also subject to the same rules. Football has its own disciplinary procedures and judicial process.

"If a club is unhappy, it can appeal and then go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

"It is premature to talk about what action will be taken but Mr Blatter has made it clear how strong his feelings are on the subject of clubs going to court to settle disputes like this.

"It is a matter for the FA to deal with right now and then we will see."