COUGH UP

Last updated : 07 October 2004 By Editor
David Gill has told FIFA the current policy of clubs releasing players for
internationals without compensation isn't on.

FIFA president Septic Bladder doesn't want to pay clubs to release their players
and has cut off all contact with the G14 group of clubs who have lodged a formal complaint against the world governing body to the Swiss competition authorities.
"As a Premier League club, we want a successful England team and the
competitions they play in increase football's popularity around the world," 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."

Plus when you think that Utd have let England train at Carrington this week while Louis Saha hasn't played since getting injured while on international duty you can see the clubs' point of view.

"We are not looking for a pound for pound reimbursement," Gill went on.

"Everyone recognises the English FA has more money than the Azerbaijan FA,
that is why we believe the funds should come out of a central pot.

"If you look at UEFA, 82% of the revenue generated from the Champions League is distributed as prize money, while the other 18% is retained for putting on the competition, their offices and good causes. It is transparent and the clubs understand it.

"But if you look at an analysis of what they made out of Euro 2004 the indications are they could use some of that money to reimburse the clubs.

"I am not saying it is easy and I am not saying it won't take some time but there is a growing understanding both within the authorities and the clubs that this matter needs to be resolved."