G-14 GO SCOUSE

Last updated : 21 November 2003 By Editor
The G-14 members have sent a letter to both UEFA and FIFA demanding compensation for any players who go on international duty. However United Chief Executive David Gill claims that it isn't a case of Scouse greed but of being paid for providing a service.

Gill said: "The group has sent a letter to both Fifa and Uefa requesting that the clubs were compensated for releasing players. Discussions are taking place with Uefa at present and we have yet to have a response from Fifa but we are hopeful of that shortly.

"I think it is important to note this is not just for Manchester United. It's not just for Arsenal or Bayern Munich, or the rest of the G14 clubs. We are talking all clubs across the world who release players to compete in the final competitions of both the World Cup and the European Championships.

"Player wages have grown tremendously over the past few years. We are releasing our players for a long time during the course of a year and we are happy to do that. We have a great England team and the country benefits so we are not saying that is not the case, but at the same time they are getting the use of our assets for free.

"The World Cup finals produces something in the order of 2billion Swiss Francs in revenue and similarly the European Championships 1 billion, now that revenue is generated by our players for who we are paying quite a lot of money. I think it is only fair and right and reasonable that clubs are compensated for the use of those players."

"I don't think it is greedy. I think it is being sensible and reasonable. It is a case of making a balance between what is due to the clubs and what is due to those organisations who do market and have fantastic competitions."