A top-level meeting of world football
leaders due to be held today to discuss reform of the transfer system has been unexpectedly cancelled.
The international football federation FIFA announced today the gathering, which was due to be held at their headquarters in Zurich, would not go ahead.
FIFA has given no explanation for the cancellation nor any date for a rearranged meeting.
Members of the powerful European federation, UEFA, as well as representatives of the 14 biggest clubs in Europe and the national leagues had been expected to attend.
The European Commission has called for a revamp of the current system transfer because it says it contravenes existing EU laws on the free movement of labour.
But UEFA in particular is concerned that ending transfer fees and allowing players to end contracts at will could seriously damage Europe's smaller clubs.
AFP