Delaney is relieved case referred to ECJ

Charleroi case: FAI chief executive John Delaney is somewhat relieved the case that Belgian club Charleroi are taking against Fifa has been referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ), but he remains deeply concerned about the implications for international football if the court eventually finds in the club's favour.

Charleroi, now backed by the G14 group representing 18 of the world's richest clubs including Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid, are seeking compensation from a national association for one of their players who was injured on international duty.

Moroccan Abdelmajid Oulmers was sidelined for eight months after tearing ankle ligaments during a friendly match in 2004 and his club allege his loss hindered their chances of winning the Belgian league in which they eventually finished fifth.

Delaney stresses leading Irish players could effectively be priced off the international stage if clubs get their way in ensuring national associations pay players' wages while they are away from the club and, also, subsequent salaries for the duration of injuries sustained on international duty.

"Of course this remains a concern," Delaney said. "The real game is on now and we have probably two, possibly three, years before the case to put our best foot forward and continue to develop the awareness we've generated so far."

The FAI have already lobbied EU commissioner for the internal market Charlie McCreevy, as well as prominent MEPs, and will continue to do so as the ECJ is expected to consider both the European Parliament and, more significantly, the European Commission's stance ahead of the hearing and subsequent ruling.

"The status quo should remain that we continue to pay players' appearance fees and insurance as a national association. I would like it to continue in that vein and see everyone get a fair crack at qualifying for major tournaments and using their best players."

The FAI's insurance bill is €50,000 per match and covers injured players' wages for 26 weeks up to a capital value of €8 million. The FAI would face a potential bill of €750,000 per match to play top stars if the ECJ rules against the associations.

Delaney believes G14 are acting in a "very selfish nature". "If we can't invest in the development of players then fewer players will come out of Ireland to play for bigger clubs and the domino effect would be catastrophic for world football."

A G14 spokesman said: "This ruling is good for the game, we may at last get some legal clarity."

The last major football case to be referred to the ECJ also began in Belgium. The Bosman ruling was named after the landmark case brought by Jean-Marc Bosman, which paved the way for players to move freely between clubs when out of contract.

The FAI, meanwhile, have appointed Rory Smyth as commercial director. He joins from O'Brien's Sandwich Bars where he was international general manager. Securing naming rights, in conjunction with the IRFU, of the redeveloped Lansdowne Road will be a primary objective, he said.

Finally, talks regarding the Eircom League-FAI merger are at an advanced stage and an egm of the league could be called next month.