DONE DEAL.. Roman Abramovich's
Chelsea have swooped for Italian youngster Vincenzo
Camilleri
REGGINA have made an official complaint to UEFA
about Chelsea's bid to sign whizkid Vincenzo
Camilleri.
Camilleri was expected to agree a professional contract
with the Italians when he turns 16 next month.
But the defender turned down the Serie A club's offer
after revealing he had been approached by the Blues.
Reggina supremo Lillo Foti fumed: "The player was
contacted a couple of months ago when he was and still is our
player.
"This is an action of disloyalty and incorrectness.
"Reggina must announce that Vincenzo Camilleri has
refused to take part in an official game for the club and has
preferred to travel to London, accompanied by his mother and a type
of agent, to reach a financial agreement with Chelsea.
"We have made complaints to the Italian Football
Federation and to UEFA."
Fotti also blasted Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich for
hoovering up the world's best talent for Avram Grant's side.
He added: "Abramovich's Chelsea think that with money
they can take away from Reggina and Italian football those values
the small clubs follow to give youngsters an opportunity to
develop."
UEFA president Michel Platini has hinted the Blues have
done nothing wrong but expressed his regret over the situation.
The Frenchman said: "Young players should remain in the
club they come from with their families, postponing their move to
another club or another country until they are 20 or 22.
"Whoever makes that leap at the age of 14 can risk
returning destroyed at 16, just because they didn't succeed.
"I don't like the system for players to be taken away
from their nations.
"Due to money the best players go to the big clubs.
"Money is important but it cannot be a dominant element
in this sport. Football is a game, it should not become a
product."