The G14 group of top European clubs has disbanded after agreeing
an historic deal with FIFA and UEFA.
The sides had banded together into an organisation called the G14
including Inter, Milan and Juventus to launch court cases against
FIFA and threaten to create a breakaway League.
Instead, UEFA President Michel Platini has helped broker a deal in
Zurich that will see FIFA and UEFA make financial contributions
for players participation in European Championships and World
Cups.
This will resolve the debate from clubs over compensation for
players injured during international duty.
Legal cases backed by the G14 included Lyon suing for Eric Abidal
breaking his foot in a France friendly, but will not we
dropped.
The G14 has been dissolved, but a new organisation created called
the European Club Association and this independent body will be
recognised by FIFA and UEFA.
As part of the planned moves, UEFA and FIFA will enter into a
series of commitments including financial contributions for player
participation in European Championships and World Cups, subject to
the approval of their respective bodies, said a statement.
"The demands of the clubs to be heard and to be associated, also
financially, are well-founded, added Platini. "The letter of
intent signed today is not a political step, but a logical
one."
The G14 consisted of Milan, Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona,
Bayern Munich, Inter, Porto, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester
United, Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain, PSV, Real Madrid, Arsenal,
Bayer Leverkusen, Olympique Lyonnais and Valencia.