Ronaldo To Exploit FIFA Clause If Benched?
The Daily Star reports that FIFA will side against Manchester United for the second time this month regarding the ongoing Cristiano Ronaldo saga…
Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom The Red Devils recently submitted an official complaint over the manner in which Real Madrid have courted Ronaldo, claiming the Spanish giants were tapping-up their superstar winger.
But FIFA threw out the claims and insisted such approaches to transfer targets are so commonplace as to be negligible.
Ronaldo has since confirmed his desire to make the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu and believes he has earned the right to leave Old Trafford, thus invoking the wrath of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Scot, fully backed by the club’s owners, is determined to keep hold of the 23-year-old regardless of whether he wants to stay or not.
It is understood Ferguson plans to freeze the Portugal star out of his first-team next season to teach him a lesson in loyalty – a plan which, if executed, would drastically inhibit the career progress of the player being touted as the best in the world.
But world football’s governing body could thwart United thwart yet again, as FIFA regulations directly their oppose their proposed course of action.
Any player who participates in less than 10 per cent of their club’s games in a season can tear up their contract, by the letter of the law, meaning Ronaldo would have to play in at least five games next season if United are to prevent him walking out.
It is unclear whether Ferguson could circumvent this by, for instance, using the former Sporting Lisbon sensation in domestic cup fixtures or simply giving him the odd run-out as a late substitute in meaningless or low-key fixtures.
Either way, it might be easier for all concerned if United take the ₤70million los Merengues are offering and look for a player who does not need to be taught the meaning of loyalty
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