Football "in danger" if Sion win, FIFA warn

By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich

October 20 – Football would be “in danger” if other teams follow the example of Swiss club Sion and go to the civil courts to try and resolve footballing disputes, FIFA warned here today.

Sion were kicked out of the Europa League by UEFA and replaced by Celtic for fielding six ineligible players in a playoff tie but later won an injunction at a civil court in Switzerland ordering UEFA to re-instate them.

As the dispute widened, UEFA President Michel Platini and general secretary Gianni Infantino both appeared before a prosecutor yesterday to explain why the order had not yet been implemented.

Today’s fresh warning by FIFA illustrated just how worried both authorities are about the Sion case become a watershed.

A statement after a meeting of FIFA’s Executive Committee urged all clubs and football associations to abide by the decisions of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Officials from Celtic, Atletico Madrid, Udinese and Rennes are due to meet UEFA tomorrow to present a united front.

UEFA have also appealed to Sion to settle the case at the CAS, recognised as sport’s highest tribunal, rather the proceed with the civil case.

Warning what could happen if Sion ultimately win the case, FIFA implied it could have Bosman-like consequences.

“Organised football would no longer be possible if every club or player went to a local court when they disagreed with decision which became final and binding,” the statement said.

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