Dein named chairman of G14 group

[Mac 10 †]

Dein named chairman of G14 group

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has been elected the new chairman of the G14 group of European clubs.
 
Dein will head up the organisation, which represents 18 of Europe's biggest clubs, for the next two years, taking over from Roberto Bettega of Juventus.

And he immediately promised an end to the tension between the top clubs and football's governing bodies.

Two court cases are currently ongoing between clubs and Fifa over the release of players for international duty.

Belgian club Charleroi have taken Fifa to the European Court of Justice over a player who was injured while on international duty and a similar case is pending involving Olympique Lyon of France.

G14, whose member clubs have concerns over the release of players to national associations, has supported Charleroi over the issue.

"I can see a negotiated settlement between all sides within the next 12 months," said Dein, who revealed that himself and Barcelona president Juan Laporta have held talks with Fifa and Uefa.

Charleroi want compensation after Abdelmajid Oulmers was ruled out for eight months after being injured while on duty for Morocco, while Olympique Lyon launched a similar action after Eric Abidal broke his foot playing for France.

Fifa has refused so far to accept responsibility.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are the three English clubs currently part of G14.