Fifa rule out RVP legal action

Gunners could be thwarted in compensation attempt

Last updated: 16th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fifa rule out RVP legal action

Van Persie: Suffered long-term injury

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Fifa have ruled out Arsenal pursuing legal action against the Dutch federation following the injury to Robin van Persie.

Van Persie suffered ankle ligament damage whilst playing for Holland in a friendly match against Italy in November and is not expected to return to action for the Gunners until April next year.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was incensed that the Dutch federation (KNVB) misdiagnosed the injury and indicated that the club would be taking legal action.

However, Fifa have confirmed that all teams are bound by the obligations of an agreement with Uefa and club representatives that it is their responsibility to fully insure players.

Fifa's 'Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players', annexe 1, states: "Clubs releasing a player in accordance with the provisions of this annexe are not entitled to financial compensation.

"The club with which the player concerned is registered shall be responsible for his insurance cover against illness and accident during the entire period of his release.

"This cover must also extend to any injuries sustained by the player during the international match(es) for which he was released."

Arsenal were reportedly targeting £20million in compensation from the KNVB although Wenger denied that a particular figure had been discussed

"I have never spoken of any number, I just want to say that we cannot just sit there and lose all our players for the season and say 'thank you very much'," he said.

"We have to look for any compensation that we can get."

An agreement has been reached with Fifa and Uefa to pay compensation to clubs for players injured in World Cup or European Championship finals matches, but there is nothing formal in place for international qualifiers or friendlies.