United threatens to report Real to Fifa
Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Manchester United are threatening to bring FIFA into their dispute with Real Madrid over the latter's chase for the Red Devils' star winger, Cristiano Ronaldo...

Team manager Sir Alex Ferguson last week blasted the Bernabéu outfit - particularly president Ramón Calderón - for his public statements regarding Ronaldo.

However, his words of admonishment have had no effect, for as recently as today both Calderón and coach Bernd Schuster have been quoted in the Spanish press as talking about the Portuguese ace.

United apparently feel that this is tantamount towards breaching FIFA rulings, as per the following statement:

"Manchester United has watched with growing irritation the comments attributed to Real Madrid over their alleged desire to sign Cristiano Ronaldo," a statement read.

"The facts are:

"1) The player is on a long-term contract and his registration is held by Manchester United
"2) The player is not for sale

"The Club will have no alternative but to report Real Madrid to the world governing body, FIFA, if it continues to behave in this totally unacceptable fashion. These public attempts to unsettle the player are completely against the regulations and the Club will not tolerate them any longer.

"In addition, the Club is certain that they are a distraction for the Portuguese national squad as they prepare for the European Championships. No-one should be in any doubt that Manchester United will do everything in its power to keep its best players."

Exactly which FIFA regulations Madrid's conduct breaches was not made clear, although the allegations could be that there is a form of 'tapping-up' - an illegal approach for a contracted player - taking place.

Madrid have yet to respond - and nor has Ronaldo, who has himself spoken occasionally on the issue.