Rafa wants rule change

Last updated : 10 June 2006 By Al Campbell
Djibril Cisse broke his leg playing for France earlier in the week and the injury cost the player a move to Marseille and the Reds the £8m transfer fee. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes FIFA should compensate teams in these situations.

"When I spoke at the UEFA coaches meeting last season, this was one of the important issues I raised," said Benitez.

"In this situation, we have a player who has cost Liverpool a lot of money injured preparing for a World Cup. Now we have to face the cost. There are wages to pay and also we can't sell the player.

"It's clear there is a problem with the rules. As a club, not only have we lost a player we have lost big money.

"I believe FIFA or the national associations should pay the clubs in these situations.

"FIFA is a very wealthy organisation and they make a lot of money from the World Cup. They should insure the value of the players they want to participate.

"If they're not prepared to pay for this, okay, maybe the clubs should say the players can't play.

"If a team loses one of its most important players, it can make a big difference to their season and determine if they compete for the title or fight against relegation.

"I know there are some associations who are less wealthy, particularly among the African nations, but in those situations FIFA should help because they make a lot of money, particularly during a World Cup.

"I know Liverpool has suffered a lot because of the rules. This time it's Cisse, but last year we had a problem with Milan Baros when he was injured playing for the Czechs."


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