FIFA and UEFA transfer talks with EU nearing settlement

No details were given, but the two sides were optimistic that the talks - reopened in Brussels - would end in agreement in the next few weeks, the spokesman said. Compromise was near on several points. Main stumbling blocks include when players over 23 can give notice on contracts, and how clubs are to be compensated.

The EU objects that under present conditions players cannot move freely enough in and out of contract, saying footballers should have the same freedom of job movement as any other workers. UEFA, and the major clubs it represents, argue that such conditions are unworkable in the high-finance and highly competitive world of top football.

FIFA and UEFA reached agreement last week on adopting a joint stance again in the negotiations following a go-it-alone move by FIFA President Sepp Blatter to negotiate - much to UEFA's annoyance. In what was seen as total victory for UEFA, which had objected to a Blatter discussion paper sent to the EU, Blatter apologised for his "lone move" and declaring the paper "invalid".

Agreement was also reached between FIFA and UEFA at last week's meeting in effect to begin anew negotiations with the EU from the point where these left off last October.

The EU has already rejected proposals from FIFA and UEFA for contracts to run for up to five years with a right to cancel these only after three years.

(dpa)