Moratti dismisses 'blackmail' claim

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has denied accusations that the Serie A club are "blackmailing" Wesley Sneijder.

Last Updated: 29/11/12 at 11:01 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

Latest Articles

Clichy extends stay with City

Post comment

Gael Clichy has committed his future to Manchester City by signing a new four-year contract.

Ramsden hopes McCall stays on

Post comment

Simon Ramsden is desperate to see boss Stuart McCall remain at Motherwell after committing his own future to the club.

All Articles

Sneijder: Out of favour at Inter

Sneijder: Out of favour at Inter

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has denied accusations that the Serie A club are "blackmailing" midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

The Nerazzurri had intimated that the Holland international, long linked with a move to Manchester United, would not play again until he agreed to extend his contract while simultaneously taking a pay cut.

Head coach Andrea Stramaccioni subsequently insisted that Sneijder's absence from first-team action is purely a tactical choice.

But FIFPro, the worldwide trad union for professional footballers, issued a statement on Wednesday night requesting dialogue with FIFA, UEFA and the European Commission to share its concerns over what it called 'blackmail behaviour of clubs'.

Moratti told Inter's website: "As far as the club is concerned, we are completely open to the player, there is no sort of blackmail.

"If a contract is valid, it's certainly valid to ask a person if it can be improved in some way. That doesn't change the fact that for the time being he's not playing for technical reasons.

"Obviously no one would want to throw away someone of his value. The club is calm, we haven't forced anyone to do anything. His contract is valid, no one is forcing him, Sneijder is free."

The former Real Madrid playmaker has not featured since September and Moratti would not be drawn on whether he would return against Palermo this weekend.

"That's entirely down to the coach, if he thinks he's physically and psychologically up to playing," he added.

The FIFPro statement read: "FIFPro signals a growing number of players who are put under pressure to prolong their contract. This is no new phenomenon.

"A club forces a player with a contract nearing expiry to sign a new contract. If the player refuses, the club puts him on the reserve bench or in the grandstand.

"This professional footballer doesn't get a chance to play any more. Only when he has signed a new contract he can resume playing."


Click here for completely free £10 bet with Sky Bet & £5 free every week


Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Footer 365

Premier League: Newcastle owner Mike Ashley offers £1m incentive for victory over Arsenal

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will share out £1m between the club's non-football staff if they beat Arsenal on Sunday.

Emotional Beckham says goodbye

David Beckham was in tears as he left the pitch after playing what could be the final game of his career as Paris Saint-Germain beat Brest 3-1.

Clichy signs new City deal

Manchester City have confirmed that Gael Clichy has signed a new four-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved