Liverpool FC Forum

[account deleted by request]

Fifa examines Mascherano bid


Dominic Fifield
Tuesday January 16, 2007
The Guardian


Fifa is scrutinising the possibility of Javier Mascherano joining Liverpool for the rest of the season after the club effectively challenged the governing body's initial assessment that the move would breach its rule that a player cannot play for three clubs over the course of a single season.
The midfielder is out of favour at West Ham but, having also played for the Brazilian club Corinthians earlier this campaign, he would contravene Fifa rules if he now played for Liverpool. A spokesman for Fifa confirmed that it had received the club's correspondence.

[red37]

Here is a report from the Indy about this two.


Mascherano to Liverpool deal back on
By Andy Hunter

16 January 2007

Liverpool were given hope of a breakthrough in their laborious efforts to sign Javier Mascherano from West Ham United last night when Fifa announced the Argentina international may be allowed to move to Anfield after all.

Rafael Benitez is anxious to strengthen his squad with the World Cup midfielder but has been frustrated in his attempts by world football's governing body, which prevents a player appearing for three clubs between 1 July and 30 June the following year.

Fifa regulations stipulate that while a player can register with a maximum of three clubs during that time, they can only play for two, and as Mascherano starred for Corinthians after the World Cup and before his astonishing move to West Ham in August, he is ineligible to play for Benitez's side. Only last week Fifa announced that the ruling was binding but, having received a written submission from Liverpool that contests the decision, the governing body has now confirmed it will consider a possible U-turn.

A Fifa spokesman said last night: "We have received correspondence from Liverpool and a case has now been opened."

Liverpool's detailed argument is supported by Mascherano's representatives, Media Sports Investments, the group founded by Kia Joorabchian who also brought Carlos Tevez to West Ham before his failed attempt to take over the east London club. Liverpool's case is that, as the midfielder has played just six minutes for the Hammers since October and has made only seven appearances in total, and none since Alan Curbishley became manager, leaving the asset idle on the sidelines represents a restraint of trade.

Liverpool also argue that precedents have been set on the three-club rule and there should be an allowance for Mascherano as he played in both the European and the South American seasons last year, with the latter's calendar extending beyond 1 Julyt.

Should Fifa grant an exception, the Argentine's move to Anfield would proceed instantly.

The Anfield directors have also sanctioned a deal for Blackburn Rovers' Lucas Neill, who could be involved in the Liverpool squad to face Chelsea on Saturday provided he resists greater financial offers from West Ham or Newcastle United.

[destro]

Forget Neil, dangle a big enough carrot under the nose of Bayern and get Philipp Lahm

[red_guy]

Forget Neil, dangle a big enough carrot under the nose of Bayern and get Philipp Lahm

Phillip Lahm ? Would be an awesome signing but it's very unlikely for us to get him. Maybe later but not now.

[azriahmad]

Phillip Lahm would be a great leftback for any top European club, the thing is that IMHO he may struggle a lot in the rough and tumble of the EPL especially with the thugs at Bolton and Blackburn because he will surely not be used to this kind of physical game and not to mention the furious pace, as he is not born and bred in the British Isles. Just ask Schevchenko.

As for Lucas Neill, I don't know how much he will improve our team, unless ruggedness and thuggery is a quality we seek.

[Kopboyau]

I think Lucas Neill wants to much money

[redmikey]

I think Lucas Neill wants to much money

he should be glad to be getting a free shirt!!

leighton bains from wigan is a better signing, dirty aussie dingo bother-er

[Mannyk]

From what I can see most of you posting don't Like Lucas . Maybe because none of you have the balls to say he is a decent player. Because of his past/history  with Liverpool.

Most of you are obviously premiership managment material and know what you are talking about but rafa doesn't .

Anyone doubting the purchase of Neill should think twice of Rafa's motives . He is there for the long term like it or not.

Any yes he will give away some penalties like every defender does and probably get sent off but at least he will give the back four some balls.

[red37]

Too right Rafa!



Make up your mind, Benitez tells Neill Jan 17 2007

by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo



LUCAS NEILL has been urged to put his career before his wallet, as Rafa Benitez warned he’s considering pulling the plug on the transfer.

Having reached agreement with Blackburn, Benitez hoped it would be a formality bringing the Australian defender to Merseyside.

But a rival bid for the 28-year-old from West Ham has delayed what seemed an inevitable switch from Ewood Park, with Stephen Warnock waiting to hear if he will be heading in the opposite direction.

Meetings with Neill’s representatives over the last 48 hours failed to resolve the situation, with Benitez unimpressed by revised wage demands in the light of West Ham’s interest.

Now Neill is on the brink of pricing himself out of a move to Anfield.

“We are continuing working on these things but we will not wait. If a player wants to come to play for Liverpool, he must say yes quickly,” said Benitez.

“If he thinks about it for too long, maybe it’s a signal it’s time for us to look for other players. We have alternatives.”

Liverpool are not prepared to increase their salary offer simply because a club fighting relegation has joined the race.

It’s hoped the player himself will now put footballing interests first.

The defender has consistently described Liverpool as his ‘dream move’, and a swift decision would even put him into contention for a place against Chelsea this weekend.

Neill is also eligible for the Champions League, as rules allow at least one player who has featured in the UEFA Cup to play in the elite competition.

The Reds believe the player himself still has his heart set on a move to Anfield, but as ever in these situations the advisors often have different notions of what is best for the player.

West Ham are on a major recruitment drive in a bid to avoid the drop, and are understood to be ready to pay as much as £50,000 a week to Neill.

That’s well in excess of what Liverpool will pay, although they have still offered a hefty salary to the player.

As a matter of principle, Benitez will not pay inflated wages simply because a rival club is prepared to go overboard.

For Benitez, the choice between Liverpool or West Ham is a no-brainer, and it’s now hoped Neill’s ambition to challenge for honours will override his pursuit of more money.

However, if there is no decision in the next 24 hours, the transfer is likely to be off.

[account deleted by request]

West Ham have leapt to the front of the queue for Lucas Neill and are close to tying up a deal for the Australian star, skysports.com has learnt.

Neill has also been in talks with both Liverpool and Newcastle, with long-time favourites Reds once looking likely to seal a move.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is keen to secure Neill, but he has thus far failed to offer a suitable package to the 28-year-old.

However, following talks - Neill looks as if he could be heading back to London, where he starred for Millwall before joining Blackburn.

Rovers have given up hope of persuading the defender to stay at the club and are now set to cash in on a player, who could depart for nothing in the summer.

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is looking to spend big this month as he tries to save The Hammers from relegation.

Nigel Quashie and Luis Boa Morte have already signed and now he is obviously hoping that Neill will join the influx.

While West Ham close on Neill's signature, it cannot be ruled out that both Liverpool and Newcastle may make last-ditch bids to grab him.

Should West Ham finalise the transfer it is not thought Paul Konchesky will be heading in the opposite direction as part of this deal.


Sounds like he's on his way to W.Ham

[Ace Ventura]

West Ham have leapt to the front of the queue for Lucas Neill and are close to tying up a deal for the Australian star, skysports.com has learnt.

Neill has also been in talks with both Liverpool and Newcastle, with long-time favourites Reds once looking likely to seal a move.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is keen to secure Neill, but he has thus far failed to offer a suitable package to the 28-year-old.

However, following talks - Neill looks as if he could be heading back to London, where he starred for Millwall before joining Blackburn.

Rovers have given up hope of persuading the defender to stay at the club and are now set to cash in on a player, who could depart for nothing in the summer.

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is looking to spend big this month as he tries to save The Hammers from relegation.

Nigel Quashie and Luis Boa Morte have already signed and now he is obviously hoping that Neill will join the influx.

While West Ham close on Neill's signature, it cannot be ruled out that both Liverpool and Newcastle may make last-ditch bids to grab him.

Should West Ham finalise the transfer it is not thought Paul Konchesky will be heading in the opposite direction as part of this deal.


Sounds like he's on his way to W.Ham

He must be absolutely clueless if he signs for them, he is at a more stable club already and is captain, you could understand him leaving for us, as he will be challenging for honours and playing champions league football. But if he goes to west ham it would just underline current day footballers obsession with money over medals.

[woof woof !]

Not to late to consider a bid for Hienze , saw something on sky earlier about Man U prepared to let him go . Good player and hasn't been at ManU long enough to be considered real scum   

[stmichael]

Not to late to consider a bid for Hienze , saw something on sky earlier about Man U prepared to let him go . Good player and hasn't been at ManU long enough to be considered real scum   

sauce?

[Bad Bob]

Not to late to consider a bid for Hienze , saw something on sky earlier about Man U prepared to let him go . Good player and hasn't been at ManU long enough to be considered real scum   

Thought that myself, mate.  He's certainly a cut above Spurs calibre and would improve our defensive problem area significantly.  Would the clubs ever strike a deal, though?

[ConnO'var]

Not to late to consider a bid for Hienze , saw something on sky earlier about Man U prepared to let him go . Good player and hasn't been at ManU long enough to be considered real scum   

sauce?

you're right woof..... he would be a good signing despite the fact that he's a former scum..... proven commodity with ability in attack as well.....


Sauce? Bolognaise..... otherwise known as Soccernet.....