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United face new poaching row
Manchester United are confident they will not face action over the signing of Italian kid Michele Fornasier. Fiorentina have complained to FIFA over the 16-year-old defender's move to Old Trafford. Players who are under 18 are not allowed to sign contracts in Italy, so United are sure they have done nothing wrong. However, Fiorentina are furious at losing out on Fornasier, who was one of their biggest prospects. A FIFA spokesman said: "We can confirm that we were contacted by Fiorentina with regard to the potential transfer of the player, Michele Fornasier, to Manchester United. However, so far no formal investigation was opened since the relevant documentation still needs to be completed. Only then will we be in a position to evaluate possible future steps to be taken."
Staff reporter, The Sun
FIFA President Sepp Blatter suggests that teams found guilty of poaching players should be docked points in future, as opposed to the fine and transfer ban with which Chelsea were punished last week. "You have to touch them where it hurts," says Blatter. "Take away points and you will see it is finished."
After a busy night of World Cup qualifiers, Scotland captain Darren Fletcher was left to lament his side's early exit. "All the players have got to take a look at themselves - it wasn't good enough," says a forthright Fletch.
Meanwhile, The Daily Star uses Inside United's interview with Sir Alex Ferguson to reveal that new signing Gabriel Obertan is on the road to recovery, despite a spinal injury going undetected for 18 months during his time in France.
Round up by Steve Bartram
www.manchesterunited.com
