Dein issues G14 warning to Fifa

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Fifa must drop a proposal to limit the number of foreign players fielded by European clubs or face legal action, says Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein.

Fifa boss Sepp Blatter has proposed that European clubs must field a minimum of six home players.

But Dein, chairman of the G14 group of top clubs, said: "This is totally illegal and it will be challenged.

"If Fifa want to light a fire then so be it, but it will be a very hot one. I hope this idea doesn't go any further."

G14, which represents 18 of Europe's richest clubs, is at odds with the world governing body over a number of issues.

It is also involved in two court cases related to the release of international players and compensation should they get injured.

Dein said: "I appeal to FIFA for a period of calm. We are currently on the road to resolving a lot of the problems in the game, so there is no need to cause any more headaches."

Blatter believes his rule would protect the game at national level and bring clubs closer to the fans.

However, many within the sport, including European football's governing body Uefa, think the proposal is a breach of European law and rules of a free labour market in the European Union