June 18, 2008	Wednesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 13, 1429

ZURICH, June 17: FIFA said on Tuesday it will take no action against Real Madrid over its persistent attempts to lure Cristiano Ronaldo away from Manchester United.

Football’s governing body, which received an official protest from Manchester United last week, said no regulations had been broken.

United gave no official reaction, only confirming it had been notified of the decision. But the rejection didn’t shock the Old Trafford hierarchy, which had been bracing itself for defeat.

Although they were pleased that FIFA warned Real Madrid about the potential legal consequences of inducing a player to breach his contract without just cause.

“From the documentation received, no breach of contract appears to have occurred yet,” FIFA said. “Therefore, in accordance with the applicable practice, no kind of formal procedure has been opened by FIFA regarding this matter.”

United manager Alex Ferguson has criticised Real president Ramon Calderon and coach Bernd Schuster for what he considers heavy-handed tactics and use of the Spanish media to unsettle players.

The trigger for the protest was believed to have been Calderon’s comments earlier this month about his “pride” and “honor” that Ronaldo wants to play for his club.

“The Spanish Football Federation has been informed of the complaint lodged by the English club and been asked to remind its member club Real Madrid about the potential legal consequences of a breach of contract without just cause,” FIFA said.

The 23-year-old Ronaldo scored 42 goals in helping United win the English and European titles last season.—AP