Sion players face Swiss League probe in legal saga

Posted Saturday, October 15, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Six FC Sion players at the center of a legal battle with UEFA are now facing Swiss League disciplinary action for going to a civil court in a dispute over their right to play.

The league said Friday it has begun proceedings because the players ignored the rules of FIFA, UEFA and Swiss football authorities by petitioning a civil court. Football’s rules only recognize sports tribunals.

The six, include former Barcelona midfielder Gabri and Guinea winger Pascal Feindouno, signed while Sion was serving a one-year transfer ban imposed by FIFA.

However, a provincial court judge made an interim order that they should be allowed to play.

Sion is third in the 10-team league but could eventually face being stripped of results and points. Opponents have played matches under protest when any of the six featured in the lineup.

UEFA kicked Sion out of the Europa League because some of the six players faced Scotland’s Celtic in the playoff round while ineligible.

Sion has started separate civil actions to be reinstated and seeks ?5 million ($6.9 million) compensation from UEFA.

It also filed a criminal complaint against UEFA President Michel Platini for ignoring a judge’s order.

UEFA this week invited Sion to settle the Europa League issue at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.