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Fifa decide not to punish Madrid over Ronaldo saga

16/06/2008

Real Madrid have escaped punishment from Fifa over their chase of Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

United lodged a complaint with Fifa, claiming the Spanish champions were trying to unsettle the Portuguese ace.

But the world governing body has decided not to take action against Madrid.

"From the documentation received, no breach of contract appears to have occurred yet," a Fifa statement read.

"Therefore, in accordance with the applicable practice, no kind of formal procedure has been opened by Fifa regarding this matter.

But Fifa has asked the Spanish Football Federation to "remind Real Madrid about the potential legal consequences of a breach of contract without just cause".

The news will destroy relations between United and Madrid further as they are embroiled in the transfer saga of the summer.

Madrid president Ramon Calderon and manager Berndt Schuster have both expressed their interest in signing Ronaldo, but have acknowledged the winger has a contract at Old Trafford until 2012.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has accused the Spanish giants of a "lack of morals" for going public.

Article 18 of Fifa's regulations say that one club have to inform another in writing if they are to start negotiations.

But the rules do not specifically state that the club that owns the player have to give consent.

Earlier this month, Ronaldo told Brazilian website Terra that he wanted to join Madrid.

The 23-year-old is refusing to say anything more about his future until after Portugal's campaign at Euro 2008.

Madrid are preparing to launch an offer of around £75 million for the midfielder, according to reports.