Ronaldo chills out about Real decision

CHRISTIANO Ronaldo’s club future remains up in the air after Manchester United’s Portuguese winger today departed on holiday.


RONNIE WON'T BE LEFT TO ROT - UNITED THREAT COULD BACKFIRE

24th June 2008 By Danny Fullbrook CRISTIANO Ronaldo could quit Old Trafford if Sir Alex Ferguson decides to let him rot in the reserves.


FIFA regulations would allow Ronaldo to rip up his contract if Manchester United stop him playing for the first team.


The Portuguese winger has hinted he wants to leave United for Real Madrid after leading the club to back-to-back titles and the European Cup.


Fergie and the Glazer family, who own the club, have responded by insisting they would rather play him in the stiffs than sell him.


But if they were to try and carry out their threat next season, then it could play into Ronaldo’s hands.


Under the rules for the transfer of players, Ronaldo would be able to terminate his contract because of ‘Sporting Just Cause’.


Section IV rule No.15 of these little-known regulations state that if a footballer plays in less than 10 per cent of his club’s games during a season, then he can leave.


And the worst news for United is that they would not even be certain of compensation.


Each case is treated individually by FIFA and it would probably go to arbitration, but not definitely.


All this means United would have to either sell Ronaldo for an expected world record fee or play him during the season, for there is no way they can just frustrate the winger by leaving him on the sidelines because it would see him fall below the 10 per cent level.


The revelation heaps even more pressure on United and boss Ferguson, who is desperate to hold onto his top goalscorer.


However, Ronaldo believes he is entitled to and deserves a move to the Spanish champions, although Fergie has told his senior players he will never sell him.