We've been wondering what has happened to our new French defender, Olivier Bernard. Well, the Journal reports this morning that Lyons have refused to release Bernard's registration.
Apparently, they are angry that one of their most promising young players has 'bogged off', and despite the fact that he out of contract and available on a Bosman, they are displaying the customary Gallic intransigence and simply refusing to release his playing registration!
The Toon have now lodged an official appeal with FIFA, although apparently Lyon could frustrate the process by 60 days from the day he joined the Toon.
Lyon are claiming that that because they brought Bernard through their junior ranks and groomed him for pro footy he was "honour-bound" under the French FA's Charter to stay with the Club.
BR said "We keep asking the French FA for some guidance and help but there's been nothing".
An FIFA spokesman revealed Lyons must have a valid reason for refusing Bernard's registration - (when did that ever stop the French?) - and if not, then NUFC are free to appeal.
While you can have some sympathy for Lyons in losing a young player they have developed, presumably the answer would have been to have sorted out his contract long before he became available on a FT. Tossers!

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2000