Sion threatens away-match boycott in FIFA dispute

Sion threatens away-match boycott in FIFA dispute

Published Jul. 19, 2011 6:42 p.m. ET

FC Sion president Christian Constantin says the club could boycott away matches next season because of a FIFA transfer ban that stops offseason signings from playing.

Constantin says Sion has no legal obligation to travel to its away games, including a July 31 visit to Neuchatel Xamax, because the case is so serious.

FIFA banned Sion from registering new players in 2011 after it induced goalkeeper Essam el-Hadary to break his contract with Egyptian club Al-Ahly in 2008.

Sion claims it served the punishment cumulatively over several transfer windows.

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The Swiss league backed FIFA last Friday, the day before Sion's opening match at home to Zurich.

Sion won 1-0 despite being without six new signings, including former Barcelona midfielder Gabri Garcia.

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