Olympique Lyon are suing soccer's world governing body FIFA over an injury sustained by defender Eric Abidal in a friendly international, club chairman Jean-Michel Aulas said on Wednesday.
"We have decided to take FIFA to a French court with the support of the G14 and the union of French professional clubs," Aulas told a press conference.
The French champions accuse FIFA of forcing clubs to release their players when they are picked for international duty and not providing any compensation when they are injured.
"This is against French and European laws. FIFA are taking advantage of their dominant position. Such a system leaves the clubs powerless and does not respect them," he added.
Abidal, a key player for the four times French champions, fractured his left foot during France's 3-2 victory over Costa Rica in a friendly played in Martinique in November. He is expected to be out of action until February.
Lyon coach Gerard Houllier strongly criticised France's decision to play the match three days before a friendly against Germany at the Stade de France and had threatened to withhold his players.
