The main proceedings in the claim were conducted in Charleroi on Monday. The first body’s decision is expected in a few months.
The G14 – the association of Europe’s top clubs - has backed the Belgian club in the proceedings, arguing that FIFA’s regulations on releasing players breached European and, above all, cartel law.
However, FIFA says it not only has the full support of UEFA but also four other confederations and 48 European associations in its dealings.
“The football family’s staunch support fills me with optimism. I have full confidence in the law,” said FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
But football’s world governing body admits the legal dispute could be protracted, especially if the European Union is drawn into considering the regulation regarding the release of players.
FIFA has also pointed to the fact that regulations issued by sports associations for solely sporting reasons have often, when challenged, been vindicated by the courts.
