By Carys Baptist
August 6 2004

French side La Havre have launched an official complaint to the French Football Federation and FIFA to disrupt 18-year-old Charles N’Zogbia’s move to Newcastle. French side La Havre have launched an official complaint to the French Football Federation (FFF) and FIFA to disrupt 18-year-old Charles N’Zogbia’s move to Newcastle.

Newcastle commented on the situation explaining that the deal had been done legally and that no illegal movements took place. Therefore the player can become a Newcastle Player and any action taken by La Havre should not interfere.

"It is quite natural for Le Havre to resist because the boy is such a good player.
Under all the rules, however, it is down to the player and he has always insisted he does not want to re-sign for Le Havre and he has signed for us.
Now it is up to the FA to resolve this matter on our behalf."

However the French sides President Jean-Pierre Louvel tells a different story. He insists that Newcastle United FC will not take away the player who has been with them for since he was 11.

"Our position is very clear and we are extremely determined. Charles N'Zogbia must come back to the club, We will not agree to release him and we believe that the FFF will support us in a bid to protect the French training system. The Sports Minister, Jean-Francois Lamour, has also been alerted."