ANDY QUITS

ANDY WEBSTER has thrown the FIFA rulebook at Vladimir Romanov and told him he's quitting Hearts within a fortnight.

The Scotland defender has handed in his notice and the Jambos could now receive a pittance for their star man in transfer compensation.

Webster, 24, has become only the second player in European football to invoke a little-used FIFA rule, known as Regulation 17, that allows him to quit without the permission of owner Romanov. Webster is three years into a four-year contract at Tynecastle and, under rules introduced by the governing body five years ago, is eligible to walk away after telling the club of his intention to quit within a "protected period".

Under the rules, Webster had 15 days from the Scottish Cup Final to tell Hearts he was leaving and his resignation letter was duly delivered to Tynecastle.

He can now open talks with any interested clubs from July 1 so long as they don't play in Scotland, ruling out a switch to either half of the Old Firm.

FIFA will then set a compensation figure to be paid to Hearts but Romanov is likely to miss out on a transfer cash bonanza.

Webster has been linked with a string of moves, most recently a £1million switch to Fulham, but FIFA will base the compensation figure Hearts receive around the final-year salary of the player.

The unusual move by Webster to release himself from Hearts reflects the depth of his unhappiness with the Romanov regime.

He was dropped after refusing to sign a new deal Webster's demotion to the bench at Tannadice in February sparked a player revolt as the first-team squad demanded showdown talks with Romanov amid allegations he was interfering in team selection.

Webster has featured in only eight top-team games since and he and agent Charlie Duddy have been heavily criticised by Romanov in recent months.

Webster has sought counsel at every stage from the Scottish Players' Union, their lawyers and FIFPRO, the parent organisation that represents players throughout the world.

FIFA introduced their new rule in 2001 after the European Commission made it clear footballers should be treated like any other employees.

In effect, politicians argued players should be allowed to quit their clubs after serving a notice period and paying up the remainder of their contracts.

FIFA argued it would cause chaos in the game and struck a compromise deal with the Commission.

Now, players who have signed four or five-year contracts, the maximum allowed under existing rules, have a window of opportunity at the end of their third year in which they can serve their notice to quit.

Webster is absolutely confident he has adhered to all regulations and employment laws in the matter.

Hearts have not responded to Webster's resignation letter, but the player and FIFPRO believes his case is solid and he will soon be playing elsewhere, whether Hearts like it or not.

Webster and agent Duddy both declined to comment last night. Hearts also refused to comment at this stage.

Taken from the Daily Record