French ask for an extra Euro place
PARIS, France 28 (Reuters) -- French soccer chiefs have asked UEFA to give France an extra berth in European club competitions should Monaco qualify for either the UEFA Cup or Champions League.
Federation president Claude Simonet and professional league president Frederic Thiriez made the request in a letter sent to UEFA president Lennart Johansson.
They argue that the principality's favorable tax system gives them a clear advantage over other teams in Ligue 1.
"Monaco benefits from a social and tax status particularly profitable compared to the other teams competing in the French Ligue 1," they wrote, estimating the club's advantage as "from 14 to 25 million euros ($17.58m to $31.39m)."
"It appears that the best solution for all the forces involved would be that if Monaco qualified for the Champions League or the UEFA Cup France should get an extra berth."
A UEFA spokeswoman confirmed on Wednesday that Johansson had received a letter from the French federation.
Presidents of Ligue 1 clubs have long complained that Monaco's status as a tax haven means they can attract some of the world's best players despite poor popular support.
The so called "Monaco problem" was highlighted after the club secured a Champions League berth after finishing second in Ligue 1 behind Olympique Lyon last season and then signed Fernando Morientes from Real Madrid.
"They take a Champions League place away from other French clubs," said Olympique Marseille president Christophe Bouchet.
"Clubs like Marseille, Lyon, Lens, Bordeaux, Nantes and Auxerre are penalized."
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