Magpies threaten FA with Owen ban

"We have not been paid a penny by the FA for Owen's recuperation bill."
Freddy Shepherd

Newcastle have threatened legal action against the Football Association to stop England using Michael Owen in the June Euro 2008 qualifier with Estonia.

The Magpies want compensation from the FA for the knee injury the 27-year-old striker suffered at the 2006 World Cup.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd told the Sunday Mirror: "We could get an injunction to stop him playing.

"We would do that very reluctantly. We will be seeking a reimbursement of his medical costs."

Shepherd added: "We have not been paid a penny by the FA for Owen's recuperation bill. They cut him loose as soon as he was put on the plane home, despite it costing us well over £150,000.

"Our lawyers believe there is a very good chance we can win this case."
Freddy Shepherd

"They even told us to get the money off Fifa when it was clearly the FA's responsibility as he was in their care and control."

Owen ruptured his anterior cruciate knee ligament against Sweden in the third match of the group stages with England.

The striker has not played since, although a recent outing for the reserves suggests he could play for Newcastle before the end of the season - theoretically making him available for England's friendly with Brazil on 1 June and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia on 6 June.

But Shepherd wants to prevent his international recall, adding: "The FA are forcing us to go to court and our lawyers believe there is a very good chance we can win this case."

An FA spokesman said: "It is inappropriate to comment on this matter at this time."

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