Hoop Dreams - QPR FC

Flavio Briatore began the proceedings today which could see his ban from Formula One overturned and his future in English football settled. Well, his lawyers did anyway. Briatore himself wasn't present at a hearing of the Paris High Court today at which it was argued that the ruling, which expelled Briatore from F1 for his involvement in a race-fixing scandal, was 'illegal' and that the outcome had been decided prior to the hearing.

Briatore's legal challenge centred on three arguments. Firstly, it was felt the severity of Briatore's punishment was the result not of any misdeamenour but because of his strained relationship with the then FIA president Max Mosley. Secondly, Briatore's lawyers insisted that World Motor Sport Council did not have the authority to impose an indefinite penalty on Briatore. Thirdly, they argued that the whole procedure was flawed because it relied on the testimony of an anonymous witness.

Briatore's lawyer Phillipe Ouakrat said, "Briatore wants to recover his freedom and be able to do what he wants.

"When he decided to leave Renault, he took moral responsibility for the mistake, but he doesn't want to be penalised for something he is not responsible for."

Representatives for the FIA also spoke before the Court, arguing that the FIA had to ensure the security of its events and that Briatore had "put other people's security at risk."

The all-important decision for Briatore, with potential ramifications for his continued ownership of QPR, will not be made until Jan 5. The Football League previously said they would not make any decision on Briatore under the 'Fit and Proper Persons Test' until after the result of his appeal so QPR fans will have to wait until the New Year for any idea on whether Flavio is sticking around.

At the same time, manager Jim Magilton indicated that the continuing Briatore saga is firmly separate from the football team in his mind and will not impact on the team's form, even if he should be banned from the club. Magilton told the Evening Standard, "I have been assured it is business as usual whatever happens." He also said he is happy to continue in his job at QPR and contrary to rumours about the overbearing influence of the Board, he is left to get on with it.

One task he has, according to numerous sources, is to keep QPR youth star Raheem Sterling (pictured above) at the club. Sterling is a 14-year old striker who has appeared for Ranger's U18 team and England U16s. Despite his young age, a number of papers have been eager to talk up the boy's talent and his attractiveness to a number of Premiership clubs, including supposedly both Manchester clubs, Arsenal and Liverpool.

The Mirror went so far as to suggest Mark Hughes was prepared to offer QPR two fringe players (unnamed) and £1 million to secure the youngster: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-City-to-swap-pair-of-stars-for-QPR-whizzkid-Raheem-Sterling-article216879.html. They then reported yesterday that the youngster has asked to leave Rangers: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-City-set-to-swoop-for-QPR-wonderkid-Sterling-article230917.html.

Should it be the player's will, there are probably few who would deny a genuine talent his right to develop with one of the best teams in the country, though it could be questioned how much room there will be for him in future Manchester City squads. What is noticeably missing from most of the breathless reports about this 14-year old boy is what would be in his best interests. Hopefully the people around him have some idea about that.