MIDDLESBROUGH last night insisted FIFA had "no jurisdiction'' to ban them from domestic competitions over former striker Marco Branca's claim for £500,000 in unpaid wages, writes CLIVE HETHERINGTON.

The FA have stepped in to sort out a dispute which escalated yesterday when FIFA, world football's governing body, threatened Boro with expulsion from the Premiership, FA Cup and League Cup next season.

It is understood Boro have received a letter from FIFA warning of dire consequences unless Branca is paid the six months' salary he says he is owed by June 6.

The Italian has been in dispute with Boro since they terminated his contract over two years ago after medical opinion advised them that a knee problem would not stand up to the rigours of professional football.

Boro gave Branca six months' notice in October 1998 that his contract would be cancelled.

But Branca, who sought alternative medical advice and received contrary opinion, has since returned to action with Italian Serie B side Monza.

The letter from FIFA said that "in the event that the full amount is not paid by the aforementioned deadline, your national association will be requested to not authorise Middlesbrough FC to participate in the competitions for which it is qualified in the 2001-2002 season."

But Boro spokesman Dave Allan said: "FIFA have no jurisdiction in this matter.

"The FA have renewed their support for Middlesbrough in this ongoing dispute. We have always had 100 per cent support from the FA and Premier League in this matter.

"An independent commission, set up by the Premier League to review the case, has always supported our action and indicated the club acted in a right and proper manner, and fulfilled its contractual obligations.''

FA spokesman Andrin Cooper confirmed: "We are in discussion with FIFA in order to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We have always made it clear that Middlesbrough acted properly throughout.''

Read more about Middlesbrough FC here.