Fenerbahce petition Fifa over Appiah

Turkish side Fenerbahce have lodged a complaint with Fifa in a desperate bid to keep their Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Appiah.

Fenerbahce reported Schalke to Fifa over the pursuit of Appiah and have offered to double the player's salary in a bid to keep him at the club.

The Turkish champions told Fifa that the German side have spoken to the Ghana captain without authorisation.

Schalke manager Andreas Mueller said this week that they have reached an agreement with the 26- year-old, which seems to have drawn the ire of Fenerbahce.

"Appiah has a contract with Fenerbahce till 2010 and Schalke therefore had no right to negotiate with him or his manager," the Turkish club said in a statement.

The Ghana captain has attracted interest from several European clubs this summer but Fenerbahce are holding out for a transfer fee of US$20m.

Appiah was the key element in their title success last season and his departure would be a blow to their Champions League aspirations this season.

Fenerbahce are keen for Appiah stay and have offered to double his salary which could see him earning US$110,000 per week.

No deal

Despite reports by the Turkish club that they have reached a deal for Appiah to stay, the Ghana captain says Fenerbahce should listen to offers for him.

"I have not reached any deal to stay at Fenerbahce for next season," Appiah told BBC Sport.

"I know the fans in Turkey don't want me to leave, but I know they also understand that I have served Fenerbahce with all my heart, even played through injury to help the club win the title last season.

"It is only fair that having served them with all my heart they should consider my interests."

Appiah is the subject of interest from several European clubs in the current transfer window.

English clubs Arsenal and West Ham as well as Scottish side Celtic are reported to have expressed interest in the Ghana captain.