O'Neill wades into the slavery debate, blasting Blatter for 'amazing' comments

Blatter likened the situation of Cristiano Ronaldo, who wants to join Real Madrid but is contracted to Manchester United, to 'modern slavery' - something O'Neill takes issue with.

The Villa manager is embroiled in a similar situation, with key midfielder Gareth Barry publicly stating that he wants to join Liverpool - leaving Villa able only to hold out for the highest possible transfer fee or hold on to an unhappy player who has made himself unpopular with fans.

'So a contract's not worth anything? Well, we kind of know that anyway in a sort of cynical manner,' O'Neill said.

O'Neill: 'Amazing comment' from Blatter

'It is an amazing comment coming from Mr. Blatter, really amazing because, despite what he says, contracts are there, they are drawn up in the first place so that you hope that people would abide with them and, yes, it has got serious connotations.

'I must admit it's a pretty bold statement and one that wouldn't have gone down too well certainly at club level when you are trying to hold onto your players.'

O'Neill added that contracts exist as much for players' protection as anything.

'I've never seen too many players coming in with serious injuries and facing a long layoff and saying, "I know, I think that because I won't be playing any football now for you for the foreseeable future, you should really tear my contract up and not pay me until I get fit again",' O'Neill said.