RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec 3: The board of Brazilian giants Vasco da Gama met Thursday evening to discuss their reply to the claim of Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr that they have a prior claim to the services of striker Romario for January's World Cup Championship to be staged in Brazil, reports AFP.

Romario Joined Vasco da Gama from Rio de Janeiro arch-rivals Flamengo last week after a protracted transfer wrangle when he appeared at one point to have committed himself to Al Nassr. who will represent Asia in the tournament.

Al Nassr have asked FIFA to intervene in the matter as they Prnw'e for the tournament that will be staged in the Brazilian cities of Sau Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in January.

Al Nassr insist Romario had signed a three-month contract to represent them in the tournament before agreeing his move to Vasco da Gama.

But Romario. through his spokesmen, has denied the claim. He said he agreed a deal in principle but had signed no official document.

Party-loving Romario, who inspired Brazil to World Cup victory in 1994, was sacked by Flamengo for breaching club discipline.