Transfer system

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Seems to be nearer resolving in terms of the magnitude of items to be agreed but we're getting to the sticking points.

UEFA chief executive Gerhard Aigner has attacked the European Commission, claiming that their officials are impossible to work with, as the talks about the new transfer system enter their last phase. Almost everything for the new system has been agreed, with just two points remaining outstanding.

The EC are refusing to give way on the amount of compensation that should be paid for players under 23 who move clubs and what 'sporting sanctions' should be imposed on any individual under 28 who breaks his contract within its first three years.

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001

Answers

A report from Reuters today actually suggests that things have got really shitty, and that a final solution seems as far away as ever!

Football-Transfer talks facing another crisis. By Mike Collett (Reuters)
Talks between FIFA/UEFA and the EC on a new transfer system have hit two key obstacles which could delay an agreement for the foreseeable future, according to a letter obtained by Reuters.

The two contentious issues still outstanding after days of renewed deadlock in the six-month old talks involve sporting sanctions for players who break their contracts and compensation to smaller clubs who develop players aged 23 and under.

The letter, dated Feb 28, was sent by UEFA's Chief Executive, Gerhard Aigner, to Swedish prime minister Goran Persson, the current EU President. It says that unless EC officials change their stance on the two issues all hopes of resolving the dispute over the transfer system could end.

An EC spokesman declined to comment on Aigner's letter and insisted Monday's talks in Brussels between FIFA, UEFA and the EC Commissioners are set to go ahead.

If the talks -- called to formally ratify a new transfer system -- do take place, they are unlikely to be the final attempt to resolve the long-running saga, sources said. "I am still optimistic we can reach a solution and we want to reach a solution by Monday," said EC spokesman Michael Tscherny. He would not be drawn on what he expected Monday's "solution" to include, but it seems increasingly likely that any agreement signed next week will gloss over the details on sanctions for players who breach their contract during its "protected period" and the amount of compensation payable to clubs who have developed a young player up to the age of 23 who then moves to another club.

Aigner's letter to Persson accuses EU officials of hypocrisy and highlights his deep misgivings about the roles played by EU officials negotiating with UEFA/FIFA representatives. Aigner says the integrity of soccer's league and cup competitions is likely to be damaged if the problem regarding contracts is not resolved -- and he also expresses grave fears over the grassroots of the game and the clubs at the lower end of the professional pyramid.

"There can be no further compromises on this issue if we are to protect the fabric of our sport," he says. "We are now at the end of the road and fearful of the final outcome if the Commission continue to dig their heels in on these fundamental items. We have found the Commission officials almost impossible to deal with because of their unwillingness to accept the specific needs of the grassroots of the game and their total lack of understanding of how the development of players takes place."

A source close to the negotiations told Reuters: "There is serious frustration within football at the attitude of the officials reporting to the Commissioners. We are so close to a deal, but there can be no deal done until these fundamental issues are agreed."

If the soccer authorities and the EC cannot reach agreement on the new system, the EC could impose one instead which would have massive repercussions for the sport worldwide.

ON & ON & ON & ..........

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001


Well then maybe the football authorities will have to give in on the issue of compensation and then sort itself out so it can keep the smaller clubs going.

On the issue of players honouring their contracts for three years instead of two, I would be interested how many of today's players honour their contracts for more than two years or indeed how long the club keeps a player for.

You could renegotiate the players contracts every year so they always have a maximum of two years to honour (If they want to sign one, if not get shot of them anyway!). Make the negotiations over the week following the end of the season and make it performance based depending on goals conceded/scored, appearances etc!!(maybe not!)

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001


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