EC report urges transfers overhaul
LONDON. February 8. KAZINFORM A study commissioned by the European Commission has recommended reform of the transfer system to correct what it describes as abuses. The recommendations include limiting "inflated" transfer fees and a fair play levy on fees rising above a certain amount to ensure football remains competitive and to stop the rocketing cost of buying players, theguardian.co.uk reported.
Its findings claim that valuations of "superstar" players are leading European football towards a "de facto system of closed leagues at elite level" and "an increasing competitive imbalance in both national and European competitions", with less than 2% of the money from transfer fees filtering down to smaller clubs or the amateur game. There are also concerns over criminality in the transfer market.
Proposals include:
- Capping transfer fees after contract extension "at 70% of the gross salary owed to the player for the entire period of his contract" to ensure a fairer price.
- The regulation of buy-out clauses "to prevent abusive practices".
- The establishment of a "fair play levy" on transfer fees beyond a certain amount to fund redistribution from rich to less wealthy clubs to restore some competitive balance.
- Better publicising of the movement of players to ensure that solidarity compensations are paid to clubs and that the latter are aware of their rights.
- The establishment of a limit on the number of players per club.
- The regulation of the loan transfer system.
- Addressing of third-party ownership.
- Support for the implementation of financial fair play.
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