The Salary Cap being discussed

[SB]

The Beeb's gossip pages are running the following.

Europe's leading clubs and the game's European governing body Uefa have started preliminary discussions on curbing the amount of money that can be spent on player transfers or wages. (The Independent)


I've just been thinking about some of the silly money being offered for players in what is a near reccession in most countries around the world. I thought that transfer fees would drop off a bit, with the exception of teams like City or the scum etc.

I'm amazed that Spurs paid 14 mil for Bellend. Villa offered 3.5 mil for Heskey when he's got 6 months left. Carlton Cole 8 mil? Defoe for 15 mil? Navaro for 20 mil? So many average players being touted in excess of 12-15 mil?

City have offered Dogbreath double his current 90k a week to sign on with them. Kaka 100mil ?


I know it will be difficult to police but I think a salary cap is inevitable.

We've had it in place for years now with the Australian rugby league and it helps make a closer competition and ensures the financial sustainability of clubs. Isn't that what the governing bodies be striving for?


I wonder what teams are in favour and who would be against it?

Do you think it's a possibility or are we stuck with the current set up ?

[EwarWoo]

We've had it in place for years now with the Australian rugby league and it helps make a closer competition and ensures the financial sustainability of clubs. Isn't that what the governing bodies be striving for?

Other than when sponsors "employ" players in a second "job".

[Joe Le Toff]

They'll just pay them the same but dress it up as "bonus payments" wont they, at the end of the season?

[SB]

Other than when sponsors "employ" players in a second "job".

The ARL are a wake up to that and clubs have to show what they pay. It doesn't happen

[SB]

They'll just pay them the same but dress it up as "bonus payments" wont they, at the end of the season?

That 'may' work with wages but not with transfer fees though. Bonus payments can be outlawd though also

[Liverpool]

Ive always been for this, but it may appear to work in Rugby League but doesnt, thats all I can say.

[SB]

Ive always been for this, but it may appear to work in Rugby League but doesnt, thats all I can say.

Do you mean it doesn't work in the UK or in Aust ?

As far as I'm concerned it does work in Aust as we have a very good competition were teams as low as 4-6 can make the grand final. Teams regularly have to sell players as they can't fit them into the salary cap and lesser teams are able to snap them up which is good for the competition.

We have had a drain on our talent as UK clubs offer silly money to our top players but it just gives younger guys a go which helps us develop talent earlier. No problems there.

[SB]

http://fourfourtwo.com/news/restofeurope/25368/default.aspx

EU regulator supports Platini wage cap plan
Reuters - Today, 19:00


BRUSSELS - The European Union's top sports regulator said on Friday he did not oppose UEFA chief Michel Platini's plan to cap wages and transfer fees, adding he was ready to help find a compromise with those opposed to the idea.

Several of Europe's leading clubs said they did not support salary caps and the English Premier League said it opposed any European-wide financial regulation of sport.

Some clubs said Platini's plans could face opposition from Brussels if they contradicted the EU's strict internal market and competition rules, leading to costly legal action at the European Court of Justice.

"I think it is very important sport cares about the fairness, equity and sustainability of the competitions. Balance between income and output is beneficial," EU sports commissioner Jan Figel told Reuters in an interview.

"From a practical point of view, or legal point of view, these issues are for self regulatory bodies (UEFA), it is not for the Commission."

Figel, however, said the Commission would need the full details of Platini's proposals before it could make a final decision.

Platini said this week that, under his proposals, clubs would not be allowed to spend more than 50 to 60 percent of revenue on wages and buying players.

FINANCIAL INVESTMENT

Revenue would be classed as money received from ticket sales, sponsorship, merchandise and television income. It would not include any financial investment by owners or major shareholders.

Figel said he was willing to facilitate an agreement between the European Club Association (ECA), which represents 137 leading teams such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, and the leagues to find a solution and avoid future court action.

"I don't think there is need for the Commission to interfere ... but we stay ready to provide assistance, legal advice and in any other ways, to reach a compromise," Figel said.

He said such negotiations could take place "within the EU's professional football dialogue committee", a body set up last year by the Commission with senior representatives from UEFA, ECA, the European Professional Football Leagues and the players union FIFPRO.

Figel also said he was willing to discuss Platini's proposal to scrap all international transfers of players in Europe under the age of 18.

"The overall prohibition is from age 16 since 2001 so the window between 16 and 18 needs further discussion," he said.

Platini said an increase in the age limit is needed to fight the rising number of young players, notably from Africa and Latin America, being trafficked through Europe.

[Joe King]

I would laugh if the ECA would stick two fingers at Platini and threaten with a new Super League because of this under 16 transfer policy.

[SB]

If approved the under 16 transfer policy would severly hinder our current scouting for youngsters.

I think that's where LFC have the upper hand as we can offer contracts 2 yrs before spain can. Am I correct ?

[Kenneth]

Because I'm an annoying pedant:

I'm amazed that Spurs paid 14 mil for Bellend.

They didn't.

[dww]

If approved the under 16 transfer policy would severly hinder our current scouting for youngsters.

I think that's where LFC have the upper hand as we can offer contracts 2 yrs before spain can. Am I correct ?

I wouldn't be that upset to see us having to think in terms of developing our own talent.

[kingfunk]

Ronaldo says he is against it as he will not be able to see the ball when kicked high in the air.

[BallBoy]

Salary cap in the french league, look at that.

[Red Chilli]

It's the only thing that can save the game IMO