Soccer Law and Business Journal

Wenger Fears Effect of Webster Ruling

In a public statement that will come off as ironic to many, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has criticized the Webster ruling, concerned that the club might lose midfielder Cesc Fabregas, among others.

The irony, of course, is that Wenger himself is often cited in any discussion of the sport's top talent poachers.  Fabregas, in particular, was signed out of Barcelona's youth system at 16 -- taking advantage of a Spanish law that prevented clubs from signing players to professional contracts until they turn 18.  Wenger likewise plucked Fran Merida from the Barcelona youth team at 16. 

FIFA Continues to Push for 6+5 Rule

FIFA announced today that it will continue to push for "discussion and dialogue" regarding the proposed "6+5" rule.  At a series of meetings last week in Biarritz, France, 27 EU sports ministers signed a joint declaration in which they agreed to seek out ways to moved towards FIFA's proposed rule, while complying with EU law.

However, EU commissioners have again reacted swiftly in expressing their opposition to FIFA's proposal.  In a written statement issued today, Commissioners Jan Figel and Vladimir Spidla stated: “Our position is clear: FIFA’s ‘6+5’ rule is based on direct discrimination on the grounds of nationality and is thus against one of the fundamental principles of EU law.”

Check out our archives for more discussion of the 6+5 rule proposal. 

UEFA Threatens Debt-Ridden Clubs With Expulsion from Continental Competitions

Clubs with heavy debts may be banned from Champions League and UEFA Cup competitions.  The announcement was made last week by UEFA General Secretary David Taylor.

Last year English clubs alone incurred debts of £3billion.  Nearly 25% of that was amassed by England's top four clubs, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United.  Each of these clubs reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League last season.

UEFA's primary concern is to ensure "financial fair play", particularly in light of the fact that clubs in some EU countries, such as Germany, face stricter financial standards than their counterparts in other countries.  A club such as Bayern Munich, for example, could never structure its affairs to amass the kind of debt that controversial American owner Malcolm Glazer was permitted at Manchester United.  In the short term, such debts may enable clubs to pay higher wages and higher transfer fees, and compete at a higher level than their more fiscally disciplined competitors.