Players’ deals to be extended

ROCHDALE have been offered some clarity regarding the summer transfer window and when players’ contracts will run out.

With football on lockdown across Europe – apart from Belarus – due to the coronavirus outbreak, Fifa have been examining the legal ramifications of the current season extending beyond many players’ current deals.

It is expected most leagues will resume once it is safe to do so, with the English Premier League and EFL divisions anticipated to run well into the summer months.

With that in mind, Fifa has proposed that the summer transfer window be moved and contracts ending on 30 June will be extended for a short period.

It is widely accepted that completing the 201920 season by 30 June will not happen, with a return to playing not expected before the start of June and most English clubs facing between eight and ten fixtures still to play before play-offs come in for those competing for promotion.

The new proposals have been approved by Fifa’s Bureau of Council.

With many player contracts scheduled to expire at the end of June, it has been agreed those deals will automatically extend until whenever the season eventually ends - with new deals beginning before the 2020-21 season starts.

“It is now obvious that the current season will not end when people thought it would,” Fifa said in a statement.

“Therefore, it is proposed that contracts be extended until such time that the season does actually end.

“A similar principle applies to contracts due to begin when the new season starts, meaning the entry into force of such contracts is delayed until the next season actually does start.

“It is also necessary to adjust the normal regulatory position to the new factual circumstances.

“Accordingly, Fifa will be flexible and allow the relevant transfer windows to be moved so they fall between the end of the old

●●Coventry City v Rochdale in the Sky Bet league 1 match at St Andrew ‘s Trillion Trophy stadium, with, Brian Barry-Murphy season and the start of the new season.”

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has spoken of the campaign being concluded in August, with La Liga counterpart Javier Tebas speaking optimistically about a resumption in Spain in late May.

However, with domestic leagues and cups, plus While it is accepted this European competitions to advice is for guidance fit in, there is no guarantee only and could be challenged of that given the legally, all parties majority of the continent’s hope it will be accepted in leagues remain suspended. the spirit the contracts were agreed in the first

Fifa has urged clubs to place. protect jobs if at all possible “While this will not and is encouraging solve each and every clubs and players to work problem, it should serve together to find agreements. to bring a measure of stability and clarity to football

However, it said if for the foreseeable agreement cannot be future,” Fifa president reached it will use a set Gianni Infantino said of formula if it is asked to the measures. resolve disputes. “We hope that this collaborative

The governing effort, under would consider: the leadership of Fifa, can ●●WHETHER there was a provide a positive example genuine attempt by the of how football can club to reach agreement come together and show with the players; unity, solidarity and a ●●THE economic spirit of compromise in situation of the club; order to face the challenging ●●THE size of any times ahead. adjustment to player “But before these times contracts; come, one thing must be ●●THE net income of clear to everyone, especially players after any now: health comes contract adjustment; first, well before football.” Published by MEN Media, Mitchell Henry House, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, OL9 8EF. Printed by Reach Printing Services (Oldham) Limited, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 8EB body

●●AND whether players have been treated equally.