PLAYERS TOLD: NO GOLF, NO DRINK, NO MOBILES!
THE code of conduct which Queens Park Rangers players are forced to adhere to has been laid bare for the first time as life as a professional footballer is played out in handbook form for all to see.
It covers such things as when they are permitted to listen to music, when they can and cannot wear baseball caps, and the ins and outs of any alcohol consumption.
There are key points such as time-keeping, press and social media duties, general conduct and the players’ responsibility to ensure their visa is in order.
The London Evening
Standard were given access and interesting answers with a 27-page document and it’s a fascinating insight, with foreign signings told in no uncertain terms that “players from non-English speaking countries are required to learn English”.
Les Ferdinand, QPR's director of football, said: “Football clubs are constantly under scrutiny and it is important to have codes of conduct in place to ensure players are aware of their responsibilities as representatives of the clubs and their communities.”
The squad are under instruction to, under no circumstances, play golf within two days of a match and they must be at the club’s Harlington training base an hour before they are due to start the day.
Interestingly, should a player dive and be cautioned for simulation, a fine of up to 15 per cent of the player’s wages could be imposed. They could be hit with a ten per cent cut for dissent.
Any player out for a time with injury could be tempted to take it easy, but having a drink is strictly prohibited. They say alcohol has an adverse effect on recovery and it’s a big no-no.
For those at full fitness, even a big win on a Saturday can’t be properly toasted. Booze is “preferably avoided entirely” – so west London hotspots may be lacking in the income of a football players’ pound.
Mobile phones are always a bugbear of managers and coaches, and phones and any other electronic device, like iPods, are not allowed in the dressing room on match days. At the training ground, however, you are allowed to use them before you practice and in the car park – but keep them out of sight in the canteen and during team meetings.