UEFA to Close Transfer Fee Loophole
UEFA is set to close a loophole on Wednesday allowing clubs to spread the cost of big transfer fees over lengthy contracts. Chelsea have caught the eye over the last two transfer windows by signing players on long deals, including £107 million January recruit Enzo Fernandez on an eight-and-a-half-year contract.
What is the Loophole?
The loophole that UEFA is set to close is the ability for clubs to spread the cost of transfer fees over a lengthy period of time. This has been used by Chelsea in the last two transfer windows, most notably with the signing of Enzo Fernandez for £107 million on an eight-and-a-half-year contract.
What Changes Will UEFA Make?
It is expected that UEFA will update their regulations when they meet on Wednesday. There will be no limit on the length of a contract, but the cost of any transfer fee will have to be spread over a maximum of five years. This will prevent clubs from taking advantage of the loophole and spreading the cost of transfer fees over a longer period of time.
Multi-Club Ownership Rules
UEFA’s executive committee will not re-examine their policies on multi-club ownership when they meet this week, despite it becoming an increasingly contentious and controversial issue in the game. However, UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) is meeting this week to examine individual cases where there could be a conflict under existing multi-club ownership rules in its competitions next season. A decision from the CFCB is expected towards the end of the week.
Hosting Venues for 2025 Women’s Champions League Final and 2024/2025 Europa Conference League Finals
The Exco will also decide on which venue will host the 2025 Women’s Champions League final. The Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon is understood to be up against the Vodafone Stadium in Istanbul for the right to host. The 2024 and 2025 Europa Conference League final hosts will also be decided. The OPAP Arena, home to AEK Athens, is expected to host one of them while the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland, will stage the other.
Conclusion
UEFA is set to close a loophole on Wednesday allowing clubs to spread the cost of big transfer fees over lengthy contracts. The changes will prevent clubs from taking advantage of the loophole and spreading the cost of transfer fees over a longer period of time. UEFA’s executive committee will also decide on which venue will host the 2025 Women’s Champions League final and 2024/2025 Europa Conference League finals. A decision from UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) is expected towards the end of the week.