Brussels, 24/01/2001 (Agence Europe) - The hope of settling the controversial affair of the international transfers of football players by the end of January has been dashed: a further negotiating session between the services of the European Commission and the "world of football" (International Federation, FIFA, European Federation UEFA, professional players trade union FIFPro) has been set for 15 February. The meeting held in Brussels on Wednesday clarified the respective stances, but did not settle remaining differences.
Several essential aspects seem to have been secured, and, notably: international transfers may only occur during certain periods of the year; a player will not be able to be the subject of more than one transfer a year; the training club will have the right to a "training compensation", etc.. But important aspects remain open, concerning the minimum duration of a contract and especially the conditions under which a player will be able to secure the unilateral severance of a still ongoing contract. In the last few weeks, FIFA had practically accepted the conditions sought by the Commission services, but UEFA was opposed to certain concessions considered to be unacceptable for the clubs it represents. So as to maintain the unity of the "world of football", FIFA then agreed to backtread.
A European Commission press release reaffirms that it is taking account of the specific nature of sport and the cultural and social role of football, as well as the need to protect young players, but that the solution has to comply with Community legislation. The Commission considers that a compromise could "soon" be found if all interlocutors showed good will.