ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

A couple of questions about third-parties

Just wondered if anyone knew any more about these kind of arrangements such as:

At what age are players entering into these contracts?
How much autonomy do they have within them (e.g. does the Bosman ruling apply to them)?
Are they fixed-term or permanent ownerships?
Does the player benefit in anyway or are they simply making money for the owners?
What does the club actually own if they take on a player with third-party ownership ? can the player simply walk away at any time?

John Holmes, York Posted 28/08/2007 at 08:36:45

Comments

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Dan Mckie
1 Posted 28/08/2007 at 13:32:13

Dont know the full ins and outs John but I think the third party acts as a sort of sponsor and helps pay for the players development as a youngster in return for a stake in future fees and such! They must get hold of them pretty young though,our clubs usually have youngsters tied up before their out of nappys nowadays!

Tony Hawkins
2 Posted 28/08/2007 at 14:01:11

1. At what age are players entering into these contracts?

> I don’t know but I’d suggest it’s the same age as any other formal contract can be entered into.

2. How much autonomy do they have within them (e.g. does the Bosman ruling apply to them)?

> Only 50% (the percentage available to the other party) of the contract "is up for grabs" making the first part (agents) permanent. The Bosman would only apply to the club they are contracted to.

3. Are they fixed-term or permanent ownerships?

Permanent ownership is illegal (see slavery). A fixed term re-negotiable contract is the approach. The player signs an agreement with the agency and that is then the contract. Imagine a player joining a club on a bosman/free.

4. Does the player benefit in anyway or are they simply making money for the owners?

Don’t know.

5. What does the club actually own if they take on a player with third-party ownership ? can the player simply walk away at any time?

The club owns 50% (or whatever percentage) of the player. The Agency can apply leverage on the player and therefore the club - which is why the Premier league do not like the deals.