The Bosman Ruling

[Lochdale]

Given that today is the anniversay of the Bosman Ruling in football I thought it might be worth while discussing. I think it was one of the most important decisions ever for professional football and has changed the game for the better.

Thoughts?

[casdave]

It effectively freed players from contracts that they had completed.

It never made sense that 2 parties could sign an agreement and once it had been completed one side was tied until the other agreed to release them, and of course it was always one way.

It has meant that that clubs cannot rely on making a killing from holding on to an asset, it has also ensured that every player is a diminishing asset which sets deadlines.

It has also cleared out a logjam where certain big European clubs could tie players down and effectively ‘buy out’ the talent without even using them as players.

Unfortunately it has probably been partly responsible for the stupendous values of players and usehered in the era of the super agent - of course no club is forced to pay the amounts demanded and we could see a revaluation as a result of this recession, I hope so.

[MichaelQReilly]

@casdave

It effectively freed players from contracts that they had completed.

It never made sense that 2 parties could sign an agreement and once it had been completed one side was tied until the other agreed to release them, and of course it was always one way.

It has meant that that clubs cannot rely on making a killing from holding on to an asset, it has also ensured that every player is a diminishing asset which sets deadlines.

It has also cleared out a logjam where certain big European clubs could tie players down and effectively ‘buy out’ the talent without even using them as players.

Unfortunately it has probably been partly responsible for the stupendous values of players and usehered in the era of the super agent - of course no club is forced to pay the amounts demanded and we could see a revaluation as a result of this recession, I hope so.

As someone who grew up following American sports and then became a footie fan in my late teens, can someone explain to me why more big time players don’t use this to get even more ridiculous salaries? Is it simply a matter of a transfer providing instant gratification if you want to move, or is there more to it?

[Martiju]

@MichaelQReilly

As someone who grew up following American sports and then became a footie fan in my late teens, can someone explain to me why more big time players don’t use this to get even more ridiculous salaries? Is it simply a matter of a transfer providing instant gratification if you want to move, or is there more to it?

I think it basically works the same as any commodity/service: there is a finite limit on funds and, after a while, the market can’t take any more. There’s also the personal aspect - a player that constantly breaks contracts and moves to another club is not likely to be looked on favourably by managers, boards and other players - therefore his value diminishes.

I’m sure there’re other reasons too.

[MichaelQReilly]

@Martiju

I think it basically works the same as any commodity/service: there is a finite limit on funds and, after a while, the market can’t take any more. There’s also the personal aspect - a player that constantly breaks contracts and moves to another club is not likely to be looked on favourably by managers, boards and other players - therefore his value diminishes.

I’m sure there’re other reasons too.

I see what you’re saying, but what could be more sleazy than the current Ronaldo nonsense? Madrid is willing to fork over 100 million or so quid to Man U just for the right to sign him to a contract. Why not wait until you can go on a free and get that whole 100 million for yourself?