EU Right to Recognise Unique Nature of Sport, Says MEP

Sport should remain a special case that is in some cases exempt from normal European Union rules, Emma McClarkin MEP, the Conservatives sport spokesman has said after the European Court of Justice ruled that football clubs can seek compensation if they have trained a player, then they sign a professional contract in another EU country.

Olivier Bernard signed a youth training contract with Olympique Lyonnais in France. At the end of the contract he decided not to take up the offer of a professional contract with the club, and signed a contract with Newcastle United instead.

At the time, the French rules required players with such training contracts to sign with the club if offered a contract. The French club sued Mr Bernard and Newcastle United in the French courts. The French court asked the European Court of Justice whether this provision is a restriction on the free movement of workers, under EU law.

Yesterday, the court said that the French rule was a restriction on free movement but that the restrictions can be justified in certain circumstances such as the need to encourage investment in young players.

East Midlands MEP McClarkin said:

“The EU should recognise the unique nature of sport and this ruling supports that. In this area, EU rules should not apply to football. The majority of the rules surrounding player transfers should be set by the governing bodies who understand their sports.

“Had the Court ruled the other way, we could have seen a major shake-up of the entire player transfer system.

“This ruling will encourage football clubs to continue investing in young talent without the fear of their cash being used for another club’s gain.”