The bosman ruling in the UK

[oi_oi_ginger_roy]

Ok i know you can't offer another player a pre-contract until a month before it ends, if you are both in the UK......

Thing is, is this law in real life too? - i can't seem to find any reference to it anywhere

(am trying to settle an argument with a mate - who wants "hard facts" )

[Nottingham Forest]

It is the rule in real life as well. Pre-contracts can only happen a month before expiring. Although I believe, talking does happen between agents and clubs before they're supposed to.

[oi_oi_ginger_roy]

Thanks.........you know anywhere i can find this, on the net?

[Nottingham Forest]

I don't unfortunately. Have a look on the FA website? There are rules that can be accessed on there iirc.

[leeturner]

It is the case. English players cannot sign with another english club until a month before end of contract (its like a notice period if you like)

[Barside]

I have a feeling that the situation in England is a Gentleman's agreement rather than anything written in the FA or league rules.

[mije1983]

From the FA Rules and Regulations: http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/RulesAndR...tion201112.pdf

Rule C1(j)

Within 7 days of the first Saturday in May, or the date of the last
competitive Match of the Club’s first team, whichever is the later, the Club
must give notice in writing to the Player indicating that either the Club
offers a re-engagement or, if appropriate, exercises any option contained
in the agreement.

And then a few pages on:

If, by the time specified for such notice to be served, the Player has not
received notice exercising an option or offering a further re-engagement
under paragraph C1(j) of this Rule, the Player is free to make such
enquiries or approaches as thought fit to secure employment when the
agreement or renewal of it terminates.


So if I'm reading it correctly, being able to approach players at the end of May seems about right.

[andysharkey21]

The FA rule doesn't mean anything. If Euro law says you can sign a contract 6 months before the end of one any club in England could and get away with it. If the FA punished them, they just take it to court!

[mije1983]

The FA rule doesn't mean anything. If Euro law says you can sign a contract 6 months before the end of one any club in England could and get away with it. If the FA punished them, they just take it to court!

I don't think there is a specific EU law regarding approaches for people under contract in general life. For instance if you want to change jobs, you just give your employer whatever notice is required (or not!). However it doesn't work like that in football. Sport is unique in that aspect, and there have been concessions made due to just that.

[welshace]

the teams are playing under football regulations... if they dont abide they get kicked out.. simple...

also..

http://www.liv.ac.uk/footballindustry/bosman.html