James
24/09/2003, 1:32 PM
from the Irish Independent
Compensation claims could cripple League clubs
EIRCOM League clubs are reeling from the realisation they could be hit with a FIFA-sanctioned multi-million euro compensation bill from Irish schoolboy clubs.
This follows the disclosure that Stella Maris are demanding at least €10,000 in compensation from Shamrock Rovers under FIFA rules following the transfer of Richie Byrne to Dunfermline earlier this summer.
And the Irish Independent has learned of many other schoolboy clubs awaiting responses from Eircom League clubs as they turn the heat up on an burning issue in domestic football.
Another case involving two Dublin clubs has been dragged through a lengthy FAI-sanctioned arbitration process for almost three years. The Eircom League club involved has defended itself in an affidavit by stating they are only bound by FAI rules - and no such compensation rule currently exists on the FAI statutes.
But now the FAI, under pressure from UEFA and FIFA, have promised to amend the culture of secrecy and ignorance which has shrouded the Eircom League's dealings with schoolboy clubs in recent years by speeding up a resolution to the crisis.
This means chief executive Fran Rooney is destined to become involved in another internecine struggle between factions of the association, as the game here belatedly addresses the issue of solidarity payments to schoolboy clubs.
Rooney has been aware of the potential problems caused by the historical unwillingness of Eircom League clubs to deal fairly with their schoolboy counterparts.
And with Eircom League clubs unable to obtain a UEFA Licence unless they clear all their debts, the impatience of the schoolboy clubs at the League's perennial foot-dragging may come at a hefty price.
Adding to the schoolboy game's ire is the reported loans of €300,000 per club which have been mooted for those struggling to fulfil the terms of the UEFA licence.
"If Eircom League clubs think they are going to get more money to pour down the drain, then they can forget it," said one angry schoolboy official.
"That money is ours and it's about time we were recognised instead of being ignored."
It's estimated that over two thirds of all players in the eircom League came through the schoolboy conveyor belt system.
If the clubs must adhere to the fIFA rules which require senior clubs to pay for the training and development of young players signed from schoolboy clubs, the prognosis for eircom League clubs is horrific.
In theory, they could all be pushed to the brink of financial ruin.
Rooney had informal contacts with schoolboy officials this week and has instructed the Eircom League to deal with the issue urgently.
"The FAI are generally supportive of investment in Irish football and any monies which are accrued by clubs should be re-invested in the game," said an FAI spokesman.
"Currently, we are developing a system through our technical department whereby the elite footballers of school-going age will be provided with a structure whereby they can remain in this country.
"In the future, that would be our blueprint.
"A three-pronged arrangement with the Eircom League and the schoolboys for the benefit of all three strands should a player eventually leave a country for vast amounts of money."
The FAI would not comment specifically on an individual case but Rooney is aware the schoolboy sector is critical to the future direction of his stewardship of the association.
Eircom League chairman Brendan Dillon says the issue is being addressed and it's hoped to have concrete proposals at their next management meeting later this month.
"It is fair to say that this is an issue which has been dormant for some years now but in fairness to the clubs, FIFA have spent their time clarifying their own rules on the issue," said Dillon.
"Eoin Hand, the FAI's careers guidance officer, has already held a workshop with the clubs on the issue and we would be hoping to be in a position to present a proposal to the schoolboys within weeks.
"In fairness, it isn't something we could have discussed with the schoolboy sector until there was a mandate from the clubs."
From informal contacts held with schoolboy representatives, Dillon believes their aim was to receive recognition and respect, rather than bleed dry Eircom League clubs who are already financially crippled.
FIFA have indicated they will sanction any agreement which a jurisdiction implements, on the understanding that it will remain a binding statute in the governing body's legislation. However, those representing schoolboy football may be reluctant to compromise given the "lack of respect" shown towards them over the years on this issue.
Knowing that UEFA Club Licenses cannot be handed out until this issue is sorted out, the schoolboy affiliates have manoeuvred themselves into a position where they have the upper hand.
After years of sweeping this issue under the carpet, the Eircom League, and their FAI overlords, will have to demonstrate a degree of subtlety and intricacy in devising a solution satisfactory to all parties.
Failure to act with haste could have serious repercussions for the sport.
Compensation claims could cripple League clubs
EIRCOM League clubs are reeling from the realisation they could be hit with a FIFA-sanctioned multi-million euro compensation bill from Irish schoolboy clubs.
This follows the disclosure that Stella Maris are demanding at least €10,000 in compensation from Shamrock Rovers under FIFA rules following the transfer of Richie Byrne to Dunfermline earlier this summer.
And the Irish Independent has learned of many other schoolboy clubs awaiting responses from Eircom League clubs as they turn the heat up on an burning issue in domestic football.
Another case involving two Dublin clubs has been dragged through a lengthy FAI-sanctioned arbitration process for almost three years. The Eircom League club involved has defended itself in an affidavit by stating they are only bound by FAI rules - and no such compensation rule currently exists on the FAI statutes.
But now the FAI, under pressure from UEFA and FIFA, have promised to amend the culture of secrecy and ignorance which has shrouded the Eircom League's dealings with schoolboy clubs in recent years by speeding up a resolution to the crisis.
This means chief executive Fran Rooney is destined to become involved in another internecine struggle between factions of the association, as the game here belatedly addresses the issue of solidarity payments to schoolboy clubs.
Rooney has been aware of the potential problems caused by the historical unwillingness of Eircom League clubs to deal fairly with their schoolboy counterparts.
And with Eircom League clubs unable to obtain a UEFA Licence unless they clear all their debts, the impatience of the schoolboy clubs at the League's perennial foot-dragging may come at a hefty price.
Adding to the schoolboy game's ire is the reported loans of €300,000 per club which have been mooted for those struggling to fulfil the terms of the UEFA licence.
"If Eircom League clubs think they are going to get more money to pour down the drain, then they can forget it," said one angry schoolboy official.
"That money is ours and it's about time we were recognised instead of being ignored."
It's estimated that over two thirds of all players in the eircom League came through the schoolboy conveyor belt system.
If the clubs must adhere to the fIFA rules which require senior clubs to pay for the training and development of young players signed from schoolboy clubs, the prognosis for eircom League clubs is horrific.
In theory, they could all be pushed to the brink of financial ruin.
Rooney had informal contacts with schoolboy officials this week and has instructed the Eircom League to deal with the issue urgently.
"The FAI are generally supportive of investment in Irish football and any monies which are accrued by clubs should be re-invested in the game," said an FAI spokesman.
"Currently, we are developing a system through our technical department whereby the elite footballers of school-going age will be provided with a structure whereby they can remain in this country.
"In the future, that would be our blueprint.
"A three-pronged arrangement with the Eircom League and the schoolboys for the benefit of all three strands should a player eventually leave a country for vast amounts of money."
The FAI would not comment specifically on an individual case but Rooney is aware the schoolboy sector is critical to the future direction of his stewardship of the association.
Eircom League chairman Brendan Dillon says the issue is being addressed and it's hoped to have concrete proposals at their next management meeting later this month.
"It is fair to say that this is an issue which has been dormant for some years now but in fairness to the clubs, FIFA have spent their time clarifying their own rules on the issue," said Dillon.
"Eoin Hand, the FAI's careers guidance officer, has already held a workshop with the clubs on the issue and we would be hoping to be in a position to present a proposal to the schoolboys within weeks.
"In fairness, it isn't something we could have discussed with the schoolboy sector until there was a mandate from the clubs."
From informal contacts held with schoolboy representatives, Dillon believes their aim was to receive recognition and respect, rather than bleed dry Eircom League clubs who are already financially crippled.
FIFA have indicated they will sanction any agreement which a jurisdiction implements, on the understanding that it will remain a binding statute in the governing body's legislation. However, those representing schoolboy football may be reluctant to compromise given the "lack of respect" shown towards them over the years on this issue.
Knowing that UEFA Club Licenses cannot be handed out until this issue is sorted out, the schoolboy affiliates have manoeuvred themselves into a position where they have the upper hand.
After years of sweeping this issue under the carpet, the Eircom League, and their FAI overlords, will have to demonstrate a degree of subtlety and intricacy in devising a solution satisfactory to all parties.
Failure to act with haste could have serious repercussions for the sport.