FUTURE OF THE FOOTBALL TRANSFER SYSTEM

Early day motion 1105, tabled 31 October 2000 by Roger Godsiff (Labour). Signed by 23 members.

That this House expresses great concern at the threat posed to the future of professional football in the United Kingdom by the insistence of the European Competition Commissioner that the Established transfer system of players is contrary to Article 81(1) of the Treaty of Rome; recognises that the existing transfer system, however imperfect, does enable clubs in lower divisions to survive by selling players; welcomes the united opposition to the Commission's position presented by the football authorities in the United Kingdom; is gratified that the Prime Minister has made clear his concern about the abolition of the transfer system; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to rigorously oppose the European Commission's view and to seek an exemption for sport, and professional football in particular, from the provisions of the Treaty of Rome at the Nice summit in December.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Liberal Democrat 3, Labour/Co-operative 1.