FIFA Decision Opens Up New Transfer Loophole - 06/09/2006

Discontented players may in future be able to transfer to a club in another country but not in their own country following a decision by Fifa. The international football body allowed Andy Webster to transfer from Hearts to Wigan Athletic, England and Scotland being counted as different countries given that they have separate football associations represented in international competitons. Webster obtained an early release from Hearts using a loophole in a European Union employment law adopted by Fifa. With the defender three years into a four year contract, he invoked Article 17 of Fifa's rules governing transfers. Webster gave Hearts notice of his intention to quit within 15 days of the end of last season. Wigan registered the transfer a month ago, but only now have Fifa come to a decision. The transfer fee is based on the player's salary at his previous club and the amount of time left on his contract. It is likely that Hearts will receive only £150,000 for a player they valued at £1.5 million a year ago.