Premier League change transfer rules for Manchester United and Man City after Chelsea vote
A new limit on which transfer fees can be amortised by Premier League clubs in their accounts has been installed as part of a significant rule change from the division’s governing body. The change – which will affect Manchester United[1], Manchester City[2] and rivals moving forward – was passed at the latest meeting for Premier League[3] shareholders on Tuesday morning. It came after clubs had been able to exploit a well-documented loophole with previously-existing guidelines.
As things were, top-flight clubs were able to spread the cost of transfer fees across the entire length of a player’s contract. That allowed them to make signings on long contracts and potentially spread out their costs to maintain a healthier reading when it came to their financial obligations and showcasing them through FFP. ALSO READ: Champions League exit could cost United in five ways[4]
ALSO READ: United fans name preferred line-up for Bayern meeting[5] Chelsea[6], in particular, have come in for criticism for how they have used the previous system – making several big-money signings and tying them down to long-term contracts. Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk was brought in for GBP62million on a Premier League-record eight-and-a-half year contract in January 2023.
His teammate Enzo Fernandez put pen-to-paper until 2031 upon a GBP106million move from Benfica around the same time. The rule change will not, though, be backdated to affect previously completed deals. The limit falls into line with UEFA’s own regulations.
Although their financial rules are governed separately, the new limit has also been set at five years, regardless of the length of a contract. A statement issued by the Premier League[7] read: “Premier League shareholders today agreed to amend the rule on amortisation of player registration costs to bring in line with UEFA’s regulations. “Going forward, a five-year maximum will apply to all new or extended player contracts.”
Regarding a further change, the statement added: “Clubs also approved a rule amendment to enable the Premier League Board, in circumstances where a club owes a transfer debt to another Premier League or EFL club, to stop the club registering more players until the outstanding payment has been made.
The Board can also have option to deduct the amount from the club’s entitlement to the Premier League’s central funds.”
References
- ^ Manchester United (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Manchester City (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Premier League (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Champions League exit could cost United in five ways (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ United fans name preferred line-up for Bayern meeting (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Chelsea (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
- ^ Premier League (www.premierleague.com)