Domestic fees get EU support

THE European Commission have confirmed that transfer fees can still be charged for domestic transfers.

Competition commissioner Karel Van Miert said yesterday, after a meeting with UEFA secretary general Gerhard Aigner, that the Commission would accept transfer fees for players moving between clubs in the same country for a limited period.

He said there could be no fees charged for players moving within the European Economic Area (EEA) - which comprises the 15 EU states plus Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland - no matter what their national origin.

Van Miert said he had difficulties with UEFA recommendations to set up a standard contract for young players and to require teams to field 10 "home-grown" players.

"It does seem to be another obstacle to free circulation of players," he said. Van Miert revealed that UEFA had outlined a plan for a standard contract that would tie young players to a club for six years - three years for training and three years "when the club gets its pay-back".

During the second period a fee would be required for a player moving to another team.