Window could spell disaster

Football's governing body, FIFA, will next month aim to ratify changes to the current system that will mean from next summer, Football League clubs can no longer sign players outside the biannual window.

League chiefs are currently seeking emergency talks with FIFA and the European Commission to try to gain special dispensation against the controversial ruling, which currently restricts only Premiership clubs in England.

Burnley FC chief executive, Dave Edmundson, today outlined the problems clubs like Burnley would face if such talks fail to overturn FIFA's original decision.

He said: "We are opposed to such a move and I know FIFA are being lobbied on behalf of all Football League clubs.

"So far we have had special dispensation to allow transfers dealings and they have been crucial to many club's like ours staying in business.

"There has always been that route whereby, if we want to sign a player, we have the ability to go and do business.

"But it has also been a safety blanket for many clubs. When we found ourselves in dire straits earlier this year, at least there was always the last option of selling an asset, such as Richard Chaplow, to keep things going.

"That happened with Gareth Taylor last summer, when the club would have been in serious financial difficulties had he not been sold to Nottingham Forest."

Edmundson, whose fund raising efforts have helped stave off financial disaster at Turf Moor, added; "We see this as a clear restriction on trade and it would affect English clubs far greater than our European counterparts.

"We are much bigger businesses than the likes Italy's Serie B, or the German lower leagues.

"Our crowds are much bigger so there is so much more to lose and transfer dealings are quite simply a lifeline."

Clubs outside the Premiership have, on average, seen their transfer fee funds fall by half since the transfer window was first established at the top level two years ago.

And the fear is that by further restricting the ability to sell players, many smaller clubs will go to the wall.

Edmundson added: "I dare say there is an argument that it would create a level playing field, but I still believe it would do more harm than good.

"As it stands, we can identify players like Michael Duff and quietly make a move, but if word got out under the new proposals, it is highly likely that someone like West Ham, who rake in thousands of pounds more than us every home game, could then declare their own interest before snapping him up in the window.

"The bigger clubs would therefore be able to cherry-pick the best talent by storing up their wealth and moving at the right time."

The Football League, unanimous in its condemnation, also has the support of the Premier League and the PFA.