(7) The Investigating Committee see no reason why the payment of Benefit and Accrued
Share of Benefit should be made obligatory.
(8) The Investigating Committee consider that the Football Association and the Football
League might make express provisions in their Rules for Union or Legal representation
in the case of Appeals.
(9) The Investigating Committee suggest that no amendment of Rules which would affect
the player's contract should be made during the currency of contracts without reference
to the players, and they suggest that appropriate provision should be made accordingly
in the contract.
The President stated that in his opinion the Football League had been successful in the two
main issues, namely, the Removal of Maximum Wage, and the Freedom of Players Contracts, and
therefore the Football League could treat sympathetically the other recommendations made, with
some of which he was sure that members would be in full agreement. He informed the Meeting that
the Management Committee had decided at their meeting yesterday to suggest to the International
League Board that the Fee for players selected to play in International League Games might be
increased and this matter would be pursued at the earliest opportunity.
The only real disagreement would be, he was sure, with the suggested method of limiting
transfer fees, which, of course, everyone connected with football management realised just would
not work.
Sunderland F. C. referred to their efforts to persuade the members to increase Match Bonus,
which at previous meetings had not even been seconded, and hoped that members would now give
further consideration to this.
Mr. Baker, Wolverhampton Wanderers, also referred to the question of the "Star" player
and thought that it would be better if consideration was given to increasing the rewards for
consistent and loyal players.
Mr. White, Bradford (Park Avenue) referred to his previous suggestion, namely, that the
League should abandon the Benefit System, and introduce a Service Bonus Regulation on a sliding
scale.
The President stated that it was a little early to arrive at any definite decision, but that
arrangements had been made to supply Clubs with copies of the Report, when he was sure that
they would give the various recommendations very careful consideration.
Limitation During the past year the Management Committee have discussed this question in all its aspects.
of amount They are unanimous in their opinion that the payment of Transfer Fees is a necessary part of the
of Transfer Transfer System. They are also agreed that the wide publicity given in the Press to matters, even
Fees. details, of Fees paid for the transfer of registrations of individual players is not in the best interest
of the player concerned, nor is it in the best interest of the Competition, alienating as it does the
goodwill of many of the sport loving public. This was shown in the recent Ministry of Labour
Inquiry when the whole question of the Transfer System came under review. Members of the
Investigating Committee were greatly interested to know that the matter of high transfer fees
was already exercising the minds of Clubs and Committeemen. It may well be that some recom-
mendation will be made for the League to set up legislation to control this aspect of the transfer
system. Your Committee is well aware that certain factors other than supply and demand, have
until recently tended to the payment of high fees. These factors are now changing owing to the
changed economic situation. Gates show a tendency to diminish and may, under the New Entertain-
ment Duty, show a further decrease, and Banks can no longer advance money for this purpose.
These are indeed potent influences on the Transfer Market.
The Management Committee have considered schemes to enforce limitation, but with the
"tightening up" of the country's financial position, and its consequent effect on Transfer Fees,
they are not at present prepared to recommend any further action. They will, however, bring
forward proposals if called upon to do so.
Entertain- The President referred to the application by Queen's Park Rangers F. C. for financial assistance
ment Duty to defend an action against them brought by H. M. Customs and Excise for non payment of Duty.
on Season Briefly, the position was that the Customs and Excise contend that the payment made by each
Tickets. season ticket holder was a lump sum payment made in return for the right of admission to a series
of entertainments, whilst the Club contend that the payment was not a "lump sum" payment
but merely the aggregate of a number of separate payments.
As this was a matter of principle affecting Clubs generally, the League and the Association had
guaranteed an amount to cover the costs of the action. The action was now proceeding and a
statement had been issued to each Club.
International Manchester United F. C. referred to the increase of the number of International Matches, both
Matches and during the Playing Season and in the Close Season. In their opinion too many of these matches
Touring tended to cheapen not only the matches themselves, but the honour to the players selected, and
Teams during they thought that the term " 'B' International" was one which should not have been introduced.
the Close Furthermore, Clubs undertaking tours during the Close Season were very often handicapped by
Season. the selection of some of their better players to take part in these extra International Matches, and
he felt that this was a derogatory step because every Club which undertook a tour should be in a
position to uphold the tradition of English football. In addition to this they felt that it was a breach
of faith for a Club to arrange a tour and then be unable to field its full side. They were of the opinion
that some approach should be made to the Football Association with a request that they would
give very careful consideration to the Clubs making Close Season Tours when selecting their
International Teams, and indeed, if necessary, curtailing the number of International matches.
Wages of Manchester United F. C. referred to the wages of players called to the services. They felt that
Service many Service Players, through no fault of their own, were victimised because they could, during
Players. the Playing Season, only be paid for matches in which they played, and they suggested that from
the time of their call-up Service Players might be paid £3 per week during the whole year, plus
an extra £3 for each match played.
Chelsea F. C. spoke in support.
The President informed the Meeting that this was a matter entirely in the hands of the Clubs,
who, providing they alter the Rules to conform, could pay Service Players whatever wages they
felt to be fair and just.
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