It will now, doubtless, be generally admitted that few Clubs in the whole of England
are in such a financial position as will enable them to offer to Players such monetary induce-
ments as will act to the prejudice of other Clubs.
There are in membership with the Association, approximately 12,000 Clubs, and half
a million players. The number of Professional Players is 6,800, and of these 573, all of which
belong to the Football League and the Southern League, receive the maximum wage, and
consequently only this small number is affected by the proposed alterations. The Leagues
may well, if it is deemed necessary, alter their Rules to include provisions for the engage-
ments of Players in accordance with the wishes of their members--both Clubs and Players.
It is incompatible with the position of The Football Association as the governing
body of a National Sport that it should be concerned in the financial arrangements between
Clubs and Players other than seeing that the engagements which they enter into are
observed.
The Rules of the Scottish Football Association, The Football Association of Wales
and The Irish Football Association do not contain any provisions as to the financial arrange-
ments between Clubs and Players, and much that is unsatisfactory has arisen in consequence
of the Rules of The Football Association alone having such provisions.
The Officers believe that it will be in the best interest of the sport that the Rules should
be amended, as shown in the enclosed proposals to be submitted to the Special General
Meeting on the 7th February next, and Clubs are urged to give earnest consideration to the
recommendations of the Council.
It is also requested that you will be good enough to signify your views upon the
recommendations.
By Order of the Council,
D. J. Hall
Secretary.
