Handbook
Season 2023/24

The Football Association
Premier League Limited
Season 2023/24

Board of Directors (as at July 2023)
Alison Brittain (Chair)
Richard Masters (Chief Executive)
May Fyfield (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Dharmash Mistry (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Matthew Ryder KC (Independent Non-Executive Director)
Auditors
Deloitte LLP
1 New Street Square
LondonEC4A 3BZ
Bankers
Barclays Bank plc
27th Floor
1 Churchill Place
LondonE14 5HP
Registered Office
Brunel Building
57 North Wharf Road
London W2 1HQ
Regd. No. 02719699
Telephone
020 7864 9000
Websitewww.premierleague.com

Published by The Football Association Premier League Limited© The Football Association Premier League Limited 2023

Premier League Owners’ Charter

As owners and Directors, we are the custodians of our Clubs and will uphold the spirit ofthese commitments.
1.	We understand the vital role of our fans and we commit to listening to their views
and protecting our Club’s heritage.
2.	We have collective responsibility for the continued success of the Premier League
and want it to remain the most watched football league in the world.
3.	We recognise the value each Club has to its broader community and the desire ofeach individual Club to win and to grow. We will run our Club in an economicallystable, sustainable, and socially responsible manner.
4.	We want to develop and attract the world’s best players, coaches and managers
to the Premier League.
5.	
We are committed to making football free from discrimination and abuse.
The Premier League should be a place for everyone.
6.	We understand the importance of a football pyramid that rewards success on thepitch, upholds promotion and relegation and qualification for other competitions
by current sporting merit.
7.	
We will promote the strength and financial sustainability of English football,including our national teams and we will continue to support all levels of the game.
8.	We support the competitiveness of the Premier League as one of its greatest assets
but recognise that, off the pitch, there is strength in our collective unity. We will
openly debate the issues facing us and protect Premier League and Shareholders’confidentiality in public.
9.	
We are collectively committed to the Premier League and recognise our
responsibility to support it. We will not engage in the creation of new competition
formats outside of the Premier League’s Rules.
10.	We believe that all Shareholders in the Premier League should have an equal
voice. We will conduct our Club’s dealings with good faith, honesty and the highest
possible standards of professional behaviour and sporting integrity.

Club Directory01

Fixtures

43

Rules

63
Premier League Rules
Premier League Forms
Youth Development Rules
Youth Development Forms
Appendices to the Rules

Match Officials

631

Memorandum& Articles of
Association

637

Miscellaneous

667

Statistics

709

79
295
391
487
531

Club
Directory

AFC Bournemouth

Head of Safeguarding
Meredith Hack
07554 446446

Academy Manager
Sam Gisborne

Chief Executive
Neill Blake

President of Business
Jim Frevola

Head CoachAndoni lraola Sagarna

Finance Director
David Holiday
01202 726321

Operations Director
Elizabeth Finney
01202 726309

3

Head of EDI and Engagement
Hannah Powis
07867 595771

ChairmanBill Foley

Club Secretary
Tim Lane
07586 124321

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
11,307

Safety Officer
Ian Reed

Main Switchboard: 01202 726300
Ticket Office: 01202 726300
www.afcb.co.uk

Technical Director
Richard Hughes

Kit Manufacturer
Umbro

Supporter Liaison Officer
Hannah Powis

Commercial Director
Rob Mitchell
01202 726322
Chief Ticketing Officer
Nick Zombolas

Team Doctor
Dr Craig Roberts
MBChB (UCT) MPhil (Sports andExercise Medicine) (UCT)
Performance Director
Jay Mellette

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 105 metres

Width: 68 metres

Directors
Bill Foley (Chairman)
Neill Blake (Chief Executive)
Jim Frevola (President of Business)

Club Directory: AFC Bournemouth

Vitality Stadium
Dean Court
Bournemouth
BH7 7AF

Shirt Sponsor
DafabetOfficial Company Name and Number
AFC Bournemouth Limited
No. 6632170

Head Groundsman
Ian Lucas
NVQ Level 3 Sports Turf Management
Head of Community Sports Trust
Steve Cuss
01202 726342

Head of Media and Communications
Ash Lord
07921 836591

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Red and Black
Vertical stripes
Shorts: Black with Red trim
Socks: Black with Red trim

Shirts: Aqua Haze
Shorts: Aqua Haze
Socks: Aqua Haze

Shirts: Yellow and Navy
Shorts: Navy with Yellow trim
Socks: Yellow with Navy trim

Shirts: Yellow
Shorts: Yellow
Socks: Yellow

Shirts: Pink
Shorts: Pink
Socks: Pink

Shirts: Green
Shorts: Green
Socks: Green4

Senior Manager –Event Safety and Operations
William Payne

Highbury House
75 Drayton Park
London N5 1BUVenue Director
Tom McCann

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 105 metres

Disability Liaison Officer
Jacquie Pollard

Chief Executive Officer
Vinai Venkatesham

Chief Financial Officer
Stuart Wisely

Club Secretary
Zayna Perkins

General Counsel
Svenja Geissmar

First Team Manager
Mikel Arteta

Chief Commercial Officer
Juliet Slot

Assistant CoachAlbert Stuivenberg

Chief Operations Officer
Karen SmartSporting Director
Edu Gaspar

Communications Director
Kate Laurens

Academy Manager
Per Mertesacker

Stadium and Facilities Director
John Beattie

Kit Manufacturer
adidasGround Capacity at start of the Season
60,704

Supporter Liaison Officer
Mark Brindle

Main Switchboard: 020 7619 5003
Contact Centre / Ticket Office: 020 7619 5000
www.arsenal.com

Shirt Sponsor
Emirates

Width: 68 metres

Directors
Stanley Kroenke
Josh Kroenke
Richard Carr
Lord Harris of Peckham
Tim Lewis

Disability Access Manager
John Dyster
Head of Sports Medicine
and Performance
Dr Gary O’Driscoll
MBBS, BSc, DipSEM, FFSEM
Head of Horticulture andPlaying Surface Operations
Paul Ashcroft
National Diploma in Turf, Scienceand Grounds Management

Club Directory: Arsenal

Arsenal

Official Company Name and Number
Arsenal Football Club Ltd
No. 109244

Managing Editor (Publications)
Andy Exley

Director of Football Operations
Richard Garlick

5Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Red and White
Shorts: White
Socks: White

Shirts: Yellow
Shorts: Black
Socks: Yellow

Shirts: Green and Navy Blue
Shorts: Navy Blue
Socks: Green and Navy Blue

Shirts: Black
Shorts: Black
Socks: Black

Shirts: Green
Shorts: Black
Socks: Green

Shirts: Blue
Shorts: Blue
Socks: Blue

6

Aston Villa

President of Football Operations
Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo
Director of Football Operations
Damian Vidagany Igual
Head of Football Administration
Sharon Barnhurst
Head CoachUnai Emery

7

Kit Manufacturer
CastoreFinance Director
Ian Hopson
Communications Director
Tommy Jordan
Editorial Content Manager
Drew Williams
Marketing Manager
Adam Lowe
Head of Ticketing Operations
Lynne O’Reardon

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Shirts: Claret with
Sky Blue Sleeves
Shorts: White
Socks: Claret

Shirts: White
Shorts: Sky Blue
Socks: White

Alternative kit 2

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
42,530Pitch Dimensions
Length: 105 metresSupporter Liaison Manager
Lee Preece
Academy Manager
Mark Harrison

President of Business Operations
Chris Heck

Head of Foundation
and Community Partnerships
Guy Rippon
Head of Security andMatchday Safety
Julian Bowran

Main Switchboard: 0121 327 2299
Ticket Office No: 0333 323 1874
postmaster@avfc.co.uk
www.avfc.co.uk

Joint Chairmen
Nassef Sawiris
Wesley Edens

Shirt Sponsor
BK8

Width: 68 metres

Directors
Nassef Sawiris
Wesley Edens

Disability Access Officer
Anthony Richards

Club Directory: Aston Villa

Villa Park
Birmingham
B6 6HE

Head of Facilities and Estates
Troy Griffin

Official Company Name and Number
Aston Villa FC Limited
No. 2502822

Head of Safeguarding
To be advisedTeam Doctor
Dr Ricky Shamji
MBChB, MRCGP, FFSEM (UK),DipSEM (UK), DFSRHHead Physiotherapist
Ali James
BSC (Hons), MSc (Oxon), Pg Dip
Head Groundsman
Karl Prescott
NVQ Level 1,2,3 4 Sports Turf and
NVQ level 4 in Sports Turf Management

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Shirts: Black
Shorts: Black
Socks: Black

Shirts: Jasmine Green
Shorts: Jasmine Green
Socks: Jasmine Green

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

8Brentford

Finance Director
David Joyes
07974 969053

Main Switchboard: 0208 847 2511
Ticket Office No: 0333 005 8521
enquiries@brentfordfc.com
www.brentfordfc.com

Director of Elite Performance
Ben RyanChief Executive
Jon Varney

Technical Director
Lee Dykes

Club Secretary
Lisa Skelhorn
0208 380 9913

Academy Operations Manager
Paul Whelan
Head of Medical
Neil Greig
Team Doctor
Dr Stephen Thompson

Director of Football
Phil Giles

9

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
17,250Communications Director
Chris Wickham
0208 380 9934

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 105 metres

Operations Director
Alan Walsh0208 380 9907

Chair
Cliff Crown FCAHead CoachThomas FrankKit Manufacturers
Umbro

Commercial Director
James Parkinson

Width: 68 metres

Directors
Cliff Crown FCA
Nity Raj
Phil Giles
Preeti Shetty
Deji Adam Davies
Jon Varney
Stuart Hatcher

Safety Officer
Dave Gregg
Marketing Services Director
Steve Watts
Head of Safeguarding
Natalie Craig

Club Directory: Brentford

Gtech Community Stadium
Lionel Road South
Brentford
TW8 0RU
Correspondence Address: 6th Floor, 27 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9BW

Shirt Sponsor
Hollywood Bets

Official Company Name and Number
Brentford FC Limited
No. 3642327

Safeguarding Manager
Sam Bayford
Equality and Inclusion Director
Kaammini Chanrai

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Shirts: Red and Black withWhite Stripes
Shorts: Black
Socks: Black

Shirts: Bluebell
Shorts: Navy
Socks: Bluebell

Shirts: Evening Blue with
Beach Glass and Lilac Sachet
Shorts: Beach Glass
Socks: Beach Glass

Shirts: Pink Glo
Shorts: Bright Rose
Socks: Pink Glo

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Andean Tucan
Shorts: Jolly Green
Socks: Andean Tucan

10

Brighton & Hove Albion

Finance Director
Lee Cooper

Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman
Paul Barber OBE

Head of Ticketing andSupporter Services
Jenny Gower
01273 668855 (Option 1)
Head of Media and Communications
Paul Camillin
07747 773692
Academy Manager
Ian Buckman

Head CoachRoberto De Zerbi

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
31,876
Pitch Dimensions
Length: 105 metres

Equality, Diversity andInclusion Manager
Sarah Gould
01273 668855 option 1
Head of Medicine and Performance
Adam BrettClub Doctor
Dr. Vicann During
Groundsman
Steve Winterburn
IOG Diploma (Intermediate)

Width: 68 metres

Directors
Tony Bloom (Chairman)
Paul Barber OBE (Chief Executive and
Deputy Chairman)
Paul Mullen (Chief Operating Officer)
Lee Cooper (Finance Director)
Ray Bloom
Derek Chapman
Robert Comer
Adam FranksPeter Godfrey
Marc Sugarman
Michelle Walder
Official Company Name and Number
The Brighton and Hove Albion Football
Club Limited
No. 81077

Head of Commercial
Russell Wood
07879 428274

Technical Director
David Weir

11

Kit Manufacturers
Nike

Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation
Matt Dorn
01273 878265

Chairman
Tony Bloom

Club Secretary
Brett Baker
07557 419009

Supporter Services Manager
Millie Crowhurst
01273 668855 (Option 1)
Head of Safety and Security
Adrian Morris
07785 460346

Main Switchboard: 01273 668855
Ticket Office No: 01273 668855
supporter.services@brightonandhovealbion.com
www.brightonandhovealbion.com

Chief Operating Officer
Paul Mullen

Shirt Sponsor
American Express
Club Directory: Brighton & Hove Albion

The American Express Stadium
Village Way, Falmer
Brighton, East Sussex
BN1 9BL

General Counsel
Lloyd Thomas

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Royal Blue / White /Deep Royal Blue
Shorts: Royal Blue andDeep Royal Blue
Socks: Royal Blue andDeep Royal Blue

Shirts: Black / Green Spark /White
Shorts: Black
Socks: Black

Shirts: Bright Crimson
and Black
Shorts: Bright Crimson
Socks: Bright Crimson

Shirts: Black
Shorts: Black
Socks: Black

Shirts: Orange
Shorts: Orange
Socks: Orange

Shirts: Yellow
Shorts: Yellow
Socks: Yellow

12Burnley

Head of Football Media
Simon Crabtree
01282 446800

Turf Moor
Harry Potts Way
Burnley
Lancashire BB10 4BXMedia and Marketing Director
Rob Porteous
01282 446800

Chief Operating Officer/Club Secretary
Matthew Williams
Manager
Vincent Kompany

Director of Operations
Doug Metcalfe
01282 446800

Assistant Manager
Craig Bellamy
Academy Manager
David Longwell
Finance Director
To be advised

13

Head of Ticketing
Chris Parkinson
01282 446800 Option 1

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
21,744
Pitch Dimensions
Length: 105 metres

Fan Experience/
Supporter Liaison Officer
Jack Ormesher
01282 446800 Option 5
Head of Commercial
Marcus Mellor
01282 700007/07551429014

Kit Manufacturer
Umbro

Club Doctor
Dr Danny Glover
Sports and Exercise Medicine Consultant,
MBChB, MCEM, DipSEM, MSc(hons), FFSEM,
PgCert (MSK USS)

Width: 68 metres

Directors
Alan Pace (Chairman)
Mike Smith
Stuart Hunt
Dave Checketts
Prof. Antonio Dávila

Club Directory: Burnley

Director of Fan Experience
Russell Ball
01282 446800

General Enquiries: 01282 446800
Ticket Hotline: 0844 807 1882
info@burnleyfc.com
www.burnleyfc.com

Chairman
Alan Pace

Shirt Sponsor
W88

Official Company Name and Number
Burnley Football & Athletic Company
Limited (The)No. 54222

Head Physiotherapist
Phil Pomeroy
Advanced Trauma Medical, Managementin Football (ATMMiF), MSC Sports Injury
Rehabilitation, BSC Physiotherapy

Head of Safety and Security
Nic Harris01282 446800

Head Groundsman
Barry O’Brien

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Claret with SkyBlue sleeves
Shorts: Sky Blue
Socks: Claret

Shirts: Yellow
Shorts: Black
Socks: Yellow

Shirts: Navy Blue
Shorts: Navy Blue
Socks: Navy Blue

Shirts: Carbon
Shorts: Carbon
Socks: Carbon

Shirts: Blue
Shorts: Blue
Socks: Blue

Shirts: Pink
Shorts: Pink
Socks: Pink

14

Chelsea

Director of Football Operations
David Barnard
Co-Sporting Directors
Laurence Stewart
Paul Winstanley
Head Coach
Mauricio PochettinoHome kit

Shirts: Rush Blue
Shorts: Rush Blue
Socks: White

15

Kit Manufacturer
Nike
Ground Capacity at start of the Season
40,173
Pitch Dimensions
Length: 103 metres

Head of Ticketing
Graham Smith
020 7958 2166

Director of Communications
and Public Affairs
Toby Craig
07710 380248

Chief Executive Officer
Chris Jurasek

Director of Global Sports
Surfaces and Landscaping
Paul Burgess
Head of Matchday Safety
Chris Baker
07843 518209

Main Switchboard: 0371 811 1955
Ticket Office: 0371 811 1905
enquiries@chelseafc.com
www.chelseafc.com

Chairman
Todd Boehly

Shirt Sponsor
To be advised

General Counsel
James Bonington
Director of FinancePaul Ramos
020 7565 1472
First Team Doctor
Dr Dimitrios Kalogiannidis
MBBS, MRCEM, FRCEM, MSc SEM

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Ticketing Operations Manager
Kelly Webster
020 7915 1941
Supporter Liaison Officer andDisability Access Officer
Catherine Smith
07512 303847
Facilities Manager
Jamie Gray
020 7386 3375

Width: 67.5 metres

Directors
Todd Boehly
Behdad Eghbali
José E. FelicianoMark Walter
Hansjörg Wyss
Jonathan Goldstein
Barbara Charone
Lord Daniel Finkelstein OBE
James PadeDavid Barnard

Club Directory: Chelsea

Stamford Bridge
Fulham Road
London SW6 1HS
Correspondence Address: 60 Stoke Road, Stoke D’Abernon,
Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3PT

Director of Performance
Bryce Cavanagh

Official Company Name and Number
Chelsea Football Club Limited
No. 01965149

Head of Publishing
Simon Meehan
07715 813082

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Black and Grey
Shorts: Black and Grey
Socks: Black

Shirts: Yellow
Shorts: Yellow
Socks: Yellow

Shirts: Green
Shorts: Green
Socks: Green16

Crystal Palace
Main Switchboard: 020 8768 6000
Ticket Office: 0871 200 0071
info@cpfc.co.uk
www.cpfc.co.uk

Head of Security and Safety Officer
Ben Collins
020 8768 6000

Production Manager
Terry Byfield
020 8768 6000

Chief Operating Officer
Sharon Lacey
020 8768 6000

Palace for Life Foundation
Mike Summers - Chief Executive
Shirt Sponsor
CINCH

Supporter Liaison andDisability Access Officer
Nicola Gibbons
020 8768 6000

Kit Manufacturer
MACRON
Ground Capacity at start of the Season
25,486Chairman
Steve Parish

Academy Director
Gary Issott

Head of Safeguarding
Cassi WrightSporting Director
Dougie Freedman

Chief Financial Officer
Sean O’Loughlin
020 8768 6000

Head of Sports Medicine
Dr Zafar Iqbal
MBBS, BSc, DCH, DRCOG, MRCGP,
MSc (SEM), MFSEM (UK), DIP PCR

General Counsel
David Nichol
Club Secretary
Christine Dowdeswell
Manager
Roy Hodgson
Assistant Manager
Paddy McCarthy

17

Media Relations Manager
Kimberley Vogel
020 8768 6000

Chief Marketing andCommunications Officer
James Woodroof
020 8768 6000
Head of Retail
Foz Bowers
020 8768 6000

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Shirts: Red and Blue
Shorts: Blue
Socks: Blue

Shirts: White with Blue
Diagonal Stripe
Shorts: White
Socks: White

Alternative kit 2

Club Directory: Crystal Palace

Selhurst Park StadiumLondonSE25 6PU

Head of Ticketing
Paul McGowan
020 8768 6000

Head of Grounds and Estates
Bruce Elliot
020 8768 6000

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 101 metres

Width: 68 metres

Directors
Steve Parish
David Blitzer
Joshua Harris
John Textor
Official Company Name and Number
CPFC Limited
No. 7270793

Chief Commercial Officer
Barry Webber
020 8768 6000

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Shirts: Green
Shorts: Green
Socks: Green

Shirts: Purple
Shorts: Purple
Socks: Purple

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

18

Everton

Head of Security andStadium Safety Officer
David Lewis

Interim Chief Executive
Colin Chong

Chief Commercial andCommunications Officer
Richard Kenyon

19Interim Chief Financeand Strategy Officer
James Maryniak
Box Office and Systems Manager
Lee Newman

Width: 68 metres

Directors
Bill Kenwright CBE (Chairman)
Farhad Moshiri (Non-Executive Director)
Colin Chong (Interim Chief Executive)
John Spellman (Non-Executive Director)

Equality and Inclusion Lead
Christopher Massam
Academy Director
Gareth Prosser

Manager
Sean Dyche

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 100.48 metres

Fan Engagement Manager
Christine Prior

ChairmanBill Kenwright CBEInterim Club Secretary / Director ofFootball Operations
Jonathan Williams

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
39,414

Director of Communications
and Engagement
Scott McLeod

Main Switchboard: 0151 556 1878
Ticket Office: 0151 556 1878
Credit Card Bookings: 0151 556 1878
everton@evertonfc.com
www.evertonfc.com

Director of Football
Kevin Thelwell

Kit Manufacturer
HummelChief Operations Officer
Alan Bowen

Club Doctor
John Hollingsworth
Bsc MB ChB, FRCSEd (A&E)
FRCEM, Dip SEM

Club Directory: Everton

Goodison Park
Goodison Road
Liverpool L4 4EL
Correspondence Address: 7th Floor, Royal Liver Building,Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, L3 1HU

Shirt Sponsor
Stake.com

Official Company Name and Number
Everton Football Club Company Limited
No. 36624

Head of Medical Services
Adam Newall
MSc, BSc (Hons), CSP, HCPC
Head Groundsman
Bob Lennon OND, NDH, RHS
Broadcast and Liaison Manager
Darren Griffiths

Chief Executive Officer –Everton in the Community
Sue Gregory

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Shirts: Blue
Shorts: White
Socks: White

Shirts: Coral
Shorts: Navy
Socks: Navy

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Shirts: Green
Shorts: Green
Socks: Green

Shirts: Black
Shorts: Black
Socks: Black

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

20

Chief Marketing Officer
Matt Lowery
0208 336 7564

Retail and Licensing Director
Sean Davies
020 8336 7407

Craven Cottage
Stevenage Road
London SW6 6HH

Head of Ticketing
Katy Brecht
0203 871 0810

Kit Manager
Mark Harrison

Operations and Venue Director
Aimee McKenzie
0208 336 7409

Main Switchboard: 0843 208 1222
Ticket Office No: 020 3871 0810
enquiries@fulhamfc.com
www.fulhamfc.com

ChairmanShahid Khan
Vice Chairman and
Director of Football Operations
Tony Khan
Chief Executive Officer
Alistair Mackintosh

Academy Director
Sean Cullen
0208 336 7430
Finance Director
Andrew Tighe
0208 336 7452

Club Secretary
Nick Alford
0208 336 7420

Commercial Director
Jon Don-Carolis
0208 336 7595

Head CoachMarco Silva

Communications Director
Carmelo Mifsud
0208 336 7510

Head of First Team Medical
Chris Hanson

21

Chief Operating Officer
Darren Preston
0208 336 7484

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Shirts: White
Shorts: Black
Socks: Black

Shirts: Pink
Shorts: Pink
Socks: Pink

Alternative kit 2

CEO, Fulham FC Foundation
Mike McSweeney
0203 981 9790

Shirt Sponsor
SBOTOP
Kit Manufacturers
adidasClub Directory: Fulham

FulhamGround Capacity at Start of the Season
24,500Pitch Dimensions
Length: 100 metres Width: 65 metres

Head of Safety
John D’arcy
0203 841 9032
Supporter Liaison Manager andDisability Liaison Officer
Nicola Walworth
0208 336 7477
Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Officer
and Safeguarding Manager
Eleanor Rowland
0208 336 7454

Directors
Shahid Khan
Tony Khan
Alistair Mackintosh
Mark Lamping
David Daly
Official Company Name and Number
Fulham Football Club Limited
No. 2114486

Head Groundsperson
Anthony Quinn

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Shirts: Red
Shorts: Red
Socks: Red

Shirts: Green
Shorts: Green
Socks: Green

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

22Liverpool

Main Switchboard: 0151 263 2361
Ticket Office / Booking Line: 0843 170 5555
Customer Services / Memberships: 0843 170 5000
customerservices@liverpoolfc.com
www.liverpoolfc.com

Chairman
Tom WernerSporting Director
Jörg Schmadtke

Chief Executive Officer
Billy Hogan

Manager
Jurgen Klopp

Managing Director
Andy Hughes

Assistant Managers
Peter Krawietz
Pepijn Lijnders

Director of Communications
Susan Black

Stadium Manager
Stuart Baker

Kit Manufacturer
Nike

Safety Officer
Chris Markey

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
61,276

Supporter Liaison Officer
Yonit Sharabi

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 101 metres

Senior Manager, Equality,
Diversity and Inclusion
Rishi Jain

Directors
John Henry
Tom WernerBilly Hogan
Andy Hughes
Michael Gordon
Mike Egan
Sir Kenny Dalglish

Team Doctor
Jonathan PowerHead Groundsman
Dave McCulloch
NVQ level 3 in Sports Turf Management
Programme Editor
Will Hughes, Trinity Mirror

Width: 68 metres

Official Company Name and Number
The Liverpool Football Club & Athletic
Grounds Limited
No. 35668

Director of First Team Communications
Tony Barrett

Club Secretary
Danny Stanway

23

Shirt Sponsor
Standard Chartered
Club Directory: Liverpool

Anfield Road
Anfield
Liverpool L4 0TH
Correspondence Address: PO Box 1959, Liverpool L69 3JL

Head of Ticketing and Hospitality
Phil Dutton

Academy Director
Alex Inglethorpe

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Red
Shorts: Red
Socks: Red

Shirts: Green and White
Shorts: Black
Socks: White

Shirts: Purple
Shorts: Purple
Socks: Purple

Shirts: Black
Shorts: Black
Socks: Black

Shirts: Orange
Shorts: Orange
Socks: Orange

Shirts: Green
Shorts: Green
Socks: Green24

Luton Town

Ticket Office Manager
Mike Hooker
01582 416976

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
10,265HR Manager
Jenn Smith

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 100.6 metres

Community Trust Director
Kerry Downes
01582 561622

Main Switchboard: 01582 411622
Ticket Office: 01582 416976
info@lutontown.co.uk
www.lutontown.co.uk

Safety Officer
To be advised
Assistant Club Secretary(Mrs) Nasreen Afzal

Supporter Liaison Officer
John Miller

Chief Executive
Gary Sweet

First Team Manager
Rob Edwards

Disability Liaison Officer
To be advised

Operations Manager
James Mooney

Head of Medical
Simon Parsell
FA Dip Sports Diploma, MCSP, HCPC

Senior Safeguarding Manager
Kim Pearce

Academy Manager
Paul Benson

Commercial Director
Chris Bell

Press and Media Manager
Stuart Hammonds

Club Secretary
Chris Clark

Home kit

Shirts: Orange
Shorts: Navy
Socks: Orange

Alternative kit 1

Head Groundsman
Richard Bird

Width: 65.8 metres

Directors
David Wilkinson
Gary Sweet
Paul Ballantyne
Mike Herrick
Stephen Browne
Bob Curson
Rob Stringer
Tom Schofield

ChairmanDavid Wilkinson

Finance Director
Tom Schofield

25

Kit Manufacturer
Umbro

Stadium Manager
Peter Kemp

Club Directory: Luton Town

Kenilworth Stadium
1 Maple Road
Luton
Bedfordshire LU4 8AW
Correspondence Address: As above

Shirt Sponsors
Utilita

Official Company Name and Number
Luton Town Footbal Club 2020 Ltd
No. 06133975

Kit Manager
Clive Thompson

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Shirts: White
Shorts: White
Socks: White

Shirts: Green
Shorts: Green
Socks: Green

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

26

Manchester City

Main Switchboard: 0161 444 1894
Ticket Office: 0161 444 1894
Credit Card Bookings: 0161 444 1894
mancity@mancity.com
www.mancity.com

27

Chairman
H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak

Director of Football
Txiki Begiristain

Chief Executive Officer
Ferran Soriano

Group Finance Director
Martyn Hawkins

Managing Director (Operations)
Danny Wilson

Director of Product
Heather Leigh

Head of Football Administration
Andrew Hardman

Director of Commercial and Fan Support
Jonathan Lingham

ManagerPep Guardiola

Facilities Director
Clive Wilton

First Team Assistant CoachTo be advised

Director of Safety and Security
Luke McDonnell

Head of Editorial
Rob Pollard

Head of Fan Support
Fran Warburton

Shirt Sponsor
Etihad Airways

Disability Liaison Officer
Jen Bunney

Kit Manufacturer
PUMA

Head of Sports Medicine – First TeamDr Max Sala
Doctor of Medicine & Surgery (Universityof Ferrara, Italy) with a specialisation inSports Medicine (University of Pavia)

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
53,400

Head of Physiotherapy – First TeamJames Baldwin
BSc (Hons) MCSP SRP, MSc Sports
Physiotherapy
Senior Grounds Manager
Lee Jackson
NVQ Level 2, 3 & 4 Sportsturf, Foundation
Degree in Sportsturf Science, Pa 1, 2 & 6
Chemical Application Licences

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 105 metres

Width: 68 metres

Directors
H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak
Martin Edelman
Simon PearceJohn MacBeath
Alberto Galassi
Abdulla Al Khouri

Club Directory: Manchester City

Etihad Stadium
Etihad Campus
Manchester M11 3FF
Correspondence Address: City Football Group, 400 Ashton New Road,
City Football Academy, Etihad Campus, Manchester M11 4TQ

Chief Communications Officer
Simon Heggie

Official Company Name and Number
Manchester City Football Club Limited
No. 40946

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Light Blue
Shorts: White
Socks: Light Blue

Shirts: White
Shorts: Aubergine
Socks: White

Shirts: Dark Navy
Shorts: Dark Navy
Socks: Dark Navy

Shirts: Purple Charcoal
Shorts: Purple Charcoal
Socks: Purple Charcoal

Shirts: Fast Yellow
Shorts: Fast Yellow
Socks: Fast Yellow

Shirts: Grassy Green
Shorts: Grassy Green
Socks: Grassy Green28

Manchester United

Main Switchboard: 0161 676 7770
Ticket Office: 0161 676 7770 Option 1
enquiries@manutd.co.uk
www.manutd.co.uk
Co-Chairmen
Joel Glazer
Avram Glazer
Chief Executive Officer
Richard Arnold
Club Secretary
Rebecca Britain
Manager
Erik ten Hag
Assistant Manager
Mitchell van der Gaag
Director of Academy
Nick Cox

29

Shirt Sponsor
TeamViewer

Senior ED and I Partner
Aneel Javed

Kit Manufacturer
adidasInterim Club Doctor
Dr Jim Moxon
MBChB, MFSEM, MRCGP, MSc.

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
74,031First Team Lead Physiotherapist
Richard Merron
BSC, MSC, CSP
Football Director
John Murtough

Grounds Manager
Anthony Sinclair
Intermediate Diploma in Sportsground Staff

Chief Financial Officer
Cliff Baty

Programme Editor, United Review
Paul Davies

Head of Ticketing and Membership
Jennifer Smith
Facilities Manager
Craig Jepson

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 105 metres

Width: 68 metres

Directors
Joel Glazer (Co-Chairman)
Avram Glazer (Co-Chairman)
Bryan Glazer
Kevin Glazer
Edward Glazer
Darcie Glazer Kassewitz
Richard Arnold
Sir Bobby Charlton CBEDavid Gill CBE
Sir Alex Ferguson CBE
Michael Edelson

Club Directory: Manchester United

Sir Matt Busby Way
Old Trafford
Manchester M16 0RA
Correspondence Address: Group Logistics, PO Box 548, Manchester M16 6FU

Supporter Liaison Manager
Michael Leneghan

Official Company Name and Number
Manchester United Football Club Limited
No. 95489

Head of Security, Protectionand Stadium Safety
Craig Thompson
Director of Media Relations
and Public Affairs
Andrew Ward

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Shirts: Red
Shorts: White
Socks: Black

Shirts: Green Night andCore White
Shorts: Black
Socks: Green Night andCore White

Shirts: Cloud White
Shorts: Maroon
Socks: Maroon

Shirts: Semi Solar Green
Shorts: Semi Solar Green
Socks: Semi Solar Green

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Black
Shorts: Black
Socks: Black30

Newcastle United
St James’ Park
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 4ST

Head of Media
Lee MarshallPitch Dimensions
Length: 105 metresSupporter Liaison Officer
Matt Willis

Chairman
Yasir O. AlRumayyan

General Counsel
John Devine

Chief Executive Officer
Darren Eales

Academy Director
Steve Harper

Head Coach
Eddie Howe

Director of Football Administration
Richard Hines

Sporting Director
Dan Ashworth

Facilities Director
Eddie Rutherford

Chief Commercial Officer
Peter Silverstone

Director of People and Talent
Dominica O’Neil

Head of Foundation
Steve Beharall
Head Groundsman
Michael CurranCity & Guilds - Levels 1, 2, 3: Amenity
Horticulture & Groundsmanship, IOG
NPC, IOG NTC
Programme Editor
Rory Mitchinson

Kit Manufacturer
CastoreGround Capacity at start of the Season
52,257

Head of Supporter Services
Sarah Medcalf

Main Switchboard: 0344 372 1892
Ticket Office: 0344 372 1892 (Option 1)
admin@nufc.co.uk
www.nufc.co.uk

Shirt Sponsor
Sela

Width: 68 metres

Directors
Yasir O. AlRumayyan
Abdulmajid Ahmed Alhagbani
Asma Mohammed Rezeeq
Amanda Staveley
Jamie Reuben

Club Directory: Newcastle United

Club Doctor
Dr Paul Catterson
Qualifications: MBBS, MRCP, FCEM, Dip
SEM, MFSEM, Dip MSK US

Official Company Name and Number
Newcastle United Football Company
LimitedNo. 31014

Chief Financial Officer
Simon Capper

31

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Shirts: Black andWhite Stripes
Shorts: Black
Socks: White

Shirts: Green
Shorts: White
Socks: Green

Shirts: Dark Bluewith Yellow Trim
Shorts: Dark Blue
Socks: White

Shirts: Lime
Shorts: Lime
Socks: Lime

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Pink
Shorts: Pink
Socks: Pink

32

Nottingham Forest

Head of Operations
Mark Gibson
07803 005366

Chairman
Nicholas Randall KC

Head of Football Administration
Taymour Roushdi
0115 9824310

Academy Manager
Chris McGuane

33

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 105 Metres

EDI Lead
Zipporah Kruse

Finance Director
Thomas Bonser
0115 9824367

Chief Football Officer
Ross Wilson

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
30,404

Disability Liaison Officer
Eamon Collins
0115 9824342

Main Switchboard: 0115 982 4444
Ticket Office: 0115 982 4388
press@nottinghamforest.co.uk
www.nottinghamforest.co.uk

First Team Manager
Steve Cooper

Kit Manufacturer
adidasSupporter Liaison Officer
Will D’Hooghe
07463 704184

Chief Operating Officer
John Taylor0115 9824325
Director of Communications
Wendy Taylor
07932 324905
Ticket Office Manager
Eamon Collins
0115 9824342

Senior Safeguarding Manager and
Designated Safeguarding Officer
Julian Taylor0115 982 4307
Head of Medical and Performance
Arnaldo Abrantes
07468 698401

Width: 68 Metres

Directors
Nicholas Randall KC
Ioannis Vrentzos
Jonny Owen
Kyriakos Dourekas

Club Directory: Nottingham Forest

The City Ground
Pavilion RoadWest Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 5FJ

Shirt Sponsor
To be advised

Official Company Name And Number
Nottingham Forest Football Club Ltd
No. 1630402

Kit Manager
Dan Smith07432 008862
Head Groundsperson
Ewan Hunter
0115 982 4337

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Shirts: Red
Shorts: White
Socks: Red

Shirts: White with Clear
Blue Stripes
Shorts: Clear Blue
Socks: Clear Blue

Shirts: Navy Blue with Coral
Pattern
Shorts: Navy Blue
Socks: Navy Blue

Shirts: Blue
Shorts: Blue
Socks: Blue

Shirts: Yellow
Shorts: Yellow
Socks: Yellow

Goalkeeper Alt kit 234

Sheffield United

Head of Facilities
Andrew Chadwick
0114 253 7200
Head of Foundation
Chris Bailey
0114 253 7316
Head of Safety and Security
Jim Goddard
0114 253 7200

Main Switchboard: 0114 253 7200
Ticket Office No: 0114 253 7200
info@sufc.co.uk
www.sufc.co.uk
Owner
H.R.H Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad
Abdulaziz Al Saud
Chief Executive
Stephen Bettis
Head of Football Administration
Carl Shieber
Club Secretary
Donna Fletcher
ManagerPaul Heckingbottom
Academy Manager
Derek Geary35

Head of Medical Services
Stephen Humphries
MSc Sports physiotherapy, BSc (hons)physiotherapy, BSc (hons) sport & exercise
science, Atmiff (Level 5 trauma) qualified

Head of FinanceDebbie Andrew
Head of Commercial
Paul Reeves
0114 253 7200
Head of MediaKevin Cookson
0114 253 7200
Head of Marketing and Content
Eoin Doyle0114 253 7200
Ticketing Manager
Carrie Sampson
0114 253 7200

Head Groundsperson
Glenn Nortcliffe
City & Guilds – Level 1 & 2 Horticultureand GroundsmanshipSupporter Liaison andDisability Access Manager
Jon Helliwell
0114 253 7200

Shirt Sponsor
To be advised

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Amy Hood
0114 253 7200

Kit Manufacturer
Errea
Ground Capacity at start of the Season
32,050

Head of Safeguarding
Cheryl Anderson
0114 253 7200

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 101 metresTeam Doctors
Dr Alex Worthington
MBChB, BSc Physiotherapy, PG Dip Sports
and Exercise Medicine

Directors
Mr Yusuf Giansiracusa, Chairman
H.R.H. Princess Reem bint Abdullah bin
Mosa’ad, Director
Mr Abdullah bin Yousef Alghamdi, Director

Dr Subhashis Basu
MBChB, PhD, Dip SEM
Dr Roshan Gunasekera
MBChB, BMedSci (Hons), MRCP, MSc (SEM),

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Shirts: Red and White
Stripes with Black Trim
Shorts: Black with Red
and White Trim
Socks: Black with Red
and White Trim

Shirts: Yellow with Red
and Black Trim
Shorts: Yellow withBlack and Red Trim
Socks: Yellow withBlack and Red Trim

Shirts: Grey Stripes
with Red Trim
Shorts: Grey with Red Trim
Socks: Grey with Red andBlack Trim

Shirts: White with Light Grey
Stripe and Black Trim
Shorts: White with Black Trim
Socks: White with Black Trim

Club Directory: Sheffield United

Bramall Lane
Sheffield
S2 4SU
Correspondence Address: Football Administration,
Sheffield United Academy, Firshill Crescent, Sheffield, S4 7DJ.

MFSEM PgCert (Lead), PgCert (MedEd), FHEA

Width: 68 metres

Official Company Name and Number
Sheffield United Football Club Limited
No. 61564

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Black with Red Trim
Shorts: Black with Red Trim
Socks: Black with Red andWhite Trim
36

Stadium Director
Jon Babbs
020 8365 5039

Lilywhite House
782 High Road
Tottenham
London N17 0BX

Senior Safety Officer
Eileen Williams MBE
020 3946 4016

37

Kit Manufacturer
Nike
Ground Capacity at start of the Season
62,850

Head of Supporter Engagement
Levi Harris

Main Switchboard: 0344 499 5000
Ticket Office: 0344 844 0102
supporterservices@tottenhamhotspur.com
www.tottenhamhotspur.com

Disability Access Officer
Simon Blewett

ChairmanDaniel Levy

Academy Director
Simon Davies

Director of Football Administration
and GovernanceRebecca Caplehorn

Head of FinancePaul English
020 8365 5029

Football Secretary
Jennifer Urquhart
020 3544 8667

Senior Brand Marketing Manager
Samantha Valentine
0208 365 5083

Head Coach
Ange Postecoglou

Head of Ticketing
Ian Murphy
0344 844 0102

Senior Assistant Coach
Chris Davies

Shirt Sponsor
AIA

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Shirts: White
Shorts: White
Socks: White

Shirts: Marine Purple
Shorts: Marine Purple
Socks: Marine Purple

Alternative kit 2

Head of Medical and Sports Science
Geoff ScottMSc, MBA, MCSPFirst Team Doctor
Dr Tamim Khanbhai
MBBS BSc (Hons), MRCGP MSc (SEM),
PgDip (MSK USS), FFSEMFirst Team Physiotherapist
Stuart Campbell

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 105 metres

Width: 68 metres

Directors
Daniel Levy
Matthew Collecott
Donna-Maria Cullen
Todd Kline
Jonathan TurnerClub Directory: Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Official Company Name and Number
Tottenham Hotspur Football& Athletic Co Ltd
No. 00057186

Head of Playing Surfaces and Estates
Darren Baldwin
City & Guilds in Groundsmanship& Sports Turf Management
Head of Publications
Jon Rayner
020 3544 8538

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Blue Chill
Shorts: Blue Chill
Socks: Blue Chill

38

West Ham United

Head of Communications
Ian Taylor07825 541208

Chief Financial Officer
Andy Mollett
020 8548 2768

Vice Chairman
Baroness Brady CBEHead of Matchday Operations
Ben Illingworth
Club Secretary
Andrew Pincher
ManagerDavid Moyes
Academy Manager
Kenny Brown

Home kit

39

Performance Director
Richard Collinge
MCSP, SRP, MSc Sports Physiotherapy,
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

Chief Commercial Officer
Nathan Thompson

Head of Supporter Services
Jake Heath
020 8114 2324

Executive Director (CCO, CMO and CDAO)Tara Warren
020 8586 8234

Disability Access Officer
Julie Pidgeon
0333 030 0174

Director of Ticketing
Nicola Keye
07982 677163

Head Groundsman
Dougie Robertson
HNC in Sports Turf Science

Director of Health, Safety andCompliance (London Stadium)Peter Swordy
07377 361925

Programme Editor
Rob Pritchard
07595 821867

Alternative kit 1

Shirts: Claret with Sky Sleeves Shirts: White
Shorts: Claret
Shorts: White
Socks: Claret and Sky Hoops Socks: White

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
62,500Dr Daniel Broman
MBChB, MSc, MRCP(UK), DipSEM, PGCME,PGCert(US), FHEA, FFSEM(UK)

Main Switchboard: 020 8548 2748
Ticket Office: 0333 030 1966
supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk
www.whufc.com
ChairmanDavid Sullivan

Kit Manufacturer
Umbro

Medical Officers
Dr Richard Weiler
MBChB, FFSEM (UK), MRCGP,
MSc SEM, PGCME, FHEA

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 105 metres

Width: 68 metres

Directors
David Sullivan
Baroness Brady CBEAndy Mollett
Tara Warren
J. Albert Smith
David Sullivan Jr.
Daniel Cunningham
Jack Sullivan
Peter Mitka
Pavel Horsky

Club Directory: West Ham United

London Stadium
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
LondonE20 2ST

Shirt Sponsor
BetwayOfficial Company Name and NumberWest Ham United Football Club Limited
No. 66516

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Navy
Shorts: Blue
Socks: Blue

Shirts: Green
Shorts: Green
Socks: Green

Shirts: Yellow
Shorts: Yellow
Socks: Yellow

Shirts: Pink
Shorts: Pink
Socks: Pink

40

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Shirt Sponsor
AstroPay

Facilities, Safety and Security Director
Steve Sutton
01902 687067

Kit Manufacturer
CastoreHead of Foundation
Will Clowes
01902 687033

Main Switchboard: 0371 222 2220
Ticket Office No: 0371 222 1877
info@wolves.co.uk
www.wolves.co.uk

Pitch Dimensions
Length: 105 metres

Disability Access Officer
Laura WrightSporting Director
Matt Hobbs
Head of Football Administration
Matt Wild
Head CoachJulen Lopetegui
Head of Finance
Adam Beevers

41

Width: 68 metres

Directors
Jeff ShiJohn BowaterJohn GoughHead of High Performance
Phil Hayward
Executive Chairman
Jeff Shi

Ground Capacity at start of the Season
31,750General Manager Commercial Operations
Vinny Clark

First Team Doctor
Kai Win
MRCP, FFSEM, MFSEM, Dip. SEM

Head of Ticketing
James Davies
01902 687078

Head Groundsman
Wayne Lumbard

Official Company Name and Number
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club(1986) Ltd
No. 01989823

Club Directory: Wolverhampton Wanderers

Molineux Stadium
Waterloo Road
Wolverhampton
West Midlands WV1 4QRFan Services Manager
Dave Wood

Communications Director
Max Fitzgerald
General Manager - Marketing
and Commercial Growth
Russell Jones

Home kit

Alternative kit 1

Alternative kit 2

Home Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Alt kit 1

Goalkeeper Alt kit 2

Shirts: Gold
Shorts: Black
Socks: Gold

Shirts: Savvy Red
Shorts: Savvy Red
Socks: Savvy Red

Shirts: Sea Jet
Shorts: Sea Jet
Socks: Sea Jet

Shirts: Beetroot Purple
Shorts: Beetroot Purple
Socks: Beetroot Purple

Shirts: Acid Lime
Shorts: Acid Lime
Socks: Acid Lime

Shirts: Blazing Yellow
Shorts: Blazing Yellow
Socks: Blazing Yellow

42

FixturesPremier League

Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

Fixture List Season 2023/24

Monday 21 August 2023

You are welcome to contact our Public Information Line (020 7864 9000) for up to date fixtures.

Crystal Palacev

Arsenal

20:00

Sky Sportsv

Luton Town

20:00

Sky Sports

AFC Bournemouthv

Tottenham Hotspur

12:30

TNT Sports

Arsenalv

FulhamBrentfordv

Crystal Palace

Sky Sports

Kick off times for weekend and Bank Holidays - 15:00 unless stated otherwise.
Friday 25 August 2023

Kick off times for midweek matches - 19:45 unless stated otherwise.

Chelsea
Saturday 26 August 2023

Friday 11 August 2023
Burnley

Fixtures

Please be aware that fixtures are always subject to change and these will appear in the nationalpress and on premierleague.com.

v

Manchester City

20:00

Sky Sports

Saturday 12 August 2023
Arsenalv

Nottingham Forest

Evertonv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

AFC Bournemouthv

West Ham United

Manchester Unitedv

Nottingham Forest

Brighton & Hove Albionv

Luton Town

Brighton & Hove Albionv

West Ham United

17:30

Evertonv

FulhamSheffield Unitedv

Crystal Palace

Newcastle Unitedv

Aston Villa

Burnleyv

Aston Villa

14:00

Sheffield Unitedv

Manchester City

14:00

Sky Sports

Newcastle Unitedv

Liverpool

16:30

Sky Sportsv

West Ham United

20:00

Sky Sports

Sheffield Unitedv

Everton

12:30

TNT Sports

Brentfordv

AFC Bournemouth

Burnleyv

Tottenham Hotspur

Chelseav

Nottingham Forest

Manchester Cityv

FulhamBrighton & Hove Albionv

Newcastle United

17:30

Sky Sports

Sky Sports

12:30

TNT Sports

Sunday 27 August 2023
17:30

Sky Sports

Sunday 13 August 2023
Brentfordv

Tottenham Hotspur

14:00

Sky Sports

Chelseav

Liverpool

16:30

Sky Sports

Friday 1 September 2023
Luton Town

Monday 14 August 2023
Manchester Unitedv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

20:00

Sky Sports

Friday 18 August 2023
Nottingham Forestv

Sheffield United

19:45

Saturday 19 August 2023
Fulhamv

Brentford

Saturday 2 September 2023

Liverpoolv

AFC Bournemouth

Wolverhampton Wanderersv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Tottenham Hotspurv

Manchester United

17:30

Sky Sports

Crystal Palacev

Wolverhampton Wanderers

14:00

Manchester Cityv

Newcastle United

20:00

TNT Sports

Liverpoolv

Aston Villa

14:00

Luton Townv

Burnley

TBC

Postponed

Arsenalv

Manchester United

16:30

Aston Villav

Everton

14:00

Sky Sports

West Ham Unitedv

Chelsea

16:30

Sky Sports

Sunday 3 September 2023

Sky Sports

Sunday 20 August 2023

45

46

Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

Saturday 16 September 2023v

Liverpool

Aston Villav

Crystal Palace

Fulhamv

Luton Town

Manchester Unitedv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Tottenham Hotspurv

Sheffield UnitedWest Ham Unitedv

Manchester City

Evertonv

Arsenal

12:30

TNT Sports

Wolverhampton WanderersvManchester City

Tottenham Hotspurv

Liverpool

17:30

Sky Sportsv

Brentford

14:00

Sky Sportsv

Chelsea

20:00

Sky Sports

Sunday 1 October 2023
Nottingham Forest

Fixtures

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Monday 2 October 2023
Fulham
17:30

Sky Sports
Saturday 7 October 2023

Sunday 17 September 2023

Arsenalv

Manchester City

AFC Bournemouthv

Chelsea

14:00

Sky Sports

Brighton & Hove Albionv

Liverpool

Newcastle Unitedv

Brentford

16:30

Sky Sports

Burnleyv

Chelsea

Crystal Palacev

Nottingham Forest

Evertonv

AFC Bournemouth

Fulhamv

Sheffield United

Luton Townv

Tottenham Hotspur

Monday 18 September 2023
Nottingham Forestv

Burnley

19:45

Saturday 23 September 2023
Chelseav

Aston Villa

Manchester Unitedv

Brentford

Crystal Palacev

FulhamWest Ham Unitedv

Newcastle United

Luton Townv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolverhampton Wanderersv

Aston Villa

Manchester Cityv

Nottingham Forest

Brentfordv

Everton

17:30

Sky Sports

Burnleyv

Manchester United

20:00

TNT Sports

AFC Bournemouthv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Aston Villav

West Ham United

Brentfordv

Burnley

Chelseav

ArsenalLiverpoolv

EvertonManchester Cityv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Newcastle Unitedv

Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forestv

Luton Town

Sheffield Unitedv

Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspurv

FulhamSunday 24 September 2023
Arsenalv

Tottenham Hotspur

14:00

Brighton & Hove Albionv

AFC Bournemouth

14:00

Liverpoolv

West Ham United

Sheffield Unitedv

Newcastle United

16:30

Sky Sports

Sky Sports

Saturday 30 September 2023

47

Saturday 21 October 2023

Aston Villav

Brighton & Hove Albion

AFC Bournemouthv

ArsenalEvertonv

Luton Town

Saturday 28 October 2023

Manchester Unitedv

Crystal Palace

AFC Bournemouthv

Burnley

Newcastle Unitedv

Burnley

Arsenalv

Sheffield UnitedWest Ham Unitedv

Sheffield United

Aston Villav

Luton Town

12:30

TNT Sports48Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

v

FulhamFulhamv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Chelseav

Brentford

Luton Townv

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palacev

Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester Cityv

Liverpool

Liverpoolv

Nottingham Forest

Newcastle Unitedv

Chelsea

Manchester Unitedv

Manchester City

Nottingham Forestv

Brighton & Hove Albion

West Ham Unitedv

EvertonSheffield Unitedv

AFC Bournemouth

Wolverhampton Wanderersv

Newcastle United

Tottenham Hotspurv

Aston Villa

Brentfordv

West Ham United

AFC Bournemouthv

Aston Villa

Burnleyv

Crystal Palace

Arsenalv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Evertonv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brentfordv

Luton Town

Fulhamv

Manchester United

Burnleyv

Sheffield United

Luton Townv

Liverpool

Chelseav

Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester Cityv

AFC Bournemouth

Liverpoolv

FulhamNewcastle Unitedv

ArsenalManchester Cityv

Tottenham Hotspur

Nottingham Forestv

Aston Villa

Newcastle Unitedv

Manchester United

Sheffield Unitedv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Nottingham Forestv

EvertonTottenham Hotspurv

ChelseaWest Ham Unitedv

Crystal Palace

Fixtures

Brighton & Hove Albion

Saturday 2 December 2023

Saturday 4 November 2023

Tuesday 5 December 2023

Saturday 11 November 2023
AFC Bournemouthv

Newcastle United

Aston Villav

Manchester City

Arsenalv

Burnley

Brighton & Hove Albionv

Brentford

Aston Villav

FulhamEvertonv

Newcastle United

Brighton & Hove Albionv

Sheffield United

Fulhamv

Nottingham Forest

Chelseav

Manchester City

Luton Townv

ArsenalCrystal Palacev

EvertonSheffield Unitedv

Liverpool

Liverpoolv

Brentford

Tottenham Hotspurv

West Ham United

Manchester Unitedv

Luton Town

Wolverhampton WanderersvBurnleyWest Ham Unitedv

Nottingham Forest

Crystal Palacev

AFC Bournemouth

20:00

Wolverhampton Wanderersv

Tottenham Hotspurv

Chelsea

20:00

Wednesday 6 December 2023
Saturday 25 November 2023

49

Manchester United

Brentfordv

ArsenalBurnleyv

West Ham United

Evertonv

Manchester United
50Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

Saturday 9 December 2023

Tuesday 26 December 2023
ArsenalAFC Bournemouthv

FulhamBrighton & Hove Albionv

Burnley

Arsenalv

West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers

Crystal Palacev

Liverpool

Brentfordv

Evertonv

Chelsea

Brighton & Hove Albionv

Tottenham Hotspur

Fulhamv

West Ham United

Burnleyv

Liverpool

Luton Townv

Manchester City

Chelseav

Crystal Palace

Manchester Unitedv

AFC Bournemouth

Evertonv

Manchester City

Sheffield Unitedv

Brentford

Manchester Unitedv

Aston Villa

Tottenham Hotspurv

Newcastle United

Newcastle Unitedv

Nottingham Forest

Wolverhampton Wanderersv

Nottingham Forest

Sheffield Unitedv

Luton Town

Saturday 30 December 2023

Saturday 16 December 2023
AFC Bournemouthv

Luton Town

Aston Villav

Burnley

Arsenalv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Crystal Palacev

Brentford

Brentfordv

Aston Villa

Fulhamv

ArsenalBurnleyv

EvertonLiverpoolv

Newcastle United

Chelseav

Sheffield United

Luton Townv

Chelsea

Liverpoolv

Manchester United

Manchester Cityv

Sheffield United

Manchester Cityv

Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forestv

Manchester United

Newcastle Unitedv

FulhamTottenham Hotspurv

AFC Bournemouth

Nottingham Forestv

Tottenham Hotspur

West Ham Unitedv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolverhampton WanderersvEvertonWest Ham Unitedv

Saturday 13 January 2024

Saturday 23 December 2023
Aston Villav

Sheffield United(Fixtures to be split across the weekends of 13 and 20 January 2024)

Crystal Palacev

Brighton & Hove Albion

AFC Bournemouthv

Liverpool

Fulhamv

Burnley

Arsenalv

Crystal Palace

Liverpoolv

ArsenalBrentfordv

Nottingham Forest

Luton Townv

Newcastle United

Brighton & Hove Albionv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Nottingham Forestv

AFC Bournemouth

Burnleyv

Luton Town

Tottenham Hotspurv

EvertonChelseav

FulhamWest Ham Unitedv

Manchester United

Evertonv

Aston Villa

Wolverhampton Wanderersv

Chelsea

Manchester Unitedv

Tottenham Hotspur

Newcastle Unitedv

Manchester City

Sheffield Unitedv

West Ham United

Manchester City

51

Fixtures

Aston Villavv

Brentford

TBC

Postponed

52

Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

Tuesday 30 January 2024

Saturday 17 February 2024v

Newcastle United

Brentfordv

Liverpool

Fulhamv

EvertonBurnleyv

ArsenalLuton Townv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Evertonv

Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forestv

ArsenalFulhamv

Aston Villa

Tottenham Hotspurv

Brentford

Luton Townv

Manchester UnitedWest Ham Unitedv

AFC Bournemouth

Manchester Cityv

Chelsea

Wolverhampton WanderersvManchester United

Newcastle Unitedv

AFC Bournemouth

Crystal Palacev

Sheffield United

Nottingham Forestv

West Ham United

Sheffield Unitedv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Tottenham Hotspurv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

AFC Bournemouthv

Manchester City

Arsenalv

Newcastle United

Aston Villav

Nottingham Forest

Brighton & Hove Albionv

EvertonChelseav

Tottenham Hotspur

Crystal Palacev

Burnley

Liverpoolv

Luton Town

Manchester Unitedv

FulhamWest Ham Unitedv

Brentford

Wolverhampton Wanderersv

Sheffield United

Brentfordv

Chelsea

Burnleyv

AFC Bournemouth

Evertonv

West Ham United

Fulhamv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Luton Townv

Aston Villa

Manchester Cityv

Manchester United

Newcastle Unitedv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Nottingham Forestv

Liverpool

Sheffield Unitedv

ArsenalTottenham Hotspurv

Crystal Palace

20:00

Wednesday 31 January 2024
Liverpoolv

Chelsea

20:00

Manchester Cityv

Burnley

20:00

Saturday 3 February 2024
AFC Bournemouthv

Nottingham Forest

Arsenalv

Liverpool

Brentfordv

Manchester City

Brighton & Hove Albionv

Crystal Palace

Burnleyv

FulhamChelseav

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Evertonv

Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester Unitedv

West Ham United

Newcastle Unitedv

Luton Town

Sheffield Unitedv

Aston Villa

Saturday 10 February 2024

53

Aston Villav

Manchester United

Crystal Palacev

Chelsea

Fulhamv

AFC Bournemouth

Liverpoolv

Burnley

Luton Townv

Sheffield United

Manchester Cityv

EvertonNottingham Forestv

Newcastle United

Tottenham Hotspurv

Brighton & Hove Albion

West Ham Unitedv

Arsenal

Wolverhampton WanderersvBrentford

Fixtures

Aston Villa

Saturday 24 February 2024

Saturday 2 March 2024

54

Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

Saturday 9 March 2024

Tuesday 2 April 2024v

Sheffield United

AFC Bournemouthv

Crystal Palace

Arsenalv

Brentford

Arsenalv

Luton Town
Brighton & Hove Albion

Aston Villav

Tottenham Hotspur

Brentfordv

Brighton & Hove Albionv

Nottingham Forest

Burnleyv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Chelseav

Newcastle United

Nottingham Forestv

FulhamCrystal Palacev

Luton Town

West Ham Unitedv

Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpoolv

Manchester City

Manchester Unitedv

EvertonWest Ham Unitedv

Burnley

Chelseav

Manchester United

Wolverhampton Wanderersv

FulhamNewcastle Unitedv

EvertonLiverpoolv

Sheffield United

20:00

Manchester Cityv

Aston Villa

20:00

Aston Villav

Brentford

Brighton & Hove Albionv

ArsenalCrystal Palacev

Manchester City

Evertonv

Burnley

Fulhamv

Newcastle United

Luton Townv

AFC Bournemouth

Manchester Unitedv

Liverpool

Sheffield Unitedv

Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspurv

Nottingham Forest

Wolverhampton WanderersvWest Ham United

AFC Bournemouthv

Manchester United

Arsenalv

Aston Villa

Brentfordv

Sheffield United

Burnleyv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Chelseav

EvertonLiverpoolv

Crystal Palace

Manchester Cityv

Luton Town

Newcastle Unitedv

Tottenham Hotspur

Nottingham Forestv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

West Ham Unitedv

FulhamSaturday 16 March 2024
Arsenalv

Chelsea

Brighton & Hove Albionv

Manchester City

Burnleyv

Brentford

Crystal Palacev

Newcastle United

Evertonv

Liverpool

Fulhamv

Tottenham Hotspur

Luton Town

v

Nottingham Forest

Manchester Unitedv

Sheffield UnitedWest Ham Unitedv

Aston Villa

Wolverhampton Wanderersv

AFC Bournemouth

Saturday 30 March 2024

55

Fixtures

AFC Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouthv

EvertonAston Villav

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Brentfordv

Manchester United

Chelseav

Burnley

Liverpoolv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester Cityv

ArsenalNewcastle Unitedv

West Ham United

Nottingham Forestv

Crystal Palace

Sheffield Unitedv

FulhamTottenham Hotspurv

Luton Town

Wednesday 3 April 2024

Saturday 6 April 2024

Saturday 13 April 2024

56

Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

Premier League
Fixture List Season 2023/24

Saturday 20 April 2024

Saturday 11 May 2024v

AFC Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouthv

Brentford

Brighton & Hove Albionv

Chelsea

Aston Villav

Liverpool
Sheffield United

Crystal Palacev

West Ham United

Evertonv

Evertonv

Nottingham Forest

Fulhamv

Manchester City
ArsenalFulhamv

Liverpool

Manchester Unitedv

Luton Townv

Brentford

Newcastle Unitedv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester Unitedv

Newcastle United

Nottingham Forestv

Chelsea

Sheffield Unitedv

Burnley

Tottenham Hotspurv

Burnley

Tottenham Hotspurv

Manchester City

West Ham Unitedv

Luton Town

Wolverhampton WanderersvArsenal

Wolverhampton Wanderersv

Crystal Palace

Fixtures

Aston Villa

Sunday 19 May 2024

Saturday 27 April 2024
AFC Bournemouthv

Brighton & Hove Albion

Arsenalv

Everton

16:00

Aston Villav

Chelsea

Brentfordv

Newcastle United

16:00

Evertonv

Brentford

Brighton & Hove Albionv

Manchester United

16:00

Fulhamv

Crystal Palace

Burnleyv

Nottingham Forest

16:00

Manchester Unitedv

Burnley

Chelseav

AFC Bournemouth

16:00

Newcastle Unitedv

Sheffield United

Crystal Palacev

Aston Villa

16:00

Nottingham Forestv

Manchester City

Liverpoolv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

16:00

Tottenham Hotspurv

ArsenalLuton Townv

Fulham

16:00

West Ham Unitedv

Liverpool

Manchester Cityv

West Ham United

16:00

v

Luton Town

Sheffield Unitedv

Tottenham Hotspur

16:00

Arsenalv

AFC Bournemouth

Brentfordv

FulhamBrighton & Hove Albionv

Aston Villa

Burnleyv

Newcastle United

Chelseav

West Ham United

Crystal Palacev

Manchester United

Liverpoolv

Tottenham Hotspur

Luton Townv

EvertonManchester Cityv

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sheffield Unitedv

Nottingham Forest

Wolverhampton Wanderers
Saturday 4 May 2024

57

58

England’s International Fixture List 2023/24 (all dates subject to change)

UEFA Club Competition Dates 2023/24 (all dates subject to change)

UEFA Euro Qualifiers 2023/24
v

EnglandFriday 16 June 2023

Englandv

North Macedonia

Monday 19 June 2023

Ukrainev

England

Saturday 9 September

Englandv

Italy

Tuesday 17 October 2023

Englandv

Malta

Friday 17 November 2023

North Macedoniav

England

Monday 20 November 2023

International Friendly

English Representatives
UEFA Champions League – Manchester City, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Manchester United
Europa League – Liverpool, Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United
Europa Conference League – Aston Villa
UEFA Champions League
1st Qual. Round (1st Leg)		

Tues/Wed 11/12 July 2023

1st Qual. Round (2nd Leg)		

Tues/Wed 18/19 July 2023

Scotlandv

England

Tuesday 12 September 2023

2nd Qual. Round (1st Leg)		

Tues/Wed 25/26 July 2023

Englandv

Australia

Friday 13 October 2023

2nd Qual. Round (2nd Leg) 		

Tues/Wed 8/9 August 2023

3rd Qual. Round (1st Leg)		

Tues/Weds 8/9 August 2023

3rd Qual. Round (2nd Leg)		

Tues/Weds 15/16 August 2023

The Football Association Challenge Cup (all dates subject to change)

Play-Off (1st Leg)		

Tues/Wed 22/23 August 2023

Dates for Matches in Competition Proper - Season 2023/24

First Play-Off (2nd Leg)		

Tues/Wed 29/30 August 2023

Group Stage - Match 1		

Tues/Wed 19/20 September 2023

Group Stage - Match 2		

Tues/Wed 3/4 October 2023

Group Stage - Match 3		

Tues/Wed 24/25 October 2023

Group Stage - Match 4		

Tues/Wed 7/8 November 2023

Group Stage - Match 5		

Tues/Wed 28/29 November 2023

Group Stage - Match 6		

Tues/Wed 12/13 December 2023

Round of 16 (1st Leg)		

Tues/Wed 13/14 and 20/21 February 2024

Round of 16 (2nd Leg)		

Tues/Wed 5/6 and 12/13 March 2024

Quarter-finals (1st Leg)		

Tues/Wed 9/10 April 2024

Quarter-finals (2nd Leg)		

Tues/Wed 16/17 April 2024

Semi-finals (1st Leg)		

Tues/Wed 30 April/1 May 2024

Semi-finals (2nd Leg)		

Tues/Wed 7/8 May 2024

Final 		Saturday 1 June 2024

Round One		

Saturday* 4 November 2023

Round Two		

Saturday* 2 December 2023

Round Three		

Saturday* 6 January 2024

Round Four		

Saturday* 27 January 2024

Round Five		

Wednesday* 28 February 2024

Round Six		Saturday* 16 March 2024

Semi-finals		

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April 2024

Final		

Saturday 25 May 2024

* games played over a range of days

The English Football League Cup (all dates subject to change)

Fixtures

Malta

Season 2023/24

Round One		

Wednesday* 09 August 2023

Round Two		

Wednesday* 30 August 2023

Round Three		Wednesday* 27 September 2023

Round Four		

Wednesday* 1 November 2023

Round Five		

Wednesday* 20 December 2024

Semi-finals (1st Leg)		

Wednesday* 10 January 2024

Semi-finals (2nd Leg)		

Wednesday* 24 January 2024

Final		

Sunday 25 February 2024

* games played over a range of days

59

60

UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League
Thursday 13 July 2023

1st Qual. Round (2nd Leg)

Thursday 20 July 2023

2nd Qual. Round (1st Leg)

Thursday 27 July 2023

2nd Qual. Round (2nd Leg)

Thursday 10 July 2023

3rd Qual. Round (1st Leg)

Thursday 10 August 2023

3rd Qual. Round (2nd Leg)

Thursday 17 August 2023

Play-Off (1st Leg)

Thursday 24 August 2023

Play-Off (2nd Leg)

Thursday 31 August 2023

Group Stage – Match 1

Thursday 21 September 2023

Group Stage – Match 2

Thursday 5 October 2023

Group Stage – Match 3

Thursday 26 October 2023

Group Stage – Match 4

Thursday 9 November 2023

Group Stage – Match 5

Thursday 30 November 2023

Conference Stage – Match 6

Thursday 14 December 2023

Knockout Play-Off (1st Leg)

Thursday 15 February 2024

Knockout Play-Off (2nd Leg)

Thursday 22 February 2024

Round of 16 (1st Leg)

Thursday 7 March 2024

Round of 16 (2nd Leg)

Thursday 14 March 2024

Quarter-finals (1st Leg)

Thursday 11 April 2024

Quarter-finals (2nd Leg)

Thursday 18 April 2024

Semi-finals (1st Leg)

Thursday 2 May 2024

Semi-finals (2nd Leg)

Thursday 9 May 2024

Europa League – Final

Wednesday 22 May 2024

Europa Conference League – Final

Wednesday 29 May 2024

Fixtures

1st Qual. Round (1st Leg)

UEFA Super Cup
Manchester City FC v Sevilla FC

61

Wednesday 16 August 2023

62

Premier
LeagueRules

Rules of the Premier League
Contents

Contents

Premier League Rules
Sporting Sanction

130

Definitions and Interpretation

79

General131

Definitions

79

Profitability and Sustainability

131Interpretation

106

Associated Party Transactions

133

The League: Governance, Operations and Finance

107

Threshold Transactions

133

Section B:

The League – Governance

107

Fair Market Value Assessment

134

Name and Membership

107

Compliance

136

Board Powers

108

Challenge

137

Procedure at General Meetings

108

League Databank

138

Relationship between Clubs and the League

108

Transitional Provisions

139

Football Association Representation

110

Disciplinary Issues

139

Owners’ Charter110

Disputes

140

The League Competition

111

Owners’ and Directors’ Test

141

The League Competition111

Disqualifying Events

141

Determination and Accreditation of Goals

111

Submission of Declaration

145

The League Championship

112

Change of Director’s Circumstances

146

Relegation

112

Disqualification of a Director

146

Determination of League Table Placings

112

Disciplinary Provisions

146

Interruption to and/or Curtailment of a Competition

113

Suspension of the Club

147

The League – Finance117

Appeal against Disqualification of a Director

147

Obligations of the League

117

Persons Prohibited by Law from entering the United Kingdom etc.

149

Obligations of Clubs

117

Acquisition of Control

149

Accounting Practice117

Independent Oversight Panel

150

Operating and Other Expenses

118

Publication

151

Transmission of League Matches

118

Disclosure of Ownership and Other Interests

153

Distribution of UK Broadcast Revenue

118

Disclosure of Ownership and Other Interests

153

Distribution of International Broadcast Revenue

119

Directors’ Reports

155

Distribution of Commercial Contract Revenue

120

Material Transactions

155

Distribution of Radio Contract Revenue

120

Record of Material Transactions

155

Relegated Clubs

120

Transfer Policy

155

Value Added Tax

120

Associations and Influence

157

Distribution Account121

Associations between Clubs

157

Assignments of Central Funds

121

Club Officials

157

Financial Consequences of the Curtailment of a Competition

121

Dual Interests

157

Clubs: Finance and Governance

123

Club Contracts

157

Section E:

Clubs – Finance123

Miscellaneous

159

Power to Inspect

123

Employment of Officials

159

Club Bank Accounts

123

Betting

159

Submission of Club Accounts

123

UEFA Club Licence Applicants

160

HMRC

126

Football Foundation

160

Power to Deduct

127

Events of Insolvency

128

Section A:

Section C:

Section D:

65

Section F:

Section G:
Section H:

Section I:

Section J:

Rules Index

Definitions and Interpretation

66

Contents

Contents

67

161

Outside Broadcast Compound

178

Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

161

Official Club Team Sheets

179

Safety Certificate

161

TV Broadcaster Refreshment Facilities

180

Ownership of Ground and Training Facilities

161

Media Working Area

181

Ground Sharing

161

Media Conference Room

181

Ground Registration

161

Press Seats

181

Seated Accommodation and Standing Terraces

162

Facilities for Photographers

182

Ground Regulations

162

Stadium Developments

182

Covered Stadia

162

Access to Stadia for TV Broadcasters’ Non-Match Day Set Up

182

Dressing Rooms

162

Content Sessions

183

Drug-testing Room

162

Mid-Season Media Access Session

184

Security

162

Training Ground and Stadium Filming

184

The Pitch

163

UK Content Sessions

185

Pitch Protection

164

International and Non-Live Content Sessions

188

Artificial Surfaces

164

Additional League Content Sessions

191

Goal Line Technology and Video Assistant Refereeing

164

Pre-Match Media Conference

192

Trainers’ Bench Facilities

165

Pre-Match Filming

193

Technical Areas

165

Match Day Filming

194

Sanitary Facilities

165

Interviews - General

194

Facilities for Disabled Supporters

165

Match Day Pre-Match Interviews

194

CCTV

166

Technical Area Filming

195

Giant Screens

166

Dressing Room Filming

196

Media Facilities – General

166

Half-time Interviews

196

Television Gantry

168

Post-Match Interviews, Mixed Zone and Post-Match Media Conference196

UK TV Commentary Positions

169

League Champions

201

International TV Commentary Positions

169

Promotional Photographs and Footage

202

Radio Commentary Positions

170

Pre-Season Media Access, Footage and Events203

TV Broadcasters’ Pitchside Presentation Positions

170

Floodlights

205

Tunnel Interview Positions

171

Fixtures

209

Camera Positions: Match Coverage

172

Arranging Fixtures

209

Camera Positions: Team and Supporter Arrivals

172

Arranging Other Matches

209

Television Studios

173

Other Competitions

210

TV Broadcasters: Observer Seats

174

Postponement of League Matches

210

Reporter, Floor Manager and Match Manager Positions

174

Failure to Play a League Match

212

Visiting Club Analyst Positions

175

Replaying a League Match212

Mixed Zone

175

Match Delegate

212

Access to Tunnel Interview Positions

176

Full Strength Teams212

Hardwiring

177

Minimum Age

212

Transmission of Pre-Match Media Conference

177

Team Sheet and Pre-Match Briefing

212

Power Supply

177

Substitute Players

213

Rapid Electric Vehicle Charging Points

178

Kick-Off213

Car Park Spaces

178

Countdown to Kick-Off

213

Section L:

Rules Index

Clubs: Operations
Section K:

68

Contents

Section N:

Section O:

Section P:

69

Use of Official Ball

214

Scouts233

Occupation of the Technical Area

214

Section Q:

Registration of Scouts

233

Duration of League Matches

214

Identification of Scouts

233

Gate Statements

214

Code of Conduct

233

Penalties214

Supporter Relations

235

Compensation for Postponed Matches

214

Supporter Liaison Officer

235

Provision of Hospitality for Officials

215

Policies

235

Players’ Identification and Strip

217

Disability Access Officer

235

Player Identification

217

Reporting235

Home and Alternative Strips

217

Ticketing235

Strip Advertising

220

Merchandise

238

Match Officials

221

Visiting Club Support Officials

239

Appointment of Match Officials

221

Fan Engagement Standard and Fan Advisory Boards

239

Rules Binding on Match Officials

221

Safeguarding and Mental Health241

Payments to Match Officials

221

Clubs’ Policies and Procedures

241

Pre-Match Procedures

221

Roles and Responsibilities

241

Compliance with Instructions

222

Safeguarding Awareness242

Post-Match Procedures

222

Staff

243

Medical223

Parental Consent

243

Doctors - General

223

Notification of Referrals to External Agencies and Football Authorities

244

Team Doctor and Medical Coordinator

223

Monitoring

244

Crowd Doctor

224

Safer Recruitment

245

Physiotherapists

224

Publicity

245

Medical and Safety Action Plan

225

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

246

Attendance of Medical Personnel and Provision of Medical Facilities

225

Promoted and Relegated Clubs

Concussive Injuries

226

Players – Contracts, Registrations and Transfers

247

Medical Records

226

Section T:

Players – Contracts

247

Medical Insurance

227

Approaches to Players

247

COVID-19 Emergency Protocols

227

Approaches by Players

247

Injury Audit

227

Public Statements

247

Managers

229

Inducements

247

Codes of Conduct

229

Form of Contract

248

Coaching Qualifications

229

Length of Contract

248

Players’ Remuneration

248

Section R:

Section S:

Rules Index

Section M:

Contents

246

Manager Contracts of Employment and other Agreements
and their Submission to the Board

229

Signing-on Fees

248

Contents of Contracts of Employment

230

Lump Sum Payments

249

Meetings Re Refereeing and Other Matters

230

Image Contracts

249

Broadcasters and Media

230

Signing the Contract

249

Disputes

230

Reporting Fines etc.

249

Assistant Manager/Head Coach230

Submission to Board

250

Senior Officials

231

Mutual Termination

250

70

Contents

Section V:

71

Appeal against Termination

250

The Judicial Panel

269

Appeal against Disciplinary Decision

250

Appointing a Commission

269

Disputes between Clubs and Players

250

Commission Procedures

270

Orders for Costs

251

Commission’s Powers

273

Appeal251

Interim Applications

274

Effect of Termination

251

Appeals276

Testimonial Matches

251

Appeal Board’s Powers

278

Players – Registrations

253

Admissibility of Evidence

278

Requirement for Registration

253

Legal Representation

278

Types of Registration

254

Publication

278

International Transfer Certificate

254

Ad Hoc Appointments

279

Eligibility to Work in the United Kingdom

254

Arbitration

281

Registration Procedure

254

Definitions

281

Multiplicity of Registrations

255

Agreement to Arbitrate

281

Monthly Registrations

255

Standing

282

Termination of Registrations

255

Commencement of the Arbitration

282

New Registrations Requiring Consent

256

Appointing the Arbitrators

282

List of Players

256

Appointing a Single Arbitrator

283

Clubs Ceasing to be Members

257

Replacing an Arbitrator

283

Prohibition of Third Party Investment

257

Communications

283

Assignment of Entitlement to Compensation Fee or Loan Fee

258

Directions

283

Players – Transfers of Registrations

259

The Tribunal’s General Powers

284

Transfer Windows

259

Duty of the Parties

284

Temporary Transfers

259

Default of the Parties

284

Contract Players

261

The Hearing

285

Retired Players

261

Remedies285

Out of Contract Players

262

Majority Decision

285

The Player’s Options

262

Provisional Awards

285

The Club’s Options

263

The Award

285

The Compensation Fee

263

Costs

286

Method of Payment

264

Challenging the Award

286

Transfer Levy

265

Representation

286

Solidarity – England and Wales

266

Waiver286

Transfer Windows

266

Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal

287

Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal

287

Premier League Appeals Committee

291

Section X:

Section Y:

Disciplinary and Dispute Resolution

267

Section W:

Disciplinary

267

Power of Inquiry

267

Jurisdiction

291

Board’s Disciplinary Powers

267

Composition of the Committee

291

Fixed Penalty Procedure

267

Committee Procedures

291

Summary Jurisdiction

267

Fees and Expenses

293

Agreed Sanctions

268

Committee’s Powers

293

Provision of Information

269

Section Z:

Rules Index

Section U:

Contents

72

Contents

Contents

Premier League Forms

Youth Development Rules

List of Authorised Signatories (Rule A.1.27)

297

Form 2:

Notification of Club Bank Account (Rule E.2)

298

Definitions

393

Form 3:

Appeal Under Rule E.34

299

General404

Form 3A:

Calculation of Aggregated Adjusted Earnings Before Tax (Rule E.48.3)

300

Applications to Operate Academies

405

Form 4A:

Owners’ and Directors’ Declaration For Individual Directors(Rules A.1.71, F.2, F.3 and F.4)

301

Form 4B:

Owners’ and Directors’ Declaration (Rules A.1.79, F.2, F.3 and F.4)

305

Form 5:

Dual Interest Notice (Rules G.1 and G.4)

310

Form 6:

Acquisition Leverage Compliance Certificate (Rule E.28.1.4)

311

Form 7:

Directors’ Report (Rules H.6, H.7, H.8 and H.9)

312

Form 8:

Registration of Pitch Dimensions (Rule K.17)

313

Form 9:Team Sheet (Rule L.23)

314

Form 10:

Registration of Strips (Rule M.17)

315

Form 11:

Scout Registration Form (Rule Q.2)

316

Form 12:

Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities (Rules S.3, S.4 and S.19)

317

Form 13:English Football League Contract

318

Form 14:

Premier League Contract

347

GeneralForm 15:

Amateur Registration Form (Rule U.15)

376

415

Form 16:

Offer of New Contract (Rule V.17.2)

377

Academy Management Team

416

Form 17:

Application for Free Transfer (Rule V.20)

378

Academy Manager

416

Form 18:

Contingent Sum Notification (Rule V.36.2)

379

Academy Operations Manager

418

Form 19:

Fixed Penalty Notice (Rule W.4)

380

Academy Secretary

418

Form 20:

Summary Jurisdiction Notice (Rule W.9)

381

Head of Academy Coaching

418

Form 21:

Complaint (Rule W.24)

382

Coaches

419

Form 22:

Answer (Rule W.29)

383

Goalkeeping Coaches

420

Form 23:

Appeal Against Fixed Penalty (Rule W.65)

384

Senior Professional Development Coach420

Form 24:

Appeal Against Commission Decision (Rule W.66)

385

Coaches: Qualifications and Professional Development

421

Form 25:

Request for Arbitration (Rules X.7 or Y.3)

386

Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine

422

Form 26:

Appointment of Arbitrator (Rules X.9 or Y.6)

387

Academy Nutritionist

423

Form 27:

Appointment of Single Arbitrator (Rule X.13.1)

388

Lead Sports Scientist

424

Form 28:

Notice of Preliminary Meeting (Rules X.18 or Y.13)

389

Lead Strength and Conditioning Coaches

424

Senior Academy Physiotherapist

425

Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists

426

Academy Doctor

426

Performance Analysts

427

Head of Education

427

Head of Recruitment

428

Interns

429

Player Care

429

Academy Psychologist

430

General393

Strategy, Leadership and Management of the Academy

409

Academy Performance Plan

409

Performance Management Application

409

Technical Board

410
411

Monitoring

411

Productivity Profile

411

Performance Management, Player Development and Progression

412

Performance Clock/Development Journey

412

Individual Learning Plans and Multi-disciplinary Reviews

412

Staff

415

Coaching

73

409

Strategic Documents

Effective Measurement

Rules Index

Form 1:

431
Coaching Curriculum

431

Coaching Hours

431

Development Centres

433
74

Contents

Contents

435

Junior Training Centres

435

Senior Training Centres

436Games Programme

PLYD Form 1:

Scholarship Agreement489

PLYD Form 2:

Notification of Trialists’ Particulars (Youth Development Rule 252.2)

504

PLYD Form 2A:

Notification of Trialists’ Particulars (Youth Development Rule 252.2)

506

PLYD Form 3:

Notice of Ending of Trial Period (Youth Development Rule 261)

508

PLYD Form 4:

Pre-Registration Agreement (Youth Development Rule 265)

509

Academy Player Registration Application (Youth Development Rule 274)

512

General437

Foundation Phase Games Programme

437

Youth Development Phase Games Programme

440

Professional Development Phase Games Programme

443

PLYD Form 5:

Premier League 2 and Professional Development League

444

PLYD Form 5A:

Full Time Training Model (Youth Development Rule 204)

516

Games Programme: Postponement etc. of Matches

445

PLYD Form 5B:

Hybrid Training Model (Youth Development Rule 204)

518

PLYD Form 5C:

Change In Circumstances (Youth Development Rule 206)520

PLYD Form 6:

Academy Ethnicity Monitoring Questionnaire (Youth Development Rule 275) 522

PLYD Form 7:

List of Academy Players (Youth Development Rule 283)

523

PLYD Form 8:

Retention/Termination Notification for Academy Players Entering into
Age Groups Under 10, Under 11 and Under 12(Youth Development Rule 282.1)

524

PLYD Form 9:

Retention/Termination Notification for Academy Players Entering into
Age Groups Under 13 and Under 15(Youth Development Rule 284.2)

525

PLYD Form 10:

Academy Player’s Registration: Mutual Cancellation Notification(Youth Development Rule 288.2)

526

Duty of Care

446
Education

446

Reports on Educational Progression

447

Delivery of the Education Programme

447

Personal Development and Life Skills Plans

452

Inductions and Transitions

452

Academy Player and Parent Voice453

Safeguarding and Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

453

Health and Safety453

Inclusion, Diversity and Equality

454

Injury and Medical

454

Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support

457

PLYD Form 11:

Scholarship Offer (Youth Development Rule 299)

527

Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme

457

PLYD Form 12:

Response to Scholarship Offer (Youth Development Rule 300)

528

Performance Analysis

457

Talent Identification and Recruitment459

Scouts: Qualifications

459

Scouts: Attendance at Matches

459

Registrations and Provision of Information by the League

459

Time/Distance Rules

460

Trials461

Pre-Registration Agreements

463

Registrations

464

End of Season Procedure

466

Termination of Registration

467

Scholarships

468

Approaches by and to Clubs and Inducements

470

Facilities

472
Facilities

472

Finance and Expenses

477

Finance477

Expenses477

Compensation

479
Compensation

75

437

Youth Development Forms

Rules Index

Pre-Academy Training Centres

479
76

Contents

Contents

77

Appendix 1:

Profitability and Sustainability Rules - Standard Directions

533

Appendix 2:

Schedule of Offences (Rule F.1.8.3)

539

Appendix 3:

Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Policy (Rule J.4)

540

Appendix 4:

Camera Position (Rule K.62)

541

Appendix 5:

Head Injury Protocol

548

Appendix 6:

Medical Examinations and Information to be Conducted/Collected on
all Contract Players and Academy Players Registered on Scholarship
Agreements (Rule O.21)

565

Appendix 7:

Code of Conduct for Managers (Rule P.1)

567

Appendix 8:

Code of Conduct for Clubs (Rule P.2)

570

Appendix 9:Standard Clauses for Inclusion in Managers’ Contracts of Employment(Rule P.8.1)

571

Appendix 10:

Code of Conduct for Scouts (Rule Q.7)

572

Appendix 11:

Standard Clauses for Inclusion in replica Strip manufacturers’ contracts(Rule R.17)

573

Appendix 12:

Notice to Manufacturer Licensed to Manufacture and Distribute Club
Replica Strip (Rule R.18)

575

Appendix 13:

Regulations of the Professional Football Compensation Committee

576

Appendix 14:

Code of Conduct for Clubs, Academy Players Registered on PLYD Form
5 and their Parent(s) (the ‘Code’) (Youth Development Rule 214)

581

Appendix 15:

Terms of Reference for the Judicial Panel584

Appendix 16:

COVID-19 Emergency Protocol (Rule O.24)

589

Appendix 17:

Competition Interruption - Squad Management Protocol

591

Appendix 18:

Fair Market Value Assessment Protocol - Commercial Rights
Agreements

597

Appendix 19:

Fair Market Value Assessment Protocol - Player Registrations

602

Appendix 20:

Fair Market Value Assessment Protocol - Agreements for the Supply ofGoods or Services

606

Appendix 21:

Independent Oversight Panel Terms of Reference

611

Appendix 22:

Acquisition Materials

617

Appendix 23:

Fan Engagement Standard

620

Rules Index

Appendices to the Rules

78

Definitions and Interpretation
Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation(f) by way of notes to the Annual Accounts; or

A.1.

In these Rules:

A.1.1.

“Accounting Reference Period” means the period in respect of which Annual
Accounts are prepared;

A.1.2.

“Activity” means any activity or series of activities, organised or arranged by or in
the name of a Club, for Children and/or Adults at Risk (and/or to be attended by suchindividual(s));

A.1.3.

“the Act” means the Companies Act 2006 (save for in Section X of these Rules, whereit shall have the meaning set out in Rule X.1.1);

A.1.4.

“the 1986 Act” has the meaning set out in Rule E.23.1;

A.1.5.

“Acquisition Debt” means, the aggregate amount of all obligations incurred by the
Proposed Acquiror (to the extent they are or will be secured over the assets of thetarget Club) and incurred by the target Club in connection with or following theacquisition of Control of the target Club for or in respect of Borrowings but, in thecase of Finance Leases only their capitalised value;

A.1.6.

“Acquisition Equity” means the aggregate amounts of non-Acquisition Debt funds
provided by the Proposed Acquiror in connection with or following the acquisition ofControl of the target Club;

A.1.7.

“Acquisition Leverage Compliance Certificate” means Form 6 (Acquisition
Leverage Compliance Certificate);

A.1.8.

“Acquisition Leverage Test” means that as at any Acquisition Test Date the ratio of
Acquisition Debt to Acquisition Equity does not exceed 65%;

A.1.9.

“Acquisition Materials” means the documentation and information set out inAppendix 22 to these Rules;

A.1.10.

“Acquisition Test Date” means such date as determined by the Board but whichshall be prior to the Proposed Acquiror acquiring Control of the Club (the ‘firstacquisition test’), and the date that is six months (the ‘second acquisition test’) and12 months (the ‘final acquisition test’) (or any other date prior to the final acquisition
test that the Board may consider appropriate when considering the information
provided to it or becoming known to it in connection with the acquisition) following
the date of the first test;

A.1.11.

A.1.12.

“Adult at Risk” means an adult who has needs for care and support (whether or not
the local authority is meeting any of those needs) and is experiencing, or is at risk of,abuse or neglect and as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect
themselves from either the risk of or the experience of abuse or neglect. This may
include (but is not limited to) people with learning disabilities, sensory impairments,
mental health needs, elderly people and people with a physical disability or
impairment. It may also include people who are affected by the circumstances thatthey are living in, for example, experiencing domestic violence;

A.1.13.

“Amateur Player” means any player (other than an Academy Player) who isregistered to play or intends to be registered to play for a Club and who is registeredwith The Football Association as an amateur in accordance with the FIFA Regulations
on the Status and Transfer of Players;

A.1.14.

“Annual Accounts” means:(a)	the accounts which each Club’s directors are required to prepare pursuant tosection 394 of the Act; or(b)	if the Club considers it appropriate or the Board so requests, the Group Accountsof the Group of which the Club is a member and which it is required to prepare
pursuant to section 399 of the Act, or which it is required to deliver to theRegistrar of Companies pursuant to section 400(2)(e) or section 401(2)(f) of theAct,provided that in either case the accounts are prepared to an accounting reference
date (as defined in section 391 of the Act) which falls between 31 May and 31 July
inclusive. If the accounting reference date falls at any other time, separate accounts
for the Club or the Group (as appropriate) must be prepared for a period of 12 months
ending on a date between 31 May and 31 July inclusive, and in such a case “Annual
Accounts” means those accounts.
Annual Accounts must be prepared and audited in accordance with all legal andregulatory requirements applicable to accounts prepared pursuant to section 394 of
the Act;

A.1.15.

“Appeal Board” means the body having appellate jurisdiction under these Rules
appointed by the Chair of the Judicial Panel under the provisions of Rule W.63;

A.1.16.

“Appeals Panel” means the panel of individuals of that name appointed inaccordance with the terms of reference of the Judicial Panel, set out at Appendix 15
to these Rules;

A.1.17.

“Approved Competition” means any of the following:“Adjusted Earnings Before Tax” means Earnings Before Tax adjusted to exclude
costs (or estimated costs as the case may be) in respect of the following:(a)	depreciation and/or impairment of tangible fixed assets, amortisation or
impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets (but excluding amortisationof the costs of Players’ registrations);(b) Women’s Football Expenditure;(c) Youth Development Expenditure;(d) Community Development Expenditure; and(e) in respect of Seasons 2019/20, 2020/21, and 2021/22 only, COVID-19 Costs.

79(g)	by way of supplementary information which reconciles to the Annual Accounts
and which has been subject to independent audit;

Each of Youth Development Expenditure, Women’s Football Expenditure andCommunity Development Expenditure and COVID-19 Costs shall only be excluded
from the calculation of Adjusted Earnings Before Tax if separately disclosed:

Rules: Section A

Definitions(a) the UEFA Champions League;(b) the UEFA Europa League;(c) the UEFA Europa Conference League;(d) the UEFA Super Cup;(e) the FIFA World Club Cup;(f) the F.A. Cup;

80

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation(a)

has Control or joint control over the Club;(h) the Football League Cup; and(b)holds a Holding in excess of 5% of Shares;(i)	any other competition, match or series of matches that the Board deems, at its
discretion, to be an Approved Competition;(c)	holds a loan interest or other debt or security interest of any kind in theClub or an entity in the same group of companies as the Club, with the
exception of any such interest held: (i) as part of regulated banking
services provided by a Financial Institution; (ii) in the form of bonds, notesor other securities held by professional investors; or (iii) pursuant to adebenture providing the holder with access to tickets to events at theClub’s Stadium;A.1.18.

“Approved Match(es)” means any match or short series of matches played solely
during the Close Season or any match meeting the requirements of Rule L.8;

A.1.19.

A Transaction is conducted at “Arm’s Length” if the terms and conditions of theTransaction do not differ from the terms and conditions that would have applied
between independent Persons in comparable Transactions carried out undercomparable circumstances taking into consideration, without limitation, anyevidence provided by the Club that:(d)	has Material Influence over the Club or an entity in the same group ofcompanies as the Club; or(e)	is a Director or member of the key management personnel of the Club orof a Parent Undertaking of the Club.

(a)	there are one or more appropriate comparators for the proposed Transaction
and/or that there were one or more competing and/or bidding contractual
counterparties whose bids evidence a competitively determined price and/or
terms for the relevant Transaction; or2.

(c)	the Person (or a Director or member of the key management personnel ofthe Person) has Material Influence over the Club (or vice versa);(d)	the Person is an associate or joint venture of the Club (or an associate or
joint venture of a member of a group of companies of which the Club is amember) (or vice versa);

References to ‘the same group of companies as a Club’ in the Rules means all of theClub’s Associated Undertakings, Fellow Subsidiary Undertakings, Group Undertakings,
Parent Undertakings or Subsidiary Undertakings;

A.1.21.

“Artificial Surface” means any playing surface which is not or not intended to be
predominantly natural grass;

A.1.22.

“Associate” means, in relation to an individual, any other individual who is:(e)	both the Person and Club are joint ventures in which the same third party
is a shareholder;(f)	the Person is a joint venture in which a third party is a shareholder and theClub is an associate of the third party (or vice versa);(g)	the Person is controlled or jointly controlled by a Person identified inparagraph 1;(h)	an individual identified in paragraph 1(a) has Material Influence over the
Person or is a member of the key management personnel of the Person (orof a parent of the Person); or(a) the spouse or civil partner of that individual;(i)	the Person, or any member of a group of which it is a part, provides key
management personnel services to the Club;(b) a relative of that individual or of their spouse or civil partner; or(c)	the spouse or civil partner of a relative of that individual or of their spouse or civil
partner;
A.1.23.

An “Associated Party” is a Person that is associated with the Club. In considering
each possible Associated Party relationship, the League will direct its attention to
the substance of the relationship and not merely the legal form.
1.	A Person is associated with a Club if that Person or, where that Person is anindividual, a close member of that individual’s family (i.e. those family members
who may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that individual in his
dealings with the entity, including that individual’s parents, children, siblings andspouse or domestic partner, children of that individual’s spouse or domestic
partner, and dependents of that individual or that individual’s spouse ordomestic partner):

the Person and the Club are members of the same group of companies;(b)	
the Person and the Club are directly or indirectly controlled, jointly
controlled, or Materially Influenced by the same government, public orstate-funded body or by the same party;(c)	there is an appropriate commercial rationale for the terms and conditions of theTransaction.

“Articles” means the Articles of Association of the League and reference to anumber following the word ‘Article’ is a reference to an article so numbered in the
Articles;A Person is also associated with a Club if any of the following conditions apply:(a)(b)	there is no risk of any possible relationship of Material Influence existing between
the Club, a Director of the Club and/or an entity in the same group of companies
as the Club and its contracting counterparty; or

A.1.20.

Rules: Section A(g) the F.A. Community Shield;

A.1.24.

“Associated Party Transaction” means, in respect of any Club, a Transaction thatis, whether directly or indirectly, between:(a) a Club and an Associated Party;(b) a Player registered to the Club and an Associated Party of that Club; or(c) a Manager or Senior Official of the Club and an Associated Party of that Club,
with the exception of any Transaction pursuant to which the Club, Player, Manager or
any Senior Official of the Club is exclusively a purchaser of goods or services (anddoes not receive any payment, fee or monetary equivalent) and the total value ofany consideration either paid or to be paid by the Club or individual (as applicable),when added to any consideration paid or to be paid by the Club or individual (asapplicable) in respect of other Transactions with the same party agreed in thepreceding three years, is less than £500,000 (and subject to Rules E.65 to E.67).
In considering whether a Transaction is an Associated Party Transaction, the League will
direct its attention to the substance of the Transaction and not merely the legal form;

81

82

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

A.1.33.

For the avoidance of doubt, where by entering into a new Transaction, the total value of the consideration
either paid or to be paid by the Club or individual in respect of all Transactions with the same party in thepreceding three years exceeds £500,000, that Transaction (and any preceding and subsequentTransactions with the same party) will constitute an Associated Party Transaction and must be submitted
to the Board pursuant to Rule E.53.

“Basic Award Fund” means the fund established out of UK Broadcast Revenue anddistributed in accordance with Rule D.17.1;

A.1.34.

“Board” means the board of directors for the time being of the League (or its
designee);

A.1.35.

“Board Directive” means a directive issued by the Board in accordance with Rule
C.20;

A.1.36.

“Borrowings” means, at any time, the aggregate outstanding principal, capital or
nominal amount (and any fixed or minimum premium payable on prepayment orredemption) of any Acquisition Debt indebtedness for or in respect of:

A.1.25.

“Associated Person” has the meaning given to it in Rule S.14;

A.1.26.

“Associated Undertaking” means an undertaking in which another undertaking
has a participating interest and over whose operating and financial policy it
exercises a significant influence, and which is not a Parent Undertaking or Subsidiary
Undertaking;

A.1.28.

A.1.29.

A.1.30.

(a) moneys borrowed and debit balances at banks or other Financial Institutions;(b)	any acceptances under any acceptance credit or bill discount facility (ordematerialised equivalent);“Authorised Signatory” means an Official of a Club duly authorised by a resolutionof its board of directors to sign Forms either as required by these Rules or inconnection with a Club’s application for a UEFA Club Licence, whose particulars shallhave first been submitted to the Board in Form 1;(c)	any note purchase facility or the issue of bonds, notes, debentures, loan stock or
any similar instrument;(d) any Finance Lease;

The “Averaged Annual Value” of a Transaction is the total value of any
consideration either paid or received or to be paid or received by the Club, Player,
Manager or Senior Official (as applicable) pursuant to the Transaction, divided by
the number of years of the term of that Transaction. Where the term of theTransaction is not for a period of years, the Club must calculate the Averaged Annual
Value of the Transaction on a pro rata basis.
Where the consideration either paid or received or to be paid or received by the Club
pursuant to a Transaction is variable and/or contingent and/or its precise value is
unknown at the time that the Transaction is executed (for example, where fees arepayable to the Club by way of royalties and/or bonuses), the Club must engage in agood faith assessment, both at the point of execution of the Transaction andthroughout its term, as to the probable Averaged Annual Value of that Transaction,
for the purposes of these Rules. Where that assessment reveals that the Averaged
Annual Value of the Transaction is or is likely to be over the threshold referred to inthese Rules, it shall be treated as over that threshold and the Transaction must be
submitted to the League in accordance with the relevant Rule requirement;“Average Goals Per Game” means the figure calculated by dividing the total
number of goals scored by the Club in a Competition by the number of League
Matches played at that point;(e)	receivables sold or discounted (other than any receivables to the extent they aresold on a non-recourse basis);(f)	any counter-indemnity obligation in respect of a guarantee, bond, standby or
documentary letter of credit or any other instrument issued by a bank or
Financial Institution in respect of any underlying liability of any other entity
which liability would fall within one of the other paragraphs of this definition;(g)	any amount raised under any other transaction (including any forward sale orpurchase agreement, sale and sale back or sale and leaseback agreement, orinterest free loan with any shareholder) having the commercial effect of aborrowing; and(h)	(without double counting) the amount of any liability in respect of any guarantee
or indemnity for any of the items referred to in paragraphs (a) to (g), above;
A.1.37.

“Broadcaster” means a Radio Broadcaster, a UK Broadcaster or an International
Broadcaster;

A.1.38.

“Cash Losses” means aggregate Adjusted Earnings Before Tax after:(a) write back of:“Average Points Per Game” means the figure calculated as follows:(a) dividing the total number of points obtained by the Club in a Competition by
the number of League Matches played at that point;(i)amortisation and/or impairment of Players’ registrations; and(ii)

profit or loss on the transfer of Players’ registrations; and(b) inclusion of net cash flow in respect of transfers of Players’ registrations;A.1.39.

“Central Funds” has the meaning set out in Rule E.21.1;(c) subtracting from the resulting figure any points deducted as a result of
disciplinary action under these Rules;

A.1.40.

“Certificate” means the appropriate Certificate or substantially the same
Certificate as that prescribed in these Rules;

A.1.31.

“Bankruptcy Order” means an order adjudging an individual bankrupt;

A.1.41.

A.1.32.

“Bankruptcy Restriction Order” and “Interim Bankruptcy Restriction Order”
mean orders made under the provisions of Schedule 4A of the 1986 Act;

“Chair” means the Person appointed as the Chair pursuant to Article 19.1 of the
Articles or any acting Chair appointed pursuant to Article 23.3;(b) multiplying the resulting figure by 38; andRules: Section A

Guidance

A.1.27.

83

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

84

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation“Chair of the Judicial Panel” means the individual appointed to that position inaccordance with Rule W.17 and the terms of reference of the Judicial Panel, set out at
Appendix 15 to these Rules;

A.1.43.

“Chair of the Independent Oversight Panel” means the individual appointment tothat position in accordance with the Independent Oversight Panel Terms ofReference, set out at Appendix 21 to these Rules;

A.1.44.

“Champions’ Features” has the meaning set out in Rule K.120;

A.1.45.

“Child” and “Children” mean any person or persons under the age of 18 years;

A.1.46.

“clear days” in relation to the period of a notice means that period excluding the
day when the notice is given or deemed to be given and the day for which it is given
or on which it is to take effect;

A.1.47.

“Close Season” means the period between the end of one Season (i.e. from the endof the relevant Club’s final League Match of the Season or, if the relevant Club
qualifies for the F.A. Cup Final in that Season, the end of the F.A. Cup Final) and thecommencement of the next Season (i.e. midnight on the day before the first League
Match in that Season);

A.1.48.

A.1.51.

“Club Radio Contract” means any contract upon terms complying in all respects
with any directive issued by the League pursuant to Rule D.6 and made between any
Club and the local or regional independent radio station or BBC local radio station
within whose transmission area the Club’s Stadium is situated;

A.1.52.

“Club Shirt Sponsor Contract” means any contract between any Club and any
Person (not being the manufacturer, producer or distributor of that Club’s Strip)
providing for the exhibition upon that Club’s Strip of the agreed prime brand of that
Person in accordance with Rule M.29;

A.1.53.

“Commercial Contract” means any contract entered into by the League relating tosponsorship or like transactions or other matters materially affecting the commercial
interests of Clubs other than an International Broadcast Contract, a UK Broadcast
Contract or a Radio Contract;

A.1.54.

“Commercial Contract Revenue” means revenue received by the League under
any Commercial Contract;

A.1.55.

“Commission” means a commission appointed by the Chair of the Judicial Panel
under the provisions of Rule W.19;

A.1.56.

“Community Development Expenditure” means:“Club” means an association football club in membership of the League and:(a)	net expenditure by a Club directly attributable to activities (whether in the
United Kingdom or abroad) for the public benefit to promote participation in
sport and advance social development; and(a)	for the purposes of Rules E.35 to E.44 (inclusive) includes any club which isentitled to be promoted from The Football League to the League;(b)	for the purposes of Rules A.1.23, A.1.95 and A.1.243 includes any entity that falls(or would fall) within the Club’s reporting perimeter as required to be submitted
in connection with an application for a UEFA Club Licence;(i)	to United Kingdom charities in a form recognised by such charities; and/or(ii)	for foreign charitable purposes in a form which (had the donations been
made to registered United Kingdom charities) would have beenrecognised as charitable;
A.1.57.

(d)	for the purposes of Section G of these Rules, Section I and Rule J.3 (and including
any Forms prescribed therein) includes any Associated Undertaking, Fellow
Subsidiary Undertaking, Group Undertaking, Parent Undertaking or Subsidiary
Undertaking of such Club;“Company Secretary” means the Person whose particulars are registered orregistrable as the secretary of the League pursuant to section 276 of the Act, andshall include any joint, assistant or deputy secretary;

A.1.58.

“Comparable Transaction Data” bears the meaning given to it in Rule E.69.2;

A.1.49.

“club” means an association football club not in membership of the League;

A.1.59.

“Comparable Transaction Data Undertaking” means the undertaking referred toin Rule E.69.3, in the following form:

A.1.50.

“Club Distribution” means any of the following payments:(b) distributions to any Person with a Holding in the Club; or(c)	payments to related parties or affiliates of any Person with a Holding in the Club
under preference shares, loans or non-arm’s length contracts; or(d)	payments by the Club to any Person with a Holding in the Club to enable themto make or reserve for payments of interest or make or reserve for repayments
of principal under any Borrowings; or(e)	payments of interest or making repayments of principal directly or pursuant toany guarantee or indemnity for any of the Club’s shareholders’ or owners’
Borrowings (ignoring the reference to ‘Acquisition Debt’ in the definition of‘Borrowings’ so that it applies to all forms of indebtedness listed therein);85(b) donations made by the Club:(c)	for the purposes of Rules A.1.69, A.1.80, A.1.241, Sections F and H of these Rules(including any Forms prescribed therein) and Rules P.7 and P.14 includes any
Associated Undertaking, Fellow Subsidiary Undertaking, Group Undertaking, orParent Undertaking of such Club; and(a) dividend payments to any Person with a Holding in the Club; orRules: Section A

A.1.42.

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

The terms used but not defined in this document shall have the meaning given in thePremier League Rules (the “Rules”).
I, [NAME], of [ORGANISATION], being an External Recipient of Data, undertake to the
League, all parties to the dispute between [parties and dispute to be identified] (the“Dispute”) and the Tribunal appointed in respect of the Dispute that:
1.	I have read Sections E and X of the Rules and understand their implications andthe giving of this undertaking;
2.	I will treat all Comparable Transaction Data made available to me for the
purpose of the Dispute as confidential and will use any such Comparable
Transaction Data only for the purpose of the proper conduct of the Dispute inrespect of which it was disclosed to me (and not, for example, for the purpose of
any other dispute on which I am or may be instructed);86Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

A.1.68.

“Contract Player” means any player (other than an Academy Player) who hasentered into a written contract of employment with a Club;

A.1.69.

“Control” means the power of a Person to exercise, or to be able to exercise or
acquire, direct or indirect control over the policies, affairs and/or management of aClub, whether that power is constituted by rights or contracts (either separately orin combination) and having regard to the considerations of fact or law involved, and,without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, Control shall be deemed toinclude:4.	I will take all such steps as may be necessary or expedient on my part to comply
with any request made under or pursuant to the Rules in respect of any
Comparable Transaction Data; and5.	I will otherwise comply with Sections E and X of the Rules and/or, as the case may
be, take all steps within my power to ensure that Sections E and X of the Rules arecomplied with (including by not disclosing or assisting or enabling any person todisclose, any Comparable Transaction Data other than to other External Recipientsof Data who have given an undertaking in the same form as this document).
A.1.60.

“Compensation Fee” means any sum of money or other consideration (exclusive of
value added tax) payable by a Transferee Club to a Transferor Club upon thepermanent transfer of the registration of a Contract Player or in respect of an Out ofContract Player;

A.1.61.

“Compensation Fee Account” means the account bearing that name at Barclays
Bank Plc into which Compensation Fees, Loan Fees (including, in both cases,
instalments thereof) and Contingent Sums are payable as set out in Rule V.29;

A.1.62.

“Competition” means the men’s first team football competition called the ‘Premier
League’, organised by the League and comprising the 380 League Matches requiredby Rule C.1, to be completed over the course of a Season, unless otherwise curtailedin accordance with these Rules;

A.1.63.

A.1.64.
A.1.65.

“Concert Party” means two or more Persons presumed to be acting in concert(unless the contrary is established) within the meaning of paragraphs (1) to (5)(inclusive) of the definition of “acting in concert” in the City Code on Takeovers andMergers, or would be so acting in concert if the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers
applied in the relevant case;“Conditional Contract” means a playing contract between a Club and a Player
which is determinable by the Player at any time;
A Person (X) is a “Connected Person” to another Person (Y) (where that other
Person (Y) is not a natural person) if that Person (X) directly or indirectly possesses oris entitled to acquire more than 30% of:(a) the issued ordinary share capital of that other Person (Y);(b)	the loan capital (save where loan capital was acquired in the ordinary course of
the business of lending money) and issued share capital of that other Person (Y);or(c)	the assets of that other Person (Y) which would be available for distribution toequity holders in the event of winding up of that other Person (Y);87

A.1.66.

“Content Session” has the meaning set out in Rule K.100;

A.1.67.

“Contingent Sum” means any sum of money (exclusive of value added tax)
additional to a Compensation Fee, payable upon the happening of a contingent
event by a Transferee Club to a Transferor Club consequent upon the transfer of theregistration of a player (whether that transfer is permanent or temporary);

Rules: Section A

3.	Except as expressly contemplated by the Rules, I will not use, disclose, discuss,
copy, reproduce or distribute any such Comparable Transaction Data or
authorise, enable or assist any person to do so. For the avoidance of doubt, I will
not share any Comparable Transaction Data (in any form) with the party
instructing me in respect of the Dispute;

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation(a)	the power (whether directly or indirectly and whether by the ownership of sharecapital, by the possession of voting power, by contract or otherwise including
without limitation by way of membership of any Concert Party) to appoint and/or remove all or such of the members of the board of directors of the Club as areable to cast a majority of the votes capable of being cast by the members ofthat board; and/or(b)	the holding and/or possession of the beneficial interest in, and/or the ability to
exercise the voting rights applicable to, Shares in the Club (whether directly,
indirectly (by means of holding such interests in one or more other persons) or bycontract including without limitation by way of membership of any Concert
Party) which confer in aggregate on the holder(s) thereof 25% or more of thetotal voting rights exercisable at general meetings of the Club.
For the purposes of the above, any rights or powers of a Nominee for any Person orof an Associate of any Person shall be attributed to that Person and any rights or
powers of any Person will be attributed to any Connected Person to that Person;
A.1.70.

“Conviction” means a finding by a court anywhere in the world that a Person has
committed an offence (or offences) or carried out the act(s) for which they werecharged, and whether or not that finding is considered to be final pending resolutionof any appeal against that finding, and “Convicted“ shall be construed accordingly;

A.1.71.

“Countdown to Kick-Off” means, in respect of each League Match, the documentagreed between the Home Club and the Match Manager (and approved by the
League) in advance, setting out the timings according to which (among other things)
the participating Clubs should line up in the tunnel area and process onto the pitch;

Guidance
The Countdown to Kick-Off in respect of each League Match must be approved by the Premier League inadvance. Where Clubs wish to engage in in-Stadium activity of any kind: (a) in the period between 15
minutes prior to kick-off and the kick-off itself; (b) during half-time; and/or (c) in the period between the
final whistle and 15 minutes following the conclusion of the League Match (whether by way ofremembrance, tribute, celebration or otherwise), such activity must be notified to the League as far inadvance of the League Match as reasonably practicable (and, in any event, no later than seven days prior
to the League Match). Any such activity that is not notified to the League within that deadline will only beapproved by the Board in exceptional circumstances.

A.1.72.

“COVID-19 Costs” means lost revenues and/or exceptional costs incurred by a Clubthat are directly attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic and that are identified andcalculated in accordance with such guidance as issued by the Board;

A.1.73.

“COVID-19 Emergency Protocol” means the document of that name set out inAppendix 16 of these Rules;

A.1.74.

“Crowd Doctor” means the Official described in Rules O.9 to O.11;
88

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation“Curtailment Resolution” means a Resolution tabled by the Board in accordancewith Rule C.25, which would, if passed, bring an end to the Competition, notwithstandingthat all of the League Matches referred to in Rule C.1 have not been played;

A.1.76.

“Databank” bears the meaning given to it in Rule E.72;

A.1.77.

“Databank Transaction” means any Transaction between a Club and any third
party pursuant to which a payment, fee or value in kind is provided or to be provided
to the Club, the total Averaged Annual Value of which is over £100,000 per annum, withthe exception of: (a) any sale or loan of a Player’s registration; (b) any Transaction
between a Club and any consolidated subsidiary of the Club; and (c) any Transaction
between a Club and its foundation or charitable arm;

A.1.78.

“DBS” means the Disclosure and Barring Service, being a non-departmental public bodyof the Home Office which, amongst other things, processes requests for criminal records
checks and barred list information, or any successor body which carries out its functions;A.1.79.

“Declaration” means a declaration in Form 4;

A.1.80.

Subject to Rule A.1.81, “Director” means:(a)	any Person occupying the position of director of a Club whose particulars areregistered or registrable under the provisions of section 162 of the Act andincludes a shadow director, that is to say, a Person in accordance with whose
directions or instructions the directors of the Club are accustomed to act;

A.1.86.

“EFL Regulations” means the Regulations of the Football League as amended fromtime to time;

A.1.87.

“Entity” means any legal entity, firm or unincorporated association and in the case of
an Entity which is incorporated any of its Associated Undertaking, Fellow Subsidiary
Undertaking, Group Undertaking, Parent Undertaking or Subsidiary Undertaking;A.1.88.

“Equal Share Distribution Method” means, in respect of the League’s distributionof any element of Central Funds, the distribution of such funds in equal shares, with
one share distributed to each Club;

A.1.89.

“External Recipient of Data” bears the meaning given to it in Rule E.69.3.1;

A.1.90.

“Events of Insolvency” means the events set out in Rule E.25;

A.1.91.

“Facility Fees Fund” means the fund established out of UK Broadcast Revenue anddistributed in accordance with Rule D.17.3;

A.1.92.

“Faculty” has the meaning set out in Rule O.10;

A.1.93.

“F.A. Cup” means the Football Association Challenge Cup competition;

A.1.94.

“Fair Market Value” means the amount for which an asset, right or other subject
matter of the Transaction could be sold, licensed or exchanged, a liability settled, ora service provided, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s lengthtransaction;

A.1.95.

“Fair Market Value Assessment” means an assessment as to whether theconsideration either paid or received or to be paid or received by the Club, Player,
Manager or Senior Official (as applicable) pursuant to a Transaction represents Fair
Market Value. In conducting a Fair Market Value Assessment, the Board is required to:(b) a Person having Control over the Club;(c)	a Person exercising the powers that are usually associated with the powers of adirector of a company;(d)	a Person occupying the position of ‘chief executive officer’ (or an individual withanother title, but carrying out an equivalent role); and(e) a Relevant Signatory;
A.1.81.

(a) consider:(i)	an assessment of the value of the Transaction produced by an independent
expert procured by the Board (save that the Board may elect not to obtainan assessment by an independent expert where the Transaction in question
involves no consideration paid or to be paid to the Club, Player, Manager or
Senior Official or involves the sale or loan of a Player’s registration);

For the purposes of Rules H.1 to H.9:(a)	a Person shall be excluded from the definition of Director set out in Rule A.1.80 if(and only if):(i)	they fall within the said definition of Director solely because Rule A.1.69(b)applies to him/her;(ii)	any relevant information provided by the Club (including any assessmentof the value of the Transaction produced or procured by the Club); and(ii)	their aggregate interest (of the kind set out in Rule A.1.69(b)) in the Sharesconferring voting rights exercisable at general meetings of the Club is lessthan 50%; and(iii)	such comparable evidence of the values of similar Transactions as isappropriate, relevant and readily available to it at the time of theassessment; and(b) the Official referred to in Rule J.1.1 shall be included in that definition;

89

Rules: Section A

A.1.75.

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation(b)	comply with any protocols agreed by Clubs for that purpose (including the Fair
Market Value Assessment Protocol – Commercial Rights Agreements at
Appendix 18 of the Rules). For the avoidance of doubt, where there is no suchprotocol in place applicable to a particular type of Transaction, the Board willconduct the Fair Market Value Assessment as it sees fit, in compliance withparagraph (a), above;

A.1.82.

“Disciplinary Panel” means the panel of individuals of that name appointed inaccordance with the terms of reference of the Judicial Panel, set out at Appendix 15
to these Rules;

A.1.83.

“Disclosure” means the service provided by the DBS to Persons registered with it;

A.1.84.

“Distribution Lock-up” has the meaning defined in Rule E.16.4;

A.1.96.

“Fan Advisory Board” has the meaning set out in Rule R.22;

A.1.85.

“Earnings Before Tax” means profit or loss after depreciation and interest but
before tax, as shown in the Annual Accounts;

A.1.97.

“Fan Engagement Standard” is the document of that name agreed by Clubs, set
out at Appendix 23 to these Rules;
90Section A: Definitions and Interpretation“Feature Session” has the meaning set out in Rule K.118;

A.1.99.

“Fellow Subsidiary Undertaking” has the meaning set out in section 1161(4) of the Act;

A.1.100.

“FIFA” means the Fédération Internationale de Football Association;

A.1.101.

“Finance Lease” means any lease or hire purchase contract, a liability under which
would, in accordance with applicable accounting principles, be treated as a balance
sheet liability (other than a lease or hire purchase contract which would, in
accordance with the accounting principles in force prior to 1 January 2019, havebeen treated as an operating lease);

A.1.102.

“Financial Institution” means any entity which is incorporated in, or formed under
the law of any part of the United Kingdom, and which has permission under Part 4aof the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to carry on the regulated activity ofaccepting deposits (within the meaning of section 22 of that statute, taken with
Schedule 2 and any order under section 22) but such definition shall not include:(a)	a building society (within the meaning of section 119 of the Building Societies
Act 1986); or(b)	a credit union (within the meaning of section 31 of the Credit Unions Act 1979);

A.1.103.

“Fixed Central Funds Distribution Ratio” means a ratio reflecting the fact that, inrespect of any one Season, the maximum possible Central Funds distribution that
one Club could receive is an amount equal to 180% of the minimum possible Central
Funds distribution that one Club could receive;

A.1.111.

“Form” means the appropriate form or substantially the same form as thatprescribed in these Rules;

A.1.112.

“Future Financial Information” has the meaning set out in Rule E.11;

A.1.113.

“Gambling Related Agreement” means any agreement: (a) which concerns any
advertising, marketing, promotion, supply or provision of betting, gaming, lottery orother gambling related products, services, brands or facilities (whether as part of a Club
Shirt Sponsor Contract, the appointment of a gambling partner or otherwise); and/or(b) where the business activities of any of the parties (or of an Associated Undertaking
or Group Undertaking of any of the parties) to such agreement include the provision of
betting, gaming, lottery or other gambling related products, services or facilities;

A.1.114.

“General Meeting” means any meeting of the members of the League duly called inaccordance with the provisions of Article 13;

A.1.115.

“Goal Line Technology” means all necessary equipment for the purpose of assisting
the referee to determine whether, in a League Match, a goal has been scored;

A.1.116.

“Group Accounts” mean accounts that a Club is required to prepare pursuant tosection 399 of the Act, or which its Parent Undertaking is required to deliver to theregistrar of companies pursuant to section 400(2)(e) or section 401(2)(f) of the Act;

A.1.117.

“Group Undertaking” has the meaning set out in section 1161(5) of the Act;

A.1.118.

“Hardwiring” means the permanent installation of cabling, to the League’s
specification, to enable the uninterrupted live Transmission of League Matches and“Hardwired” shall be construed accordingly;

A.1.119.

“Hate Crime” means an offence which is considered to be aggravated in accordancewith the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Sentencing Act 2020;

A.1.120.

“Head of Safeguarding” means the member of Staff appointed to that role byeach Club in accordance with Rule S.4;

Guidance
For the purposes of calculating the Fixed Central Funds Distribution Ratio, the ‘maximum’ referred to is
the total that a Club would receive if it finished the Season as League Champions and received thehighest possible number of facility fees. The ‘minimum’ is the total that a Club would receive if it finishedin 20th position and received the lowest possible number of facility fees.

91

Rules: Section A

A.1.98.

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

A.1.104.

“FMV Dispute” bears the meaning given to it in Rule E.69;

A.1.105.

“The Football Association” means The Football Association Limited;

A.1.121.

“HMRC” means His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs or such other government
department(s) that may replace the same;

A.1.106.

“The Football Association Rules” means the rules and regulations for the time
being of The Football Association;

A.1.122.

A.1.107.

“Football Creditor” has the meaning set out in Rule E.31;

A.1.108.

“The Football League” means The Football League Limited and/or the league
competitions organised by it, as appropriate;“Holding” means the holding and/or possession of the beneficial interest in, and/or
the ability to exercise the voting rights applicable to, Shares in the Club (whether
directly, indirectly (by means of holding such interests in one or more other Persons)or by contract including without limitation by way of membership of any Concert
Party) which confer any voting rights exercisable at general meetings of the Club.

A.1.109.

“The Football League Cup” means the cup competition organised by the board of
The Football League;

A.1.110.

“Force Majeure Event” means an event which is beyond the reasonable control of
the Board and Clubs, including any strike, lock-out, or labour disputes, act of God,fire, flood, storm, war, riot, civil commotion, terrorism, epidemic or pandemic andwhich renders the staging of League Matches strictly in accordance with Sections K(Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements), L (Fixtures) and R (Supporter
Relations) of these Rules impossible for a period of 14 clear days;

For the purposes of the above, any rights or powers of a Nominee for any Person
shall be attributed to that Person, that is to say any rights or powers which another
Person possesses on their behalf or may be required to exercise at their direction or
on their behalf, and any rights or powers of any Person shall be attributed to any
Connected Person to that Person;
A.1.123.

“Home Club” means the Club at whose Stadium a League Match is or was or should
be or should have been played or, where the Clubs participating in that League
Match share a Stadium, the Club whose name first appears in respect of that League
Match on the League’s fixture list;

92Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

A.1.139.

“International TV Commentary Positions” means the commentary positions
more particularly described in Rules K.53 and K.54;

A.1.140.

“Interview Backdrops” means backdrops against which interviews must, where
specified by these Rules, be conducted. The Interview Backdrops will be provided to
Clubs from time to time by the League;

A.1.141.

“Judicial Panel” means the panel of individuals, comprising the Disciplinary Paneland Appeals Panel, appointed in accordance with the terms of reference of the
Judicial Panel, set out at Appendix 15 to these Rules;

A.1.125.

“Host Broadcaster” has the meaning set out in Rule K.129.1;

A.1.126.

“Image Contract” means any contract whereby a Player transfers to any Person the rightto exploit his image or reputation either in relation to football or non-footballing activities;

A.1.142.

“Lead Disclosure Officer” means the member of Staff appointed to that role byeach Club in accordance with Rule S.19;“Image Contract Payment” means any payment made or liability incurred by or on
behalf of a Club to such a Person in order to acquire that right;

A.1.143.

“League” means The Football Association Premier League Limited;

A.1.127.
A.1.128.

“Independent Oversight Panel” means the panel of that name appointed inaccordance with the Independent Oversight Panel Terms of Reference, set out at
Appendix 21 to these Rules;

A.1.144.

“League’s Appointed Production Partner” means Premier League Productions
who shall, unless otherwise specified, capture content for the exclusive use of TV
Broadcasters;

A.1.129.

“Individual Voluntary Arrangement” means an arrangement made under theprovisions of Part VIII of the 1986 Act;

A.1.145.

“League Champions” has the meaning set out in Rule C.11;

A.1.146.

“League Match” means a first team match played under the jurisdiction of the League;

A.1.130.

“Intermediary” means any Person who qualifies as an Intermediary for the purposesof the FA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries (as amended from time to time);

A.1.147.

“League Office” means the registered office for the time being of the League;

A.1.148.

“League Table” means the table referred to in Rule C.3;

A.1.131.

“International Broadcaster” means a Person with which the League has enteredinto an International Broadcast Contract and which is entitled to effect theTransmission of League Matches in accordance with the terms of that contract;

A.1.149.

A.1.132.

“International Broadcast Contract” means any contract entered into by the
League for the Transmission of League Matches outside the United Kingdom, theRepublic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands;“Licensing Manual” means the manual in which are set out procedures agreed
between The Football Association and the League relating to applications for andthe granting of licences enabling Clubs (or clubs) to play in UEFA Club Competitions;A.1.150.

“International Broadcast Revenue” means revenue received by the League under
any International Broadcast Contract;“Loan Fee” means any sum of money (exclusive of value added tax) payable by aTransferee Club to a Transferor Club upon a Temporary Transfer;

A.1.151.

“Manager” means the Official of a Club responsible for selecting the Club’s first team;

A.1.152.

“Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal” has the meaning set out in Rule Y.1;

A.1.153.

“Mandatory Medical Equipment Form” means the document referred to Rule O.8,
in such form as prescribed by the Board from time to time;

A.1.154.

“Masterclass” has the meaning set out in Rule K.118.2;

A.1.155.

“Match Day Information Sheet” means, in respect of each League Match, theadministrative document produced by the League and distributed to the Home Cluband Visiting Club in advance, containing relevant information for match day
operations including (but not limited to) approved Strips, the identity of the relevant
Match Officials, the Countdown to Kick-Off and the identities and contact details of
the Match Manager and other League representatives;

A.1.156.

“Match Day Medical Requirements Form” means the document referred to RuleO.7.1, in such form as prescribed by the Board from time to time;

A.1.133.
A.1.134.

A.1.135.

93“Home Grown Player” means a Player who, irrespective of his nationality or age,has been registered with any Club (or club) affiliated to The Football Association or
the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three Seasons or
36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the Season during which he turns21) and, for the purposes of this definition of “Home Grown Player”, a Season will bedeemed to commence on the date on which the relevant Summer Transfer Windowcloses and expire on the date of the final League Match of the Season;“International Broadcast Revenue Excess” means, in respect of any one Season,
the Net Distributable International Broadcast Revenue in excess of the International
Broadcast Threshold Amount;“International Broadcast Threshold Amount” means the figure notified to Clubs
each Season, calculated to reflect an increase from the Season three years prior inaccordance with the Three-Year Compound CPI Formula;

A.1.136.

“International Content Session” has the meaning set out in Rule K.113;

A.1.137.

“International Loan Fee” means any sum of money (exclusive of value added tax)
paid in connection with the temporary registration of a Player, whether by way of
fixed fee or contingent payment, by a Club to club that is: (a) not affiliated to The FA;
nor (b) has its registered address in Wales but is a member of the Football League;

A.1.138.

“International Transfer” means the transfer of the registration of a player to a
Club in respect of which an international transfer certificate is required under theprovisions of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players;

Rules: Section A

A.1.124.

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

94

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation“Match Manager” means a representative of the League who may be appointed toact in relation to a League Match and whose responsibilities include (without
limitation):

A.1.165.

(a) liaising with Clubs, Match Officials, Broadcasters and any Person with whom the
League has entered into a Commercial Contract to promote the delivery by the
League of all match day requirements and entitlements of Broadcasters andsuch Persons pursuant to these Rules;(b)	assisting Clubs to comply with their obligations pursuant to Rule D.3 insofar as
those obligations must be fulfilled at League Matches; and(c)	working with Clubs and Broadcasters to enable the referee to ensure that the
kick-off, and re-start after half-time, of each League Match take place promptly;
Guidance
The appointment of a Match Manager in relation to a League Match does not absolve Clubs from compliancewith their responsibilities under Rules L.32 and L.33 (which provide for prompt kick-offs and re-starts of
League Matches) or with any of the provisions of Section K concerning Broadcaster access requirements.

95

A.1.158.

“Match Officials” means referees, assistant referees, video assistant referees andassistant video assistant referees and includes reserve officials and fourth officials;

A.1.159.

“Material Influence” means the ability to influence but not control financial andoperating policy decision-making, and the term “Materially Influenced” shall be
construed accordingly. Material Influence may be gained by share ownership, bystatute or by agreement, or otherwise from the particular circumstances. For the
avoidance of doubt, a party (or in aggregate parties with the same ultimate
controlling party) is deemed to have Material Influence if it provides within areporting period an amount equivalent to 30% or more of the Club’s total revenue;

A.1.160.

“Material Transactions” has the meaning set out in Rule H.1;

A.1.161.

“Medical Coordinator” means the Official described in Rule O.7;

A.1.162.

“Memorandum” means the Memorandum of Association of the League;

A.1.163.

“Mental and Emotional Wellbeing Action Plan” means a document setting out
internal roles and responsibilities regarding mental and emotional wellbeing,internal initiatives and processes for support, education and monitoring the mental
and emotional wellbeing needs of employees (including Players) and such othermatters as advised by the Board from time to time;

A.1.164.

“Mental and Emotional Wellbeing Lead” means the board-level Official
designated that role in accordance with Rule S.21.3;“Merit Based Distribution Method” means, in respect of the League’s Distributionof UK Broadcast Revenue and (if applicable) International Broadcast Revenue, thedistribution of such funds in shares in accordance with the following table:
End of Season

Number of shares

League position
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

A.1.166.

“Merit Payments Fund” means the fund established out of UK Broadcast Revenue
and distributed in accordance with Rule D.17.2;

A.1.167.

“Mid-Season Media Access Session” has the meaning set out in Rule K.105;

A.1.168.

“Mixed Zone” means the area in which media interviews with Players and Managers
may be conducted after the conclusion of a League Match, as more particularly
described in Rules K.74 and K.75;

A.1.169.

“Monthly Contract” has the meaning set out in Rule T.11.2;

A.1.170.

“Net Distributable International Broadcast Revenue” means, in respect of any
one Season, the total sum that is distributed to Clubs and Relegated Clubs out ofInternational Broadcast Revenue (i.e. following the deductions referred to at Rules
D.18.1 and D.18.2 and adjusted to take account of any foreign exchange and/or gain);

A.1.171.

“New Registration” has the meaning set out in Rule U.14;

A.1.172.

“Nominee” means, in connection to any Person, another Person who possesses rights or
powers on their behalf, or which they may be required to exercise at their discretion;

A.1.173.

“Non-Live Content Session” has the meaning set out in Rule K.116.4;

Rules: Section A

A.1.157.

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

96Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

97“Official” means: (a) any director, employee or representative of a Club, excluding
any Player, Intermediary or auditor; and (b) any employee of any AssociatedUndertaking, Fellow Subsidiary Undertaking, Group Undertaking or Parent
Undertaking of that Club who spends (or is to spend) at least 50% of their annual
working time undertaking activity for or on behalf of the Club;

A.1.190.

“Premier League Appeals Committee” means the committee constituted in accordancewith Rule Z.2;

A.1.191.

“Premier League Match Centre” means the facility, staffed by representatives of
the League and PGMOL during each League Match, that provides support for all
on-field football and the League’s match day operational matters;

A.1.175.

“Out of Contract Player” means a Contract Player whose contract of employment
with a Club has expired;

A.1.192.

“Premier League Safeguarding Standards” means the document by that namepublished by the League from time to time;

A.1.176.

“Outside Broadcast Compound” means the area for the exclusive use of TV
Broadcasters’ vehicles, as more particularly described at Rules K.85 to K.87;

A.1.193.

“Pre-Season Launch Event” has the meaning set out in Rule K.169;

A.1.177.

“Owners’ Charter” means the document of that name agreed by Clubs. The Owners’
Charter does not form part of the Rules and the commitments and obligations
contained therein are subject at all times to the duties at law of its signatories, andmay not be enforced against any Club or Director, whether by any Person bound by
the Rules or otherwise;

A.1.194.

“Pre-Season Media Access” has the meaning set out in Rule K.166;

A.1.195.

“Professional Football Compensation Committee” means the committee
constituted in accordance with the Regulations of the Professional FootballCompensation Committee;

A.1.178.

“Parent” means a Person who has parental responsibility for a Child;

A.1.196.

A.1.179.

“Parent Undertaking” has the meaning set out in section 1162 of the Act;“Professional Footballers’ Pension Scheme” means the pension scheme organisedby the Professional Footballers’ Association which provides benefits for Players andtheir dependants during their playing career and after they retire;

A.1.180.

“PAYE and NIC” means any and all payments required to be made by a Club inrespect of income tax and national insurance contributions;A.1.197.

“Professional Game Youth Fund” means the fund of that name managed by the
League which shall award grants from the fund’s resources to qualifying Clubs andFootball League clubs;

A.1.181.

“Person” includes any natural person, legal entity, firm or unincorporated
association and in the case of a Person which is incorporated any of its AssociatedUndertaking, Fellow Subsidiary Undertaking, Group Undertaking, Parent
Undertaking or Subsidiary Undertaking;A.1.198.

“Promoted Club” means a Club which became a member of the League at the endof the previous Season pursuant to Rule B.4;

A.1.199.

“Promoted Club Access Session” has the meaning set out in Rule K.170;

A.1.182.

“PGB” has the meaning set out in Rule B.23;

A.1.200.

“Proposed Acquiror” has the meaning set out in Rule F.28;

A.1.183.

“PGMOL” means the Professional Game Match Officials Limited;

A.1.201.

A.1.184.

“Player” means any Contract Player, Out of Contract Player, Amateur Player or
Academy Player who is registered to play for a Club;“PSR Calculation” means the aggregation of a Club’s Adjusted Earnings Before Tax
for T, T-1 and T-2;

A.1.202.

A.1.185.

“Player’s Image” means the Player’s name, nickname, fame, image, signature, voice
and film and photographic portrayal, virtual and/or electronic portrayal image or
representation, reputation, replica and all other characteristics of the Player
including his shirt number;“Radio Commentary Positions” means the commentary positions more particularly
described in Rule K.55;

A.1.203.

“Radio Contract” means any contract entered into by the League other than an
International Broadcast Contract or a UK Broadcast Contract for the Radio
Transmission of League Matches;

A.1.204.

“Radio Contract Revenue” means revenue received by the League under any
Radio Contract;

A.1.205.

“Radio Broadcaster” means a Person with which the League has entered into aRadio Contract and which is entitled to effect the Radio Transmission of League
Matches in accordance with the terms of that contract;

A.1.186.

“Post-Match Media Conference” has the meaning set out in Rules K.151 to K.154;

A.1.187.

A Person is subject to a “Potential Disqualifying Event” where they are the subjectof an ongoing investigation by a UK government appointed regulatory authority ora UK criminal authority (or any equivalent body or authority of competent jurisdiction
anywhere in the world) for conduct which, if proven, would result in the Person being
disqualified under Rule F.1;

A.1.188.

“Pre-Match Media Conference” has the meaning set out in Rule K.121;

A.1.189.

“Pre-Match Positions” has the meaning set out in Rule K.123;

Rules: Section A

A.1.174.

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

98Section A: Definitions and Interpretation“Radio Transmission” means any terrestrial or satellite broadcast or transmission
by cable of sounds of and/or commentary upon any League Match or inclusion
thereof in a cable programme service and/or on the Internet and/or any relay ofsound of and/or commentary upon any League Match whether to an open or closed
user group by any means now existing or hereafter invented not consisting solely of
storage and distribution of recorded sounds in tangible form whether such radiotransmission is on a live or recorded basis in whole or as excerpts;

A.1.207.

“Relegated Club” means a Football League club which was relegated under theprovisions of Rule C.14 at the end of any of the three previous Seasons and which
remains relegated;

A.1.208.

A.1.209.

99

A.1.219.

A “Season” means the period commencing on the date of the first League Match on
the fixture list of the Competition and ending on the earlier of the following: (a) at
midnight on the date on which the last League Match of those referred to in Rule C.1 iscompleted; (b) immediately upon the passing of a Curtailment Resolution; or (c) 80
clear days from the date of the last League Match in the Competition (scheduled inaccordance with Rule L.1.1), pursuant to Rule C.28;

A.1.220.

“Section” means a section of these Rules;

A.1.221.

“Secure Funding” means funds which have been or will be made available to theClub in an amount equal to or in excess of any Cash Losses which the Club has madein respect of the period from T-2 and is forecast to make up to the end of T+2. Secure
Funding may not be a loan and shall consist of:“Relegated Club Shares” means: (a) one share of the Basic Award Fund; and (b)one share of all Net Distributable International Broadcast Revenue distributed to
Clubs by the League in accordance with the Equal Share Distribution Method for the
relevant Season. For the avoidance of doubt, it does not include any element of any
International Broadcast Revenue distributed to Clubs by the League in accordancewith the Merit Based Distribution Method;(a)Rules: Section A

A.1.206.

Section A: Definitions and Interpretationc ontributions that an equity participant has made by way of payments for sharesthrough the Club’s share capital account or share premium reserve account;(b)	an irrevocable commitment by an equity participant to make future payments forshares through the Club’s share capital account or share premium reserve
account. This irrevocable commitment shall be evidenced by a legally binding
agreement between the Club and the equity participant and may if the Board so
requires be secured by one of the following:“Relevant Signatory” means any Person who is authorised to sign on behalf of aClub a Declaration, a written contract of employment with a Player (other than an
Academy Player), a transfer agreement and/or any transfer or registration form in
respect of a Player (other than an Academy Player) as may be required by the
League from time to time;(i)		a personal guarantee from the ultimate beneficial owner of the Club,
provided that the Board is satisfied that (a) they are of sufficient standingand (b) the terms of the guarantee are satisfactory;(ii)	a guarantee from the Club’s Parent Undertaking or another company in
the Club’s Group, provided that the Board is satisfied that: (a) theguaranteeing company is of sufficient standing; and (b) the terms of theguarantee are satisfactory;

A.1.210.

“Representation Contract” means an agreement to which a Club and an Intermediaryare party and pursuant to which the Intermediary acts for the Club or a Player in thecontext of either the registration or transfer of the registration of a Player or theemployment of a Player by a Club;

A.1.211.

“Resolution” has the meaning set out in Article 1;

A.1.212.

“Respondent” has the meaning set out in Rule W.22.2;(iii)	a letter of credit from a Financial Institution of sufficient standing and anundertaking from the Club’s directors to the Premier League to call on theletter of credit in default of the payments from the equity participant being
made;A.1.213.

“Retired Player” means a Player who has stopped playing competitive football;(iv)	
payments into an escrow account, to be paid to the Club on terms
satisfactory to the Board; or

A.1.214.

“Review Application” has the meaning set out in Rule F.24;

A.1.215.

“Rules” means the rules for the time being of the League and a letter and a number
following a reference to a Rule identifies the Section in which it is comprised and its
number within that Section;

A.1.216.

“Safe Standing Licence” means a licence granted by the Sports Ground Safety
Authority permitting standing accommodation for spectators at a Stadium;A.1.217.

“Safeguarding Officer” means the member of Staff to whom safeguarding duties
may be delegated by the Head of Safeguarding in accordance with Rule S.6;

A.1.218.

“Scout” means any Person employed or engaged by a Club (whether on a full timeor part-time basis and whether or not they are remunerated in any way for theirservices) whose duties include identifying to their Club players whose registration
his/her Club may wish to secure;(v)		 such other form of security as the Board considers satisfactory; or(c)A.1.222.

such other form of Secure Funding as the Board considers satisfactory;“Senior Official” means any individual other than: (a) a Player registered with theClub; (b) a Manager employed by a Club; and (c) any Intermediary, solicitor registeredwith the Solicitors Regulatory Authority, barrister registered with the Bar Council or
accountant registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England andWales, but not employed by the Club in each case, who:(a)	is employed by, contracted to, a consultant of or otherwise provides services toa Club;(b)	spends (or is to spend) over 50% of their annual working time providing suchservices to the Club; and(c)	receives (or is to receive) remuneration (whether in cash or in kind) from the Club
and/or any other Person of more than £1 million per annum (including any
discretionary bonuses of any kind);100Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

A.1.236.

Where, by virtue of payment of a discretionary non-contractual bonus results in the total remuneration
paid to that individual pursuant to point (c), above, exceeding the £1 million per annum threshold for theprior or current year, the individual will be treated as meeting the definition of Senior Official and thereporting and transparency obligations in Rule P.14 will apply in respect of them.

101“T” means the Club’s Accounting Reference Period ending in the year in whichassessment pursuant to Rules E.47 to E.52 takes place, and:(a)	“T-1” means the Club’s Accounting Reference Period immediately preceding T;(b)	“T-2” means the Club’s Accounting Reference Period immediately preceding T-1;(c)	“T+1” means the Club’s Accounting Reference Period immediately following T; and(d)	“T+2” means the Club’s Accounting Reference Period immediately following T+1;

A.1.223.

“Senior Safeguarding Lead” means the board-level representative appointed tothat role by each Club in accordance with Rule S.3;

A.1.224.

“Shares” means shares or other equity securities;

A.1.225.

“Significant Interest” means the holding and/or possession of the legal or
beneficial interest in, and/or the ability to exercise the voting rights applicable to,Shares in the Club which confer in aggregate on the holder(s) thereof 10% or moreof the total voting rights exercisable in respect of any class of Shares of the Club. Allor part of any such interest may be held directly or indirectly or by contract
including, but not limited to, by way of membership of any Concert Party, and, forthe purposes of determining whether an interest or interests amounts to a
“Significant Interest”:

Guidance(a)	any rights or powers held by any Person shall be attributed to any Connected
Person to that Person; and•the television cameras;(b)	any rights or powers held by an Associate or Nominee of any Person shall be
attributed to that Person;•

the dedicated rooms for Broadcasters such as the Television Studios;•the location of the Mixed Zone;•

the location of the dedicated car park spaces; and•the location of the Outside Broadcast Compound.

A.1.226.

“Signing-on Fee” means a lump sum payment payable under the terms of acontract between a Club and a Contract Player and which is expressed to be asigning-on fee;

A.1.227.

“Spent Conviction” means a conviction in respect of which the offender is treatedas rehabilitated for the purposes of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 or,where this statute does not apply for any reason, a conviction which would be sotreated had the provisions of the statute applied;

Rules: Section A

Guidance

A.1.237.

“Team Doctor” means the Official described in Rules O.4 and O.5;

A.1.238.

“Technical Specification” means a specification, unique to each Club, showing howthat Club will deliver each of the facilities, infrastructure requirements and services
required of it pursuant to Rules K.43 to K.99 and K.171 to K.184 on the occasion of
League Matches played at its Stadium;

The Technical Specification is the detailed working document showing how the requirements of the Rules
will be translated into working facilities at each Club’s Stadium on match days. For example, it will show
the location of each of the required facilities, such as:

A.1.239.

“Television Gantry” means the television gantry more particularly described in
Rules K.48 to K.50;

A.1.240.

“Temporary Transfer” has the meaning set out in Rule V.5;

A.1.241.

“Third Party Payment” means any payment made or liability incurred (other thanCompensation Fees, remuneration or payments to or for the benefit of Intermediaries
referred to in Rule H.1) by or on behalf of a Club in respect of a Player, including an
Image Contract Payment;

A.1.228.

“Squad List” means the list of up to a maximum of 25 Players eligible to participate
in League Matches during a Season of whom a maximum of 17 may not be Home
Grown Players;

A.1.229.

“Stadium” means the Club’s ground registered with the Board pursuant to Rule K.5;

A.1.242.

A.1.230.

“Staff” means any employee of a Club or volunteer involved in any Activity on behalfof or with the authorisation of the Club and/or who works directly with (and/or has
influence over) Children or Adults at Risk (or acts on their behalf in any way);“Three-Year Compound CPI Formula” means, in respect of a three-Season period,a calculation compounding the consumer price index figure published by the Officeof National Statistics for that three-year period;

A.1.243.

“Threshold Transaction” means any Transaction between a Club and any third
party that is not an Associated Party of the Club and which is:

A.1.231.

“Stakeholders” has the meaning set out in Rule R.2;

A.1.232.

“Strip” means Players’ shirts, shorts and socks;

A.1.233.

“Subsidiary Undertaking” has the meaning set out in section 1162 of the Act;		(a)	electricity, gas, water, internet, telephony or other utilities for use
by the Club;

A.1.234.

“Suitably Qualified Person” has the meaning given to it in Rule X.10;

		

A.1.235.

“Summer Transfer Window” has the meaning set out in Rule V.2;(b)	
services relating to the maintenance and operation of theStadium, including security, stewarding, cleaning and catering;

		

(c)	
professional services, including legal, audit or accountancy
services; or(a) not a Transaction:(i)	under which the Club is exclusively the purchaser, for cash consideration
only, of:102Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation“Transferor Club” means a Club (or club) from which the registration of a Contract
Player is, or is to be or has been transferred (including on the basis of a Temporary
Transfer) or which, in the case of an Out of Contract Player, holds his registration
under the provisions of Rule U.29.2;

A.1.249.

“Transmission” means any terrestrial or satellite broadcast of television or othermoving pictures with or without sound or transmission by cable of moving pictureswith or without sound or inclusion of moving pictures with or without sound in a cable
programme service and/or on the Internet and/or relay of moving pictures with orwithout sound whether to an open or closed user group by any means now existingor hereafter invented not consisting solely of the storage and distribution ofrecorded pictures with or without sound in tangible form whether the saidtransmission is on a live or recorded basis in whole or as excerpts. “Transmitted” shallbe construed accordingly;

A.1.250.

“TV Broadcaster” means a UK Broadcaster or an International Broadcaster;A.1.251.

“UEFA” means the Union des Associations Européennes de Football;

A.1.252.

“UEFA Club Competition” means the club competitions organised by UEFA;

A.1.253.

“UEFA Club Licence” means the licence granted by The Football Association inaccordance with the procedures set out in the Licensing Manual enabling Clubs (orclubs) to play in UEFA Club Competitions;A.1.254.

“UK Broadcast Contract” means any contract entered into by the League for theTransmission of League Matches within the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland,
the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands;“Transaction” means an agreement or a transfer, licence, provision and/or
fulfilment of resources, rights, services or obligations, regardless of whether a pricehas been charged and regardless of whether it is recorded in a written agreement
in any form, save for:A.1.255.

“UK Broadcaster” means a Person with which the League has entered into a UK
Broadcast Contract and which is entitled to effect the Transmission of League
Matches in accordance with the terms of that Contract;(a)	any loan or security provided to the Club by a Person that is in the same groupof companies as the Club and/or a Person that holds (whether directly or
indirectly) a Holding in excess of 5% of the Shares in the Club;

A.1.256.

“UK Broadcast Revenue” means revenue received by the League under any UK
Broadcast Contract;

A.1.257.

“UK Content Session” has the meaning set out in Rule K.109;

A.1.258.

“UK Sanctions” means sanctions imposed from time to time by the United Kingdom
government pursuant to the Sanctions and Money Laundering Act 2018, or any
sanctions regulations made thereunder, which results in the Person being listed in the
UK Government sanctions list;

A.1.259.

“UK Sanctions Restricted Person” means any Person that is, or is owned orcontrolled (as such terms are interpreted in accordance with applicable UK sanctions
laws and regulations) by one or more Persons that are, subject to UK Sanctions;A.1.260.

“UK TV Commentary Positions” means the commentary positions more particularly
described in Rule K.52;

A.1.261.

“U21 Non-Home-Grown Player” means a Player who:(d)	insurance or insurance services;		 or(ii)	required to be submitted to the League in accordance with Rules P.7 and
P.14; and(b)	for a term of 12 months or more with an Averaged Annual Value equal to or inexcess of the lower of:(i)£1 million; or(ii)	5% of the Club’s annual turnover, excluding Central Funds, for the prior
Accounting Reference Period; or(c)	for a term of less than 12 months where the total value of consideration to be
paid to, or by the Club, when added to any consideration paid (or likely to bepaid) to, or by the Club pursuant to other Transactions with the same third
party will, in a 12-month period, be equal to or in excess of the lower of:(i)£1 million; or(ii)	5% of the Club’s annual turnover, excluding Central Funds, for the prior
Accounting Reference Period.
Guidance
For the purposes of this Rule A.1.243, the League will treat the term ‘Central Funds’ so as to include any
central distribution received by a Club from the EFL whilst in membership of an EFL league competition.
For the avoidance of doubt, where a Club has entered into a Transaction (or Transactions) with a third
party the value of which exceed(s) the thresholds referred to in this Rule any further Transaction enteredinto by the Club with that third party in the relevant 12-month period should be submitted to the Board
as a Threshold Transaction in accordance with Rule E.57.

A.1.244.

(b) any equity investment or capital contribution in/to the Club by a Person;(c) the grant of any corporate power of attorney;(d) the payment of taxation (to include Council tax rates);(e)	any purchase of general admission tickets to a League Match or Approved
Competition match in which the Club is participating; and(f) any payment of Central Funds by the League to the Club;
A.1.245.

“Transfer Agreement” means an agreement between a Transferor Club and a
Transferee Club for the permanent transfer of the registration of a Contract Player;

A.1.246.

“Transfer Window” has the meaning set out in Rule V.1;

A.1.247.

“Transferee Club” means a Club (or club) to which the registration of a Contract
Player is, or is to be or has been transferred (including on the basis of a Temporary
Transfer) or which, in the case of an Out of Contract Player, effects his New
Registration;

Rules: Section A

A.1.248.

		(a) is an Under 21 Player;(b) is not a Home-Grown Player; and(c)	does not have a British passport or the right to work in the United Kingdom
without a visa or such other valid form of right to remain;

103

104

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation

A.1.263.

“Unapproved Competition” means any senior men’s first team football competition(not including any Approved Match(es)), whatever the format, scheduling or location,that is not an Approved Competition;

Interpretation
A.2.

Terms defined in Youth Development Rule 1 shall have the meanings set out in that rule.

“Under 21 Player” means a Player under the age of 21 as at 1 January in the year inwhich the Season concerned commences (i.e. for Season 2023/24 born on or after 1
January 2002);

A.3.

Unless the context otherwise requires:

A.1.264.

“VAR” has the meaning set out in Rule K.25;

A.1.265.

“Visiting Club” means the Club playing, which has played, which should play or
which should have played a League Match at the Stadium of a Home Club or, where
the Clubs participating in that League Match share a Stadium, the Club whose namelast appears in respect of that League Match on the League’s fixture list;

A.1.266.

“Visiting Club Ticket Price Cap” means the maximum price for which a Visiting Club
may sell the tickets referred to at Rule R.9 to its supporters, which is to be agreed by
the Clubs at a General Meeting from time to time;

A.1.267.

“Visiting Club Support Officials” has the meaning set out in Rule R.21;

A.1.268.

“Week by Week Contract” means a playing contract between a Club and a Player
which is determinable by either party on seven days’ written notice;

A.1.269.

“Winter Transfer Window” has the meaning set out in Rule V.3;

A.1.270.

“Women’s Football Expenditure” means expenditure by a Club directly attributableto activities to train, educate and develop players involved in women’s football teams(including, for the avoidance of doubt such activities as they relate to female players
under the age of 18);

A.1.271.

A.1.272.

A.3.1.

versa; andA.3.2.

References to statutory provisions shall be construed as references to those
provisions as they may be amended or re-enacted.

A.5.

The headings in these Rules are for convenience only and shall not affect theirinterpretation.

A.6.

Unless otherwise stated, the provisions of the Articles shall prevail in the event of any
conflict with these Rules.

A.7.

These Rules shall be governed by and shall be construed in accordance with English
law. Strictly without prejudice to the arbitration and other dispute resolution
provisions of these Rules, disputes relating to these Rules shall be subject to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

A.8.

In all matters relating to the consideration of any interruption to and/or thecurtailment of a Competition and any consequential issues, the Board and Clubs
must be guided at all times by the principles set out below, and Rules C.18 to C.30
shall be interpreted at all times in accordance with (and to give effect to) thoseprinciples:•	the priority must always be to complete the relevant Competition if: (a) it is safe
to do so; and (b) by completing the Competition, the subsequent Competition is
not materially impacted. Curtailment of a Competition must always be a lastresort;•	in all matters related to the safety of staging League Matches and/or completing
the Competition, the Board and Clubs must always adhere to instructions from
Government (or a competent public body, with powers delegated by Government);

References to “written” or “in writing” shall be construed to include:(a) hard copy;•	Clubs must accept changes to normal playing conditions and schedules in orderto ensure the completion of the Competition, notwithstanding the fact that suchchanges might impact upon the integrity of the Competition. These changes will
include (but not be limited to) those matters detailed at Rule C.18; and(b) facsimile transmission; and(c)	subject to any guidance issued by the Board, email (including any attachment toan email),

105

A.1.273.

“Youth Development Expenditure” means expenditure by a Club directly attributableto activities to train, educate and develop Academy Players net of any portion of Central
Funds paid to Clubs solely for the purpose of such activities; andA.1.274.

“Youth Development Rules” means the Youth Development Rules which accompany
and are incorporated into these Rules.

words importing any particular gender shall include all other genders.

A.4.

“Working Day” means any day on which the League Office is open for normal
business but excluding, unless the Board determines otherwise, a Saturday, a Sunday
or a Bank or Public Holiday;

but shall not include any form of electronic communication other than those listed in
Rules (b) to (c) above. Where a communication is sent by email, the burden of proofof receipt shall be on the sender;

words importing the singular number shall include the plural and vice

Rules: Section A

A.1.262.

Section A: Definitions and Interpretation•	the Board must have due regard to the collective interests of Clubs,
together, the “Guiding Principles”.
A.9.

Where a monetary value in these Rules is expressed in Pounds Sterling, suchreferences will be deemed to include the equivalent value in other currencies.

106

The League: Governance, Operations and Finance
Section B: The League – Governance

Section B: The League - Governance

B.1.

The Competition shall consist of teams of those association football clubs playing in
England and Wales not exceeding 20 in number which are from time to time membersof the League.

B.2.

Each member Club shall on request give to the League the address of its registeredoffice and shall provide to the League certified true copies of:
B.2.1.

its certificate of incorporation;

B.2.2.

its memorandum of association;

B.2.3.

its articles of association; andB.2.4.

any amendments to the above documents.

B.3.

Subject to Rules C.25 to C.30, at the end of each Season the Board shall require eachof the Clubs relegated in accordance with Rule C.14 to execute an instrumenttransferring its ordinary share in the League to such of the three clubs promoted to
the League from The Football League as the Board directs.

B.4.

Upon such share transfers being registered in accordance with the Articles each of
the Promoted Clubs will become a member of the League.

B.5.

A Club shall cease to be entitled to be a member of the League (and upon registrationin accordance with the Articles of the transfer of its ordinary share in the League
shall cease to be a member thereof) following:

B.6.

B.7.

B.5.1.

its relegation in accordance with Rule C.14;

B.5.2.

the receipt of a notice by the Board under the provisions of Article 7.5;

B.5.3.

its expulsion under the provisions of Rule B.6; orB.5.4.

its resignation under the provisions of Rules B.7.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 14.10, the League may expel a Club frommembership upon a special Resolution to that effect being passed by a majority of
not less than three-quarters of such members as (being entitled to do so) vote by
their representatives or by proxy at a General Meeting of which notice specifying theintention to propose the Resolution has been duly given.

Pursuant to Rule B.7, by way of example, if a Club were to serve notice to resign during Season 2023/24,
that resignation would only take effect from the end of Season 2026/27.

107

B.9.

Not earlier than the 1 March nor later than the 31 March in every year following thegiving of a notice under Rule B.7, the Club giving such notice shall notify the Company
Secretary in writing whether such notice is confirmed or withdrawn. If no such notice
is given in any year, the notice under Rule B.7 shall be deemed to have been
withdrawn.

B.10.

Without prejudice to the powers contained in Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules,
any Club purporting to resign otherwise than in accordance with Rules B.7 and B.9
shall on demand indemnify the League on behalf of itself and the Clubs remaining inmembership of the League against all losses, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses
whatsoever suffered or incurred by the League or such Clubs resulting directly or
indirectly from such purported resignation including without limitation loss of
income or profits from any Commercial Contract, UK Broadcast Contract,
International Broadcast Contract or Radio Contract.

Board Powers
B.11.

Where a discretion, right or power is expressed in these Rules to be exercisable by
the Board, such discretion, right or power shall, unless otherwise provided in theseRules or the Articles, be exercisable by the Board in its sole and absolute discretionor as a sole right or power of the Board and shall when exercised be final and binding
and not subject to appeal.

B.12.

The Board may appoint any Person who is not an Official to deputise for either the
Chair or the chief executive when the Board is required to exercise its function undereither Rules T.29 to T.31, W.1 or Youth Development Rules 306, 307 and 309.

Procedure at General Meetings
B.13.

In the event that a Club gives notice under the provisions of Rule B.7:

Subject to the provisions of the Articles and the Act, the Chair may regulate theprocedure for General Meetings as they think fit. Unless otherwise determined by the
Chair:
B.13.1.	Clubs must give to the League not less than 28 clear days’ notice of any
item for inclusion on the agenda of a forthcoming General Meeting; andAny Club intending to resign as a member of the League may do so only with effectfrom midnight on the last day of the third Season following the Season in whichnotice is given.

Guidance

B.8.

B.8.3.	the Board may restrict the Club’s access to confidential information of the
League where it reasonably considers that disclosing such confidential
information to the Club may prejudice the interests of the League or one
or more other Club(s).

Rules: Section B

Name and Membership

B.13.2.	two representatives from each Club may attend General Meetings, eachof whom may speak but only one of whom shall be entitled to vote.

Relationship between Clubs and the League
B.14.

Membership of the League shall constitute an agreement between the League andClub (both on its own behalf and on behalf of its Officials) and between each Club to
be bound by and comply with:

B.8.1.	any Director of that Club who represents the League on the Council of The
Football Association shall vacate that office forthwith upon the giving of
the notice;

B.14.1.	the Laws of the Game (and any protocols issued by the International
Football Association Board);

B.8.2.	the Board may remove any Official of the Club from any committee
convened in accordance with the Articles or other working group oradvisory group; andB.14.2.

The Football Association Rules;

B.14.3.

the Articles;

B.14.4.

these Rules;

108Section B: The League - Governancethe statutes and regulations of FIFA;

B.14.6.

the statutes and regulations of UEFA; andB.14.7.

the Regulations of the Professional Football Compensation Committee,

Football Association Representation
B.20.

Under the articles of association of The Football Association, the League is entitledto appoint annually seven representatives to the Council of The Football
Association. Any Person who is an Official or a director or officer of the League shallbe eligible for appointment. Six such representatives shall be elected by Clubs inGeneral Meeting and one shall be appointed by the Board subject to ratification byClubs in General Meeting.

B.21.

Under the articles of association of The Football Association, the League and The
Football League are entitled to annually appoint a mutually agreed representative
to the Council of The Football Association. The identity of such individual shall be
determined following consultation between the League and The Football League
and appointed by the Board subject to ratification by the Clubs in General Meeting.

B.22.

Under the articles of association of The Football Association, the League is entitledto appoint annually one member of The Football Association board of directors. Any
Person who is a Football Association council representative appointed in accordancewith Rule B.20 or, if a representative of a regional division of The Football Association,a Person who is an Official, shall be eligible for appointment. The Board shall appoint
the representative subject to ratification by Clubs in General Meeting.

B.23.

Under the articles of association of The Football Association, the League is entitledto appoint four members of the Professional Game Board (the “PGB”), a committeeof the board of directors of The Football Association. The Board shall appoint thefour members of the PGB (one of whom shall always be the member of the board of
directors of The Football Association appointed in accordance with Rule B.22)
subject to ratification by Clubs in General Meeting. Provided always that at least
two of the appointed PGB members shall be Football Association Council
representatives appointed in accordance with Rule B.20, the following shall be
eligible for appointment:each as amended from time to time.
B.15.

B.16.

In all matters and transactions relating to the League each Club, Official and
Director shall behave towards each other Club, Official, Director and the League
with the utmost good faith. For the avoidance of doubt and by way of example only,
it shall be a breach of the duties under this Rule to:
B.15.1.

act dishonestly towards the League or another Club; or

B.15.2.

 ngage in conduct that is intended to circumvent these Rules or obstructethe Board’s investigation of compliance with them.

No Person bound by these Rules, including any Club (either by itself, its registered
Players, Officials, Directors, employees or agents), shall do any of the following:
B.16.1.	
conduct itself in an abusive, derogatory, insulting, intimidating or offensive
manner towards any (other) Club or the League or (where applicable in eithercase) any of its registered Players, Officials, Directors, employees or agents;
B.16.2.	commit any act (or omission) or make any statement that is discriminatory
by means of race, religion, gender, sexuality, colour or national or ethnic
origin; or
B.16.3.	commit any act (or omission) or make any statement that brings the gameof football, the League, its competition, a Club, a Broadcaster or a party toa Commercial Contract into disrepute.

B.17.

B.18.

B.19.

109

No Club, Official or Director shall, without the Board’s prior written consent, either during
the relevant Club’s membership of the League or at any time after its membership has
terminated, disclose or divulge, either directly or indirectly, to any Person whatsoever orotherwise make use of any confidential information as to the business or finances of the
League or any other Club or any of their dealings, transactions or affairs or as to any
other matters which may come to its knowledge by reason of its membership, save tostatutory and regulatory authorities or as may be required by law or to such Officials
and Auditors of that Club to whom such disclosure is strictly necessary for the purpose of
their duties and then only to the extent so necessary. For the avoidance of doubt,
references to confidential information in this Rule shall be deemed to include all
information and documents relating to any General Meeting or meeting of a committee
convened in accordance with the Articles or other working group or advisory group(whether disclosed prior to, during or after such meeting).
Without prejudice to the League’s powers of inquiry under Rule W.1, each Club shallcomply promptly and in full with any request for information made by the League(including, for the avoidance of doubt, any such request made pursuant to a demand
from a statutory or regulatory authority).
Any amendment to these Rules shall be effective immediately upon the passing of
the Resolution approving the applicable amendment (unless specifically stated tothe contrary within the relevant Resolution).

B.23.1.

Rules: Section B

B.14.5.

Section B: The League - Governancean Official;

B.23.2.	a Football Association council representative appointed in accordancewith Rule B.20; andB.23.3.

a director or officer of the League.

Owners’ Charter
B.24.

Each Director must, no later than 14 days before the commencement of each
Season, provide to the League a copy of the Owners’ Charter signed by them.

Guidance
Where the Director is not a natural person, it must ensure that the individual signing the Owners’ Charteron its behalf is duly authorised to do so.

B.25.

Each Club shall ensure that, where any of its Officials or Directors is elected to aformal position on any committee, advisory group, working group or similar entity
constituted by any domestic or international footballing body (including but notlimited to The Football Association, UEFA, FIFA or the European Clubs’ Association)(each a “Representative Body”) they will provide details to the League and Clubsof meetings, agendas, points of discussion and decisions by the Representative
Body where reasonably requested to do so and provided that the provision of suchinformation does not in any way prejudice their position on the Representative
Body or place them in conflict or breach with any obligation owed to such
Representative Body.
110

The League: Governance, Operations and Finance
Section C: The League Competition

C.1.

Subject to Rules C.18 and C.25 to C.30, each Club shall play two League Matches
against each other Club in the Competition during each Season, being the HomeClub in respect of one such League Match and the Visiting Club in respect of theother.

C.2.

The winner of a League Match shall score three points. Each Club participating in a
League Match which is drawn shall score one point.

C.3.

The results of League Matches shall be recorded by the Board in the League Table
containing, in respect of each Club, the following information:
C.3.1.	the number of League Matches played in the Competition during that
Season;C.10.

The League Championship
C.11.

Subject to Rules C.25 to C.30, the Club which is at the top of the League Table
following the completion of the Competition shall be the League Champions.

C.12.

The League Champions shall receive a trophy which it shall return to the Board ingood order and condition not later than three weeks before its final League Matchof the subsequent Competition.

C.13.

The League Champions shall further receive 40 commemorative medals to bepresented by the Club to its Manager and to such of its Players and Officials as it
thinks fit provided that any Player who has entered the field of play in a minimum of
five of its League Matches that Season shall receive from the Club a commemorative
medal. Additional medals may only be presented with the consent of the Board
which shall only be given if the total number of Players who have entered the field ofplay that Season in a minimum of five of the Club’s League Matches exceeds 39.

C.3.2.	the number of League Matches won, drawn and lost as a Home Club in theCompetition during that Season;
C.3.3.	the number of League Matches won, drawn and lost as a Visiting Club in
the Competition during that Season;
C.3.4.	the number of goals scored in League Matches by and against that Club in
the Competition during that Season; andC.3.5.
C.4.

the number of points scored in the Competition during that Season.

The position of Clubs in the League Table shall be determined by the number of points
scored in the Competition during that Season; the Club having scored the highest
number of points being at the top of the League Table and the Club having scored thelowest number of points being at the bottom.

C.5.

If any two or more Clubs have scored the same number of points their position in the
League Table shall be determined on goal difference, that is to say, the difference
between the total number of goals scored by and against a Club in League Matches
in the Competition during that Season (“Goal Difference”), and the higher orhighest placed Club shall be the Club with the higher or highest Goal Difference.

C.6.

If any two or more Clubs have scored the same number of points and have the same
Goal Difference the higher or highest placed Club shall be the Club having scoredthe most goals in League Matches in the Competition during that Season.

C.7.

Subject to Rule C.17, if any two or more Clubs have scored the same number ofpoints, have the same Goal Difference and have scored the same number of goals in
League Matches in the Competition during that Season, they shall be deemed tooccupy the same position in the League Table.

Determination and Accreditation of Goals
C.8.

C.9.

111

Goal Line Technology shall be utilised at League Matches (save that, for the
avoidance of doubt, a League Match shall proceed even if Goal Line Technology isunavailable for part or all of it). The referee’s decision as to whether a goal has beenscored shall be final.
The League shall keep a record of the scorer of each goal in each League Match.

The Board will review all goals scored in every League Match, and if there are any inrespect of which the identity of the scoring Player is in doubt, then the issue shall be
resolved by such means as the Board determines in advance of each Season.

Rules: Section C

The League Competition

Section C: The League Competition

Relegation
C.14.

Subject to Rules C.15 and C.25 to C.30, the bottom three Clubs in the League Table
following the completion of the Competition shall be relegated to The Football
League.

C.15.

If any Club ceases during the Season to be a member of the League, the record of
the League Matches in which it has participated in that Season’s Competition shallbe expunged from the League Table and, subject to Rules C.25 to C.30, the numberof Clubs to be relegated following the completion of the Competition shall be
reduced so as to maintain at 20 (or, if less, as near thereto as may be) the number ofClubs in membership of the League at the beginning of the next Season.

C.16.

If any Club ceases to be a member of the League other than by reason of relegation
following the completion of the Competition but before the Board has fixed thedates of League Matches for the next Competition, the Board may invite theRelegated Club which attained the highest position in the League Table referred toin Rule C.3 following the completion of the previous Competition to rejoin the
League.

Determination of League Table Placings
C.17.

Notwithstanding Rules C.25 to C.30, if following the completion of the Competition
either the League Champions or the Clubs to be relegated or the question ofqualification for other competitions cannot be determined because two or more
Clubs are equal on points, Goal Difference and goals scored, the relative position in
the League Table of the Clubs will be determined by the following means:
C.17.1.	the total points scored by the relevant Clubs in the League Matches in that
Season’s Competition contested by those Clubs (“Head-to-Head
Matches”), with the Club having scored the highest number of points in
Head-to-Head Matches occupying the highest position in the League
Table and the Club having scored the lowest number of points in Head-toHead Matches occupying the lowest position in the League Table;

112Section C: The League Competition

Section C: The League Competition

C.17.3.	if two Clubs cannot be separated by operation of Rule C.17.1 or C.17.2, aplay-off on a neutral ground, the format, timing and venue of which shall be
determined by the Board.

C.21.2.	may not issue a Board Directive in respect of Sections B (The League –Governance) or D (The League – Finance).
C.22.

Interruption to and/or Curtailment of a Competition
C.18.

Where the Board, acting reasonably, considers it necessary in order to ensure thecompletion of the Competition, it shall have the power to require any of the following(and shall have the power to disapply or modify such Rules as are necessary to giveeffect to these powers):

C.23.

by the Chair of the Judicial Panel in accordance with Rule C.23.

The Chair of the Judicial Panel (or their designee) shall have the power to revoke a
Board Directive where:

C.24.

C.18.4.	having given due consideration to the health and safety of participating
Players, that Clubs must participate in League Matches at more frequentintervals than initially scheduled in accordance with Rule L.1; andRevocation of a Board Directive by any of the means referred to in Rule C.22 shall notinvalidate any actions taken pursuant to the Board Directive prior to such revocation.

C.25.

A Curtailment Resolution may be tabled at any time during the course of a Season by
the Board, provided that prior to tabling such a Curtailment Resolution the Board has:

Where the Board intends to exercise any of the powers conferred on it under Rule C.18,
it will confirm the same to all Clubs in writing, following which any failure by a Club tocomply with the requirements under Rule C.18 shall be a breach of these Rules, liable
to be dealt with under the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules.
Without prejudice to the powers conferred on the Board pursuant to Rule C.18,
where a Force Majeure Event occurs, in order to ensure the completion of theCompetition, the Board may, by written notice to all Clubs and subject to Rule C.21,
issue a directive:

C.25.1.	engaged in a period of consultation with Clubs and relevant stakeholders(the length and terms of which shall be in its absolute discretion); andC.25.2.	determined that, after giving due consideration to the Guiding Principles,
the tabling of a Curtailment Resolution is appropriate in all thecircumstances.
C.26.

Where the Board intends to table a Curtailment Resolution, it shall convene a
General Meeting at no fewer than two days’ notice for that purpose.

C.27.

For the avoidance of doubt, no Club (or group of Clubs) may table a Curtailment
Resolution at any time.

C.28.

The Board may, at the same time as it tables a Curtailment Resolution, table afurther Resolution to determine (if Clubs approve the Curtailment Resolution) the
sporting consequences of such a decision. Such Resolution may, depending on its
terms, require The FA’s consent, in accordance with Article 5.

C.29.

Where a Competition remains uncompleted 80 clear days after the date of the last
League Match in the Competition as scheduled pursuant to Rule L.1:

C.20.1.	disapplying the automatic consequences for any breach of the Rules by a
Club (or any Person bound by the Rules); or
C.20.2.	modifying, limiting or adding to the requirements of the Rules,(in each case, a “Board Directive”).
The Board:
C.21.1.

may only issue a Board Directive:
C.21.1.1.

for a specified period; andC.21.1.2.	
where it can demonstrate that the issuance of the Board
Directive is necessary to resolve an issue concerning theinterruption to, completion or curtailment of a Competition
that is not adequately provided for in the Rules or Articles inforce at the relevant time; and113

by written notice signed by a simple majority of Clubs; orC.22.3.

C.18.3.	Clubs to participate in a League Match, notwithstanding the fact that
Goal Line Technology and/or VAR will not be utilised;

C.18.5.	Clubs to comply with such protocols (whether in respect of training or
staging of League Matches) as it deems necessary in the circumstances,including the Competition Interruption – Squad Management Protocol set
out in Appendix 17 to these Rules.

C.21.

by the Board, by notice to Clubs in writing;C.22.2.

C.23.2.	they determine, in accordance with such process as they in their absolute
discretion consider appropriate, that the decision to issue the Board
Directive could not have been reached by any reasonable Board which
had applied its mind properly to the issues that formed the basis of theBoard Directive.

C.18.2.	that a League Match be played on a neutral ground, the date, the time andthe venue of which shall be determined by the Board, where a safety
certificate cannot be obtained for the staging of the League Match at theHome Club’s Stadium;

C.20.

C.22.1.

C.23.1.	they receive notice, signed by one or more Clubs, within two clear days of
the issuance of the Board Directive, that it/they wish to challenge theBoard Directive; andC.18.1.	Clubs to stage League Matches without spectators being admitted to the
Stadium;

C.19.

A Board Directive may be revoked:

Rules: Section C

C.17.2.	if the Clubs cannot be separated by operation of Rule C.17.1, the Club
scoring the higher number of goals whilst the Visiting Club in Head-toHead Matches occupying the higher position in the League Table; andC.29.1.	the Competition shall be deemed automatically curtailed as at that point(and for the avoidance of doubt, there shall be no requirement for any
further formalities to effect such curtailment including, without limitation,
the tabling and approval of a Curtailment Resolution); andC.29.2.	
the Board shall convene a General Meeting within 14 clear days todetermine the sporting consequences of that curtailment.

114Section C: The League Competition

Where, following the curtailment of a Competition (whether pursuant to Rule C.25 orRule C.29), sporting consequences fall to be considered by Clubs, each Club’s relative
place in the League Table as at the point of curtailment shall be determined asfollows:
C.30.1.

by reference to Average Points Per Game;

C.30.2.	if Clubs cannot be separated by operation of Rule C.30.1, by reference toGoal Difference (and the higher or highest placed Club shall be the Club
with the higher or highest Goal Difference);

Rules: Section C

C.30.

Section C: The League Competition

C.30.3.	
if Clubs cannot be separated by operation of Rules C.30.1 or C.30.2, byreference to Average Goals Per Game (and the higher or highest placed Club
shall be the Cub with the higher or highest Average Goals Per Game); andC.30.4.	if Clubs cannot be separated by operation of Rules C.30.1, C.30.2 or C.30.3,
by reference to the processes detailed at Rules C.17.1, C.17.2 and C.17.3.

115

116

The League: Governance, Operations and Finance
Section D: The League – Finance

D.1.

D.2.

Subject to the provisions of Article 20.3, the League shall enter into Commercial
Contracts, UK Broadcast Contracts, International Broadcast Contracts and Radio
Contracts with the intention in the case of each UK Broadcast Contract for the live
Transmission of League Matches that each Club shall participate in at least one live
televised League Match each Season.
Each Club and each Contract Player shall comply with any reasonable request madeon behalf of the League to allow the Player’s Image to be used to enable the League
to fulfil its Commercial Contracts, UK Broadcast Contracts, International Broadcast
Contracts and Radio Contracts, provided that, where the size of the product permits,
the League shall not use the images of less than four Contract Players, each from adifferent Club, on any one product.

Obligations of Clubs
D.3.

D.4.

D.5.

D.6.

D.7.

Subject to Rule D.7, Clubs shall provide such rights, facilities and services as are
required to enable the League to fulfil its Commercial Contracts, UK Broadcast
Contracts, International Broadcast Contracts and Radio Contracts and shall not by
any act or omission infringe any exclusive rights granted thereunder or otherwise
cause any breach thereof to occur. For the avoidance of doubt only the League may
enforce this Rule against a Club and no other Person shall have any right under theContracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to so enforce it.

D.9.

Operating and Other Expenses
D.10.

The operating and other expenses of the League shall be paid, at the discretion of theBoard, out of International Broadcast Revenue, Commercial Contract Revenue, Radio
Contract Revenue or any other income of the League excluding UK Broadcast Revenue.

D.11.

Subject to the prior approval of Clubs in General Meeting, the Board shall beempowered to require Clubs to pay to the League from time to time any sum bywhich its income, excluding UK Broadcast Revenue, falls short of the operating andother expenses of the League.

D.12.

Each Club and Relegated Club shall contribute to the Professional Game Youth Fundand to the Premier League Charitable Fund and other community and charitable
initiatives and obligations such sum as is approved by a General Meeting, suchcontributions to be deducted from the distributions for the Basic Award Fund madepursuant to Rule D.17.1.

Transmission of League Matches
D.13.

Each Club shall indemnify the League against any liability the League may incur inthe event of a finding by a court of law or other body of competent jurisdiction that
the League induced the Club to breach a contract with a third party as a result of
requiring the Club to comply with Rule D.3.
Each Club shall provide such reasonable rights, facilities and services at each League
Match taking place at its Stadium as are reasonably required and as are authorisedby any directive issued by the League pursuant to Rule D.6 to enable the Visiting Clubin respect of the said League Match to comply with the terms of any Club Radio
Contract to which it is party.
The League shall issue from time to time directives to Clubs setting out those rights
which may or may not be granted by any Club in any Club Radio Contract and eachClub shall comply in all respects with any such directive.
In the case of a Commercial Contract a Club shall not be bound to comply with Rule
D.3 if:Accounting Practice
D.8.

117

Subject to Rule D.9, all income of the League shall be allocated to its financial periodsin accordance with generally accepted accounting practice.

No Transmission shall be made of any League Match except:
D.13.1.	in accordance with any UK Broadcast Contract or International Broadcast
Contract;
D.13.2.

as permitted by Rules K.37 and K.38; or

D.13.3.	in accordance with the terms of any express license or permission issued inwriting by the League.
D.14.

No Radio Transmission shall be made of any League Match except in accordance with:
D.14.1.

any Radio Contract;

D.14.2.

any Club Radio Contract; or

D.14.3.	the terms of any express licence or permission issued in writing by the League.

Distribution of UK Broadcast Revenue
D.15.

Subject to Rule D.33, the League shall pay out of UK Broadcast Revenue:
D.15.1.	such sums as may be agreed from time to time shall be payable to theProfessional Footballers’ Association for Players’ educational, insurance
and benevolent purposes; andD.7.1.	to do so would result in the Club being in breach of a contractual obligationentered into before the date of the Article 20.3 Resolution authorising or
approving the Commercial Contract; or
D.7.2.	such Commercial Contract has not been entered into by the League within
six months of the Article 20.3 Resolution relating to it.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Rule D.8, advances received or early
payment of other contracted accounts may be treated as income of the financial
period in which they are received provided that in each case a Resolution is passed
to that effect.

Rules: Section D

Obligations of the League

Section D: The League – Finance

D.15.2.
D.16.

any other sum approved by a Resolution.

Subject to Rule D.33, the balance of UK Broadcast Revenue shall be divided so that:
D.16.1.

one half shall comprise the Basic Award Fund;D.16.2.

one quarter shall comprise the Merit Payments Fund; andD.16.3.

one quarter shall comprise the Facility Fees Fund.

Each of the Basic Award Fund and the Merit Payments Fund shall be divided intosuch number of shares as shall be required in either case to put into effect theprovisions of Rules D.17.1, D.17.2 and D.25 and the Facility Fees Fund shall be
distributed in accordance with the provisions of Rule D.17.3.
118

Section D: The League – Finance

Subject to Rule D.33, in consideration of Clubs providing such rights, facilities andservices as are required to enable the League to fulfil any UK Broadcast Contract:
D.17.1.	
subject to Rules E.21, E.30 and E.34, the Basic Award Fund shall be
distributed by way of fees to Clubs in accordance with the Equal ShareDistribution Method and distributed to each Relegated Club in accordancewith Rule D.25;
D.17.2.	as soon as practicable after the end of each Season, subject to Rules E.21
and E.30, the Merit Payments Fund shall be distributed by way of fees to
Clubs in accordance with the Merit Based Distribution Method; andD.17.3.	the Board shall in respect of each Season determine the amounts to be
paid to Clubs by way of facility fees for League Matches which are televised
live or of which recorded excerpts are broadcast. During or after the end ofeach Season, subject to Rules E.21 and E.30, such facility fees shall be paidout of the Facility Fees Fund to those Clubs which have participated ineach of such League Matches, whether as a Home Club or a Visiting Club.

Distribution of Commercial Contract Revenue
D.20.

The League shall pay out of Commercial Contract Revenue:
D.20.1.

its operating and other expenses in accordance with Rule D.10; andD.20.2.

any other sum approved by a Resolution.

D.21.

In consideration of Clubs providing such rights, facilities and services as are required
to enable the League to fulfil any Commercial Contract, as soon as practicableduring or after the end of each Season, subject to Rules D.22, D.33, E.21 and E.30, thebalance of Commercial Contract Revenue shall be distributed by way of fees equally
between Clubs.

D.22.

Commercial Contract Revenue derived from a Commercial Contract relating to theprovision of perimeter advertising boards at Stadia shall be distributed to those
Clubs that provide such boards in proportion in each case to the amount of perimeterboard inventory provided.

Distribution of International Broadcast Revenue

Distribution of Radio Contract Revenue

D.18.

D.23.

Subject to Rule D.33, the League shall pay out of International Broadcast Revenue:

D.19.

The League shall pay out of Radio Contract Revenue:

D.18.1.

its operating and other expenses in accordance with Rule D.10; andD.23.1.

its operating and other expenses in accordance with Rule D.10; andD.18.2.

any other sum approved by a Resolution.

D.23.2.

any other sum approved by a Resolution.

Thereafter, in consideration of Clubs providing such rights, facilities and services as
are required to enable the League to fulfil any International Broadcast Contract, assoon as practicable during or after the end of each Season, subject to Rules E.21,
E.30, E.34 and K.42, Net Distributable International Broadcast Revenue shall be
distributed by way of fees so that each Club and each Relegated Club receives such
number of shares as shall be required to put into effect the provisions of Rules D.19
and D.25.
Subject to Rule D.33, in respect of each Season:

D.24.

D.25.

Subject to Rules D.26, D.33, E.21, E.30, and E.34, each Relegated Club shall receive thefollowing fees:
D.25.1.	in the first Season after being relegated, a sum equivalent to 55% of theRelegated Club Shares;
D.25.2.	in the second Season after being relegated, a sum equivalent to 45% the
Relegated Club Shares; andD.19.2.	where the Net Distributable International Broadcast Revenue exceeds theInternational Broadcast Threshold Amount:

D.19.2.2.	where, as a result of the methods of distribution of Central
Funds referred to in Rules D.15 to D.25, the Board determinesthat the Fixed Central Funds Distribution Ratio is reached, any
further International Broadcast Revenue Excess will be
distributed by the League to Clubs in such shares (whether by
the Equal Distribution Method or the Merit Based Distribution
Method) so as to ensure that the Fixed Central Funds
Distribution Ratio is maintained.

In consideration of Clubs providing such rights, facilities and services as are required
to enable the League to fulfil any Radio Contract, as soon as practicable during or
after the end of each Season, subject to Rules D.33, E.21 and E.30, the balance ofRadio Contract Revenue shall be distributed by way of fees equally between Clubs.

Relegated Clubs

D.19.1.	
all Net Distributable International Broadcast Revenue up to theInternational Broadcast Threshold Amount will be distributed to Clubs by
way of fees in accordance with the Equal Share Distribution Method; andD.19.2.1.	the International Broadcast Revenue Excess will be distributed
to Clubs by way of fees in accordance with the Merit BasedDistribution Method, subject to Rule D.19.2.2; andRules: Section D

D.17.

Section D: The League – Finance

D.25.3.	in the third Season after being relegated, a sum equivalent to 20% of theRelegated Club Shares.
D.26.

A Relegated Club that was in membership of the League for only one Season
immediately prior to being relegated will not receive the fee set out in Rule D.25.3.

Guidance
For the avoidance of doubt, Rules D.25 and D.26 will not apply to any Relegated Club that was relegatedin Season 2014/15, Season 2013/14 or Season 2012/13. Instead, the relevant fees to be received by such
Relegated Clubs will be calculated in accordance with the equivalent provisions of the 2014/15, 2013/14 or
2012/13 edition of the Rules, as applicable.

Value Added Tax
D.27.

119

Value added tax shall be added to each fee paid in accordance with Rules D.17, D.18,
D.19, D.21, D.24 and D.25.

120

Section D: The League – Finance

Section D: The League – Finance

D.28.

D.33.2.	reduced Central Funds shall be allocated to Clubs and Relegated Clubs asfollows:

Each distribution made under the provisions of Rules D.17, D.18, D.19, D.21, D.22 andD.25 shall be accompanied by an account showing how it has been computed.

D.33.2.1	each Club’s relative place in the League Table as at the point of
curtailment shall be identified using the processes detailed inRule C.30 (its “Forecast League Position”);

Assignments of Central Funds
D.29.

D.33.2.2.	the Board shall forecast the facility fees that would have been
payable to each Club had the Competition been completed by:(a) pro-rating the number of its League Matches that had been
televised live prior to curtailment; (b) pro-rating the number ofLeague Matches that had been announced for live broadcast in
the UK but not yet played prior to curtailment; and (c) respecting
the minimum Club guaranteed facility fee allocation as
budgeted for that Competition (its “Forecast Live TV Picks”);

If a Club or a Relegated Club proposes to charge, assign or otherwise grant security
over all or part of its entitlement to future distributions of Central Funds, it shall:
D.29.1.	disclose to the League the proposed documentation with the lender giving
effect to such charge, assignment or other grant of security;
D.29.2.	not enter into the said proposed documentation without the prior writtenconsent of the League (not to be unreasonably withheld); andD.29.3.	procure that it and its lender enter into an agreement with the League
whereby the lender will confirm that:		

D.33.2.3.	the Board shall then calculate the percentage share of Central
Funds that would have been allocated to each Club andRelegated Club for that Competition, had the Competition
been completed (in the case of Clubs) by reference to its
position in the League Table and Forecast Live TV Picks for thecompleted Competition (the “Forecast Central Funds
Percentage”); andD.29.3.1.	
it understands that the Club’s entitlement to future
distributions of Central Funds is subject to the provisions of the
Articles and these Rules and in particular (without prejudice tothe generality of the foregoing) to Rules E.21, E.24 and E.30;
D.29.3.2.	it waives any and all claims of whatever nature against the
League associated in any way with the League’s application
and/or enforcement of the Rules referred to at Rule D.29.3.1;
D.29.3.3.	
the Club has disclosed to it the Club’s current and future
liabilities to other Clubs (and clubs) and the League will confirm
that such disclosure accords with its records of such liabilities;
andD.29.3.4.	it shall not further charge, assign, grant security over orotherwise vary its rights in respect of future distributions ofCentral Funds without the prior written consent of the League.

D.30.

D.31.

D.32.

Rule D.29 shall not apply to any assignment, charge or other grant of security by a
Club of its future entitlement to Central Funds as part of a fixed and floating chargeover the entirety of its assets and undertaking on usual commercial terms.
Without the express, prior consent of the Board, no Club or Relegated Club may
charge, assign or otherwise grant security over its entitlement to Central Funds inaccordance with Rule D.29 to any Person other than a Financial Institution.
Without prejudice to Rule D.31, above, the Board may still refuse to permit any
proposed charge, assignment or grant of security under Rule D.29 by a Club,
Relegated Club or lender to a Financial Institution, where the ownership or structureof that Financial Institution conflicts with any of these Rules.

Rules: Section D

Distribution AccountD.33.2.4.	the Reduced Central Funds shall then be allocated so that eachClub and Relegated Club receives its Forecast Central Funds
Percentage.
D.34.

For the avoidance of doubt, Central Funds distributed prior to the point of
curtailment will form part of each Club’s (and Relegated Club’s) share of Reduced
Central Funds resulting in a balancing amount due to or from the League to giveeffect to the process outlined in Rule D.33.

Guidance
By way of example of the operation of Rule D.33.2, where:• the Reduced Central Funds in respect of a Competition is £1 billion;• using the methods referred to in Rule D.33.2.1, Club A’s place in the League Table is 10 th , with 15 League
Matches televised live and a further three League Matches due to be televised live; and• the Board determines that, had the Competition been completed as scheduled, and Club A would
have had 25 League Matches televised live and if finishing the Competition in 10 th place in the League
Table, the Club would have received 10% of the total Central Funds payable in respect of that
Competition,
Club A will receive £100 million from the Reduced Central Funds.

Financial Consequences of the Curtailment of a Competition
D.33.

Where a Competition is curtailed in accordance with Rules C.25 or C.29, the methodsof distribution of Central Funds to Clubs and Relegated Clubs detailed in Rules D.15
to D.26 shall be varied as necessary to give effect to the following process:D.33.1.	the total amount of Central Funds that would have been payable inrespect of that Competition, less any reduction as a result of thecurtailment shall hereinafter be referred to as “Reduced Central Funds”;
and

121

122

Clubs: Finance and Governance
Section E: Clubs – Finance

Section E: Clubs – FinanceE.1.

E.7.2.		be prepared in accordance with the accounting principles adopted in the
preparation of the Club’s Annual Accounts;

Without prejudice to its powers of inquiry under Rule W.1, the Board either by itself orby any Person appointed by it shall be empowered to inspect the financial records of
any Club which it reasonably suspects has acted in breach of these Rules.

E.7.3.		be presented in a similar format to the Annual Accounts including as
regards the matters set out in Rule E.4;
E.7.4.		include in the profit and loss account and cashflow statement comparative
figures for the same period in the preceding year;

Club Bank Accounts
E.2.

E.3.

E.4.

E.7.5.		include a balance sheet as of the end of the preceding financial year;

Each Club shall submit to the Board Form 2 signed by two Directors of the Club andspecifying a bank account (which must be registered with a Financial Institution), to
be in the name of and controlled by the Club, into which the League shall pay monies
due to the Club from the League in accordance with and subject to these Rules savethat if that Club has assigned its entitlement to such monies or any part of them,payment will be made by the League as directed in the assignment.

Submission of Club Accounts
Each Club shall by 1 March in each Season, submit to the Board a copy of its Annual
Accounts in respect of its most recent financial year or if the Club considers it
appropriate or the Board so requests the Group Accounts of the Group of which it isa member (in either case such accounts to be prepared and audited in accordancewith applicable legal and regulatory requirements) together with a copy of thedirectors’ report for that year and a copy of the auditors’ report on those accounts.

E.7.6.		be approved in writing by the board of directors of the company to which
they relate; andE.7.7.		
be reviewed or audited in accordance with applicable regulatory
requirements.
E.8.

Rule E.5 shall apply to the interim accounts (with appropriate modification) if theauditors have issued anything other than an unqualified opinion without
modification on them.

E.9.

Each Club must by 7 April (or such later date as the Board shall specify) in each
Season prove that, subject to Rule E.10:
E.9.1.	no Compensation Fee, Loan Fee or Contingent Sum payable pursuant to a
Transfer Agreement due to be paid by the preceding 28 February; andE.9.2.	no sum payable to or in respect of an employee in relation to services
provided and due to be paid by the preceding 28 February (including PAYE
and NIC),The accounts referred to in Rule E.3 shall:
E.4.1.	
include separate disclosure within the balance sheet or notes to theaccounts, or by way of supplementary information separately reported on
by its auditors by way of procedures specified by the Board, of the totalsums payable and receivable in respect of Compensation Fees, Contingent
Sums and Loan Fees; andis or was overdue as at the preceding 31 March.
E.10.

If the auditors’ report on the accounts submitted pursuant to Rule E.3 contains
anything other than an unqualified opinion without modification, the Club shall at
the Board’s request submit such further documentary evidence as the Board shallrequire (including, but not limited to, Future Financial Information).

E.6.

If the Annual Accounts of a Club or Group Accounts submitted pursuant to Rule E.3
are prepared to a date prior to 30 November in the Season of submission, such Clubor Group shall by the following 31 March submit to the Board interim accounts
covering the period commencing from its accounting reference date and ending ona date between the following 30 November and 1 March.

E.7.

The interim accounts shall:
E.7.1.		comprise a balance sheet, a profit and loss account, a cash flow statement
and relevant explanatory notes;

123

For the purpose of Rule E.9:
E.10.1.

E.4.2.	include a breakdown within the profit and loss account or the notes to theaccounts, or by way of supplementary information separately reported on
by its auditors by way of procedures specified by the Board, of revenue inappropriate categories such as gate receipts, sponsorship and advertising,broadcasting rights, commercial income and other income.
E.5.

Rules: Section E

Power to Inspect

“employee” means a Player, a Manager, any Official referred to in Rule J.1,
an Academy Manager, a Team Doctor and a senior physiotherapist
referred to in Rule O.12, an assistant manager or head coach referred to inRule P.13 and a safety officer; andE.10.2.	an amount shall not be treated as overdue as at 31 March if by that date it
has been paid or the date for payment has been extended by means of awritten agreement with the creditor or it is the subject of current litigationor arbitration proceedings or has been submitted to a dispute resolution
procedure of the League, The Football Association, UEFA or FIFA.
E.11.

By 31 March in each Season, each Club shall submit to the Board in respect of itself (orif the Club considers it appropriate or the Board so requests in respect of the Groupof which it is a member) future financial information comprising projected profit andloss accounts, cash flow, balance sheets and relevant explanatory notes commencing
from its accounting reference date or, if it has submitted interim accounts pursuant toRule E.6, from the date to which those interim accounts were prepared and expiringon the next accounting reference date after the end of the following Season (“Future
Financial Information”). The projected profit and loss accounts, cash flow andbalance sheets shall be prepared at a maximum of quarterly intervals.

124Section E: Clubs – Finance

E.15.8.	the auditors’ report on the Annual Accounts or interim accounts of the Clubor the Group submitted pursuant to Rule E.3 and Rule E.6 respectively or
Rule E.13 contains anything other than an unqualified opinion without
modification; or

The Future Financial Information shall:
E.12.1.	be prepared in accordance with the accounting principles adopted in the
preparation of the Club’s Annual Accounts (except where the accounting
principles and policies are to be changed in the subsequent Annual
Accounts, in which case the new accounting principles and polices should
be followed);

E.15.9.	as a result of its review of all the documents and information submitted by
the Club pursuant to Rules E.3 to E.13, and having taken into account any
failure of the Club to supply any such documents or information, in its
reasonable opinion it determines that the Club will not over the course of
the following Season be able to:E.12.2.	be approved in writing by the board of directors of the company to which
they relate;
E.12.3.	include in the explanatory notes thereto principal assumptions and risks;
andE.15.9.1.	pay its liabilities to the creditors listed in Rule E.23 (in so far as
they are or will become creditors of the Club) and to its
employees as they fall due;

E.12.4.	include for comparison profit and loss accounts for the period covered by
the Annual Accounts and interim accounts submitted pursuant to Rules E.3
and E.6, a forecast for the current financial year and a balance sheet as at
the date of the interim accounts submitted pursuant to Rule E.6.
E.13.

E.15.9.2.	fulfil its obligation under Rule C.1 to play two League Matches
against each other Club; orE.15.9.3.	fulfil its obligations under Rule D.3 to provide such rights,
facilities and services as are required to enable the League tofulfil its Commercial Contracts, UK Broadcast Contracts,
International Broadcast Contracts and Radio Contracts.

Each Promoted Club shall by 30 June in the year of its promotion submit to the Board:
E.13.1.	copies of the documents and other information that it would have beenrequired to submit to the Board pursuant to Rules E.3, E.6 and E.9 by 1
March of that year had it then been a member of the League;

E.16.

E.13.2.	Future Financial Information commencing from 1 July in the year of its
promotion and expiring on the Club’s next accounting reference dateafter the end of the following Season; andE.16.1.	to require the Club to submit, agree and adhere to a budget which shall
include, but not be limited to, the matters set out in Rule H.1.1 to H.1.3;
E.16.2.	to require the Club to provide such further information as the Board shalldetermine and for such period as it shall determine;

E.14.

No later than two days after each Acquisition Test Date (or 14 days after the date ofrequest from the Board in respect of an Acquisition Test Date that is not the second
acquisition test or the final acquisition test (as referred to in the definition of
Acquisition Test Date)) each Club shall submit to the Board an Acquisition Leverage
Compliance Certificate (in the form of Form 6) delivered by an Authorised Signatoryof each Club, which illustrates compliance with the Acquisition Leverage Test.

E.16.3.	where the matter relates to the late provision of an Acquisition Leverage
Compliance Certificate required by Rule E.14, to require the Club to provide
a reasoned explanation for any delay in submitting an Acquisition
Leverage Compliance Certificate and where a submitted Acquisition
Leverage Compliance Certificate shows a breach of the Acquisition
Leverage Test, to provide a remedial plan as to how compliance is to beachieved and in what time frame;

E.15.

The Board shall have the powers set out in Rule E.16 if:

E.16.4.	in relation to Rule E.15.4, and where such failure to deliver subsists for 14days, to prohibit the Club from making any Club Distributions, suchprohibition amounting to a “Distribution Lock-up”;

E.15.1.	the Club has failed to submit to the Board Annual Accounts as required by
Rules E.3 and E.4 or Rule E.13;

E.16.5.	in relation to Rule E.15.5, to require the Club to implement a Distribution
Lock-up; andE.15.2.	the Club has failed to submit to the Board interim accounts as required byRule E.6 or Rule E.13;

E.16.6.	to refuse any application by that Club to register any Player or any newcontract of an existing Player of that Club if the Board reasonably deems
that this is necessary in order to ensure that the Club complies with its
obligations listed in Rule E.15.9.

E.15.3.	the Club has failed to submit to the Board the Future Financial Information
as required by Rule E.11 or Rule E.13;
E.15.4.	
the Club has failed to deliver to the Board an Acquisition Leverage
Compliance Certificate as required by Rule E.14;
E.15.5.	the Club has delivered to the Board an Acquisition Leverage Compliance
Certificate as required by Rule E.14, but the Acquisition Leverage
Compliance Certificate certifies that the Acquisition Leverage Test has
been breached;
E.15.6.	the Board has asked the Club to submit further documentary evidence
pursuant to Rule E.5, Rule E.8 or Rule E.13 and the Club has failed to do so
within such reasonable deadline that is specified by the League;
E.15.7.	the Club has failed to satisfy the Board that no sums of the kind set out in
Rule E.9 (and subject to Rule E.10) were overdue as at the preceding 31
March;
125

The powers referred to in Rule E.15 are:any further documentary evidence required pursuant to Rules E.5 and E.8.

E.13.3.

Rules: Section E

E.12.

Section E: Clubs – Finance

E.17.

Where the Board directs a Club to implement a Distribution Lock-up in accordancewith Rule E.16.4 or E.16.5, the Club shall implement such Distribution Lock-up until theClub certifies that it is compliant with the Acquisition Leverage Test.

HMRC
E.18.

Each Club shall provide quarterly certification in such form as the Board may requestfrom time to time to confirm that its liabilities to HMRC in respect of PAYE and NIC
are no more than 28 days in arrears.

126Section E: Clubs – Finance

Each Club shall promptly on request from the Board:

E.24.2.	out of any monies held by the Board for or on behalf of or to the order ofthat Transferee Club (whether in the Compensation Fee Account orotherwise), the Board shall have power to pay to its Transferor Club any
amount not exceeding the sum due to it from the Transferee Club under
the provisions of this Section of these Rules.

E.19.1.	provide confirmation (to be signed by an Authorised Signatory) as towhether it has any outstanding liabilities to HMRC, and if it has it shallprovide the Board with full details thereof (including details of any
agreements which are in place with HMRC as regards such liabilities); andE.19.2.	provide HMRC with written permission in such form as HMRC may requirefor HMRC to share information about the Club’s liabilities to HMRC with
the League.
E.20.

Events of Insolvency
E.25.

Where the Board reasonably believes that a Club’s liabilities in respect of PAYE & NIC
are more than 28 days in arrears it may exercise the powers set out in Rule E.16.

If the Board is reasonably satisfied that a Club or Relegated Club (“the debtor
Club”) has failed to make any payment due to any creditor of the description set out
in Rule E.23, the Board shall be empowered to:E.25.2.	it or its shareholders or Directors lodge a ‘Notice of Intention to Appoint an
Administrator’ or ‘Notice of Appointment of an Administrator at the Court’in accordance with paragraph 26 or paragraph 29 of Schedule B1 to the1986 Act or where it or its shareholders or Directors make an application to
the court for an ‘Administration Order’ under paragraph 12 of Schedule B1
to the 1986 Act or where an Administrator is appointed or an ‘Administration
Order’ is made in respect of it (‘Administrator’ and ‘Administration Order’
having the meanings attributed to them respectively by paragraphs 1 and
10 of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act);

E.21.1.	deduct the amount of any such payment from any distribution of UK
Broadcast Revenue, International Broadcast Revenue, Commercial
Contract Revenue or Radio Contract Revenue (“Central Funds”) payable
to the debtor Club, paying the same to the creditor to which it is due; andE.21.2.	withhold any distribution of Central Funds otherwise due to the debtor
Club to the extent of any liabilities falling due from the debtor Club to any
creditor of the description set out in Rule E.23 within the period of 60 days
after the due date of the distribution of the Central Funds to the debtor
Club, and pay the same to the creditor on the date when it is due to thatcreditor should the debtor Club fail to do so.
E.22.

E.23.

E.25.3.	an ‘Administrative Receiver’ (as defined by section 251 of the 1986 Act), a‘Law of Property Act Receiver’ (appointed under section 109 of the Law of
Property Act 1925) or any ‘Receiver’ appointed by the court under theSupreme Court Act 1981 or any other ‘Receiver’ is appointed over any of its
assets which, in the opinion of the Board, are material to the Club’s ability
to fulfil its obligations as a member of the League;

The Board shall only have the powers set out in Rule E.21.2 if the debtor Club has
failed to make any payment when due (whether or not paid thereafter) to a creditorof the description set out in Rule E.23 within the period of 120 days immediately prior
to the due date of distribution of the Central Funds to the debtor Club.

E.25.4.

another Club (or club);E.23.2.

the League;

E.25.6.	a meeting of its creditors is convened pursuant to section 95 or section 98
of the 1986 Act;

E.23.3.	
any Associated Undertaking, Fellow Subsidiary Undertaking, Group
Undertaking, or Subsidiary Undertaking of the League;

E.25.7.	a winding up order is made against it by the court under section 122 of the1986 Act or a provisional liquidator is appointed over it under section 135
of the 1986 Act;

E.23.4.	any pension or life assurance scheme administered by or on behalf of the
League;E.23.5.

E.25.8.	it ceases or forms an intention to cease wholly or substantially to carry on
its business save for the purpose of reconstruction or amalgamation orotherwise in accordance with a scheme of proposals which have previously
been submitted to and approved in writing by the Board; or

The Football League;

E.23.6.	
any Associated Undertaking, Fellow Subsidiary Undertaking, Group
Undertaking, or Subsidiary Undertaking of The Football League; andE.23.7.
E.24.

127

E.25.9.	it enters into or is placed into any insolvency regime in any jurisdiction
outside England and Wales which is analogous with the insolvency
regimes detailed in Rules E.25.1 to E.25.7 hereof.

the Football Foundation.

If any Transferee Club acts in breach of Rules V.29 or V.32 to V.36 inclusive:
E.24.1.

Rule V.37 shall apply; andthe coming into force of a moratorium pursuant to Part A1 of the 1986 Act;

E.25.5.	its shareholders pass a resolution pursuant to section 84(1) of the 1986 Act
to voluntarily wind it up;

The creditors to which Rule E.21 applies are:E.23.1.

Subject to Rule E.33, the Board shall have power to suspend a Club by giving to it
notice in writing to that effect if it or its Parent Undertaking suffers an Event of
Insolvency, that is to say:E.25.1.	it enters into a ‘Company Voluntary Arrangement’ pursuant to Part 1 of theInsolvency Act 1986 (“the 1986 Act”) or a compromise or arrangementwith its creditors under Part 26 of the Act, or a restructuring plan underPart 26A of the Act or enters into any compromise agreement with its
creditors as a whole;Power to Deduct
E.21.

Rules: Section E

E.19.

Section E: Clubs – Finance

E.26.

A Club shall forthwith give written notice to the Board upon the happening of any ofthe events referred to in Rule E.25.

128Section E: Clubs – FinanceE.28.

At the discretion of the Board exercised in accordance with Rule E.33, a suspension
may take effect from the giving of the notice or it may be postponed subject to:E.33.

E.27.1.	a condition that while the suspension is postponed the Club may not apply
to register or have transferred to it the registration of any Player; andE.33.1.	such of the provisions of the 1986 Act, the Competition Act 1998 and theEnterprise Act 2002 as are relevant and then in force;

E.27.2.	such other conditions as the Board may from time to time during the
postponement of the suspension think fit to impose.

E.33.2.	the consideration (if any) given by the insolvent Club under the provisionsof Rules D.17, D.18, D.19, D.21 and D.24;

Unless a suspension is postponed, a suspended Club shall not play in:

E.33.3.	
the interests of the insolvent Club’s Officials, Players, supporters,
shareholders and sponsors;

E.28.1.

E.33.4.

the interests of the insolvent Club’s other Football Creditors;

E.33.5.

the need to protect the integrity and continuity of the League Competition;

any League Match;

E.28.2.	any matches organised as part of the Games Programmes or matches in
the Professional Development Leagues (as those terms are defined in theYouth Development Rules);E.28.3.

any Approved Competition; orE.28.4.

any other match.

E.29.

For the purposes of the League competition, the Board shall have power todetermine how the cancellation of a League Match caused by the suspension of oneof the Clubs which should have participated in it shall be treated.

E.30.

While pursuant to this Section of these Rules a Club is suspended or its suspension is
postponed, the Board shall have power, subject to Rule E.33, to make such payments
as it may think fit to the Club’s Football Creditors out of:

E.33.6.	the reputation of the League and the need to promote the game ofassociation football generally; andE.33.7.	the relationship between the Club and its Parent Undertaking, in the eventthat the Parent Undertaking suffers the Event of Insolvency.
E.34.

Sporting Sanction

E.30.2.	
any International Broadcast Revenue payable to the suspended Club
under the provisions of Rules D.18 and D.19;

E.35.

Upon a Club or its Parent Undertaking suffering an Event of Insolvency the Board
shall have the power to impose upon the Club a deduction of nine points scored or
to be scored in the League competition. If the Board exercises this power it shallforthwith give written notice to the Club to that effect.

E.36.

Subject to Rule E.37, the Club may appeal against the deduction of points by sending
or delivering to the Board Form 3 so that it receives the same together with a depositof £1,000 within seven days of the date of the notice given under the provisions ofRule E.35.

E.37.

The only grounds upon which a Club may appeal in accordance with Rule E.36 arethat:

E.30.4.	any Radio Contract Revenue payable to the suspended Club under theprovisions of Rule D.24.
For the purposes of this Section of these Rules, Football Creditors shall comprise:
E.31.1.	
The Football Association and clubs in full or associate membershipthereof;E.31.2.	Affiliated Organisations (as defined by the articles of association of The
Football Association);
E.31.3.

E.37.1.	
the Event of Insolvency was caused by and resulted directly fromcircumstances, other than normal business risks, over which it could notreasonably be expected to have had control; andthe League and any subsidiary of it;

E.31.4.	The Football League, the National League, the Northern Premier League,
the Southern Premier League and the Isthmian Football League;
E.31.5.

the Professional Footballers’ Association;

E.31.6.

the Football Foundation;

E.31.7.	any employee or former employee of the suspended Club to whom arrearsof wages or salary are due, to the extent of such arrears; andE.31.8.	any pension provider to which a pension contribution payable by thesuspended Club in respect of its employees or former employees is due, tothe extent of such contribution.
E.32.

129

Any distribution to a Relegated Club under the provisions of Rules D.17 or D.18 may
be deferred if, on or before the date of the distribution, the Relegated Club has been
given notice under article 4.5 of the articles of association of The Football League
which has been suspended. Upon such notice being withdrawn the deferred
distribution shall be paid but if in consequence of the notice the club to which it wasdue ceases to be a member of The Football League its amount shall be added to thenext distribution made in accordance with these Rules.

E.30.1.	any UK Broadcast Revenue payable to the suspended Club under theprovisions of Rule D.17;

E.30.3.	any Commercial Contract Revenue payable to the suspended Club under
the provisions of Rule D.21; andE.31.

In exercising its powers under Rules E.25, E.30, E.32 and E.35 and its discretion under
Rule E.27, the Board shall have regard to all the circumstances of the case and to:Rules: Section E

E.27.

Section E: Clubs – Finance

E.37.2.	its Officials had used all due diligence to avoid the happening of suchcircumstances.
E.38.

An appeal under the provisions of Rule E.36 shall lie to an appeal tribunal which shallhear the appeal as soon as reasonably practicable. The appeal tribunal shall be
appointed by the Chair of the Judicial Panel and shall comprise three members of
the Judicial Panel including:
E.38.1.

an authorised insolvency practitioner; andE.38.2.

a legally qualified member who shall sit as chair of the tribunal.

Upon being reasonably satisfied that a suspended Club’s liabilities to its Football
Creditors have been settled, the Board shall have power, subject to Rule E.33, towithdraw the suspension of that Club by giving to it notice in writing to that effect.
130Section E: Clubs – FinanceThe chair of the appeal tribunal shall have regard to the procedures governing theproceedings of Commissions and Appeal Boards set out in Section W (Disciplinary)of these Rules but, subject as aforesaid, shall have an overriding discretion as to themanner in which the appeal is conducted.

E.40.

The Club shall have the burden of proving the matters set out in the appeal. The
standard of proof shall be the balance of probabilities.

E.41.

The appeal tribunal shall make its decision unanimously or by majority. No memberof the appeal tribunal may abstain.

E.42.

The appeal tribunal shall give written reasons for its decision.

E.43.

The appeal tribunal shall have the following powers:

		

E.47.2.2.	be based on the latest information available to the Club andbe, to the best of the Club’s knowledge and belief, an accurate
estimate as at the time of preparation of future financial
performance; andE.47.3.	if Rule E.48 applies to the Club, the calculation of its aggregated Adjusted
Earnings Before Tax for T, T-1 and T-2 in Form 3A.

Rules: Section E

E.39.

Section E: Clubs – Finance

Guidance

E.43.1.

E.44.

E.46.

E.48.1.	by no later than 31 March the Club must submit to the Board the calculationof its Adjusted Earnings Before Tax for each of T, T-1 and T-2; andE.43.3.	to order the appellant Club to pay or contribute to the costs of the appeal
including the fees and expenses of members of the appeal tribunal.

E.48.2.	
the Club must submit to the Board (or, in the event that the Club isrelegated following the relevant Season, to the EFL) its Annual Accounts
for T by no later than the following 31 December.

The decision of the appeal tribunal shall be final and binding on the appellant Club.

Each Club shall notify the League forthwith of any circumstances which may
materially and adversely affect any of the information or representations submitted
to the League pursuant to this Section E, and on consideration of those circumstances
the Board may, if it considers it appropriate, amend any decision or determinationthat it made based on such information or representations.

E.49.

If the PSR Calculation results in a loss of up to £15m, then the Board shall determine
whether the Club will, until the end of T+1, be able to pay its liabilities described inRule E.15.9.1 and fulfil the obligations set out in Rules E.15.9.2 and E.15.9.3.

E.50.

If the PSR Calculation results in a loss of in excess of £15m then the following shallapply:
E.50.1.	the Club shall provide, by 31 March in the relevant Season, Future Financial
Information to cover the period commencing from its last accounting
reference date (as defined in section 391 of the Act) until the end of T+2
and a calculation of estimated aggregated Adjusted Earnings Before Tax
until the end of T+2 based on that Future Financial Information;

The information and representations referred to in Rule E.45 include, without
limitation:
E.46.1.

Future Financial Information;

E.46.2.

the estimated profit and loss account submitted pursuant to Rule E.47.2; andE.50.2.	the Club shall provide such evidence of Secure Funding as the Board
considers sufficient; andE.46.3.	information and undertakings provided to the League in connection with
Secure Funding.

E.50.3.	if the Club is unable to provide evidence of Secure Funding as set out in
Rule E.50.2, the Board may exercise its powers set out in Rule E.16.
E.51.

If the PSR Calculation results in losses of in excess of £105m:

Each Club shall by 31 March in each Season submit to the Board:

E.51.1.

E.47.1.	copies of its Annual Accounts for T-1 (and T-2 if these have not previously
been submitted to the Board) together with copies of the directors’
report(s) and auditors’ report(s) on those accounts;

E.51.2.	the Club shall be treated as being in breach of these Rules and accordingly
the Board shall refer the breach to a Commission constituted pursuant to
Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules, which shall be determined inaccordance with the Profitability and Sustainability Rules – Standard
Directions set out at Appendix 1 to these Rules.

E.47.2.	its estimated profit and loss account and balance sheet for T which shall:		131

If the aggregation of a Club’s Earnings Before Tax for T-1 and T-2 results in a loss
then:

E.43.2.	to order the deposit to be forfeited to the League or repaid to theappellant Club; andProfitability and Sustainability
E.47.

E.48.

to allow or dismiss the appeal;

General
E.45.

The Board will in due course consider the Annual Accounts for the Accounting Reference Period in respectof which information pursuant to Rule E.47.2 is submitted and in particular examine whether any material
variances indicate that the estimated financial information was not prepared in accordance with RuleE.47.2.2.

E.47.2.1.	be prepared in all material respects in a format similar to theClub’s Annual Accounts; andE.52.

the Board may exercise its powers set out in Rule E.16; andThe sum set out in Rule E.51 shall be reduced by £22m for each Season covered by T-1
and T-2 in which the Club was in membership of The Football League.

132Section E: Clubs – Finance

E.53.

Each Associated Party Transaction must be submitted to the Board (in such form
and including such detail as required by the Board) in order for the Board to conduct
a Fair Market Value Assessment of it.

E.54.

The submissions required by Rule E.53 must be made to the Board either:
E.54.1.	
prior to execution of the agreement governing the Associated Party
Transaction; orGuidance
For the avoidance of doubt, a Club may provide rights to a counterparty under the terms of a ThresholdTransaction prior to receiving approval from the Board in respect of that Transaction under the Rules but
may not receive any consideration. Receipt of any consideration whatsoever by a Club under the terms ofa Threshold Transaction prior to confirmation that the Board approves the Transaction shall be a breachof these Rules.

E.60.

E.54.2.	
within two clear working days after the execution of the agreement
governing the Associated Party Transaction.
E.55.

Where the Club opts to execute an Associated Party Transaction prior to receiving
written confirmation from the Board in accordance with these Rules that it approves
the Transaction and that no further action will be taken in respect of it, the Club mustensure that the receipt of consideration, of any kind, by it under the terms of the
Associated Party Transaction is made expressly subject at all times to confirmationby the Board (in accordance with Rule E.62) that the Board approves the Transaction
and no further action will be taken in respect of it.

E.56.

Where an Associated Party Transaction is submitted or discovered the Board willconduct a Fair Market Value Assessment of it.

Threshold Transactions
E.57.

Each Threshold Transaction must be submitted to the Board (in such form andincluding such detail as confirmed by the Board from time to time) in order for the
Board to conduct an assessment of it in accordance with Rule E.60.

E.58.

The submissions required by Rule E.57 must be made to the Board either:

E.60.2.	
the Board has reasonable grounds to suspect that the ThresholdTransaction is otherwise than at Arm’s Length.
E.61.

E.59.

133

Where the Club opts to execute a Threshold Transaction prior to receiving written
confirmation from the Board in accordance with these Rules that it approves theTransaction and that no further action will be taken in respect of it, the Club mustensure that the receipt of consideration, of any kind, by it under the terms of theThreshold Transaction is made expressly subject at all times to confirmation by the
Board (in accordance with Rule E.61) that it approves the Transaction and no further
action will be taken in respect of it.

Where the Board determines that a Threshold Transaction submitted or discoveredis an Associated Party Transaction or that it has reasonable grounds to suspect that
it is otherwise than at Arm’s Length, it will conduct a Fair Market Value Assessment of
it. In all other cases, no further action will be required in respect of the ThresholdTransaction and the Board will confirm in writing that it approves the ThresholdTransaction.

Guidance
Without prejudice to Rules E.65 or E.67, where the Board considers that a Fair Market Value Assessment of
a Transaction submitted by the Club as a Threshold Transaction is warranted, it will, prior to making thedetermination, provide the relevant Club with a provisional indication to that effect, together with written
reasons, and an opportunity to produce any further submissions it wishes to make within seven days,
which the Board will consider before making a final determination.

Fair Market Value Assessment
E.62.

Where the Board is required to conduct a Fair Market Value Assessment inaccordance with these Rules, it will conclude that Fair Market Value Assessment (andcommunicate its findings, including whether the Board approves the relevant
Transaction, to the Club) within 10 clear working days of either receipt of the
Associated Party Transaction in accordance with Rule E.53, or its determination inaccordance with Rule E.61, as applicable, save where further time is required due to
exceptional circumstances or the requirement for further information from the Clubin order to reach a conclusive decision.

E.63.

Where, having completed a Fair Market Value Assessment, the Board determines, in
its reasonable opinion, that the relevant Transaction is evidently not at Fair Market
Value:

E.58.1.	
prior to the execution of the agreement governing the ThresholdTransaction; orE.58.2.	within two clear working days after execution of the agreement governing
the Transaction.

When in receipt of a Threshold Transaction, the Board will (within five clear working
days, save where further time is required due to exceptional circumstances or therequirement for further information from the Club in order to reach a conclusive
decision) determine whether:
E.60.1.	the Threshold Transaction is an Associated Party Transaction; orGuidance
For the avoidance of doubt, a Club may provide rights to a counterparty under the terms of an AssociatedParty Transaction prior to receiving approval from the Board in respect of that Transaction under theRules but may not receive any consideration. Receipt of any consideration whatsoever by a Club under
the terms of an Associated Party Transaction prior to confirmation that the Board approves theTransaction shall be a breach of these Rules.

Rules: Section E

Associated Party Transactions

Section E: Clubs – Finance

E.63.1.	the Board will determine and confirm to the Club what it does consider, in
its reasonable opinion, to be the Fair Market Value of the Transaction;
E.63.2.	where the Transaction has not been executed, the Club, Player, Manager
or Senior Official will not be permitted to execute the Transaction at avalue other than that Fair Market Value determination by the Board; and134Section E: Clubs – Finance

E.63.3.1.	where the Board determines that: (a) the Transaction involves a
net receipt of consideration; and (b) the Fair Market Value of
the Transaction is below the total value of net consideration
received (notwithstanding the prohibition in Rule E.55, above)or to be received by the Club, Player, Manager or Senior Official,
the Club, Player, Manager or Senior Official must, within sevenclear working days of that determination either:		(i)	take all such steps as are necessary to end the Transaction(in which case, any consideration received must be
returned to the counterparty by the same deadline); or

E.64.

Where, having completed a Fair Market Value Assessment, the Board determines that,in its reasonable opinion, the relevant Transaction does not fall to be restated to Fair
Market Value, it will confirm the same to the Club and no further action will be required.

Compliance(ii)	
take all such steps as are necessary to vary theTransaction and/or to return to the counterparty any
consideration received in excess of the Fair Market Value
determination, in order to ensure that the total value of
any net consideration received or to be received is not inexcess of that Fair Market Value determination,

E.65.

		
and, whichever approach is adopted, written confirmationmust be provided to the League of the action taken by the Club,
Player, Manager or Senior Official to comply with therequirements of this Rule by the same deadline;

E.66.

Without prejudice to the Board’s powers set out in Rules E.53 to E.64, where it
considers, acting reasonably, that a Transaction should have been submitted to theBoard pursuant to Rules E.53 and/or E.56 but has not been, it may conduct a Fair
Market Value Assessment of that Transaction in accordance with Rules E.62 and
E.63.

E.67.

The following conduct constitutes a breach of these Rules:		

E.63.3.2.	where the Board determines that: (a) the Transaction involves a
net payment of consideration; and (b) the Fair Market Value of
the Transaction is above the total net value of consideration
paid (notwithstanding the prohibition in Rule E.55, above) or tobe paid by the Club, Player, Manager or Senior Official, the Club,
Player, Manager or Senior Official must within seven clear
working days of that determination either:
		

(i)	
take all such steps as are necessary to end theTransaction; or		(ii)	
take all such steps as are necessary to vary theTransaction and/or to pay to the counterparty suchconsideration as is necessary to cover the shortfall
between that Fair Market Value determination and theconsideration paid, in order to ensure that the total valueof any consideration paid or to be paid is not below that
Fair Market Value determination,		and, whichever approach is adopted, written confirmationmust be provided to the League of the action taken by the Club,
Player, Manager or Senior Official to comply with therequirements of this Rule by the same deadline; andE.63.3.3.	where the Transaction involves the transfer (whether temporary
or permanent) of a Player’s registration, the Club concerned
must proceed in accordance with Rule E.63.3.1(ii) or E.63.3.2(ii),
as applicable, and may not proceed in accordance with RuleE.63.3.1(i) or E.63.3.2(i), as applicable.

135

The Board may determine that the action provided for at Rule E.63.2 need not be taken in circumstanceswhere the Club will not unduly benefit from the Transaction in question. For example, in circumstanceswhere the value of the Transaction is: (i) in excess of the value of consideration the Club, Player, Manager
or Senior Official shall receive; or (ii) less than the value of consideration the Club, Player, Manager or
Senior Official shall provide.

Rules: Section E

E.63.3.	where the Transaction has been executed, subject to Rule E.63.3.3:

Section E: Clubs – Finance

A Club must not:E.65.1.

intentionally enter into a Transaction that is not at Fair Market Value; orE.65.2.	
intentionally arrange or facilitate a Transaction between a Player,
Manager or Senior Official of that Club and a third party that is not at Fair
Market Value.

E.67.1.	failure by a Club to submit an Associated Party Transaction or a ThresholdTransaction to the Board strictly in accordance with these Rules;
E.67.2.	failure by a Club to provide accurate or complete information in connection
with any submission of an Associated Party Transaction or a ThresholdTransaction to the Board or providing misleading information inconnection with such a submission;
E.67.3.	failure by an Official or Director engaged in the process of submission of
any Associated Party Transaction or Threshold Transaction on behalf of aClub to use all reasonable care to ensure that the information provided to
the Board is accurate and complete and not misleading;
E.67.4.	failure by a Club to provide written confirmation of the steps taken by theClub, Player, Manager or Senior Official to comply with the requirements ofRule E.63.3 by the deadline in that Rule (and/or fulfil those steps);
E.67.5.	engaging in conduct that is intended to circumvent Rules E.53 to E.64
(including the definitions contained therein) or obstruct the Board’s
investigation of compliance of them;
E.67.6.	engaging in, permitting and/or facilitating any arrangement, the intention
or effect of which is to conceal details from the League of any remunerationof any kind payable by a Club (whether directly or indirectly) to a Player,
Manager or Senior Official that would otherwise fall to be disclosed underthese Rules;

Guidance

E.67.7.	
failure to comply with the obligations in Rules E.70 to E.72 regarding
submission of Databank Transactions to the League; and/or

Where the Board considers that a Transaction is evidently not at Fair Market Value, it will, prior to making
the determination, provide the relevant Club with a provisional indication to that effect, together withwritten reasons, and an opportunity to produce any further submissions it wishes to make within sevendays, which the Board will consider before making a final determination.

E.67.8.	where the Board has made a determination as to the Fair Market Value ofa Transaction, executing the Transaction otherwise than in accordancewith that Fair Market Value determination or otherwise failing to comply
with Rules E.54, E.59, E.65 or E.66.
136Section E: Clubs – Finance

Section E: Clubs – Finance

E.68.

A Person may challenge a determination by the Board under Rules E.61, E.63 or E.66,
by way of arbitration pursuant to Rule X.3, with the dispute deemed to be a ‘Board
Dispute’, for the purposes of Rule X.3.2.

E.69.

Where a Person challenges a determination by the Board pursuant to Rule E.68 (an“FMV Dispute”), the provisions of Section X (Arbitration) will apply in full, save that:

E.69.3.6.	
the parties agree that their external legal advisers andindependent external experts may make submissions and give
evidence to the tribunal respectively concerning Comparable
Transaction Data without needing specific instructions fromtheir instructing party (providing it is otherwise professionallyappropriate to do so) in circumstances where that party will
not have, and is not permitted to have, access to theComparable Transaction Data. The parties further agree that
this does not prevent them having a fair and reasonable
opportunity to present their case (or deal with that of theiropponent(s));

E.69.1.	the single arbitrator or chair of the tribunal (as applicable) will have thepower to abbreviate the deadlines set out in Section X to ensure that the
dispute can be concluded (and an award handed down) within 30 days ofthem/the tribunal becoming seised of the matter, save where theabbreviation of any such deadline causes clear prejudice to any party;

E.69.3.7.	any External Recipient of Data wishing to refer to Comparable
Transaction Data during a hearing shall be responsible forindicating to the tribunal in advance that it wishes to do so toenable appropriate steps to be taken to maintain theconfidentiality of such data. In particular, no party
representatives (except External Recipients of Data) shall bepermitted to be present for the part(s) of any hearing where
Comparable Transaction Data is discussed and shall only begiven a copy of the transcript for the hearing in which any suchdiscussion has been redacted;

E.69.2.	notwithstanding Rule X.18.3, and with the sole exception of information
concerning any specific Transactions considered by the Board in order toinform its decision under Rule E.63 (the “Comparable Transaction Data”)– the disclosure of which, if requested, shall be in accordance with RuleE.69.3 – no party shall be entitled to any disclosure in respect of the
Databank (and for this purpose, all Persons bound by these Rules hereby
undertake not to seek disclosure of the Databank in any forum for any
purpose), and the tribunal shall not have jurisdiction to order disclosure of
all or part of the Databank for any reason. All parties to these Rules agree
that the non-disclosure of the Databank shall not prevent them having afair and reasonable opportunity to present their case (or deal with that of
their opponent(s)) in the context of an FMV Dispute; andE.69.3.8.	
insofar as the tribunal considers it necessary to refer toComparable Transaction Data in its award(s), it shall provide afull copy to External Recipients of Data only and a redacted
version for the parties; andE.69.3.	the Comparable Transaction Data shall only be disclosed on the following
terms:

E.69.3.9.	Comparable Transaction Data (including any documents
containing or referring to such data) shall be returned to the
League and/or destroyed within 30 days of the award being
made in an FMV Dispute by all External Recipients of Data; andE.69.3.1.	Comparable Transaction Data shall be disclosed upon request
to external legal advisers and independent external experts
acting for a party to an FMV Dispute (“External Recipients ofData”) but shall not be disclosed to any parties to such a
dispute at any time (whether directly, indirectly through any
External Recipient of Data or otherwise), subject to Rule E.69.4;

E.69.4.	the single arbitrator or chair of the tribunal (as applicable) will have thepower, in exceptional circumstances, where a party is able to demonstratethat it is necessary to remedy or avoid any unfairness in the process, toorder disclosure of the Comparable Transaction Data to one or more
identified representatives of the Club, subject at all times to the provisionsof Rules E.69.3. Where such an order is made, the individual(s) to whom theComparable Transaction Data is/are to be disclosed will be treated asExternal Recipients of Data for the purposes of Rules E.69.3.2 to E.69.3.5
and E.69.3.7 to E.69.3.9.

E.69.3.2.	as a condition precedent to receiving Comparable Transaction
Data, each External Recipient of Data shall provide to the
League, all parties to the dispute and the tribunal a signed
Comparable Transaction Data Undertaking;E.69.3.3.	Comparable Transaction Data will be treated by each External
Recipient of Data as strictly confidential and will be used byeach such individual solely for the purpose of the proper
conduct of the particular FMV Dispute in respect of which it has
been disclosed and for no other commercial or other purpose
whatsoever;E.69.3.4.	Comparable Transaction Data may only be shared with other
External Recipients of Data who have provided a signed
undertaking in respect of the specific Comparable Transaction
Data in accordance with Rule E.69.3.1 and the tribunal;
E.69.3.5.	
any documents containing or referring to Comparable
Transaction Data will be clearly marked as being ‘Restricted
Access – contains Comparable Transaction Data’ and shall not
be shared with any party to the dispute except insofar as all
Comparable Transaction Data is redacted in advance;
137

Rules: Section E

Challenge

League Databank
E.70.

Each Club must submit to the League (in such form and including such detail as
confirmed by the Board from time to time) details of each Databank Transaction it
enters into, no later than 14 clear Working Days after its execution.

Guidance
Clubs are not required to submit details of a Databank Transaction in accordance with Rule E.70 if they
have submitted the details of the same Transaction in compliance with Rules E.53 or E.57.

138Section E: Clubs – Finance

Each Promoted Club must, by the date of the first League Match played in therelevant Season, submit to the League (in such form and including such detail as
confirmed by the Board from time to time) details of each Databank Transaction it
has entered into in the five years prior to it becoming a member of the League (savewhere the League is already in possession of such details due to its previous
membership of the League).

E.72.

The information submitted to the League:
E.72.1.	pursuant to Rules E.53 to E.71 shall be subject to strict information security
measures agreed by the Board and Clubs, including as to access rights,
storage, retention, deletion and all other appropriate matters; andE.75.

Disputes
E.76.

E.72.2.	either in: (a) accordance with Rules E.70 and E.71; or (b) relation toTransactions approved by the Board in accordance with Rules E.61 andE.62 (together, the “Databank”) will be used to assist the Board with theprocess of Fair Market Value Assessment (providing the comparable
evidence referred to in Rule A.1.95) and otherwise ensure compliance with
Rules E.53 to E.67, and for no other purpose whatsoever.

E.76.2.	where no arbitration has yet commenced at the point at which the Club
becomes a member of the League, any subsequent arbitrationcommenced pursuant to the dispute will be determined in accordancewith Section X (Arbitration) of these Rules, as amended by Rules E.69.

The provisions of Rules E.53 to E.65 apply to:E.73.1.	each Transaction executed after the adoption of those Rules;
E.73.2.	each renewal or extension of, or variation to, an existing Transaction(including any agreement governing that Transaction) that is exercised,negotiated or otherwise comes into operation after the adoption of theRules (which will each be treated as a new Transaction for the purposes of
the Rules); andWhere a Promoted Club, at the point at which it becomes a member of the League
pursuant to Rule B.4, is engaged in a dispute with the EFL in relation to any aspect of
the application of the relevant aligned EFL Regulations by the EFL, where the EFL
and the League agree, conduct of that dispute on behalf of the EFL may pass to the
League. In such cases:
E.76.1.	where the dispute is the subject of an arbitration pursuant to the EFL
Regulations that has already commenced at the point at which the Club
becomes a member of the League, those regulations will continue to apply
to the dispute, with references to ‘the EFL’ in those regulations deemed torefer to the Board; andTransitional Provisions
E.73.

Where a Relegated Club or any Official or Director of that Relegated Club, at the
point at which it ceases to be a member of the League pursuant to Rule C.14, is the
subject of an investigation by the League for alleged breaches of Rules E.47 to E.67,
responsibility for that investigation will pass to the EFL and the provisions of therelevant EFL Regulations will apply.

Rules: Section E

E.71.

Section E: Clubs – Finance

E.77.

Where a Relegated Club, at the point at which it ceases to be a member of the
League pursuant to Rule C.14, is engaged in a dispute with the League in relation to
any aspect of the application of Rules E.47 to E.67, where the EFL and the League
agree, conduct of that dispute on behalf of the League may pass to the EFL, to beresolved in accordance with the EFL Regulations.

E.73.3.	each exercise of an option by the Club to renew, extend or vary any aspectof an existing Transaction (including any agreement governing that
Transaction) that is exercised, negotiated, triggered or otherwise comes
into operation after the adoption of the Rules (which will be treated as a
new Transaction for the purposes of these Rules),provided that nothing in this Rule E.73 is to be taken as requiring any Club or
counterparty to act in breach of any valid term of an existing agreement, enteredinto prior to the adoption of Rules E.53 to E.67.
Disciplinary Issues
E.74.

Where a Promoted Club or any Official or Director of that Promoted Club, at the
point at which it becomes a member of the League pursuant to Rule B.4, is the
subject of an investigation by the EFL for alleged breaches of any aligned provisions
within the EFL Regulations, responsibility for that investigation will pass to theBoard. In such a case:
E.74.1.	the Board’s powers of inquiry set out at Rule W.1 will apply in full in respectof the investigation (with the reference to ‘these Rules’ in Rule W.1 deemed
to include the relevant aligned EFL Regulations); andE.74.2.	the Board’s disciplinary powers set out in Section W (Disciplinary) of theseRules will apply in full in respect of the matter (with the reference to ‘theseRules’ in Rule W.3 and W.7, deemed to include the relevant aligned EFL
Regulations).

139

140

Clubs: Finance and Governance
Section F: Owners’ and Directors’ Test

F.1.

F.1.8.2.3.	to constitute fraud of any kind, including by way of
example and without limitation, tax fraud, tax
evasion, identity theft, electoral fraud, bribery,
online fraud, money laundering and benefit fraud;			

F.1.8.2.4.

to constitute corruption;

			F.1.8.2.5.

to constitute perverting the course of justice;			

F.1.8.2.6.	to constitute a serious breach of any requirement
under the Act or the Companies Act 1985; and/or			

F.1.8.2.7.

A Person shall be disqualified from acting as a Director and no Club shall bepermitted to have any Person acting as a Director of that Club if:
F.1.1.	they have been found by a Commission to have acted in breach of Rules
B.24, or L.9;
F.1.2.	they have accepted a sanction proposed by the Board pursuant to Rule
W.3.6 that they should be disqualified from acting as a Director of the Club,as a result of a breach of Rules B.24 or L.9;
F.1.3.	in relation to the assessment of their compliance with Rule F.1 (and/or any
similar or equivalent rules of The Football League or The Football
Association) at any time, they have:
F.1.3.1.	failed to provide all relevant information (including, without
limitation, information relating to any other Person who would
qualify as a Director but has not been disclosed, including
where they are acting as a proxy, agent or nominee for another
Person); or
F.1.3.2.	provided false, misleading or inaccurate information (including,
without limitation, any such information provided in any
Declaration, Form or Certificate or in any supporting materials
provided with or for any Declaration, Form or Certificate
prescribed by the Rules);F.1.4.	
either directly or indirectly they are involved in or have any power todetermine or influence the management or administration of another Clubor Football League club;
F.1.5.	either directly or indirectly they hold or acquire any Significant Interest in a
Club while they either directly or indirectly hold any interest in any class of
Shares of another Club;
F.1.6.	they become prohibited by law from being a director (including without
limitation as a result of being subject to a disqualification order as adirector under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (asamended or any equivalent provisions in any jurisdiction which has asubstantially similar effect) (“the CDDA”) or being subject to the terms ofan undertaking given to the Secretary of State under the CDDA unless acourt of competent jurisdiction makes an order under the CDDA permitting
an appointment as a Director);

to constitute a Hate Crime;

F.1.8.3.	in respect of an offence set out in Appendix 2 (Schedule ofOffences) or a directly analogous offence in a foreign
jurisdiction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, irrespective of theactual sentence imposed); and/or
F.1.8.4.	for attempting or conspiring to commit offences as set out at
Rules F.1.8.1 to F.1.8.3;
F.1.9.	they have two or more Convictions for any of the matters set out in Rule F.1.8,
irrespective of whether such Convictions are Spent Convictions or not;F.1.10.	in the reasonable opinion of the Board, they have engaged in conduct
outside the United Kingdom that would constitute an offence as set out in
Rules F.1.8.2.1 or F.1.8.3, if such conduct had taken place in the United
Kingdom, whether or not such conduct resulted in a Conviction;
F.1.11.

they become the subject of:
F.1.11.1.	an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (including any fast track
voluntary arrangement);
F.1.11.2.	a debt relief order (in accordance with the provisions of Part 7Aof the 1986 Act);
F.1.11.3.	an administration order (in accordance with Part 6 of theCounty Courts Act 1984);
F.1.11.4.	an enforcement restriction order (in accordance with theprovisions of Part 6A of the County Courts Act 1984);
F.1.11.5.	
a debt management scheme or debt repayment plan (inaccordance with provisions of Chapter 4 of Part 5 of the
Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007); and/or

F.1.7.	
they have been subject to two disqualifications, suspensions or likesanctions for any of the matters set out in Rule F.1.6, irrespective of whether
any such disqualification, suspension or sanction is current or not;F.1.11.6.	
an Interim Bankruptcy Restriction Order, a Bankruptcy
Restriction Order or a Bankruptcy Order (or any equivalent
provisions in any jurisdiction which has a substantially similareffect),F.1.8.	they have a Conviction (which is not a Spent Conviction) imposed by acourt of the United Kingdom or a competent court of foreign jurisdiction:	or any equivalent provision in any other jurisdiction which has a substantiallysimilar effect, and in each case as may be amended from time to time;

F.1.8.1.	in respect of which an unsuspended sentence of at least 12
months’ imprisonment was imposed;

F.1.12.	they have been subject to two or more arrangements, orders, schemes,
plans or provisions in respect of any of the matters set out in Rule F.1.11,
irrespective of whether any arrangement, order, scheme, plan or provision
is current or not;F.1.8.2.	in respect of any offence involving any act which could
reasonably be considered:

141

			

			

F.1.8.2.1.	to be dishonest (and, for the avoidance of doubt,
irrespective of the actual sentence imposed);			

F.1.8.2.2.	to have involved violence including, by way of
example and without limitation, offences under the
Offences Against the Person Act 1861;

Rules: Section F

Disqualifying Events

Section F: Owners’ and Directors’ Test

F.1.13.	in respect of an Entity, it suffers an Event of Insolvency (as defined at Rule
A.1.90);142

Section F: Owners’ and Directors’ Test

Section F: Owners’ and Directors’ Test

F.1.20.	they are subject to a suspension or ban or other form of disqualification byany:
F.1.20.1.	UK government appointed regulatory body (including, by way
of example and without limitation, the Charities Commission,
Ofcom, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential
Conduct Authority, the Gambling Commission and/or HMRC);
and/or
F.1.20.2.	any equivalent body of competent jurisdiction anywhere in theworld;

F.1.15.	they have been a Director of two or more Clubs (or clubs) each of which,while they have been a Director of them, have suffered an Event of
Insolvency in respect of each of which a deduction of points was imposed;

F.1.21.	they have been subject to two or more suspensions, bans, disqualifications
or strikings-off as set out in Rules F.1.18 to F.1.20, irrespective of whether
they are current or not;Guidance

F.1.22.	they have been removed from acting as a trustee of a pension scheme by
the Pensions Regulator or a court, or have otherwise seriously contravened
the pensions regulatory system (whether in the United Kingdom or by any
equivalent body or court of competent jurisdiction anywhere in the world);

For the purposes of Rules F.1.14 and F.1.15, the definition of ‘Director’ and ‘Events of Insolvency’ shall bedeemed to apply to clubs in the same way as to Clubs.

F.1.16.	they have been in an equivalent role to that of a Director:

F.1.23.	they have been a Director or Relevant Signatory at a Club (or held anequivalent role at a club) that has been expelled from either the League, theEFL, the National League, Isthmian League, Northern Premier League,
Southern Football League, the FA Women’s Super League or the FA Women’sChampionship whilst they were in that role at that Club or club or in the one
year immediately following their departure from the Club (or club);F.1.16.1.	in at least two Entities that have each been subject to or
suffered unconnected Events of Insolvency; or
F.1.16.2.	in an Entity that has been subject to or suffered two or moreunconnected Events of Insolvency,	and in either case the Events of Insolvency occurred in the immediately
preceding ten years following their ceasing to act in that capacity(provided they held that role at the time of the Event of Insolvency), or
within one year thereafter.

F.1.24.	they have been in an equivalent role to that of a Director or Relevant
Signatory at any club or team in any other sport which, pursuant to therules of the relevant sports governing body, has been removed (other thanby way of relegation on sporting merit after completion of a full season)
from the applicable league or competition whilst they were in that role (orin the one year immediately following their departure from that role);	For the purposes of this Rule: (i) where any Entity has been subject to morethan one Event of Insolvency during the process of compromising or
entering into a composition with its creditors (for example, administration
followed by exit via a company voluntary arrangement), this will only countas one Event of Insolvency; and (ii) it shall not apply where the Person iscarrying out an equivalent role to that of a Director in their capacity as an
authorised insolvency practitioner;

F.1.25.	they are required to notify personal information pursuant to Part 2 of theSexual Offences Act 2003;
F.1.26.	they are found to have breached (irrespective of any sanction actually
imposed), or has admitted breaching (irrespective of whether disciplinary
proceedings were brought or not):F.1.17.	they are subject to any unsatisfied judgment or court order for payment ofany monetary amount (provided all appeal rights have been exhausted);

F.1.26.1.

F.1.18.	
they are subject to a suspension or ban from involvement in theadministration of a sport by any ruling body of a sport that is recognised by
the International Olympic Committee, UK Sport, or Sport England, anotherof the home country sports councils, or any other national or international
sporting association or governing body, whether such suspension or ban is
direct or indirect (for example, a direction to Persons subject to thejurisdiction of the ruling body that they should not employ, contract with orotherwise engage or retain the services of an individual);
F.1.19.	they are subject to any form of suspension, disqualification or striking-off
by a professional body including, without limitation, the Law Society, theSolicitors’ Regulation Authority, the Bar Council or the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of England and Wales or any equivalent body in any
jurisdiction outside England and Wales, whether such suspension,disqualification or striking-off is direct or indirect (for example, a direction
to Persons subject to the jurisdiction of the professional body that theyshould not employ, contract with or otherwise engage or retain the servicesof an individual);

143

Rules: Section F

F.1.14.	they are or have been a Director of a Club (or club) which, while they havebeen a Director of it, has suffered two or more unconnected Events ofInsolvency in respect of each of which a deduction of points was imposed(and for the purposes of this Rule F.1.14 and Rule F.1.15 a Person shall bedeemed to have been a Director of a Club (or club) which has suffered an
Event of Insolvency if such Event of Insolvency occurred in the one year
immediately following their having resigned as a Director of that Club (orclub));

Rule J.6; orF.1.26.2.	any other rules in force from time to time in relation to theprohibition on betting on football (whether in England or Walesor elsewhere);
F.1.27.	they are an Intermediary and/or is registered as an intermediary or agent
pursuant to the regulations of any national member association of FIFA;
and/or
F.1.28.

either:F.1.28.1.	in respect of an individual, they become a UK Sanctions
Restricted Person; and/or
F.1.28.2.	in respect of an Entity, they or any of their, directors, officers or
employees are the subject of UK Sanctions.

F.2.

A Person who is not already a Director of a Club shall be disqualified from becominga Director of a Club if they are subject to a Potential Disqualifying Event and no Club
shall permit a Person to become a Director of a Club if they are subject to a Potential
Disqualifying Event.
144

Section F: Owners’ and Directors’ Test

Guidance

Change of Director’s Circumstances

Rules F.1.7, F.1.8.2.2 to F.1.8.2.7, F.1.8.4, F.1.9, F.1.11.6, F.1.12, F.1.13, F.1.16, F.1.17, F.1.20 to F.1.22, F.1.24 and F.1.28(“Additional Disqualifying Events”) were agreed by Clubs at a Shareholders’ Meeting on 30 March 2023.
As relates to Persons who were Directors on or prior to 30 March 2023, the Additional Disqualifying Eventsand the Board’s powers associated with them will apply to the occurrence of an Additional Disqualifying
Event only where it occurs after 30 March 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, in respect of any Persons who
become (or propose to become) a Director following 30 March 2023, nothing shall preclude the Board
applying its powers in respect of Additional Disqualifying Events, irrespective of when they occurred.

F.6.

Submission of Declaration
F.3.

Not later than 14 days before the commencement of each Season each Club shallsubmit to the Board a duly completed Declaration in respect of each of its Directors
signed by the Director to which it refers and by an Authorised Signatory, who shallnot be the same Person.

F.6.1.	the Director in respect of whom the Declaration has been made shallforthwith give full written particulars thereof to their Club; andF.6.2.	the Club shall thereupon give such particulars in writing to the Board.
Guidance
For the avoidance of doubt, the requirement for a Club to give particulars in writing to the Board pursuant
to Rule F.6.2 shall include instances in which a Director ceases to be a Director.

Disqualification of a Director
F.7.

Guidance
Where these Rules impose an obligation on a Director (or proposed Director) to submit a Declaration(whether under this Rule F.3 or Rule F.28) and the Director (or proposed Director) concerned is not anatural person, it must ensure that the individual signing the Declaration on its behalf is duly authorised
to do so and to bind that Director to comply with the obligations placed upon it by these Rules.

F.4.

F.5.

F.7.2.	give written notice to the relevant Club that the Person is disqualified,giving reasons therefore;
F.7.3.	where the Person is a Director:
F.7.3.1. 	within 28 days of receipt of written notice given in accordancewith Rule F.7.1, require the relevant Person to resign as a Director
and/or take such other steps as are necessary in all thecircumstances to ensure that they no longer come within thedefinition of Director; andIf any Person proposes to become a Director of a Club (including for the avoidanceof doubt by virtue of being a shadow director but not including any instance where a
Person is proposing to acquire Control of the Club):F.5.1.	the Club shall, no later than 10 Working Days prior to the date on which it isanticipated that such Person shall become a Director, submit to the Board:

F.7.3.2. 	thereafter they must ensure that they continue not to comewithin the definition of Director for so long as the Disqualifying
Event or Potential Disqualifying Event subsists;

F.5.1.1.	a duly completed Declaration in respect of that Person signedby them and by an Authorised Signatory, at which point that
Person shall be bound by and subject to the Rules; andF.7.4.	where the Person is not a Director when the decision is made, they must not
do anything that brings them within the definition of a Director for so longas the Disqualifying Event or Potential Disqualifying Event subsists; andF.5.1.2.	a copy of the Owners’ Charter signed by them;

F.5.3.	following completion of those enquiries, the Board will advise the Club
whether or not the Person is liable to be disqualified as a Director under theprovisions in Rule F.1 or Rule F.2, and if the Person is so liable the Board willtake the steps set out in Rule F.7; andF.5.4.	the Person shall not become a Director, and the Club may not permit themto do anything which brings them within the definition of Director, until theClub has received confirmation from the Board pursuant to Rule F.5.3,
above, that the Person is not liable to be disqualified as a Director under
the provisions of Rule F.1 or F.2.

145

Upon the Board becoming aware by virtue of the submission of a Declaration or in
the circumstances referred to in Rule F.6 or by any other means that a Person is liable
to be disqualified as a Director under the provisions of Rule F.1 or Rule F.2, following
the review of the Board’s determination by the Independent Oversight Panel under
Rule F.34, the Board will:F.7.1.	give written notice to the Person that they are disqualified, giving reasons
therefore;

Within 21 days of becoming a member of the League each Club promoted from The
Football League shall likewise submit to the Board a duly completed Declaration in
respect of each of its Directors signed as aforesaid.

F.5.2.	within five Working Days of receipt thereof the Board shall advise the Clubof the timeframe within which the Board, acting reasonably, expects to beable to finalise its enquiries in respect of that Person (where the proposed
Director is not someone acquiring Control, it is expected that the Board willordinarily be in a position to take this step within five Working Days ofreceipt of the Club’s submission pursuant to Rule F.5.1);

Upon the happening of an event which affects any statement contained in a
submitted Declaration:

Rules: Section F

Section F: Owners’ and Directors’ Test

F.7.5.	a Club must not permit any person who is disqualified either to become a
Director or (if they were a Director before the Disqualifying Event arose) tocontinue to be a Director at the Club, for so long as the Disqualifying Eventor Potential Disqualifying Event subsists.

Disciplinary Provisions
F.8.

Any Club which fails to comply with its obligations under the foregoing provisions of
this Section of these Rules or which submits a Declaration which is false in any
particular shall be in breach of these Rules and will be liable to be dealt with inaccordance with the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules.

F.9.

Any Director who fails to comply with their obligations under the foregoing provisionsof this Section of these Rules or who fails to complete and sign a Declaration and any
Director or Authorised Signatory who signs a Declaration which is false in any
particular shall likewise be in breach of these Rules and liable to be dealt with as
aforesaid.
146

Section F: Owners’ and Directors’ Test

F.10.

F.11.

If a Director who receives a notice under the provisions of Rule F.7.1 fails to resign andtheir Club fails to ensure their removal from office as required, or if a Club proceedswith the appointment as a Director of a Person to whom Rule F.5 applies despite
having received a notice under the provisions of Rule F.7.2, the Board shall havepower to suspend the Club by giving to it notice in writing to that effect.

F.17.

An appeal under the provisions of Rule F.14 shall lie to an appeal tribunal which shallhear the appeal as soon as reasonably practicable. The appeal tribunal shall be
appointed by the Chair of the Judicial Panel and shall comprise three members of
the Judicial Panel including a legally qualified member who shall sit as chair of thetribunal.

F.18.

The chair of the appeal tribunal shall have regard to the procedures governing theproceedings of Commissions and Appeal Boards set out in Section W (Disciplinary)of these Rules but, subject as aforesaid, shall have an overriding discretion as to themanner in which the appeal is conducted.

F.19.

On application of the Person or Club bringing the appeal, the appeal tribunal may
stay implementation of the Board’s decision pending determination of the appeal,
where the Person or Club (as applicable) satisfies it that such a stay is necessary to
avoid undue prejudice.

F.20.

The Person or Club advancing the appeal shall have the burden of proving thecomplaint. The standard of proof shall be the balance of probabilities.

F.21.

The appeal tribunal shall make its decision unanimously or by majority. No memberof the appeal tribunal may abstain.

F.22.

The appeal tribunal shall give written reasons for its decision.

F.23.

The appeal tribunal shall have the following powers:

A suspended Club shall not play in:
F.11.1.	any League Match;
F.11.2.	any matches organised as part of the Games Programmes or matches in
the Professional Development Leagues (as those terms are defined in theYouth Development Rules);F.11.3.	any Approved Competition; orF.11.4.	any other match.

F.12.

F.13.

For the purposes of the League competition, the Board shall have power todetermine how the cancellation of a League Match caused by the suspension of oneof the Clubs which should have participated in it shall be treated.
Upon being reasonably satisfied that the Director of the suspended Club has
resigned or has been removed from office, the Board shall have power to withdraw
the suspension by giving to it notice in writing to that effect.

Appeal against Disqualification of a Director

F.23.1.	to allow the appeal in full;

F.14.

F.23.2.

Any Person or Club who receives notice under Rule F.7 has a right to appeal thedisqualification notice(s) in accordance with the following Rules.

F.15.

Any Person or Club wishing to appeal a disqualification notice must, within 14 days ofthe date of that notice, send or deliver to the Board a notice of appeal, setting out
full details of the grounds of appeal of that Person or Club, together with a depositof £1,000.

F.16.

The only grounds upon which a Person or Club may appeal a disqualification noticeare:F.16.3.	the Disqualifying Event is a Conviction imposed between 19 August 2004 and5 June 2009 for an offence which would not have led to disqualification as a
Director under the Rules of the League as they applied during that period.

147

to reject the appeal;

F.23.3.	if it determines that a Disqualifying Event or Potential Disqualifying Eventexists, to determine that the individual concerned should not be banned
for that period during which they will remain subject to it and substitutesuch period as it shall reasonably determine, having regard to all of thecircumstances of the case;
F.23.4.	to declare that no Disqualifying Event or Potential Disqualifying Event everexisted or that any Disqualifying Event has ceased to exist;
F.23.5.	to order the deposit to be forfeited to the League or to be repaid to theappellant Person or Club; andF.16.1.	none of the Disqualifying Events set out in Rule F.1 apply;
F.16.2.	in respect of a Conviction of a court of foreign jurisdiction under Rule F.1.8,
or a finding of the conduct referred to in Rule F.1.10 or a suspension or ban
by a sport ruling body under Rule F.1.18, or a suspension, disqualification or
striking-off by a professional body under Rules F.1.19 or F.1.20, or a findingof a breach of rule by a ruling body of football pursuant to Rule F.1.26.2, ora banning order received pursuant to the Football Spectators Act 1989 (orany like sanction pursuant to similar provisions in any other jurisdiction)
under Rule F.1.8.3, there are compelling reasons why that particularConviction, suspension, ban, finding, disqualification or striking-off, should
not lead to disqualification; orRules: Section F

Suspension of the Club

Section F: Owners’ and Directors’ Test

F.23.6.	to order the appellant Person or Club to pay or contribute to the costs of
the appeal including the fees and expenses of members of the appeal
tribunal.
F.24.

Where a Person or Club does not appeal the disqualification notice, or where any
appeal is unsuccessful, the Person may apply to an appeal tribunal for an order that
their disqualification should be for a prescribed period (a “Review Application”).
The appeal tribunal shall be appointed by the Chair of the Judicial Panel and shallcomprise three members of the Judicial Panel including a legally qualified member
who shall sit as chair of the tribunal.

F.25.

The Review Application:
F.25.1.	must be sent to the Board, together with a deposit of £1,000 (in the event
an appeal and Review Application are made simultaneously, only one
deposit of £1,000 is payable);
F.25.2.

must set out the grounds on which it is brought;

F.25.3.

shall be heard in accordance with Rules F.17, F.18, F.20, F.21 and F.22; and148

Section F: Owners’ and Directors’ Test

F.25.4.	
shall only be upheld if the Person bringing the Review Application
satisfies the appeal tribunal that the period of disqualification would be
disproportionate in light of the nature of that Disqualifying Event.

F.30.1.	the Board provides confirmation that all Persons that are required to do sohave complied with the process set out in Rules F.28.1.1 and F.28.1.4 and nosuch Persons are liable to be disqualified as a Director under the provisionsof Rule F.1;

In respect of a Review Application, the appeal tribunal may:

F.30.2.	the Board provides confirmation of its satisfaction with the information
provided pursuant to Rules F.28.1.2 and F.28.1.3; andF.26.1.	
uphold the Review Application and specify a shorter period of
disqualification; orF.26.2.	reject the Review Application, such that the Person is to remain disqualified(in which case, the appeal tribunal may specify a period of time within
which a further Review Application may not be made).

F.30.3.	the Club and Person proposing to acquire Control have acceded to any
powers and/or accepted any conditions imposed pursuant to Rule F.29.
F.31.

Persons Prohibited by Law from entering the United Kingdom etc.
F.27.

No Person may acquire any Holding in a Club if, pursuant to the law of the United
Kingdom or the European Union:
F.27.2.	no funds or economic resources may be made available, directly or
indirectly, to or for their benefit.

F.31.2.	an Acquisition Leverage Compliance Certificate provided on the applicable
Acquisition Test Date certifies that the Acquisition Leverage Test has notbeen met; and/or

Acquisition of Control

F.31.3.	a Proposed Acquiror fails to provide an Acquisition Leverage Compliance
Certificate on any applicable Acquisition Test Date.

If any Person proposes to acquire Control of a Club (a “Proposed Acquiror”):
F.28.1.	the Club and/or the Proposed Acquiror shall, as far in advance of the
proposed acquisition of Control as reasonably possible and in any event nolater than 10 Working Days prior to the date on which it is anticipated thatsuch acquisition of Control will take place:
F.28.1.1.	submit to the Board a duly completed Declaration and signed
copy of the Owners’ Charter in respect of each Person who will
become a Director upon the proposed acquisition of Control;
F.28.1.2.	submit such documentation and information as may berequested by the Board, to include but not limited to theAcquisition Materials;

F.32.

F.32.2.	in relation to Rules F.31.2 and F.31.3, the Proposed Acquiror and the relevant
Club and/or its Directors.
F.33.

F.30.

149

In relation to any proposed acquisition of Control of a Club by a Person, the Board
shall have the powers set out in Rule E.16 and/or the ability to impose such otherconditions as in each case it may determine in order to monitor and/or ensurecompliance with Sections E, F, G and/or I of these Rules (and their successor or
replacement provisions).
No Person may acquire Control of a Club and no Club may permit a Person to acquire
Control of it until such time as:

Any Director or Official of a Club who (whether intentionally, negligently or recklessly)
causes, allows or permits any Person to acquire Control of the Club in breach of Rule
F.30 shall be in breach of these Rules and will be liable to be dealt with in accordancewith the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules. Without limitation to
the foregoing, where any act of the Club, any Group Undertaking or any Director or
Official thereof recognises:
F.33.1.	any Person as meeting the definition of Director; orF.33.2.	any form of transfer (legal or beneficial) or any trust or joint ownershiparrangements in relation to any share and the rights which may be
exercised by a shareholder,		 F.28.1.4.	submit to the Board, in respect of the first applicable Acquisition
Test Date, an Acquisition Leverage Compliance Certificate; andF.29.

For the purposed of Rule F.31, above, the Relevant Person shall be deemed to include:
F.32.1.	in relation to Rule F.31.1, the Person(s) making the false declaration and the
Person(s) providing the Declaration, Form or Certificate to the Board; orF.28.1.3.	submit to the Board up-to-date Future Financial Information
prepared to take into account the consequences of theacquisition of Control on the Club’s future financial position;
andF.28.2.	notwithstanding Rule F.28.1, the Board shall have power to require the Club
and/or the Proposed Acquiror who proposed to acquire Control to appear
before it and to provide evidence of the source and sufficiency of any funds
which that Person proposes to invest in or otherwise make available to theClub.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule F.1, the following shall constitute a breach of
the Rules and the Relevant Person (as defined in Rule F.32, below) shall in each casebe liable to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary)of these Rules:
F.31.1.	a false declaration is made or false information is provided in a Declaration,
Form or Certificate (or any supporting materials provided with or for any
Declaration, Form or Certificate);

F.27.1.	they are prohibited from entering the United Kingdom; orF.28.

Rules: Section F

F.26.

Section F: Owners’ and Directors’ Test

without having first complied with Rule F.30 in full, it will constitute a breach of theseRules by that Club.

Independent Oversight Panel
F.34.

Where the Board makes one of the following determinations, that determination
shall be subject to review by the Independent Oversight Panel in accordance with
the Independent Oversight Panel Terms of Reference set out at Appendix 21 tothese Rules:
F.34.1.	any determination by the Board that a Person proposing to become a
Director is or is not liable to be disqualified as a Director under theprovisions of Rule F.1, in accordance with Rule F.5.3;
F.34.2.	any determination by the Board that a Director is liable to be disqualified
under the provisions of Rule F.1, in accordance with Rule F.7; or150

Section F: Owners’ and Directors’ Test

Guidance

Rules: Section F

F.34.3.	any determination by the Board made regarding a proposed change ofControl in accordance with Rule F.30 (including that all Persons that satisfy
the definition of Director have submitted a fully executed Form 4 and/orthat conditions should be applied pursuant to Rule F.29).

Section F: Owners’ and Directors’ Test

It is intended that the membership of the Independent Oversight Panel will be determined in the period
following the coming into force of this Rule and the AGM in June 2023. Pending that process, the positionof Chair of the Independent Oversight Panel shall be undertaken by the current Chair of the Judicial Panel,
who shall select members to the Independent Oversight Panel on an ad hoc basis from the Judicial Panel(to include both members of the Disciplinary Panel and Appeal Panel).

Publication
F.35.

All matters concerning Rules F.5, F.7, F.28 and F.30 shall be confidential, save as follows:
F.35.1.	the League shall maintain a public register of Directors;
F.35.2.	the League shall publish an annual Owners’ and Directors’ Test report. The
report will be suitably anonymised such that no individuals or entities who
made applications under this Section F are named or identified, savewhere the Board considers that an applicant deliberately or recklessly
provides false, misleading or inaccurate information (in which case theBoard may publish such non-anonymised details as it considers
appropriate);
F.35.3.	
where the Board gives written notice of disqualification of a Director
pursuant to Rule F.7, it shall publish that fact; andF.35.4.	
the Board shall have the power to publish information pertaining tomatters in this Section F where, in its sole discretion, exceptional
circumstances apply such that it considers it in the best interests of the
League to do so.

Guidance
For the purposes of Rule F.35.2, whilst the content of that report shall be at the discretion of the League, it
is anticipated that it will confirm the number of applications received by the League pursuant to Rule F.5(to become a Director) and Rule F.28 (to acquire Control of a Club) and, of those applications, the numberthat were successful and unsuccessful.
For the purposes of Rule F.35.3, in the event that a Director appeals pursuant to Rule F.15 and, upon
lodging that appeal issues an application to stay the implementation of the Board’s decision pursuant toRule F.19, publication shall not be made: (i) where the stay application is successful, until the appeal has
been fully and finally determined; or (ii) where the stay application is unsuccessful, until such time as theappeal tribunal confirms that outcome.
For the purposes of Rule F.35.4, the Board will ordinarily consider there to be exceptional circumstanceswhere the Independent Oversight Panel remits the matter back to the Board and the Board elects toproceed with its original decision, such that these matters will be published in the annual Owners’ andDirectors’ Test report.

F.36.

151

No later than 14 days after any acquisition of Control of a Club, any new Directors of
the Club shall attend an induction meeting with the League.

152

Clubs: Finance and Governance
Section G: Disclosure of Ownership and Other Interests

G.1.

A Club shall forthwith give notice in Form 5 to the Board if any Person either directly
or indirectly:

G.9.

At the discretion of the Board, a suspension may take effect forthwith or it may be
postponed subject to such conditions as the Board may think fit to impose.

G.10.

Unless a suspension is postponed, a suspended Club shall not play in:

G.1.1.

holds;

G.10.1.

G.1.2.

acquires; or

G.1.3.

having held or acquired, ceases to hold,

G.10.2.	any matches organised as part of the Games Programmes or matches in
the Professional Development Leagues (as those terms are defined in theYouth Development Rules);any Significant Interest in the Club.
G.2.

A Club shall forthwith give notice to the Board if it either directly or indirectly:
G.2.1.

holds;

G.2.2.

acquires; or

G.2.3.

having held or acquired, ceases to hold,any Significant Interest in any other Club (or club) and in this Rule G.2, the definitionof Significant Interest shall be deemed to apply to clubs in the same way as to Clubs.
G.3.

any League Match;

G.10.3.

any Approved Competition; or

G.10.4.

any other match.

G.11.

For the purposes of the League competition, the Board shall have power todetermine how the cancellation of a League Match caused by the suspension of oneof the Clubs which should have participated in it shall be treated.

G.12.

The Board shall have power to remove a Club’s suspension imposed under Rule G.8
upon being satisfied that the circumstances giving rise to it are no longer extant.

Rules: Section G

Disclosure of Ownership and Other Interests

Section G: Disclosure of Ownership and Other Interests

A Club shall forthwith give notice to the Board if it is aware or if it becomes awarethat any holder of a Significant Interest in it either directly or indirectly:
G.3.1.

holds;

G.3.2.

acquires; or

G.3.3.

having held or acquired, ceases to hold,any Significant Interest in any other Club (or club) and in this Rule G.3, the definitionof Significant Interest shall be deemed to apply to clubs in the same way as to Clubs.
G.4.

A notice given pursuant to the provisions of Rules G.1, G.2 and G.3 shall:
G.4.1.	identify the Person holding, acquiring or ceasing to hold the Significant
Interest in question;
G.4.2.	set out all relevant details of the Significant Interest including without
limitation the number of Shares, their description and the nature of theinterest; andG.4.3.	set out where appropriate the proportion (expressed in percentage terms)
which the relevant Shares in respect of which the Significant Interest exists
bear to the total number of Shares of that class in issue and of the total
issued Shares.

153

G.5.

Each Club shall publish the identities of the ultimate owner of each Significant
Interest in the Club.

G.6.

The Board shall maintain a register which shall include the particulars set out in Rule
G.4 and the said register shall be available for inspection by any Club by priorappointment.

G.7.

Each Club shall forthwith give notice in writing to the Board if any Person identified
in a notice given in accordance with Rules G.1.1 or G.1.2 either directly or indirectly
holds, acquires or ceases to hold any Holding in the Club.

G.8.

The Board shall have power to suspend a Club if either directly or indirectly a Person
acquires a Significant Interest in that Club while such Person either directly or
indirectly holds any Holding in any class of Shares of another Club.

154

Clubs: Finance and Governance
Section H: Directors’ Reports

H.1.

For the purposes of these Rules, Material Transactions shall comprise any payment
or financial obligation (or any series of connected payments or financial obligations
relating to the same transaction) made or undertaken by or to or in favour of a Cluband recorded in its accounting and administration records which relates to any of
the following:
H.1.1.

H.7.

Any Director who for any reason is unwilling to sign Form 7 shall nevertheless submit
Form 7 to the League, noting their unwillingness to sign and giving full reasons.

H.8.

Any Director signing a Form 7 who knows or ought reasonably to know that it or any
part of it is false or misleading in any way and any Director noting their unwillingness
to sign a Form 7 knowing that such note or the reasons given by them are false or
misleading in any way will, in either case, be in breach of these Rules and will be liable
to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of
these Rules.

H.9.

Managers, Players and Officials shall cooperate fully with the Directors of their Clubin the preparation of Form 7.

Compensation Fees, Contingent Sums or Loan Fees;

H.1.2.	remuneration of Players (including, for this purpose, any benefits they areentitled to receive);
H.1.3.

payments to or for the benefit of Intermediaries; or

H.1.4.

Third Party Payments,

Rules: Section H

Material Transactions

Section H: Directors’ Reports

and remuneration of and payments to or for the benefit of Players or Intermediaries
shall in each case include payments made by or on behalf of a Club to or for the
benefit of a Player or Intermediary (as the case may be) including, for this purpose, toany company or trust in which the Player or Intermediary (as the case may be) has aninterest.

Record of Material Transactions
H.2.

Brief particulars of each Material Transaction sufficient to identify its date(s), its
amount(s), the payer, the payee and the nature of it shall be recorded by a Club andthe record shall be made available on demand to its Directors, its auditors and the
League.

H.3.

Directors of a Club (including non-executive Directors) shall take such steps as arereasonably necessary to satisfy themselves that their Club’s record of Material
Transactions is complete and correct.

Transfer Policy
H.4.

Each Club shall formally adopt, and make available to the League at its request, awritten transfer policy identifying who on its behalf has authority to negotiate andapprove Material Transactions.

H.5.

Each Club shall ensure that all its Material Transactions are:H.5.1.	negotiated and approved in accordance with its written transfer policy;
andH.5.2.	documented and recorded as required by relevant provisions of theseRules and The Football Association Rules.

H.6.

155

Each Club shall, if requested to do so by the League, submit to the League Form 7
signed and dated by each of the Directors of the Club.

156

Clubs: Finance and Governance
Section I: Associations and Influence

I.1.

A Club shall not either directly or indirectly:
I.1.1.	apply to hold or hold any Holding in another Club or Football League club;
I.1.2.	issue any of its Shares or grant any Holding to another Club or Football
League club;

Rules: Section I

Associations between Clubs

Section I: Associations and Influence

I.1.3.	lend money to or guarantee the debts or obligations of another Club or
Football League club;
I.1.4.	
borrow money from another Club or Football League club or permit
another Club or Football League club to guarantee its debts or obligations;
I.1.5.	be involved in or have any power to determine or influence the management
or administration of another Club or Football League club; or
I.1.6.	permit any other Club or Football League club to be involved in or have any
power to determine or influence its management or administration.

Club Officials
I.2.

An Official of a Club shall not:I.2.1.

be an Official of another Club or Football League club; or

I.2.2.	either directly or indirectly be involved in or have any power to determine
or influence the management or administration of another Club or Football
League club.
I.3.

A Club shall not appoint as an Official anybody who:
I.3.1.

is an Official of another Club or Football League club; or

I.3.2.	either directly or indirectly is involved in or has any power to determine or
influence the management or administration of another Club or Football
League club.

Dual Interests
I.4.

No Person may either directly or indirectly be involved in or have any power todetermine or influence the management or administration of more than one Club.

I.5.

No Person may either directly or indirectly hold or acquire any Significant Interest ina Club while such Person either directly or indirectly holds any Holding in another
Club.

I.6.

A Club shall not either directly or indirectly issue Shares of any description or grantany Holding to any Person that either directly or indirectly already holds a Significant
Interest in another Club.

Club Contracts
I.7.

157

No Club shall enter into a contract which enables any other party to that contract toacquire the ability materially to influence its policies or the performance of its teamsin League Matches, any matches in the Professional Development Phase Games
Programme or the Professional Development Leagues (as those terms are defined in
the Youth Development Rules) or in any Approved Competition.

158

Clubs: Finance and Governance
Section J: Miscellaneous

J.1.

J.6.

Without limitation to the requirements to employ specific members of staff foundelsewhere in these Rules, each Club shall employ and provide written terms ofreference to:

J.6.1.	offer or receive a payment or any form of inducement to or from any Club or
the Official or Player of any Club; or

J.1.1.	an Official who shall be responsible for running the daily business of theClub with the support of a sufficient number of administrative staff insuitable and appropriately equipped offices, who can be contacted during
normal office hours;
J.1.2.	an Official who holds a nationally recognised qualification as anaccountant or auditor, or who has sufficient experience to demonstrate
their competence as such, who shall be responsible for the Club’s finances;

J.6.2.	receive or seek to receive any payment or other form of inducement fromany Person.

UEFA Club Licence Applicants
J.7.

J.1.3.	a press or media officer who holds a nationally recognised qualification injournalism or who has sufficient experience to demonstrate theircompetence as a press or media officer;
J.1.4.	one or more supporter liaison officer(s), whose roles and responsibilities
are set out in Rule R.1; andJ.1.5.	one or more disability access officer(s), whose roles and responsibilities are
set out in Rule R.4.
J.2.

No Club, Official or Player may, in connection with betting on an event in, or on the
result of, a League Match or a match in a competition which forms part of the Games
Programmes or Professional Development Leagues (as those terms are defined in
the Youth Development Rules):Rules: Section J

Employment of Officials

Section J: Miscellaneous

Any Club, Authorised Signatory or other Official making a false statement (whether
made verbally or in writing) in or in connection with an application for a UEFA Club
Licence or falsifying a document produced in support of or in connection with suchan application shall be in breach of these Rules and shall be liable to be dealt with inaccordance with the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules.

Football Foundation
J.8.

Each Club must make available one half page of advertising or editorial material inmatch programmes for the benefit of The Football Foundation.

Each Club shall bind each of its Officials:
J.2.1.	to comply with these Rules during the period of their appointment or
employment and in the case of Rule B.17 at all times thereafter; andJ.2.2.	to seek its permission before contributing to the media (whether on
television, radio, online or otherwise).

J.3.

Save as otherwise permitted by these Rules, no Club shall directly or indirectly induce
or attempt to induce any Player, Manager, assistant manager, head coach or othersenior first team football coach of another Club (or Football League club) toterminate a contract of employment with that other Club (or Football League club)(whether or not by breach of that contract) or directly or indirectly approach any
such employee with a view to offering employment without the consent of that otherClub (or Football League club).

J.4.

Each Club shall adopt and each Club, Manager, Official, Player and Academy Player
shall observe, comply with and act in accordance with the Equality, Diversity andInclusion Standard set out in Appendix 3 to these Rules.

Betting
J.5.

Prior to entering into (or performing any aspect of) a Gambling Related Agreement,
the Club shall procure that the other party (or parties) to the Gambling Related
Agreement (or, where the party to the Gambling Related Agreement is an agent
acting on behalf of a gambling partner, the gambling partner itself) shall enter into
an agreement with the League pursuant to which it shall agree with the League inthe terms set out in Rules J.5.1 and J.5.2:
J.5.1.	it will provide accurate and complete information forthwith to the League
in the event that the League is exercising its powers to enquire into any
suspected or alleged breach of these Rules; andJ.5.2.	it will not permit any form of gambling on any game referred to in Youth
Development Rules 1.18(b)(ii), 1.18(b)(iii), and 1.18(c) to (e) or on any match
including a Club in the UEFA Youth League.

159

160

Clubs: Operations
Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.1.
K.2.

Subject to Rule K.2, each Club shall hold a current safety certificate for its Stadium
issued in accordance with the provisions of the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975.
If a Club has a ground-sharing agreement in respect of its Stadium it shall be a term
thereof that either the Club or the other party to the agreement shall hold a current
safety certificate for that Stadium.

Seated Accommodation and Standing Terraces
K.7.

Unless a Stadium has been granted a Safe Standing Licence, spectators admitted
to a Stadium shall be offered only seated accommodation. The majority of spectatoraccommodation (whether seated or, where applicable, standing) shall be covered.

Ownership of Ground and Training Facilities

Ground Regulations

K.3.

K.8.

Each Club shall either own its Stadium and training facilities or have a legally
enforceable agreement with its owner for its use by the Club, expiring not earlier
than the end of the current Season.

K.4.

K.4.2.	the Club shall have the ability to postpone other activities scheduled totake place on the pitch in the 48 hours immediately preceding the kick-off
of a League Match where, in the reasonable opinion of the Club, there is arisk that such activity might result in the subsequent postponement orabandonment of the League Match.

Ground Registration

K.6.

K.9.

Any Club applying for planning permission to cover or partially cover the playing
area of its Stadium with a fixed or moveable roof shall provide to the Board a copyof its application together with copies of all submitted plans.

K.10.

No League Match shall take place at any Stadium where during the playing of the
League Match the playing area is covered or partially covered by a fixed or moveableroof without the prior written approval of the Board. Before giving or refusing to give
any such approval the Board shall consult with all Clubs and shall take into accounttheir representations.

No Club shall have or enter into a ground-sharing agreement in respect of its
Stadium unless the agreement contains legally enforceable provisions to the effectthat:
K.4.1.	the playing of the Club’s League Matches at the Stadium shall always takeprecedence over the activities of the other party to the agreement; andK.5.

Each Club shall register its Stadium with the Board and must play all matches in thecompetitions listed in Rule A.1.17 for which it is the Home Club at the Stadium. No
Club shall move to another Stadium (either on a permanent or temporary basis)
without first obtaining the written consent of the Board, in accordance with Rule K.6,
below.
In considering whether to give any such consent, the Board shall have regard to all
the circumstances of the case (including, but not limited to, the factors set out in thisRule K.6) and shall not consent unless reasonably satisfied that such consent:
K.6.1.	would be consistent with the objects of the League as set out in the
Memorandum;
K.6.2.	would be appropriate having in mind the relationship (if any) between thelocality with which by its name or otherwise the applicant Club istraditionally associated and that in which such Club proposes to establish
its Stadium;K.6.3.	would not to any material extent adversely affect such Club’s Officials,
Players, supporters, shareholders, sponsors and others having an interest
in its activities;
K.6.4.

Each Club shall ensure that sufficient copies of the official notice entitled ‘Ground
Regulations’ published by the League are displayed prominently at its Stadium.

Covered Stadia

Ground Sharing

would not have a material adverse effect on Visiting Clubs;

K.6.5.	
would not to any material extent adversely affect Clubs (or Football
League clubs) having their registered grounds in the immediate vicinity ofthe proposed location; and161

K.6.6.	would enhance the reputation of the League and promote the game ofassociation football generally.

Rules: Section K

Safety Certificate

Dressing Rooms
K.11.

Each Club shall provide two dressing rooms for Players (one for the Home Club andone for the Visiting Club) the minimum area of which in each case (excluding showers,
baths and toilets) shall be 30m². In addition, each Club shall provide one or more
additional dressing room(s) for Match Officials, ensuring suitable separate
accommodation for any female Match Official appointed.

Drug-testing Room
K.12.

Each Club shall provide accommodation capable of being used as a drug-testing
room which shall be near the Players’ and Match Officials’ dressing rooms andinaccessible to the public and media.

Security
K.13.

In order to safeguard the Players, Directors and Officials of each Club, Match
Officials, and representatives of Broadcasters and contractors of the League priorto, during and after a League Match, each Home Club shall procure that:
K.13.1.	the Visiting Club’s team coach is able to park adjacent to the Players’
entrance;
K.13.2.	barriers are placed so as to prevent members of the public gaining accessto the area between the team coach and the Players’ entrance;
K.13.3.	a parking area (for a minimum of six vehicles) is provided for Officials andDirectors of the Visiting Club and an additional parking area for Match
Officials close to their respective points of entry to the Stadium;

162

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.13.5.	access to the Match Officials dressing room is controlled in compliancewith guidance as issued by PGMOL and approved by the Board; andK.22.

Pitch Protection
K.23.

K.13.6.	there is adequate policing and/or stewarding of the Outside Broadcast
Compound, each of the Hardwired camera positions, the pitchsidepresentation positions referred to at Rule K.56, and the seating area
reserved for the individuals referred to at Rule K.13.3, above.

K.23.2.	pre-match warming up by either team shall not commence until 45 minutes
for outfield Players and 60 minutes for goalkeepers before the kick-off timeat the earliest, shall not last for more than 30 minutes for outfield Players
and 45 minutes for goalkeepers, and shall end no later than 10 minutes
before the kick-off time;

In order to assess whether policing and/or stewarding is ‘adequate’ for the purposes of this Rule, it isrecommended that Clubs engage in appropriate risk assessments.

K.23.3.	each team shall complete all warm-up activities in areas of the pitch as
directed by the pitch map(s) produced by the Home Club and agreed by
the League;

Each Home Club shall further procure that Players and Match Officials are provided
with a safe and secure:
K.14.1.	means of access to and egress from the Stadium prior to and after the
League Match;
K.14.2.

K.23.4.	portable goals should be provided and shall be used by both Clubs for all
goalkeeping and outfield Player drills, other than that permitted in Rule
K.23.5;environment in which to play the League Match; andK.14.3.	means of access to and egress from the pitch prior to the kick-off of a
League Match, at the beginning and end of the half-time interval and upon
the conclusion of the League Match.

K.23.5.	the goal area shall be used during the warm-up for one single continuous
15-minute period, comprising a 10-minute period for use solely by
goalkeepers, plus an additional five minutes for use with outfield Players;
K.23.6.	Players using the pitch at half time shall give due consideration to any
other activity or entertainment taking place on the pitch at the same time;

The Pitch
K.15.

Unless otherwise permitted by the Board, in League Matches the length of the pitch
shall be 105 metres and its breadth 68 metres.

K.16.

The Board shall only give permission to a Club for the dimensions of its pitch to beother than as set out in Rule K.15 if it is impossible for it to comply with Rule K.15 dueto the nature of the construction of its Stadium.

K.17.

A Club shall register the dimensions of its pitch before the commencement of each
Season by giving written notice thereof in Form 8 to the Board.

K.18.

The Board may at any time require a Club to obtain and submit to the Board a reportby an independent expert certifying its pitch dimensions.

K.19.

No Club shall alter the dimensions of its pitch during the Season without the priorwritten consent of the Board.

K.20.

The height of the pitch grass shall not exceed 30mm and the entire playing surface
must be cut to the same height. The grass shall be cut so as to display straight,
parallel lines across the entire width of the pitch, perpendicular to the touchlines. No
other form of pitch presentation (such as circular or diagonal patterns) is permitted.

K.21.

163

In order to protect the pitch, unless otherwise mutually agreed between bothparticipating Clubs and the League, the following procedures shall be adopted byPlayers and Officials in the periods immediately before and after a League Matchand at half time:
K.23.1.	the pitch shall only be used for warming up or warming down by Players
named on Form 9 plus an additional goalkeeper;

Guidance

K.14.

Each Club shall provide and maintain at its Stadium an undersoil heating system forits pitch and shall ensure, so far as is reasonably possible, that the pitch is playable
on the occasion of each home League Match.

Rules: Section K

K.13.4.	the Players’ entrance as well as the parking area and the points of entry
referred to in Rule K.13.3 are adequately policed or stewarded, andadequate policing or stewarding is employed so as to ensure a safe andsecure means of access to and egress from the Stadium for (i) each Player,and (ii) Official or Director of the Visiting Club utilising one of the parking
spaces referred to in Rule K.13.3, prior to and after the League Match;

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Each Club shall take all reasonable steps to maintain its pitch in good condition
throughout the Season and the Board may require a Club to take such steps as theBoard shall specify if it is not satisfied that the pitch is being maintained to an
adequate standard.

K.23.7.	the Home Club may water the pitch and/or carry out any remedial or repair
work to the pitch at half time provided that it gives reasonable notice tothe referee and the other Club that it intends to do so and that any such
watering and/or remedial or repair work is carried out evenly over theentire length and width of the pitch; andK.23.8.	any warming down after the conclusion of the League Match shall last for
no longer than 20 minutes, no footballs shall be permitted and shall only
take place in the areas as defined by the pitch map(s) produced by theHome Club and agreed by the League, which must not include either
penalty area.

Artificial Surfaces
K.24.

No League Match shall be played on an Artificial Surface.

Goal Line Technology and Video Assistant Refereeing
K.25.

Each Club’s Stadium must have installed such Goal Line Technology as the Board
shall specify from time to time and, in respect of each League Match, facilitate theinstallation of such equipment so as to enable the use of video assistant refereeingin accordance with any protocol issued by the International Football Association
Board and/or the Board from time to time (“VAR”).

164Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Each Club shall:
K.26.1.	ensure that the Goal Line Technology and VAR installed at its Stadium isproperly maintained in accordance with all applicable requirements insofar
as such maintenance is the responsibility of the Club and not the responsibilityof any Person appointed by the League pursuant to Rule K.26.3;
K.26.2.	have an alternative and uninterrupted power source such that the Goal
Line Technology and VAR can continue to operate in the event of the failureof the primary power source;
K.26.3.	give all necessary cooperation to such Person appointed by the League tosupply, install, maintain and operate such Goal Line Technology and VAR
and to any Person properly authorised by the League or FIFA to test or
certify the Club’s Goal Line Technology or VAR; andK.26.4.	use Goal Line Technology and VAR only as specified by the Board from time
to time.

K.27.

For the avoidance of doubt, ownership of the Goal Line Technology installed andoperated at each Club, and of all rights arising therefrom or in connection therewith,shall not belong to the Club.

CCTV
K.35.

A Home Club may arrange for any League Match in which its team participates to be
relayed by closed circuit television to other locations within its Stadium.

K.36.

Except at any time when any live Transmission of any League Match pursuant to a UK
Broadcast Contract is in progress, a Visiting Club may arrange by agreement with
the Home Club for the closed circuit television signal of a League Match in which it
participates to be relayed to its Stadium only. In all such circumstances, the Visiting
Club shall ensure that any such relay of any such signal shall be encrypted.

Giant Screens
K.37.

Except with the prior written consent of the Board, giant screens or the like at aClub’s Stadium shall not be used to relay to spectators closed circuit pictures of the
League Match at which they are present.

K.38.

Any consent given under the provisions of Rule K.37, above, shall be subject to thefollowing conditions:

Trainers’ Bench Facilities

K.38.1.	the screen shall be located so that it does not interfere with the League
Match at which it is used or distract the Players and Match Officials;

K.28.

K.38.2.	it shall be operated by a responsible Person who is fully aware of theconditions governing its use;

Each Club shall provide separate trainers’ benches adjacent to the pitch for the soleuse of team officials, medical staff and substitute Players of each of the Home Cluband the Visiting Club. Such trainers’ benches shall be clearly marked ‘Home’ and‘Away’, shall have direct access onto the pitch, shall be located equidistant from thehalfway line, shall be under cover and shall each contain 16 seats.

K.38.3.	the Club has installed (to the League’s specification) such equipment as
necessary to ensure that the ‘VAR information’ feed can be used on thegiant screen;
K.38.4.

the screen may be used to show:

In addition to the 16 positions situated in the Visiting Club’s trainers’ bench, eachClub shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium 10 or more positions
for the sole use of coaching and medical staff of the Visiting Club. These positions
must be in one self-contained area with access to the Visiting Club’s trainers’ bench.

		

K.38.4.1.

		

K.38.4.2.	when the ball is not in play, action replays of positive incidents; or		

K.38.4.3.	replays or still images of incidents determined by the VAR, in
accordance with any guidance issued by the Board; andThe individuals occupying the trainers’ benches shall display throughout the League
Match such identification as is required and provided by the League.

K.38.5.

subject to Rule K.38.4.3, the screen shall not be used to show:		

K.38.5.1.

Technical Areas		

K.38.5.2.	any incident which may bring into question the judgment of a
Match Official;

K.31.

		

K.38.5.3.

		

K.38.5.4.	until substitute boards have been displayed, pictures of any
substitute Player warming up or preparing to enter the field ofplay; or		

K.38.5.5.	any pictures which may tend to criticise, disparage, belittle ordiscredit the League, any Club or any Official, Player or Match
Official or to bring the game into disrepute.

K.29.

K.30.

K.32.

The technical areas shall include the trainers’ benches required by Rule K.28 andshall extend one metre either side of each and to within one metre of the touchline.
The boundaries of each of the technical areas shall be clearly marked.

Sanitary Facilities
K.33.

Each Club shall provide sufficient, bright, clean and hygienic toilet and washingfacilities for male and female spectators in accordance with any local authority
requirements and having regard to guidance issued by the Sports Ground Safety
Authority.

Facilities for Disabled Supporters
K.34.

165

Each Club shall provide sufficient and adequate facilities for disabled supporters.

Rules: Section K

K.26.

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

live action;action replays of negative or controversial incidents;

the area of the trainers’ bench;Media Facilities – General
K.39.

Each Club shall provide to the League such information and access to its Stadium as
the League may reasonably require in order to assess whether the Club complies, orwill in due course comply, with the requirements of Rules K.43 to K.99 and Rules K.171
to K.184.

166

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.45.

K.40.

Where a Club demonstrates to the League that it is unable to comply with one ormore of the requirements of Rules K.43 to K.99 or Rules K.171 to K.184, despite its best
endeavours, due to the nature of the construction and configuration of its Stadium,the League may suspend action for breach of such Rules for such period of time andsubject to such further order as the League considers appropriate.

K.45.2.	within that total bandwidth, the Club provides connections to the internet
and permits the installation and maintenance by the League ofconnectivity in accordance with the specification notified to the Club inadvance of each Season.
Guidance

Guidance
If the existing nature of a Club’s Stadium is such that it necessitates a longer lead time to put in place afacility required by these Rules, then it may apply to the Board for temporary dispensation from therelevant Rule. In extreme cases, it is recognised that it may be physically impossible to comply with aparticular requirement. In such a case, the Board may waive compliance without the Club attracting
sanction pursuant to Rule K.42, below, subject to whatever further action the Board considers appropriate
to comply as much as reasonably practicable with the intent of the Rules.

The League shall notify Clubs of the connectivity specifications for the forthcoming Season by no later
than the preceding 30 June.

K.46.

Each Club shall give the Match Manager all such assistance, and access to such
facilities, areas and rooms, as may be reasonably required.

K.47.

Each Club shall:
K.47.1.	provide at its Stadium for the use of the League in relation to this Section K
a network access facility within its Outside Broadcast Compound andprovide such rights and access as is needed for its installation andmaintenance; andAny application for dispensation from any of the requirements in Rules K.43 to K.96 or Rules K.157 to K.183
will be judged on its own facts.

K.41.
K.42.

The details of how each Club will, subject to Rule K.42, comply with Rules K.43 to K.96
and Rules K.157 to K.183 shall be recorded in its Technical Specification.

K.47.2.	ensure that for at least three hours before kick-off and two hours after the
final whistle of each League Match at its Stadium an appropriately
competent Official is available to ensure as far as reasonably practicable
uninterrupted use of the services set out at Rule K.45.

If a Club fails to comply with any of Rules K.43 to K.96 and Rules K.157 to K.183, theBoard may:K.42.1.	withhold from that Club part or all of its share of International Broadcast
Revenue to which it would otherwise be entitled pursuant to Rule D.18 until
such time as it has demonstrated compliance; and/or
K.42.2.	require the Club to undertake such works as the Board considers necessary
by such date as the Board may specify; andTelevision Gantry
K.48.

K.44.

167

Subject to Rule K.50, each Club shall ensure that its Stadium has a Television Gantry
which:
K.48.1.

K.42.3.	in the event of any continuing breach or failure to implement works asrequired by the Board pursuant to Rule K.42.2, deal with the matter under
the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules.
K.43.

Each Club shall ensure that for each League Match played at its Stadium:
K.45.1.	the Stadium is supplied with internet connectivity with a total bandwidth
capacity of 850 megabits per second, for the exclusive use of Broadcasters,
accredited representatives of the media, data partners and representativesof the League; andAssessment of compliance will be undertaken via self-assessment, inspections by the League or its
appointees, and, if there is disagreement as to whether a Club complies with a particular requirement, by
an independent audit.

Rules: Section K

Guidance

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

is situated so that cameras can be positioned on the half-way line;

K.48.2.	(where the gantry is constructed after 5 June 2019) is, subject to any
dispensation granted by the Board, no higher than 18 metres from pitchlevel and no further than 30 metres behind the relevant touchline;

The League or the League’s Appointed Production Partner will inform each Club nolater than 14 days before the date of each League Match to be played at its Stadiumof the Match Manager appointed to act at that League Match and whether, and if
so to what extent, the Club is required to comply with the following Rules:

K.48.3.	is at least 19 metres wide and at least two metres deep;

K.43.1.

Rules K.53 and K.54 (International TV Commentary Positions);

K.48.5.

K.43.2.

Rule K.66 (Television Studios);

K.43.3.

Rule K.70 (seats for TV Broadcasters: Observer Seats);

K.43.4.

Rule K.71 (Reporter Positions, additional seats);

K.48.6.	permits each camera position and UK Commentary Position to be easily
accessible by technical personnel during the League Match without
disturbing the cameramen or commentators.

K.43.5.

Rule K.84 (car park spaces for the use of Broadcasters); andK.43.6.

Rule K.90 (TV Broadcaster Refreshment Facilities).

Access to the facilities, areas and rooms described in this Section of the Rules shall,on the date of each League Match, be restricted to such personnel as are accreditedby the League or Home Club and each Home Club shall ensure that such facilities,
areas and rooms are stewarded in such a manner as to enforce this restriction.

K.48.4.	is able to accommodate at least three UK TV Commentary Positions andfive cameras, allowing at least two metres by two metres per camera (inaccordance with Rule K.62 and Appendix 4);
permits the cameras to have a full and clear view of the whole pitch; andGuidance
When considering the location of the Television Gantry, Clubs should be aware of the need to position thegantry so as to ensure that the cameras positioned on it do not face directly into the sun.

K.49.

Each UK TV Commentary Position and each camera position on the Television
Gantry shall be Hardwired.

168

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

A Club may fulfil the requirements set out in Rule K.48, above, across two gantries inclose proximity to each other provided that:

K.54.

Each International TV Commentary Position shall:
K.54.1.

be situated as close to the half-way line as reasonably practicable;

K.50.1.	
one is at least 12 metres wide and two metres deep and able toaccommodate at least two UK Commentary Positions and three cameras(allowing at least two metres by two metres per camera), in which case
Rule K.48.1 shall apply to this gantry; andK.54.2.

consist of two seats for the use of commentators;

K.54.3.

be at least two metres wide and one metre deep;

K.54.4.

be Hardwired;

K.50.2.	the other is at least seven metres wide and two metres deep and able toaccommodate at least one UK Commentary Position and two cameras(allowing at least two metres by two metres per camera).

K.54.5.

have internet connectivity as set out in Rule K.45 and mains power;

K.54.6.

have a full and clear view of the whole pitch; andK.54.7.

 ave a desk large enough to hold a monitor, two laptop computers and suchhcommentary equipment as International Broadcasters may reasonably require.

UK TV Commentary Positions
K.51.

K.52.

Each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium at least three
UK TV Commentary Positions on the Television Gantry, for use by UK Broadcasters’commentators.

Guidance

Each UK TV Commentary Position shall:Radio Commentary Positions

K.52.1.

consist of three seats;

K.52.2.

be no less than three metres wide and one metre deep;

K.52.3.

have internet connectivity as set out in Rule K.45 and mains power;

K.52.4.

have a full and clear view of the whole pitch; andWhere the Rules specify that different Persons are entitled to each be placed as near to the half-way line
as reasonably practicable, the Match Manager shall allocate actual positions.

K.55.

K.52.5.	have a desk large enough to hold a monitor, two laptop computers andsuch commentary equipment as UK Broadcasters may reasonably require.

comprise one seat;

K.55.2.	be situated as close to the half-way line as reasonably practicable and inany event no further than 25 metres either side of it;

A Club will not be penalised for a failure to provide a full and clear view of the whole pitch underthese Rules if the permanent infrastructure of its Stadium is such that this is not possible (forexample, due to the presence of stanchions supporting the roof of a stand), provided that its
inability to provide such a full and clear view is communicated to the Board in the Technical
Specification. Notwithstanding this, there must be no temporary or movable installations restricting
the view.

International TV Commentary Positions

K.55.3.

have a clear view of a television monitor; andK.55.4.	have mains power and a desk large enough to hold such commentary
equipment as Radio Broadcasters may reasonably require.

TV Broadcasters’ Pitchside Presentation Positions
K.56.

Each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium at least 10
pitchside presentation positions, each of which shall be:

Subject to Rule K.43, each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its
Stadium:

K.56.1.

Hardwired;

K.56.2.

as close to the touchline as reasonably practicable;

K.53.1.	at least 15 International TV Commentary Positions (which need not be on
the Television Gantry, provided that they are situated on the same side of
the pitch as the Television Gantry and are sufficiently Hardwired for thereceipt of the Broadcasters’ feeds to monitors), of which five must havecapacity for video and audio to be transmitted via a mini-camera to theOutside Broadcast Compound; andK.56.3.

at least three metres wide; andK.53.2.	no fewer than five additional seats for the use of International Broadcasters’
technical staff.
Guidance
The mini-cameras referred to in Rule K.53.1 will be used to film commentators and not Match footage.

169

Each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium at least 15
Radio Commentary Positions for use by Radio Broadcasters and (subject to thepriority over such seats of the Radio Broadcasters) by any radio broadcasters withwhom the Home Club or the Visiting Club has entered into a Club Radio Contract,and each such position shall:
K.55.1.

Guidance

K.53.

Rules: Section K

K.50.

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.56.4.	available from at least four hours before kick-off until five minutes before
kick-off, during half-time until at least five minutes before the re-start, andfor at least one hour after the final whistle.
K.57.

Each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium a minimum of
10m2 of secure storage space for use on match day to store equipment required by
TV Broadcasters using the presentation positions referred to at Rule K.56, above.
The storage must be located as near to the pitch as reasonably practicable toenable TV Broadcasters to efficiently set up and clear away the presentation areas
at kick-off, half-time and after the final whistle.

170

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

If a single suitable area cannot be identified, the storage area may consist of two separate areas (withinclose proximity to the pitch) amounting to 10m2 in aggregate.

K.61.

K.61.1.	one tunnel interview position must measure at least 2.5 metres by 2.5
metres; andTV Broadcasters will be encouraged to only use the storage area for equipment required for use at thepresentation positions so that the storage area is not used for equipment that could otherwise be stored
at the Outside Broadcast Compound. TV Broadcasters will be instructed to lay flat or fold equipmentthat exceeds the height of the advertising boards when the storage area is located in front of supporter
seating so that it does not interfere with the supporters’ view of the pitch.
The storage area does not need to be for the exclusive use of the TV Broadcasters using the presentation
positions; it can be used by the Club to store other items provided that the space available to the TV
Broadcasters using the presentation positions is not less than 10m2. The storage must be adequately
stewarded in accordance with Rule K.44.

K.58.

In respect of each League Match for which TV Broadcasters are using the pitchsidepresentation positions referred to at Rule K.56, above, the Home Club shall ensure thatno equipment that could cause a noise disturbance to any TV Broadcaster’s Transmission
from a pitchside presentation position is used on the pitch for at least 30 minutes after
the final whistle, or, where notified by the League no later than three hours prior to kickoff, for 60 minutes after the final whistle.

K.61.2.	with the exception of those interview positions required by Rules K.59.1 andK.59.2, all additional tunnel interview positions must measure at least two
metres by 1.6 metres.
Guidance
Tunnel interview positions should be configured in such a way that the largest position is the one that
Players and Managers arrive at first, where reasonably practicable.
Clubs should use such sound proofing and/or partitions as is/are necessary to satisfy the requirement set
out at Rule K.60.3.
The size requirements of the additional tunnel interview positions required by Rules K.59.1 and K.59.2 will
be agreed by the League and the relevant Club in each case.

Camera Positions: Match Coverage
K.62.

Each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium Hardwired
positions for television cameras in accordance with the requirements of Appendix 4
to these Rules, save that in respect of all League Matches, the Home Club shall also
provide a Hardwired fixed, unmanned camera position in the tunnel.

K.63.

Each Club shall:

Tunnel Interview Positions
K.59.

Each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium at least five
Hardwired tunnel interview positions, two of which shall be for the use of UK Broadcasters,
and three of which shall be for the use of International Broadcasters, save that:
K.59.1.	where the League confirms to the Home Club no later than seven days
prior to a League Match to be played at its Stadium that more than 12
International Broadcasters will be in attendance, the Club must provide atleast six tunnel interview positions for the use of TV Broadcasters (five of
which must be Hardwired); andK.59.2.	where the League confirms to the Home Club no later than seven days
prior to a League Match to be played at its Stadium that more than 15
International Broadcasters will be in attendance, the Club must provide atleast seven tunnel interview positions for the use of TV Broadcasters (five of
which must be Hardwired).

Guidance
Where a Club is regularly required to provide additional tunnel interview positions, in accordance with
Rules K.59.1 and K.59.2, it is recommended that it installs permanent Hardwiring to those positions, to be
used as necessary.

K.60.

The tunnel interview positions shall be:
K.60.1.	located in the same stand as, and in close proximity to, the tunnel and thePlayers’ dressing rooms;
K.60.2.	
designed so that television interviews within them can be conductedagainst the Interview Backdrops; andK.60.3.	configured and designed in such way so as to ensure that each position
can be used simultaneously and without causing noise disturbance of any
kind to the other positions.

171

The following additional requirements apply in respect of any tunnel interview
positions created by Clubs after 30 June 2016:

Rules: Section K

Guidance

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.63.1.	provide such pods and hoists as are necessary in order to ensure that allcamera equipment can be installed in the required camera positions; andK.63.2.	
ensure there is safe access to and egress from (including in case of
emergency) the required camera positions for all persons and equipment.
Guidance
A pod is a pair of scaffolding tubes fixed (at an equal distance apart) to the front of the camera position
to support a camera mount. A hoist is a rope and pulley system for lifting equipment from floor level toworking height. When fitting pods, Clubs should consult the League who will offer guidance on thedimensions required.

Camera Positions: Team and Supporter Arrivals
K.64.

Each Club shall provide at its Stadium a sufficient number of separate and static
Hardwired camera positions to enable the filming of the arrivals of each team before
each League Match.

Guidance
With respect to Rule K.64, ordinarily a ‘sufficient number’ of camera positions will be achieved by theprovision of two separate camera positions per entry point to the Stadium (so if the Home Club and the
Visiting Club arrive at the same point, two positions will be required, and if they arrive at different points,
four positions will be required).

K.65.

Each Club shall permit TV Broadcasters to film coverage of supporters outside its
Stadium before each League Match.

172

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.66.

K.69.

Subject to Rules K.40 and K.43, each Club shall provide at each League Match played
at its Stadium at least two Hardwired studios for the use of Broadcasters. Subject toRule K.68, below, each studio shall:

K.69.1.	does not contain any structure that is not necessary to maintain its
structural integrity;

K.66.1.	measure at least five metres by five metres;

K.69.2.	has a window that consists of a single flat pane of glass that is at least 4.5
metres wide by 1.5 metres high and has a ‘Sound Transmission Class’ of noless than 60, and at least 65 wherever reasonably practicable; andK.66.2.	be at least three metres high; andK.66.3.	have a window which is at least 4.5 metres wide by 1.5 metres high andwhich gives a full and clear view of the majority of the pitch and the crowd,
unobstructed by any permanent Stadium structure (such as the giant
screen).
K.67.

The Home Club shall, where possible, make available a covered presentation spacefor use by the Host Broadcaster, the parameters and location of which will be agreed
by the League and the Home Club, where the Host Broadcaster requests suchcovered presentation space no fewer than 10 days in advance of the League Match.

Guidance
With regard to the studio window, ideally the bottom of the window should be 50cm from the floor andthe top of the window should be two metres from the floor.

K.68.

Where a Club either relocates or reconfigures an existing studio or constructs a newone (which shall include all planning in respect of such relocation, reconfiguration orconstruction) after 1 August 2022, at least one of the studios shall comply with thefollowing specifications (with the second studio complying with the specifications inRule K.66, above):
K.68.1.	measure at least seven metres by six metres;
K.68.2	be at least three metres high;K.68.3.	have a window that consists of a single, flat pane of glass that is at least six
metres wide and extends from the studio floor to the studio ceiling andwhich gives a full and clear view of the majority of the pitch and the crowd,
unobstructed by any permanent Stadium structure (such as the giant
screen) and has a ‘Sound Transmission Class’ of no less than 60, and at
least 65 wherever reasonably practicable;
K.68.4.	have appropriate soundproofing, including but not limited to a carpeted
floor, to ensure an operational sound level of no more than 60dBA;
K.68.5.	have walls painted with black or dark grey matte paint;
K.68.6.	be located near to toilet facilities that are not available for use by thegeneral public;
K.68.7.	be equipped with an isolatable air conditioning unit;
K.68.8.	have the Hardwiring cabinet located so that it can be easily accessed byaccredited representatives of the Broadcasters present within the studio,
but cannot be accessed by any other individual during the Broadcaster’s
Transmission;
K.68.9.	does not have a false ceiling installed;
K.68.10.	have a lighting rig permanently installed on the ceiling except where it isagreed between the League and the Club that such installation is not
required; andIn respect of studios constructed prior to 1 August 2022, each Club shall as soon asreasonably practicable and in any event prior to 1 August 2023, undertake anynecessary action to ensure one of the studios (to be identified by the League):

Rules: Section K

Television Studios

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.69.3.	is compliant with the requirements at Rules K.68.4 to K.68.10.
Guidance
Wherever possible, the Hardwiring cabinets referred to at Rules K.66 and K.68 should be located at theback of the studio and in any event in a location that is not visible on or does not interfere with a
Broadcaster’s set.

TV Broadcasters: Observer Seats
K.70.

Subject to Rule K.43, each Club shall make available at each League Match played
at its Stadium at least 25 seats for the use of accredited representatives of TV
Broadcasters, to be situated in close proximity to the half-way line, with easy accessto the tunnel area and Mixed Zone. Each seat shall have a desktop, electricity supply,
a clear view of a television monitor, and internet connectivity as set out in Rule K.45.

Guidance
These seats will be for the use of working personnel of TV Broadcasters. The tickets for these seats will be
distributed by the League, who will also monitor their use.
The location of, and facilities provided at, these seats should be such that they are equivalent to the press
seats referred to in Rule K.94.
Clubs may provide fewer than 25 seats that are permanently equipped with the specified facilities if they
can provide a plan (to be approved by the League) that demonstrates how 25 seats with the specified
facilities could be made available within the 14-day deadline referred to in Rule K.43.
Where necessary, Clubs shall take appropriate steps to ensure that any television monitors installed for
accredited representatives of TV Broadcasters cannot be observed during the League Match bysupporters of either participating Club.

Reporter, Floor Manager and Match Manager Positions
K.71.

Each Club shall provide:
K.71.1.	at least eight seats (the positions of which shall be Hardwired) at each
League Match played at its Stadium for the use or accredited
representatives of UK Broadcasters, International Broadcasters, theLeague and the League’s Appointed Production Partner. Such seats shallbe situated as near to the trainers’ benches as practicable and must
provide a full, clear view of the whole pitch; andK.71.2.	when notified to do so in accordance with Rule K.43.4, an additional fourseats for the use of accredited representatives of TV Broadcasters or the
League’s Appointed Production Partner that are adjacent to the eightseats referred to at Rule K.71.1, above.

K.68.11.	have a roof that is designed to slop downwards away from the studio
window (to the extent the studio has an external roof).
173

174

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.75.

Use of the four seats referred to at Rule K.71.2 should only be requested for presenters, reporters and floor
managers working at the pitchside presentation positions provided for at Rule K.56.

K.72.

K.75.2.	be accessible to Players, Managers, coaching staff and accredited
representatives of Broadcasters;

Each Club shall provide one position at each League Match played at its Stadium forthe use of the Match Manager, which must be situated:

K.75.3.	be large enough to accommodate at least 20 representatives of
Broadcasters; andK.72.1.	sufficiently close to the position of the fourth official to enable the MatchManager to easily communicate with the fourth official during the League
Match without needing to enter either technical area to do so; andK.75.4.	have lighting of a sufficient level to provide suitable conditions for theTransmission of interviews.

K.72.2.	so as to enable the Match Manager to easily communicate with the floor
manager(s) of the League’s Appointed Production Partner and the Host
Broadcaster (where applicable) during a League Match. If the Club isunable to fulfil this requirement at its Stadium it must permit the League or
the League’s Appointed Production Partner to install a system to facilitatesuch communication.

K.76.

Each Home Club:
K.76.1.

shall permit into the Mixed Zone:

		

K.76.1.1.	accredited representatives of Broadcasters who wish to
conduct interviews in the Mixed Zone (up to a maximum of 20),
who shall have priority entry into the Mixed Zone over thoselisted in Rules K.76.1.2 and K.76.1.3, below;

Guidance		Where reasonably possible, Clubs should provide additional positions for the floor managers of the Host
Broadcaster (where applicable) and the League’s Appointed Production Partner, located in close proximity
to the Match Manager’s position and so as to enable easy communication with the fourth official.

K.76.1.2.	accredited representatives of Radio Broadcasters with whom itor the Visiting Club has entered into a Club Radio Contract; and		

K.76.1.3.	such authorised representatives of it or the Visiting Club aseither may reasonably require in order to provide commentaryor reports on media services such as its website, social media
accounts or television channel; andVisiting Club Analyst Positions
K.73.

K.76.2.	may, at its discretion, permit into the Mixed Zone such other accredited
representatives of the media as it considers appropriate.

Each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium three dedicatedpositions for the use of analysts of the Visiting Club, each of which shall:
K.73.1.	consist of one seat situated as near to the half-way line, the tunnel and the
Visiting Club’s dressing room as reasonably practicable and provide aclear view of the whole pitch;

Guidance
Further discussions will be undertaken with Clubs about the branding of the Mixed Zone. The League’s
preference is that Interview Backdrops should be used in Mixed Zones.

K.73.2.	be sufficiently Hardwired for the receipt of three separate Broadcasterfeeds (the ‘world feed’, the ‘tactical feed’ and one ‘high behind’ feed) bymonitors in place at the relevant position;

Accreditation of representatives of the media will be undertaken by the League or its appointee (currently
Football DataCo Limited) on behalf of the League and Clubs.

K.73.3.	have internet connectivity as set out in Rule K.45 and mains power; andAccess to Tunnel Interview Positions

K.73.4.	have a desk large enough to hold a monitor and a laptop computer andsuch other equipment as the analyst(s) may reasonably require.

K.77.

Guidance
Where, due to the configuration of the Stadium, a Club is unable to provide three positions for the use ofanalysts of the Visiting Club, it may seek dispensation from the League to provide two such positions.

175

The Mixed Zone shall:
K.75.1.	be located between the Players’ dressing rooms and the Players’ point ofexit from the Stadium;

It is envisaged that Broadcasters may use some of the seats allocated at K.71.1 for technical equipment.

Each Club shall at each League Match played at its Stadium permit accredited
representatives of TV Broadcasters access to the tunnel interview positions referred
to in Rules K.59 to K.61 to prepare for, set up and carry out all activity permitted bythese Rules. The Match Manager will manage all such access to ensure that, as far as
reasonably practicable, the Persons referred to in this Rule only have access to thetunnel interview positions when needed.

Mixed Zone

Guidance

K.74.

TV Broadcasters’ representatives are only permitted access to the tunnel interview positions for thefilming of the exchange of team sheets, interviews, team arrivals, match reports, and to conduct unfilmed,
informal discussions with coaching staff where the latter choose to speak to Broadcasters (and for the
avoidance of doubt they are not obliged to engage in such informal discussions although they areencouraged to do so) and all other activities required by these Rules.

Each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium a Mixed Zone inwhich media interviews with Players and Managers may be conducted.

Rules: Section K

Guidance

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

176

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Hardwiring

Rapid Electric Vehicle Charging Points

K.78.

K.83.

Each Club shall:
K.78.1.	ensure that, where required to do so by these Rules, it installs Hardwiring to
the League’s specification;
K.78.2.	ensure that all Hardwiring at its Stadium is properly maintained and ingood working order at all times when its use is required; andK.78.3.	provide to the League a certificate in writing in advance of each Season
confirming that the Hardwiring at its Stadium is in compliance with Rule K.78.1,
above, such certificate to be provided by an independent Person experienced
in the design and installation of permanent outside broadcast cableinfrastructure.

K.79.

Each Club shall permit the installation of temporary cabling by Broadcasters
sufficient to ensure the continuous Transmission of League Matches played at its
Stadium in the event of the failure of any Hardwiring required by these Rules (inaddition to any other measures that the League may specify in order to ensure suchcontinuous Transmission).

Transmission of Pre-Match Media Conference
K.80.

Each Club shall permit the League to install such facilities as are required to allow
Broadcasters to enable the Transmission of the Club’s Pre-Match Media Conference,
where such facilities are not already in place (subject to any embargo implemented
in accordance with Rule K.122).

Each Club shall make available at each League Match played at its Stadium aminimum of four rapid electric vehicle charging points (the precise location to beagreed between the League and the Club) that shall be for the use of TV
Broadcasters for the full match day, provided that the TV Broadcasters make arequest for such rapid electric vehicle charging points no later than three days
before the date of the League Match. The Club is permitted to require any
representative of a TV Broadcaster using the rapid electric vehicle charging point to
pay for any power used by the electric vehicle charging point provided any suchpayment does not exceed the cost incurred by the Club for the same.

Guidance
In circumstances where TV Broadcasters have not requested the use of any or all of the rapid electricvehicle charging points at least three days in advance of the date of the League Match, the charging
points may be available for use by the Home Club.

Car Park Spaces
K.84.

Subject to Rule K.43, each Club shall make available to the League a minimum of 20
car park spaces as close to the Outside Broadcast Compound as reasonably
practicable for each League Match played at its Stadium for the use by TV
Broadcasters.

Guidance

Power Supply

Car park spaces that are not required by Broadcasters will be released back to the League no later than
14 days before the date of the League Match pursuant to Rule K.43.

K.81.

Outside Broadcast Compound

K.82.

Each Club shall provide at its Stadium and make available to Broadcasters, at theirrequest, access to electricity supply sufficient to power the Broadcasters’ nonmatch day operations (referred to at Rule K.98) and match day operations.
At each League Match, the Home Club shall provide such facilities and access as isrequired by a Broadcaster to establish its own power supply for an Outside
Broadcast Compound.

K.85.

K.86.

At each League Match, the Home Club shall provide a secure, level area (with a hardsurface suitable for the parking of TV Broadcasters’ vehicles) outside and adjacentto the Stadium of at least 1500m2 for the exclusive use of the League’s and TV
Broadcasters’ vehicles.
The Outside Broadcast Compound shall:

Guidance

K.86.1.

The League shall notify Clubs of the match day and non-match day power supply specifications for theforthcoming Season by no later than the preceding 30 June. For the avoidance of doubt, the non-match
day operations referred to in Rule K.81 shall be limited to the Broadcasters’ set-up for the match day.

K.86.2.	have at least one male and one female toilet facility for the exclusive use of TV
Broadcasters that are available from the arrival of the TV Broadcasters on amatch day until at least one hour after the final whistle. The toilet facilities
must be serviced by hot running water, have adequate cleansing facilities andbe the subject of regular cleaning and maintenance throughout the match
day; andTo the extent permitted under applicable laws and regulations, each Club may require that carbon
emissions which are measurable within their Stadium footprint as a direct result of the Broadcasters’
power supply requirements for non-matchday operations (referred to at Rule K.98) are attributed to therelevant Broadcaster(s) for environmental reporting purposes.

Rules: Section K

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

have sufficient drainage, waste disposal and recycling facilities;

K.86.3.	include sufficient working lights to enable complete illumination of the area
above the League’s and TV Broadcasters’ vehicles,
and each Club shall ensure that Broadcasters are given all requested access to the
network access facility within the Outside Broadcast Compound located at its Stadium.

177

178

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Guidance

TV Broadcaster Refreshment Facilities

These toilet facilities can be temporary provided that they comply with the specifications outlined at Rule
K.86.2.

K.90.

Where it is not possible for a Club to provide adequate toilet facilities within the Outside Broadcast
Compound, alternative toilet facilities for the exclusive use of TV Broadcasters should be agreed between
the Club and the League.

K.87.

The Outside Broadcast Compound shall have an unobstructed view of the southernhorizon such as to allow satellite uplinking or, if the Outside Broadcast Compound
does not have such unobstructed view, the Club must provide an additional area asclose as reasonably practicable to the Outside Broadcast Compound to enablesatellite uplinking.

Guidance

Each Home Club shall provide refreshment and catering facilities at each League
Match played at its Stadium of an equivalent standard to the facilities referred to at
Rule K.92, below, for the use of accredited representatives of TV Broadcasters and/or the League at a time agreed between the League and the Club (within theparameters detailed in the table below). Where a Club is unable to provide anequivalent standard of catering at the facilities referred to in this Rule K.90 to thatprovided in accordance with Rule K.92, below, the standard of catering to beprovided in accordance with this Rule K.90 shall be agreed between the Club and theTV Broadcaster prior to the start of each Season.

Type of
LeagueMatchBroadcaster Earliest
Crew Size
Permitted
Broadcaster
Access toRefreshment
Facilities

LatestPermitted
Broadcaster
Access toRefreshment
Facilities

Maximum
Duration ofIndividuals’
Access toRefreshment
Facilities (toallow forstaggeredbreaks)LeagueMatchesthat are notTransmitted
live in the UK

35-50

3.5 hours
prior tokick-off

2.5 hours
prior tokick-off

60 minutes

LeagueMatchesthat areTransmitted
live in the UK

60-125

6 hours prior
to kick-off

3.5 hours
prior tokick-off

120 minutes

The identity of the suppliers of the relevant ’network access facility’ for the purpose of Rule K.86 will be
notified to Clubs by the League in advance of each Season.
With regard to Rule K.87, if an additional area is needed because satellite uplinking is not reasonably
practicable from the Outside Broadcast Compound, then the additional area must be sufficiently large(approximately 120m2) to accommodate six satellite news gathering trucks.
Clubs should be aware of the additional provisions regarding the Outside Broadcast Compound at Rule K.47.

Official Club Team Sheets
K.88.

Each Home Club shall provide to the Match Manager the official team sheets of boththe Home Club and the Visiting Club as soon as reasonably practicable after they
have been submitted to the referee pursuant to Rule L.23.

Guidance
Rule L.23 provides that at least 75 minutes before the kick-off, a representative of each Club must submit
to the referee and their opponents a team sheet.
The Match Manager will give copies of the team sheets to Broadcasters and to the League’s data
providers. Clubs will remain responsible for distributing it to others (e.g. representatives of the written
media).

K.89.

A Club playing in a League Match shall not publish the teams until 60 minutes before
kick-off.

Rules: Section K

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Guidance
The facilities should provide an area for the accredited representatives of TV Broadcasters to eat andrest during the agreed timeframe.
Access to the refreshment facilities may be staggered.

Guidance
Publication of team sheets is strictly embargoed until 60 minutes before kick-off. The League will ensurethat Broadcasters comply with this embargo.

179

Clubs may locate the refreshment facilities in the Media Working Area before it is made available toaccredited representatives of the media, or in its the hospitality area before it is made available tohospitality guests. Some representatives of TV Broadcasters (for example, those who are in attendance
to report or commentate on the League Match) will not require use of these refreshment facilities during
the timeframe agreed between the League and the Club and will instead attend the Media Working Areain accordance with Rule K.92, below. TV Broadcasters will confirm the number of their accredited
representatives that will attend these refreshment facilities for each League Match and the timeframe inwhich they will attend the refreshment facilities within the 14-day deadline referred to in Rule K.43.

180

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Media Working Area

Facilities for Photographers

K.91.

K.96.

K.92.

Each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium a working area
for the use of accredited representatives of the media and Broadcasters, such area
to be located in the same stand as the Players’ dressing rooms and comprising aroom of minimum 50m² and supplied with 25 individual or linked work stations, eachof which shall have its own desk, chair, electricity supply and internet connectivity as
set out in Rule K.45.

K.93.

K.96.1.	pitch side access for 20 accredited photographers and messengers andappropriate pitch side wiring and wireless internet connectivity;
K.96.2.	bibs bearing the word “Photographer” on the rear, numbered consecutively,
the numbers appearing on both the front and rear of the bib;
K.96.3.	bibs of a different colour bearing the word “Messenger” on the rear andsimilarly numbered; andRefreshment facilities of a standard to be determined by the Home Club shall bemade available to accredited representatives of the media and Broadcasters for areasonable period before and after the League Match and during the half-time
interval. The Home Club shall ensure that they are able to provide at least one veganrefreshment option to those using the area referred to at Rule K.91, above, and thatthey follow best practice when catering for any dietary requirements.

Media Conference Room
Each Club shall provide at each League Match at its Stadium a media conference
room with the following minimum facilities:
K.93.1.	seating for 70 persons;K.93.2.	lighting of a sufficient level for the filming and live Transmission of the PostMatch Media Conference;

K.96.4.	a working area or wire room of 20 square metres, internet connectivity as
set out in Rule K.45, 16 power points, a television monitor, shelves to support
laptop computers and refreshment facilities.
Guidance
Accreditation of photographers will be undertaken by the League or its appointee (currently Football
DataCo Limited) on behalf of the League and Clubs.

Stadium Developments
K.97.

K.93.4.	a Hardwired camera platform at the rear of the room of sufficient size toaccommodate at least two cameras and with an unobstructed view of the
podium.

K.97.2.	obtain the prior approval of the League for any architectural or other plans
relating to the construction or refurbishment of facilities required in thisSection K. Such approval must be sought prior to any planning application(save where it is agreed by the League and the Club that no planningapplication is required) and provide the League with a reasonable
timeframe in which to consider and respond to the request (which will be
no less than 14 days) before any planning application is made (or if noplanning application is required, before construction is due to begin). If noresponse is received from the League within that timeframe approval will
be deemed to be granted.

Guidance
This can be the same room as the media working area described in Rule K.91.
With regard to Rule K.93.4, ideally the camera platform should be able to accommodate up to 10 cameras.

Press Seats
Each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium a minimum of
50 seats for the use of accredited representatives of the media and the League’s
data providers. Such seats must be located: (a) near the media working room; and(b) in a position enabling a clear view of the whole pitch.

Guidance

K.95.

181

Access to Stadia for TV Broadcasters’ Non-Match Day Set Up
K.98.

Accreditation of representatives of the media will be undertaken by the League or its appointee (currently
Football DataCo Limited) on behalf of the League and Clubs.

The seats referred to in Rule K.94, above, shall have a desktop, electricity supply, aclear view of a television monitor, telephone point, and internet connectivity as set
out in Rule K.45.

Each Club must:
K.97.1.	save where the works are urgent as a result of an emergency, inform the
League of any proposed building works at any part of its Stadium that
could affect its ability to provide, or allow accredited representatives of
Broadcasters access to, the facilities specified in this Section K as soon asreasonably practicable and in any event prior to the commencement ofsuch works; andK.93.3.	a podium at the front of the room and in clear view of the cameras, withtable and chairs to seat three people; andK.94.

Each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium facilities forphotographers to the following minimum standards:

Rules: Section K

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Each Club shall provide the necessary access to TV Broadcasters from two days
prior to each League Match played at its Stadium to enable the TV Broadcasters to
set up the equipment required to facilitate the Transmission of the League Match.
Requests made by TV Broadcasters for access to the Stadium earlier than two days
prior to the League Match for this purpose should be accommodated by the Club as
far as reasonably practicable. The Club shall ensure that appropriate Officials arepresent on these days to enable the TV Broadcasters to finalise the set-up of theirequipment.

182Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Where the Home Club’s team undertakes a training session on the pitch on a daythat a TV Broadcaster is in attendance at the Stadium to set up the equipment
required to facilitate the Transmission of the League Match, the TV Broadcastershall not be present at pitch level for the duration of the training session. However,
the Club shall permit the TV Broadcaster to continue working in any area above
pitch level for the duration of the training session (unless otherwise agreed between
the Club and the League that the TV Broadcaster shall also vacate the area above
pitch level for no more than 90 minutes).

Content Sessions
K.100.

Unless otherwise agreed by the League, each Club shall ensure that, during the six
days preceding the day of each League Match, there is a period of two hours during
which all TV Broadcasters (including such number of International Broadcasters as
the League may determine) and the League’s Appointed Production Partner may
conduct the discussions and/or record the content and/or conduct the interviews
with Players and the Manager required by Rules K.109 to K.118 (“Content Session”).
The Content Sessions required by Rules K.109 to K.118 may take place virtually, if sorequested by the relevant Club and/or relevant Broadcaster(s), and agreed by the
League.

Guidance
Interviews conducted during Content Sessions should not take place in front of a branded backdrop or ina location where any prominent branding is visible.
Content Sessions may be used by the League’s Appointed Production Partner and TV Broadcasters to
capture digital content for use on the TV Broadcasters’ social media platforms (the nature of suchcontent to be mutually agreed between the League or Broadcaster and the Club).

K.103.1. the Stadium exterior;
K.103.2. the Stadium bowl;
K.103.3. the Home Club dressing room; andK.103.4. the tunnel area.
K.104.

183

Each Club must ensure that its training ground includes a suitable, dedicated room inwhich (subject to Rules K.111 and K.117, below) the recording and interviews requiredby Rules K.109 to K.118 can be carried out. This room must measure no less than 2.5
metres by 2.5 metres and must be equipped with suitable facilities to enable therecording of interviews by TV Broadcasters, including, for example, mains power,sound proofing, black-out blinds and curtains on all windows and isolated air
conditioning.

K.102.

Prior to the start of each Season, each Club shall provide at least four locations at its
training ground (precise locations to be mutually agreed between the Club and the
League but one of which being the dedicated room referred to at Rule K.100, above)that can be used for the Content Sessions required by Rules K.109 to K.118.

K.103.

Each Club shall, upon the request of the League or the League’s Appointed
Production Partner, permit the League’s Appointed Production Partner and/or TV
Broadcasters access to its Stadium for a continuous and uninterrupted period of no
more than two hours within the period commencing 48 hours prior to any League
Match played at its Stadium (the specific timing of which to be mutually agreed
between the Club and the League) during which they can film and present. Specificfilming locations shall be mutually agreed between the Club and the League, butshall where reasonably practicable include:

Each Club shall ensure that, in each case, its Content Session takes place on a datewhen its subsequent first team match is a League Match.

Guidance
The League may waive or vary the requirements set out in Rule K.104 (at its absolute discretion) inexceptional circumstances and upon request from a Club if, for example, the proximity in time between amatch in the UEFA Europa League or UEFA Europa Conference League competition and the subsequent
League Match and/or the location of the relevant UEFA Europa League or UEFA Europa Conference
League Match makes it impracticable for the Club to arrange its Content Session at a time when its
subsequent first team match is a League Match. A Club seeking a waiver or variation of these requirementsfrom the League in respect of a particular Content Session must notify the League of that fact in goodtime and abide by the League’s decision as to whether or not to grant the Club’s request.
In lieu of a conventional interview, any Broadcaster entitled to attend a Content Session may apply to the
League for permission to use its allotted time in that Content Session for a background briefing with thePlayer(s) and/or the Manager who will be made available. Such an application will only be granted by the
League with the permission of the Club concerned.

Mid-Season Media Access Session
K.105.

Any Club that commences a Content Session after the time provided for by the Club in accordance with
Rules K.109.3 or K.113.2 may be considered by the League to be in breach of its obligation to provide that
Content Session. In in all circumstances, UK Content Sessions that commence 60 minutes after that time
will be considered to be a breach of the relevant Club’s obligations to provide that Content Session.

K.101.

Rules: Section K

K.99.

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Each Club shall make no fewer than three Players available to the League’s
Appointed Production Partner for a continuous and uninterrupted period of no lessthan 60 minutes no earlier than one month before, and no later than one monthafter, match round 19 of each Season (the “Mid-Season Media Access Session”).
The date and location of the Mid-Season Media Access Session, and the identity of
the Players who shall participate in the Mid-Season Access Session, shall be mutuallyagreed between the Club and the League (such Players having participated in atleast 10 League Matches in the relevant Season unless otherwise agreed).

Training Ground and Stadium Filming
K.106

At least once per calendar month (with the exception of the months of June and July,and any calendar month in which there is an international break lasting 14
consecutive days or more), each Club must permit TV Broadcasters and the League’s
Appointed Production Partner to film and Transmit live at the TV Broadcasters’ or
the League’s request (through the presence of one or more on-site reporters,
technicians and/or producers, if required) one uninterrupted period of no less than
15 minutes of a Club training session involving the first team squad. Clubs must giveno less than 48 hours’ notice to the League of each such session and may limit theproximity of TV Broadcasters and the League’s Appointed Production Partner to a
maximum of 30 metres from the pitch on which the training session is to take place.
In circumstances in which the Club’s first team squad is training at a location otherthan its training ground, Clubs shall, in satisfaction of their obligation under this Rule
K.106:
K.106.1.	invite TV Broadcasters and the League’s Appointed Production Partner tocapture the content required by this Rule K.106 at that other location, such
invitation to be given at least one week prior to the relevant training
session; or184Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.107.

At least once per calendar month (with the exception of the months of June andJuly), each Club shall provide the League’s Appointed Production Partner with atleast five minutes of edited footage taken at the Club’s training ground or otherlocation (the content of which to be varied over any one Season). Clubs may publish
the footage captured in accordance with this Rule K.107 on their own media channels
provided that they provide the footage to the League’s Appointed Production
Partner no later than the point at which it is published on those media channels.

Guidance

K.109.3.	unless otherwise agreed by the League (and subject to Rules K.111 andK.112, below), each Club shall give the League and the relevant UK
Broadcaster at least: (a) six days’ notice of the name(s) of the Player(s) who
will be made available for the UK Content Session to which the League
Match relates, selected in accordance with this Rule K.109; and (b) sevendays’ notice of the date, time, and location of the UK Content Session;

Any content provided by Clubs or filmed by the League’s Appointed Production Partner for the purposesof Rule K.107 will be distributed for the use of TV Broadcasters, unless otherwise agreed with the relevant
Club. Any such content shall be used by TV Broadcasters in accordance with the terms of their contract
with the League, which restricts use of that content to authorised purposes only.
Examples of footage to be provided in accordance with Rule K.107 include content from the first team’s
training session (such as goal scoring, shooting practice and goalkeeper saves) and ‘behind the scenes’
content filmed pre- and post-training.

K.109.4.	in the event that the Player selected by the Club becomes unable toparticipate in that UK Content Session due to illness, injury or otherexceptional circumstance, the Club must: (a) inform the relevant UK
Broadcaster (with a copy to the League) as soon as reasonably possible;and (b) ensure that the second Player included on the shortlist referred to
at Rule K.109.1, above, is made available as a replacement, or anothersuitable alternative is provided who is acceptable to the Broadcaster;If agreed between the Club and the League, some or all of the footage required at Rule K.107 may be
captured by an accredited representative of the League.
The League may grant dispensation to Clubs from the requirements of Rule K.107 where training
schedules, fixtures in other competitions or international breaks make compliance with the Rule
impractical. In such circumstances, Clubs should seek dispensation from the League as far in advance of
the affected week(s) as reasonably possible.

K.108.

K.109.5.	each participating Club must make its Manager available for each UK
Content Session; andK.109.6.	each participating Club must ensure that:

Twice per Season, and only if agreed between the League or the League's
Appointed Production Partner and the Club, each Club shall make available a Club
representative (whose identity shall be mutually agreed in advance between the
League or the League’s Appointed Production Partner and the Club) for acontinuous and uninterrupted period of no less than 60 minutes for an interview (tobe conducted by TV Broadcasters and/or the League’s Appointed Production
Partner) at the Club’s training ground or Stadium.

		

K.109.6.1.	at the request of a UK Broadcaster that is Transmitting the
League Match live, the Player(s) selected to participate in a UK
Content Session (and who, for the avoidance of doubt, is notparticipating in an International Content Session) shall bemade available for a continuous and uninterrupted period of noless than 30 minutes for filming and/or interview by the relevant
UK Broadcaster, provided that no such Club shall be required to
accede to such a request more than five times per Season; and		

K.109.6.2.	in all other circumstances, its Player(s) or Manager who isselected to participate in a UK Content Session is madeavailable for a continuous period of no less than 15 minutes forfilming and/or interview by the relevant UK Broadcaster.

Guidance
The Club representative required by Rule K.108 could be, by way of example, a senior Club executive or asenior member of the coaching, sports science, scouting or other backroom staff.

UK Content Sessions
K.109.

In respect of a League Match to be Transmitted live by a UK Broadcaster, eachparticipating Club shall be required to make its Players and/or its Manager available
for a Content Session with that UK Broadcaster (a “UK Content Session”), in
accordance with the following requirements:
K.109.1.	in advance of the League Match to which the UK Content Session relates,
the relevant UK Broadcaster will provide each participating Club (with acopy to the League) with a shortlist of two Players that it wishes to bemade available for the UK Content Session;

185

Rules: Section K

K.109.2.	subject to Rule K.110, below, each participating Club must make (at least)
one of the two Players included on the shortlist referred to at Rule K.109.1,
above, available for the UK Content Session and must inform the relevant UK
Broadcaster (with a copy to the League) which of the two Players it has
selected when providing the notice referred to at Rule K.109.3, below. The
Player(s) made available in accordance with this Rule K.109.2 shall, upon therequest of the relevant UK Broadcaster made at least 10 days prior to the
League Match to which the Content Session relates, be different to thePlayer(s) made available for the International Content Session in accordancewith Rule K.113.1, unless otherwise agreed between the Club and the UK
Broadcaster;

K.106.2.	provide the League’s Appointed Production Partner with footage of a
training session at that location filmed for their own media channels.

Guidance
Broadcasters will be encouraged to provide the shortlist referred to at Rule 109.1 as far in advance of the
League Match in question as possible to allow Clubs sufficient time to meet their obligations under Rule
K.109.3 (and, in any event, such shortlists should be sent to Clubs no later than 24 hours before the deadline
set out in Rule K.109.3). Any delay in the submission of such shortlists by Broadcasters will be taken into
account by the League when considering Clubs’ compliance with Rule K.109.3.
The League recognises that there may be weeks in which Clubs play two (or indeed in exceptional cases
more than two) League Matches, e.g. over the Christmas period, and the League will take account of thisfact when monitoring compliance with these Rules. The League will monitor Broadcaster access during
such times to ensure that unreasonable demands are not being placed on Clubs.

186

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

The selection of Players to be made available by Clubs for UK Content Sessions
throughout the Season is subject to the following:
K.110.1.	subject to Rules K.110.2 and K.110.3, below, each Player listed on a Club’s
Squad List must be made available by the Club, in accordance with Rule
K.109, above, for no fewer than 75% of the UK Content Sessions for which heis selected (by his inclusion on the shortlists referred to at Rule K.109.1,
above);

Guidance
Where possible, the UK Content Sessions referred to at Rule K.111.3 are to be equally split across thelocations referred to at Rule K.102 (excluding the dedicated room referred to at Rule K.101).

K.112.

K.110.2.	no Club will be required to make any Player available for two consecutive
UK Content Sessions;K.110.3.	no Club will be required to make any Player available for UK Content
Sessions on more than six occasions per Season; andK.112.1.	the relevant UK Broadcaster will provide the Club (with a copy to the
League) with a shortlist of two Players, from which the Club will select one
Player to be made available for the Content Session;

K.110.4.	each Club is entitled to apply to the Board for special dispensation for aPlayer to be granted an exemption from the requirements of Rule K.109,
above, for a period of up to four weeks. The Board will only grant suchspecial dispensation in exceptional circumstances and only once per
Season in respect of each Player. Should a Club wish to make an application
for special dispensation in accordance with this Rule, it must do so in
writing to the Board, citing reasons (and, where appropriate, providing
supporting evidence) for its application. The Board’s decision as to whether
or not to grant such special dispensation in each case is final and not
subject to challenge. Where such dispensation is granted, the Board will
confirm to the Club how that dispensation affects the Player’s remaining
obligations under Rules K.109 to K.116 for the remainder of the Season.

By way of example, should a Player be shortlisted for UK Content Sessions on five occasions throughout
the Season, he must be made available by the Club on four of those occasions. If it is determined at theend of the Season that a Player has been made available by his Club for fewer than 75% of the UK Content
Sessions for which he has been shortlisted, that Club will be in breach of Rule K.110.
Clubs are free to exceed the minimum requirements referred to at Rule K.110 (by, for example, making a
Player available for more than six UK Content Sessions and/or more than 75% of the UK Content Sessions
for which he has been shortlisted), should they wish to do so.

Each Club shall ensure that:
K.111.1.	when requested, and on no fewer than five occasions per Season, its UK
Content Session takes place at a location other than its training ground (thedate and location of such UK Content Session to be agreed by the Club andthe relevant UK Broadcaster). Subject to the agreement of the UK
Broadcaster, the Player made available for a UK Content Session provided inaccordance with this Rule K.111.1 may be the same Player made available
for an International Content Session required by Rule K.113.1, below;
K.111.2.	when requested, and on no more than six occasions per Season, its UK
Content Session takes place at the dedicated room at its training groundreferred to at Rule K.101, above; andK.111.3.	all UK Content Sessions to which Rules K.111.1 and K.111.2, above, do not
apply take place at the locations referred to at Rule K.102 (excluding thededicated room referred to at Rule K.101).

187

K.112.2.	subject to Rule K.110, above, once the identity of the first Player to be madeavailable is confirmed by the Club to the relevant UK Broadcaster, the UK
Broadcaster will then provide a further shortlist of two Players, which may
include a Player included on the shortlist referred to at Rule K.112.1, above,(with a copy to the League), from which the Club will select one Player to bemade available for the Content Session; andK.112.3.	in the event that the relevant UK Broadcaster and the Club agree that one
or more further Player(s) will be made available for the Content Session,
their identity in each case will be determined by means of the process
referred to in Rule K.112.2, above.

International and Non-Live Content Sessions

Guidance

K.111.

Each Club shall ensure that, on no fewer than five occasions per Season, it makes two
or more of its Players available together for a UK Content Session. The date of suchContent Session in each case shall be subject to the agreement of the Club and therelevant UK Broadcaster. Where it is agreed between the Club and the relevant UK
Broadcaster that two or more Players will be made available together for a Content
Session, the identity of the Players to be made available will be determined as follows:

Rules: Section K

K.110.

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.113.

Subject to Rule K.117, below, in respect of each League Match:
K.113.1.	both participating Clubs shall ensure the attendance of (at least) one
Player and/or the Manager during the Content Session for discussion and/or recording and/or interview by International Broadcasters, non-live UK
Broadcasters and the League’s Appointed Production Partner, for a periodof no less than 45 minutes (an “International Content Session”);
K.113.2.	both participating Clubs shall give the League at least one weeks’ notice ofthe date, time and location of their respective International Content
Session (subject to Rule K.117) and the name(s) of the individual(s) who will
be made available for the International Content Session. These details
may be amended in each case, subject to the agreement of the League, in
exceptional circumstances and provided that no such amendment is madewithin 72 hours of the League Match to which the International Content
Session relates;
K.113.3.	in the event that the individual(s) selected by the Club in accordance with
Rule K.113.2, above, becomes unable to participate in that International
Content Session due to illness, injury or other exceptional circumstance, theClub must: (a) inform the League and the relevant Broadcaster and/or the
League’s Appointed Production Partner as soon as reasonably possible;and (b) ensure that a suitable alternative individual(s) is provided who is
acceptable to the League and/or the relevant Broadcaster; andK.113.4.	any Player(s) to be made available by the Club for an International Content
Session must have featured prominently in any of the Club’s previous three
League Matches (assessed as at the date when the notice referred to inRule K.113.2, above, is provided to the League).

188

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Guidance

Guidance

There may be occasions in which a Club wishes to make a Player available for an International Content
Session who does not meet the criteria specified in Rule K.113.4, but who is nevertheless editoriallyrelevant (for example, a Player who has recently recovered from injury or who has been recently signed).
In such circumstances, Clubs should consult with the League, which may provide dispensation from therequirements of Rule K.113.4, where it agrees with the editorial relevance of the Player.

The League may grant dispensation to Clubs from the deadlines set out in Rule K.115 where training
schedules and/or fixtures in other competitions make adhering to such deadline impracticable. In suchcircumstances, Clubs should seek such dispensation as far in advance of the relevant deadline asreasonably possible to allow the League to consider the request and its effect on Broadcasters.

Any content captured in accordance with Rule K.113 may be used on the League’s own digital channels
subject to any applicable holdback agreements.

K.114.

K.116.

Over the course of each Season, each Club shall ensure that:
K.116.1.	its Manager is made available for International Content Sessions on no
fewer than three occasions;

Each Club shall ensure that:

K.116.2.	each of its Players is made available for International Content Sessions
as follows:

K.114.1.	
when requested, and on no fewer than five occasions per Season, itsInternational Content Session takes place at a location other than its training
ground (the date and location of such International Content Session to beagreed by the Club and the relevant International Broadcaster or the League’s
Appointed Production Partner);
K.114.2.	when requested, and on no more than 10 occasions per Season, its International
Content Session takes place at the dedicated room at its training groundreferred to at Rule K.101; andK.114.3.	all International Content Sessions not addressed at Rules K.114.1 and K.114.2,
above, take place at the locations referred to at Rule K.102 (excluding thededicated room referred to at Rule K.101).

		

K.116.2.1.	if the Player has been included in his Club’s starting line-up
in respect of 30 or more League Matches throughout the
Season, that Player must have been made available by his
Club for no fewer than three International Content Sessions;		

K.116.2.2.	if the Player has been included in his Club’s starting line-up
in respect of 20 or more League Matches throughout the
Season, that Player must have been made available by his
Club for no fewer than two International Content Sessions;and		

K.116.2.3.	if the Player has been included in his Club’s starting line-up
in respect of 10 or more League Matches throughout the
Season, that Player must have been made available by his
Club for at least one International Content Session;

Guidance
Where possible, the International Content Sessions referred to at Rule K.114.3 are to be equally split
across the locations referred to at Rule K.102 (excluding the dedicated room referred to at Rule K.101).

K.115.

Deadline for International Content Session

Saturday, Sunday or Monday

Within six days of the League Match, to start nolater than 13:30 on the immediately preceding
Friday.

Tuesday

Within six days of the League Match, to start nolater than 13:30 on the immediately preceding
Monday.

Wednesday

189

K.116.3.	subject to Rules K.113 and K.116.1, every International Broadcaster thatwishes to attend one of the Club’s International Content Sessions ispermitted to do so and is given no less than 10 minutes of access tointerview either: (a) one of the Club’s Players; or (b) its Manager; andIn respect of each League Match, each International Content Session must takeplace by the following deadlines:

Day of League Match

K.116.4.	upon the request of a non-live UK Broadcaster in respect of a League
Match that is taking place on a weekend but is not being Transmitted livein the UK (but on no more than three occasions per Season and subject toRules K.113 and K.116.1) at least one of the Club’s Players is madeavailable to non-live UK Broadcasters for a period of no less than 30
minutes (a “Non-Live Content Session”). At least seven days in advanceof a Non-Live Content Session, each Club shall:

Within six days of the League Match, to start nolater than 13:30 on the immediately preceding
Tuesday.

ThursdayWithin six days of the League Match, to start nolater than 13:30 on the immediately preceding
Wednesday.

FridayWithin six days of the League Match, to start nolater than 13:30 on the immediately preceding
Thursday.

Rules: Section K

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

		

K.116.4.1.	give the League and the relevant non-live UK Broadcasternotice of the date, time and location of the Non-Live
Content Session; and		

K.116.4.2.	provide the non-live UK Broadcaster with a shortlist of atleast five Players (who, unless otherwise agreed between
the Club and the League, have featured prominently in oneof the Club’s previous three League Matches), from which
the non-live UK Broadcaster will select one Player who will
be made available for the Non-Live Content Session.

Guidance
Regardless of the number of International Broadcasters present, Clubs are only required to provide (atleast) one Player and the Manager for the 45 minutes specified in Rule K.113. However, Clubs should beaware that the requirement that the Player and/or Manager be made available for a 45 minute period
during the International Content Session remains even in the event that no International Broadcasters
are in attendance. In those circumstances, the League may use the full 45 minute entitlement, if necessary.

190

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

UK Broadcasters should request that a Club provide a Non-Live Content Session at least 10 days prior to
the League Match to which the Non-Live Content Session relates.

Guidance

Clubs may provide the access to non-live UK Broadcasters required under Rule K.116.4 in one continuous
period or in two separate sessions each being no less than 15 minutes in length.

K.117.

On no fewer than four occasions during each Season (the dates of which are subject
to the agreement of the Club and the League’s Appointed Production Partner), a Club
must make two or more of its Players available together for an International Content
Session. In such cases, the League’s Appointed Production Partner will provide therelevant Club with a shortlist of at least three Players (by no later than seven days prior
to the date on which the relevant International Content Session is to take place) fromwhich the Club will select the two or more Players who will be made available for theInternational Content Session.

Any content provided by Clubs or filmed by the League’s Appointed Production Partner for the purposesof Rule K.119 will be distributed for the use of TV Broadcasters, unless otherwise agreed with the relevant
Club. Any such content shall be used by TV Broadcasters in accordance with the terms of their contract
with the League, which restricts use of that content to authorised purposes only.

K.120.

Additional League Content Sessions
K.118.

On no fewer than four occasions during each Season, in each case in lieu of its
requirement to participate in an International Content Session in accordance with Rule
K.113, above, each Club shall, at the request of the League’s Appointed Production
Partner or relevant International Broadcaster, make available one Player or its
Manager for a continuous period of no less than 60 minutes for the recording ofadditional ‘in-depth’ feature content by the League’s Appointed Production Partner(the “Feature Session”), subject to the following:

K.120.2.	the content of each of the Champions’ Features must be agreed by theClub, the League and the UK Broadcaster designated by the League.
Guidance
In the event that the League Champions are required to participate in any other competitions during the week
following the final League Match of the Season, making compliance with Rule K.120 impractical, the League
and the Club will agree revised dates outside the deadline in Rule K.120 but as soon as possible thereafter.

Pre-Match Media Conference
K.121.

Day of League Match

Day of Pre-Match Media Conference

K.118.2.	
one of the Feature Sessions shall take place on a training pitch tofacilitate the filming of particular skills or training session (the“Masterclass”). The date of the Masterclass and the activity that willtake place during it shall be mutually agreed between the Club and the
League’s Appointed Production Partner;

Saturday, Sunday or Monday

Thursday or Friday to start no later than 13:30(save for exceptional circumstances, to be
managed and monitored by the League, e.g.
in the case of late return from a fixture in theUEFA Europa League).

K.118.3.	in advance of each Feature Session, the League’s Appointed Production
Partner shall provide the relevant Club with a shortlist of four individuals(either Players and/or the Manager) from which the Club will select one
who will be made available for the relevant Feature Session; andTuesday

Monday to start no later than 13:30.

Wednesday

Monday or Tuesday to start no later than
13:30.

K.118.4.	an individual’s participation in a Feature Session (whether a Player or theManager) shall not count towards the League’s assessment of compliancewith Rule K.116.

ThursdayTuesday or Wednesday to start no later than
13.30pm.

FridayWednesday or Thursday to start no later than
13.30pm.

The League’s Appointed Production Partner shall give the Clubs as much notice as reasonably practicablein respect of the date of the Masterclass, and in any event such notice shall be no less than seven days.

191

In addition to the requirements of Rules K.109 to K.116, each Club shall ensure that its
Manager attends a media conference with Broadcasters and, at its discretion, suchother accredited representatives of the media as the Club considers appropriate, tobe scheduled as follows:

K.118.1.	the date and time of each Feature Session shall be mutually agreed
between the Club and the League’s Appointed Production Partner;

Guidance

K.119.

Within a week of the final League Match of each Season, the League Champions forthat Season must participate in five additional features with the League and the UK
Broadcaster designated by the League (the “Champions’ Features”) in accordancewith the following conditions:K.120.1.	of the five Champions’ Features, no fewer than three must include
interviews with one or more Players who have played a significant role in
the Club’s performance throughout the Season; andGuidance
The International Content Sessions referred to at Rule K.117 may be carried out in parallel, meaning that(subject to the agreement of the League) a Club may make more than one of its Players available for an
International Content Session to take place away from the dedicated room referred to in Rule K.101.

Each Club shall provide the League’s Appointed Production Partner with access to
its training ground for one day each Season to film ‘behind the scenes’ content, theprecise details of which (including the time, date and location of the filming) shall bemutually agreed between the Club, the League and the League’s Appointed
Production Partner.

Rules: Section K

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.122.

Each Club must allow UK Broadcasters and the League access to the Pre-Match Media
Conference for the Transmission of that conference. Clubs must not delay or otherwise
restrict the Transmission of the Pre-Match Media Conference for any longer than 30
minutes after the commencement of that conference.

192

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Pre-Match Filming

Guidance

K.123.

Any content provided by Clubs or filmed by the League’s Appointed Production Partner for the purposes ofRule K.126 will be distributed for the use of TV Broadcasters, unless otherwise agreed with the relevant Club.
Any such content shall be used by TV Broadcasters in accordance with the terms of their contract with the
League, which restricts use of that content to authorised purposes only.

In addition to the requirements of Rule K.133, each Club shall:
K.123.1.	by no later than two weeks prior to each Club’s first League Match of the
Season, the Club and the League shall agree three positions within the
Stadium that may be utilised by Broadcasters for pre-match filming prior
to each League Match (“Pre-Match Positions”), one of which shall be theHome Club’s dressing room; andK.123.2.	make available at each League Match played at its Stadium at least two
Pre-Match Positions (one of which shall be the Home Club’s dressing room).

K.124.

By no later than two weeks prior to each League Match, the Home Club must notify
the League:
K.124.1.	which of the Pre-Match Positions will be available to Broadcasters inadvance of the League Match; andK.124.2.	a continuous period of 60 minutes, within the period between four hours
and two hours prior to kick-off (precise details to be agreed between the
League and the Club), when filming can take place by Broadcasters at
the designated Pre-Match Positions.

Footage provided in accordance with Rule K.126 should be editorially relevant. Examples of such footage
could include a pre-match meal, the team walking on the pitch, or an interview or self-shot piece to camera
of a Player discussing the League Match or sending a message to the Club’s supporters. Where reasonably
practicable, the mobile footage should be recorded by the Players.
If agreed between the Club and the League, the footage required at Rule K.126 may be captured by anaccredited representative of the League’s Appointed Production Partner.

Match Day Filming
K.127.

Each Club shall, at the request of the League or the League’s Appointed Production
Partner, permit an accredited representative of the League’s Appointed Production
Partner access to the following areas to capture content throughout the day of a
League Match:
K.127.1.

the tunnel area;

Guidance

K.127.2. the pitchside; andExamples of suitable Pre-Match Positions include the dugout(s), the Manager’s office, the Directors’ Box
and/or the tunnel area. The League will ensure that only one Broadcaster at a time is permitted to film atthe designated Pre-Match Positions.

K.127.3. for the duration of the League Match, a static position behind the goals.

K.125.

Prior to each League Match to be Transmitted live in the UK, the Home Club must
agree with the UK Broadcaster and the League’s Appointed Production Partner thedetails of a continuous and uninterrupted period of 45 minutes, within the period
between 120 minutes and 15 minutes prior to kick-off, when they can film and present
from a location on the pitch (the exact pitch position(s) to be mutually agreed
between the UK Broadcaster or the League’s Appointed Production Partner and theClub). Where requested, a maximum of two International Broadcasters and the
League’s Appointed Production Partner shall also be permitted to film and present
from the agreed positions during the same 45 minute period.

Rules: Section K

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Guidance
The League’s Appointed Production Partner shall share the content captured in accordance with Rule
K.127 with the Club so that the footage can be published on the Club’s own media channels.

Interviews - General
K.128.

If interpretation into English is required for any interview taking place pursuant toRules K.109 to K.116 (Content Sessions), K.129 (Matchday Pre-Match Interviews) or, inrespect of Managers only, K.143.3 and K.145 (Post-Match Interviews), then it must be
provided by the Club.

Match Day Pre-Match Interviews
Guidance
Where by reason of adverse weather conditions (or other exceptional circumstances), the filming referred
to in Rule K.125 poses a risk to the condition of the pitch, the requirements of Rule K.125 may be waived
with the agreement of the League.
The League will monitor requests to conduct the filming referred to in Rule K.125 to ensure: (a) that requests
to do so are made sufficiently in advance of the League Match to enable the Club to properly plan and toensure that the timing and location of the filming can be recorded in the documents circulated by therelevant Match Manager in the week leading up to the League Match; and (b) that the filming does not in
any way impact upon pre-Match warm-ups by either team or negatively affect the quality of the pitch.

K.126.

193

On the day of a League Match each participating Club shall, when requested by the
League’s Appointed Production Partner, use reasonable efforts to provide prematch footage featuring at least one Player or the Manager, filmed on a mobile
device and not exceeding 60 seconds to the League’s Appointed Production Partner
no later than 15 minutes prior to kick-off for use on TV Broadcasters’ digital media
channels.

K.129.

Each Club shall ensure that the following are made available for an interview with
one TV Broadcaster (or the League’s Appointed Production Partner) within the
period between 45 minutes and 120 minutes before the kick-off of the League Match:
K.129.1.	one of its Players (whose identity shall be confirmed by the Club to the
Match Manager and UK Broadcaster filming the League Match (the“Host Broadcaster”) at least 15 minutes before the interview) who is to
be in the starting line-up of the League Match (but who must not be thePlayer who was made available for the interview required by this Ruleprior to the previous League Match) who will be asked no more than threequestions, all of which shall be related to that League Match; andK.129.2.	its Manager, such interview to take place after the team sheets havebeen publicly announced, the exact time to be agreed with the TV
Broadcaster and Match Manager (and to be adhered to by the Club andManager once so agreed).

194Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Guidance

Guidance

With regard to Rule K.129.1, it is appreciated that if the pre-match interview takes place before theannouncement of the teams, the Club Official nominating a Player to take part may not be aware of thestarting line-up due to timing issues. Clubs may accordingly prefer to ensure that such interviews take place
after the announcement of the teams. The League reserves the right to investigate a breach of this provision
if the nominated Player is one who could reasonably have been anticipated would not start the League Match,
and/or if a Club persistently nominates Players none of whom go on to start the League Matches in question.

The cameras used in these camera positions shall have no audio functionality at source.

If the Manager wishes to be interviewed before the announcement of the teams, this will be acceptableprovided that the relevant TV Broadcaster (or the League) agrees, and provided that the Manager discloses
their team selection to the relevant TV Broadcaster (or the League), who will keep this information strictly
confidential until after the teams have been publicly announced which, as noted in Rule K.89, will not occur until
60 minutes before kick-off.
Either of the interviews referred to at Rule K.129, above, may take place in the Club’s dressing room or any area
proposed by the Host Broadcaster, subject to the agreement of the Club.

K.130.

Each Visiting Club shall, at the request of the League, the League’s Appointed
Production Partner or the Host Broadcaster (such request to be made no later than
24 hours before kick-off) and in each case in lieu of its requirement to facilitate theinterviews provided for at Rule K.129, above, ensure that one of its Players (whose
identity shall be mutually agreed between the Club and the League or League’s
Appointed Production Partner) or its Manager is made available for a short interview
to be conducted on the pitch by the League’s Appointed Production Partner or the
Host Broadcaster before or during the pre-match warm-up. The timing of theinterview shall be mutually agreed between the Club and the League, the League’s
Appointed Production Partner or the Host Broadcaster.

The Visiting Club may, up to three hours prior to kick-off, request that the camera position in their technicalarea be moved to an alternative position in the technical area, with that position to be agreed between
the Visiting Club, the Home Club the League and the Host Broadcaster.

Dressing Room Filming
K.133.

A maximum of five interviews of Visiting Club Players as referred to at this Rule K.130 shall take place at
any one Club’s Stadium each Season.

Guidance
Access to the dressing rooms will be for no longer than five minutes and will be monitored by the MatchManager, who will ensure that only the necessary TV Broadcaster and/or League personnel are present.
Any footage will not be Transmitted until after the official team sheets have been published.

Half-time Interviews
K.134.

In respect of each League Match to be Transmitted live by a UK Broadcaster, the UK
Broadcaster may request that the Manager (or a senior member of the coaching
staff) of either or each participating Club provides an interview at the end of thehalf-time interval, before the re-start of the League Match. The Manager may electto provide the interview requested or decline to do so, at their absolute discretion.

K.135.

After the conclusion of each League Match, each participating Club must ensurethat it makes its Player(s) and/or Manager available for interview strictly inaccordance with the provisions of Rules K.140 to K.148. For the avoidance of doubt
the relevant interviewees must remain so available until the interviews are concluded,
even if this is after the times stated below.

K.136.

No Player or Manager who has been sent-off in a League Match or is suspended fora League Match will be required to be made available for interview during or afterthat League Match. In such circumstances, the media obligations relating to a Club’sManager shall be fulfilled by the Club’s assistant manager or another senior member
of its coaching staff.

K.137.

Where a TV Broadcaster is utilising a pitchside presentation position referred to at
Rule K.56, each participating Club that is in a non-losing position at the final whistle
shall, when mutually agreed with that TV Broadcaster, make its Player(s) and/orManager required for the interviews referred to at Rules K.143 and K.144 available atthe relevant pitchside presentation position instead of the Tunnel Interview Positions
referred to at Rule K.77.

The filming required by Rule K.130 should not in any way: (a) impact upon the Club’s pre-match warm-up;or (b) negatively affect the quality of the pitch.
In circumstances in which there are safety or security concerns in relation to an interview referred to at
Rule K.130 being delivered on the pitch, the Club and the League or the League’s Appointed Production
Partner may mutually agree to conduct the interview at a suitable alternative location.
For the avoidance of doubt, the time period in which the interviews referred to at Rule K.129 must takeplace shall not apply to interviews conducted in accordance with Rule K.130.

195

In respect of each League Match to be Transmitted live by a UK Broadcaster, eachparticipating Club shall permit the UK Broadcaster or the League to gain access toand film footage of its dressing room between the time that the Club’s Strip has
been laid out for the Players and the time that the Players arrive at the Stadium.

Post-Match Interviews, Mixed Zone and Post-Match Media Conference

Guidance

K.131.

Rules: Section K

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

In addition to the interview requirements at Rules K.129 and K.130, above, upon therequest of the Host Broadcaster, each Club shall make available one of its Players(whose identity shall be agreed between the Club and the Host Broadcaster) or its
Manager for an interview that will take place at the pitchside presentation position
being utilised by the Host Broadcaster. The time of the interview shall be mutuallyagreed between the Club and the Host Broadcaster.

Technical Area Filming

Guidance

K.132.

In circumstances in which there are safety or security concerns in relation to an interview referred to at
Rule K.137 being delivered at the pitchside presentation position, the Club and the League may mutuallyagree to conduct the interview at a suitable alternative location.

Each Club shall provide at its Stadium, and make available to the League’s Appointed
Production Partner and the Host Broadcaster upon request, a camera position ineach technical area for remotely operated cameras (as referred to in Appendix 4 tothese Rules), the specific location of which is to be agreed between the Club and the
League.

196

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.139.

Each Club shall, upon the request of TV Broadcasters and unless otherwise agreed
between the Club and the League, make the Player(s) and/or its Manager requiredat Rules K.143 and K.144, below, available for interviews to be Transmitted live
directly to the TV Broadcasters’ studios.
Each Club that has won a League Match shall, when requested by the League or the
League’s Appointed Production Partner, use reasonable efforts to provide theLeague’s Appointed Production Partner with no more than 60 seconds of footage
filmed on a mobile device after the final whistle and featuring at least one Player orthe Manager for use on TV Broadcasters’ digital media channels. Such footage shallbe provided to the League’s Appointed Production Partner no later than 60 minutes
after the final whistle.

Guidance
Where the shortlisted Player selected pursuant to Rule K.141 is unable to participate in the Super-FlashInterview due to a need to receive immediate medical treatment that becomes apparent to the Club
after the conclusion of the League Match, the Club will not be in breach of Rules K.140 or K.141 in the eventthat it replaces that injured Player with another shortlisted Player who has already returned to thedressing room before being made available for the Super-Flash Interview.

K.142.

In the event that the Host Broadcaster does not wish to carry out the Super-FlashInterview to which it is entitled, any other UK Broadcaster present at the League
Match may exercise that right (and in the event that no UK Broadcaster wishes to doso, the League may do so).

Guidance

UK Broadcasters

Any content provided by Clubs or filmed by the League’s Appointed Production Partner for the purposesof Rule K.139 will be distributed for the use of TV Broadcasters, unless otherwise agreed with the relevant
Club. Any such content shall be used by TV Broadcasters in accordance with the terms of their contract
with the League, which restricts use of that content to authorised purposes only.

K.143.

If agreed between the Club and the League or the League’s Appointed Production Partner, the footage
required at Rule K.139 may be captured by an accredited representative of the League’s Appointed
Production Partner.

In respect of each UK Broadcaster that has the right to the Transmission of a League
Match, that UK Broadcaster is entitled to interview two Players and the Manager
from each participating Club (save where that Club has provided a Super-FlashInterview to that UK Broadcaster in accordance with Rule K.140, above) following
each League Match, in accordance with the following requirements:
K.143.1.

prior to the conclusion of the League Match, the UK Broadcaster may:
K.143.1.1.

n no more than five occasions per Season notify aoparticipating Club of a shortlist of two Players who
participated in the League Match and who the UK
Broadcaster wishes to interview following the League Match;
andK.143.1.2.

n all occasions other than those referred to at RuleoK.143.1.1, above, notify a participating Club of a shortlist of
three Players who participated in the League Match andwho the UK Broadcaster wishes to interview following the
League Match;‘Super-Flash’ interviews
K.140.

Prior to the conclusion of each League Match, the Host Broadcaster may notify aparticipating Club of a shortlist of three Players who participated in the League
Match and who the Host Broadcaster wishes to interview immediately after theconclusion of the League Match and before returning to the dressing room (the“Super-Flash Interview”). Where mutually agreed between the Club and the Host
Broadcaster prior to the conclusion of the League Match, the Super-FlashInterview(s) may take place on the pitch.

K.143.2.	when in receipt of the shortlist referred to at Rule K.143.1, above, therelevant Club must select at least one of the shortlisted Players to bemade available for interview with the UK Broadcaster, together with one
further Player (who may or may not be one of the other Players shortlistedby the UK Broadcaster but must have featured prominently in the League
Match) and the Club’s Manager; andGuidance
Where the Super-Flash Interview(s) take place on the pitch, the Host Broadcaster may utilise the Aerial
Cabled Wire Cameras (as referred to in Appendix 4 to these Rules) to record the Super-Flash Interview
footage.
In circumstances in which, after the League Match, there are safety or security concerns in relation to aninterview referred to at Rule K.140 being delivered on the pitch, the Club and the League may mutuallyagree to conduct the interview at a suitable alternative location.

K.141.

197

When in receipt of that shortlist, the relevant Club must select at least one of theshortlisted Players to be made available for the Super-Flash Interview, together with
one further Player (who may or may not be one of the other Players shortlisted by the
Host Broadcaster but must have featured prominently in the League Match) who
must also be made available for the Super-Flash Interview.

Rules: Section K

K.138.

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.143.3.	
the relevant Players and the Manager must be made available forinterview: (a) within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the League Match forinterviews with a UK Broadcaster that has Transmitted the League Match
live; and (b) within 45 minutes of the conclusion of the League Match for
all other UK Broadcasters.
Guidance
In assessing compliance with the requirements of Rule K.143.3, the League will take account of whether
the relevant UK Broadcaster submitted its shortlist to the Club prior to the conclusion of the League
Match, as required.

198

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.144.

K.145.

K.146.

Guidance

In respect of each League Match, each participating Club must ensure that at least
one of its Players who featured prominently in the League Match and/or its Manager
is made available for interview by International Broadcasters in attendance at the
League Match and the League’s Appointed Production Partner (subject to Rule
K.146, below), in accordance with the requirements set out in Rule K.147, below. Any
Player made available for interview by the League’s Appointed Production Partner
shall not be a Player made available for interview by the UK Broadcaster as required
under Rule K.143, above, unless otherwise agreed with the League.

International Broadcasters may only request interviews from Players with the ability to speak in their local
language for the purposes of Rule K.146.2 where one or more such Player(s) has participated in the
League Match.

K.147.

K.147.1.	within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the League Match for the League
save that: (a) where a Player has provided a Super-Flash Interview to the
League, he is not required to provide a further post-match interview to
the League; and (b) for each League Match that is broadcast live by a UK
Broadcaster, this deadline is extended to 30 minutes for Players/theManager from a Club that has lost the relevant League Match;

Each participating Club is required to ensure that each International Broadcaster inattendance at the League Match and the League receive an interview by either aPlayer or its Manager in accordance with the deadlines set out in Rule K.147, below,
save that a Club that has lost the League Match shall be required to provide suchinterviews to 15 International Broadcasters and the League (or more International
Broadcasters, should they wish to do so). The interviews required by this Rule may
take place virtually, if so requested by the relevant Broadcaster(s).
The identity/ies of the individual(s) to be made available for interview in accordancewith Rule K.144, above, may be determined by the Club concerned at its discretion,
however:
K.146.1.	where it receives one or more requests from International Broadcasters
that its Manager be made available for an interview, it must ensure that it
makes its Manager available in accordance with the following
requirements:

No. of requests

Minimum no. of interviews for which

by International

Manager must be made available

Broadcasters
1

1

2

1

3

2

4

2

5

3

6

3

7 or more

3

Each participating Club must make its Players and/or its Manager available forinterviews with International Broadcasters and the League by the following deadlines:

Rules: Section K

International Broadcasters and the League

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.147.2.	
within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the League Match for each
International Broadcaster Transmitting the League Match live (save that
this deadline is extended to 45 minutes for Players/the Manager from a
Club that has lost the relevant League Match); andK.147.3.	
within 45 minutes for each other International Broadcaster that has
Transmitted the League Match.
Radio Broadcasters
K.148.

 ach Club participating in a League Match must ensure that each Radio Broadcaster
Ethat has the right to the Radio Transmission of that League Match is permitted tointerview: (a) at least one Player who featured prominently in the League Match; and(b) the Manager, following the League Match.

Guidance
For the avoidance of doubt, all Players selected for doping control following a League Match are still
expected to comply with their obligations regarding Broadcaster access (save where the doping control
officer refuses to allow the Player to depart from the doping control station as a result of, for example, alack of available chaperones). However, where selection for doping control affects a Player’s ability tomake himself available for interview within the deadlines stipulated by these Rules, that will be taken into
account by the Board when determining whether a breach has occurred.
Furthermore, Clubs should ensure that they make a sufficient number of Players available for interview byInternational Broadcasters and the League to ensure compliance with the deadlines set out at Rule K.147.
For example, if a Club makes only one Player available for interview by International Broadcasters andthe League, it is unlikely that all such Broadcasters will receive interviews within the relevant deadlines. In
such circumstances, where the deadlines are missed as a result of too few Players being made available
by a Club, that Club will be in breach of these Rules.

		 and;“Radio Broadcasters” means for the purposes of this Rule UK and/or Irish radio broadcasters only.

K.146.2.	no Club may refuse four consecutive requests from the same International
Broadcaster (in respect of four different League Matches) that a Player
with the ability to speak in that International Broadcaster’s local language
is made available for an interview, unless otherwise agreed between theClub and the League.

Interviews with TV Broadcasters which take place pursuant to Rules K.140 to K.144 may take place in any
location agreed between the relevant Broadcaster and the relevant Club.

K.149.

Before 31 July each year, each Club must confirm to the League whether, in respectof each League Match throughout the Season:
K.149.1.	each of the Players listed on its team sheet will walk through the Mixed
Zone when exiting the Stadium following the League Match; or

199

200

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.150.

Promotional Photographs and Footage
K.157.

K.157.1.	select (and notify the League of) one continuous and uninterrupted half
day period, no later than 48 hours before the start of each Season, during
which its Contract Players and Manager may be photographed and/or
filmed by TV Broadcasters, the League’s Appointed Production Partneror the League’s appointees;

Having made the election referred to at Rule K.149, above, each Club must ensurethat it complies with its chosen approach at each League Match.

Guidance

K.157.2.	ensure that each of its Contract Players and its Manager is available fora continuous and uninterrupted period of no less than 60 minutes during
such half day period for the photography and filming referred to at Rule
K.157.1, above; andClubs may withdraw a Player from walking through the Mixed Zone in exceptional circumstances, e.g.
where the Player has suffered injury and needs medical treatment or is subject to doping control.

K.151.

Each Home Club shall facilitate a media conference following each League Match(the “Post-Match Media Conference”).

K.152.

The Post-Match Media Conference shall take place in the media conference room
referred to in Rule K.93.

K.153.

Each Home Club shall ensure that Broadcasters that wish to do so have access to
the Post-Match Media Conference and may at its discretion give such access toaccredited representatives of other media.

K.154.

K.157.3.	ensure that any Contract Player or its Manager who is not available on
the day referred to at Rule K.157.1, above, shall be made available for acontinuous and uninterrupted period of no less than 60 minutes no later
than two weeks after the close of the relevant Summer Transfer Window
to be photographed and/or filmed by TV Broadcasters, the League’s
Appointed Production Partner or the League’s appointees.
K.158.

Each Season, following the conclusion of each of the League Matches at which: (a) aClub’s result in that League Match guarantees that it will become League Champions;and (b) the trophy is awarded to that Club for becoming League Champions, theClub concerned shall grant access to the Host Broadcaster to its dressing room fromthe period between the conclusion of the League Match and 60 minutes after theconclusion of the League Match.

K.158.2.	the Manager shall wear match day attire (such as the Club’s official
training kit or blazer or suit).
Guidance
Club media and broadcast channels are permitted to attend the session referred to in Rule K.157,
provided that any additional filming or photography by such channels in no way interrupts or inhibits thatsession.

K.159.

Guidance

Following the conclusion of the League Match at which the trophy is awarded to the
League Champions, the League Champion Club shall not permit any Player(s)required to participate in the Club’s media obligations with the League’s Appointed
Production Partner or any Broadcasters to engage in any Club or other media
activity that could interfere with or delay any such media obligations.

On the day referred to at Rule K.157.1, each Club shall:
K.159.1.	permit the League, TV Broadcasters, the League’s Appointed Production
Partner and the League’s appointees access to the facilities referred to at
Rule K.161 at least three hours prior to the commencement of thephotography and filming referred to at Rule K.157.1; andThe Club’s own media channel may also conduct filming during the period referred to in Rule K.155. Whereit chooses to do so, the Club and Host Broadcaster shall engage in good faith discussions in advance toensure that both are able to carry out their media requirements in cooperation with each other.

K.156.

For the purposes of the photography and filming referred to in Rule K.157:
K.158.1.	each Contract Player shall wear each of the Strips registered by the Club
pursuant to Rule M.17; andEach Club shall ensure that its Manager attends the Post-Match Media Conference.

League Champions
K.155.

Each Club shall:

Rules: Section K

K.149.2.	a minimum of six of the Players listed on the team sheet will walk throughthe Mixed Zone when exiting the Stadium following the League Matchand the Club will ensure that each Broadcaster in attendance in the
Mixed Zone is able to interview at least one such Player.

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.159.2.	provide appropriate refreshments and catering facilities for representativesof the League, TV Broadcasters, the League’s Appointed Production
Partner and the League’s appointees in attendance in connection with thephotography and filming referred to at Rule K.157.1.
K.160.

Each Club shall provide to the League’s Appointed Production Partner photographs of
any new Contract Player or Manager within 48 hours of their registration with the Club.

Guidance
For the avoidance of doubt, and in accordance with Rule L.34, the League Champions must comply withthe schedule in the relevant Countdown to Kick-Off immediately after the trophy has been lifted.

Guidance
The League’s Appointed Production Partner shall notify the Clubs in advance of the relevant Transfer
Window of the specific requirements for any photographs to be provided under Rule K.160.
If mutually agreed between the Club and the League, the Club can request that the League’s Appointed
Production Partner (or the League’s appointees) capture the photographs referred to at Rule K.160.

201

202

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Each Club shall make available at its Stadium or training ground suitable facilities,
the details of which shall be agreed between the Club and the League in advance,with the benefit of mains electric power, for the purposes of the filming andphotography referred to in Rule K.157.

K.162.

Each Club shall share with the League’s Appointed Production Partner at least two
minutes of footage from the first interview with any new Player or Manager that has
been registered with the Club no later than such time that any footage from thatinterview is published on the Club’s own media channels.

K.167.

Each Club must ensure that the Player participating in the Pre-Season Media Access(in addition to its captain) is a Player who was listed in the Club’s starting line-up in
no fewer than 20 League Matches during the preceding Season (save that the
League may grant dispensation from this requirement at its discretion, for example,
where the Club registers one or more new Players).

K.168.

By no later than the 10 July preceding each Season, each Club must:
K.168.1.	notify the League of identity of the Player (in addition to its captain andManager) who will be made available for the Pre-Season Media Access;andGuidance

K.168.2.	agree with the League the time, date and location of the Pre-Season
Media Access (which may run immediately prior to, following or
concurrently with the period referred to in Rule K.157, provided that it in
no way inhibits the ability of the League’s Appointed Production Partner
and/or any Broadcaster to carry out the photography or filming required
under that Rule).

Clubs may request that use of the footage provided to the League’s Appointed Production Partner inaccordance with this Rule K.162 by Broadcasters should be embargoed until midnight on the day the
footage is published on the Club’s own media channels.

K.163.

Each Club shall provide to the League by no later than 30 September each year agroup photograph of all of the Players included on its Squad List and any Under 21
Players who in the Club’s reasonable opinion will play in a significant number ofLeague Matches in the forthcoming Season.

Guidance
The purpose of the photography and filming requirement, referred to at Rule K.157, is primarily to provide
footage of players to be used by TV Broadcasters. In addition, photographs and video of players captured
in accordance with Rules K.157 and K.159 may be used by the League’s agreed official commercial
partners and licensees. The League will hold the copyright in these photographs and licence it to Clubs.

K.164.

By no later than its first League Match of the Season, each Club shall provide to the
League information about each of its Players and its Manager, indicating, for example,
their hobbies, interests and any interesting facts, together with details of eachlanguage in which they are able to carry out any media duties required by these Rules.

K.165.

Each Club shall ensure that, when reasonably requested to do so by the League,
Players and Managers will take part in recordings for the promotional purposes of
Broadcasters and the League.

203

Guidance
Participation by a Player or Manager in a Pre-Season Media Access will not be taken into account by the
League in its assessment of Club compliance with Rules K.110 and K.116.

Pre-Season Launch Event
K.169.

Prior to the commencement of each Season, one Club (to be selected by the League)
shall make at least one Player and/or its Manager available to the League for acontinuous and uninterrupted period of no less than 60 minutes (the “Pre-Season
Launch Event”). The date (to be confirmed by no later than 10 July), time and locationof the Pre-Season Launch Event, and the identity of the Player(s) and/or its Manager
required to participate in the Pre-Season Launch Event shall be agreed between theClub and the League.

Guidance
The Pre-Season Launch Event will be used by the League to launch each new Season and to communicate
any key themes or messages for the upcoming Season.

The League will manage the requests for access made by Broadcasters under Rule K.165 to ensure thatthe demands made of Clubs or of individual Players and Managers are not too onerous.

The League has absolute discretion to determine which Club shall participate in the Pre-Season Launch
Event, save that it will not select a Club to participate in the Pre-Season Launch Event for any twoconsecutive Seasons.

Pre-Season Media Access, Footage and Events

A Club’s participation in the Pre-Season Launch Event will not be taken into account by the League in its
assessment of a Club’s compliance with Rule K.167.

Guidance

Pre-Season Media Access

Promoted Club Access Session

K.166.

K.170.

Each Club shall make one Player (to be mutually agreed between the Club and the
League), its captain and its Manager available to TV Broadcasters and the League’s
Appointed Production Partner for a continuous period of no less than 60 minutes, prior
to the start of each Season (“Pre-Season Media Access”). The time, date andlocation of such Pre-Season Media Access, together with the identity of the Player inattendance, in addition to the Club’s captain, shall be determined in accordance with
Rules K.167 and K.168, below.

Rules: Section K

K.161.

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

Each Promoted Club shall, during the first week of their first team’s training ahead of a
new Season, make a location(s) at its Stadium or training ground available to the
League’s Appointed Production Partner for a continuous and uninterrupted period of
no less than two hours (the “Promoted Club Access Session”). Precise details of thedate, time and location(s) of the Promoted Club Access Session and the identity of
appropriate Club spokespeople to be made available during the Promoted Club
Access Session shall be mutually agreed between the Promoted Club and the League.

204

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.175.

A Promoted Club’s obligations under Rule K.170 are in addition to its obligations under Rule K.166 to K.168(where applicable).

K.175.1.	one measurement shall on the horizontal plane at each reference point
as shown in the pitch lighting grid set out below;

Floodlights
K.171.

On the day of each League Match, each Club shall ensure that its floodlights areoperational and comply with the requirements of these Rules for such period as theBoard may from time to time specify.

K.172.

A Club’s Stadium must have floodlights giving a maintained vertical illuminance of:K.172.1.	an average of at least 1650 lux and a minimum of at least 1000 lux whenmeasured towards the principal camera on the Television Gantry;
K.172.2.	an average of at least 1000 lux and a minimum of at least 650 lux at any
one location on the pitch when measured towards the four verticalplanes at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° as shown in the pitch lighting grid set out
below; andAt each of the 96 measurement points referred to in Rule K.174, above, fivemeasurements shall be taken at one metre above the pitch and in the following five
directions:K.175.2.	when necessary, one measurement shall be taken towards the main
camera on the Television Gantry (represented at position no. 1 on the
Master Camera Plan of Appendix 4 to these Rules); andRules: Section K

Guidance

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.175.3.	four measurements shall be taken in four directions. The measurements
shall be taken at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° planes as shown in the pitch
lighting grid set out below.
Guidance – Pitch Lighting Grid
To illustrate what is meant by this, Clubs are requested to measure and report lux values using a grid asshown below demonstrating each point on the pitch at which a measurement must be taken and recorded:

K.172.3.	an average of at least 1650 lux and a minimum of at least 1000 lux on thehorizontal reference plane.
Guidance

The average lux value referred to in Rule K.172.1 is calculated by adding together the readings in eachdirection taken from each of the 96 measurement points referred to in Rule K.174 and dividing them by 96.
The average lux value referred to in Rule K.172.2 is calculated by adding together the readings taken in thesame direction at each of the 96 measurement points referred to in Rule K.174 and dividing the total by 96.
The average lux value referred to in Rule K.172.3 is calculated by adding together the readings taken in thesame direction at each of the 96 measurement points referred to in Rule K.174 and dividing the total by 96.
Clubs should also take measurements on the horizontal plane at all 96 measurements as referred to in RuleK.174 for reference. These measurements should be reported in the certificate required by Rule K.183.
All measurements should be taken at one metre above the pitch surface.
K.173.

The floodlighting must provide uniformity of maintained vertical illuminance at all
locations on the pitch such that the minimum illuminance is no less than half of the
maximum illuminance and no less than 60% of the average illuminance.

Guidance
The requirements of Rule K.173 are often expressed by technical experts as “U1 values” and “U2 values” inthe following manner:“Uniformity (U1 [min/max]) > 0.50
Uniformity (U2 [min/ave]) > 0.60”

K.174.

Calculation, measurement and reporting of the lux values shall be undertaken on
the pitch using 96 measurement points in a grid format and at an equal distancefrom each other on each axis.

The certificate to be provided to the League pursuant to Rule K.183, below, must contain the outcome of
the measurement of the lux values at each point and in each direction on the pitch in this format. As fivemeasurements must be taken at each of the 96 points, a total of 480 measurements must be taken (or 576
if including an assessment of illuminance towards the main camera).

K.176.

205

The 12 rows of seating nearest to the pitch (save for such rows in the stand where theTelevision Gantry is situated) shall be illuminated such that they have a minimum
vertical illuminance perpendicular to the pitch of at least 200 lux and provide a
comfortable, glare-free environment for spectators.

206

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

The illuminance referred to in Rule K.176, above, shall be measured by measurements
taken at illuminance test reference points located at 10 metre intervals on the tenthrow of seating around the pitch. The illuminance test reference points are required inall seating areas around the perimeter of the pitch save for areas adjacent to the
Television Gantry.

K.183.2.

the illuminance meter used to measure compliance with Rule K.172 was:K.183.2.1.

K.183.2.3.
K.178.

Floodlighting shall be installed and arranged so as not to cause undue glare toPlayers.

This is especially important in the goalmouth area where it is recommended by the International
Commission on Illumination that no floodlights are installed in the horizontal zone of 5º of either side of
the goal line.

Each Club’s floodlighting shall have:
K.179.1.

K.179.3.	flicker (as measured by flicker factor) of no more than 6% at any one ormore of the 96 measurement points referred to in Rule K.174, above, whenmeasured towards the principal camera on the Television Gantry.
K.180.

Each Club must have installed at or adjacent to its Stadium an alternative powersource for the floodlights such that the floodlighting shall continue with a minimum
average illuminance of greater than 800 lux on the horizontal plane in the event of
the failure of the primary power source.

K.181.

Details of the alternative power source referred to in Rule K.180, above, the estimatedtime before floodlights are available again in the event of failure of the primary
power source, and the lux value of the floodlights when powered by the alternative
power source must be set out in the annual floodlighting report referred to in Rule
K.183 and the procedure referred to in Rule K.185, below.

K.182.

Each Club shall ensure that the floodlighting installation and supporting services at
its Stadium are properly designed and maintained.

K.183.

In advance of each Season, the League will notify each Club whether it is required toundergo an independent assessment of its compliance with the illuminancerequirements of Rules K.172 and K.175 by a Person appointed by the League or,alternatively, whether it is required to provide a certificate signed by a Chartered
Electrical Engineer, a member of the Institute of Lighting Professionals, a member of
the Illuminating Engineering Society or a member of the Society of Light and Lighting(in this Rule “the Signatory”) certifying:measuringtheilluminanceoffitted with a wide-angle receptive light sensor; andK.183.3.	
the floodlighting installation and its supporting services have been
designed to an appropriate standard in compliance with these Rules andhave been properly maintained.
K.184.

If works are undertaken at a Club’s floodlighting installation and support services
after the submission of the certificate referred to in Rule K.183, above, then the Club
must provide a further such certificate to the League within four weeks of thoseworks being concluded.

K.185.

Each Club must devise, implement and make available to the League on request, an
operation procedure to ensure the minimum possible level of disruption in the eventof a power failure at the Stadium (as referred to in Rule K.180) or a failure in any
Stadium electrical system, which complies with such guidance as issued by the
League from time to time.

colour rendering index Re of greater than 80;

K.179.2.	an average colour temperature of between 5200kelvin and 6000kelvin,being the average of three measurements taken in the middle of eachgoal-line and on the centre spot; andfor

K.183.2.4.	calibrated at least once in the previous 12 months (and a
copy of the most recent certificate of calibration shall be
attached to the certificate required to be provided inaccordance with this Rule); andGuidance

K.179.

cosine corrected;

K.183.2.2.	
suitable for use
floodlighting;Rules: Section K

K.177.

Section K: Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements

K.183.1.	the floodlights have been inspected by the Signatory and in their opinion
comply with Rules K.172 to K.182;

207

208

Section L: Fixtures

Arranging Fixtures

Other Competitions

L.1.

L.9.

The Board shall:
L.1.1.	determine the dates and kick-off times of all League Matches as soon aspracticable prior to the commencement of each Season; andL.1.2.	have the power at any time thereafter to change the date and kick-offtime of a League Match, and before exercising such power the Board willconsult with and take into account any representations made by the Clubs
participating in the League Match in question and any other Club or Clubs
which may be affected thereby.

L.2.
L.3.

L.4.

L.9.1.	enter into any agreement of any kind (whether by correspondence, headsof terms or memorandum of understanding) whether legally binding orotherwise, which includes an intention that the Club will participate in an
Unapproved Competition;
L.9.2.	contractually bind the Club to participate in any Unapproved Competition
or instruct someone to do so on its/their behalf;

Each Club shall use its best endeavours to ensure that each League Match takes
place on the date and at the time fixed for it.

L.9.3.	acquire any share or equity stake of any kind in any Unapproved
Competition that it/they intend the Club to participate in or instructsomeone to do so on its/their behalf;

No fixtures shall be arranged on or on any of the six days preceding the four dates
agreed between the League and The Football Association prior to each Season
upon which international matches will be played.
League Matches will be played on New Year’s Day unless it falls on a Thursday or
Friday and F.A. Cup matches are scheduled to be played on the immediately
following Saturday.

L.5.

All intellectual property and other rights in the League’s fixture list shall belong to
the League.

L.6.

A Club engaged in any match played in a UEFA Club Competition on a Thursday
evening and a League Match on the following Saturday may rearrange the League
Match to the following Sunday, provided that:
L.6.1.	it gives notice to that effect to the Board and to the relevant opposing
Club within 72 hours of the date of the UEFA Club Competition matchbeing fixed (or, if the period of 72 hours expires on a day which is not a
Working Day, by close of business on the first Working Day thereafter);
L.6.2.

L.9.4.	publicly announce (or approve a third party to publicly announce) the
intention of the Club to participate in any Unapproved Competition; or
L.9.5.

For the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, it shall not be a breach of Rule L.9 (or any other Rule)for:•	a Club, Official or Director to discuss with other Clubs or the Board amendments to existing
competition formats and structures or potential new competition formats and structures, without
engaging in any of the conduct referred to in Rule L.9; or•	a Club, Official or Director to engage in any of the conduct referred to in Rules L.9.1 to L.9.5: (a) following
the provision of notice to resign under Rule B.7; and (b) in relation to an Unapproved Competition inwhich the Club will not play until after the resignation pursuant to the Rules has taken effect.

L.10.

L.6.3.	the rearrangement of the League Match does not result in the opposing
Club having to play another League Match, F.A. Cup match or UEFA Club
Competition match within two days of the rearranged League Matchbeing played; andL.7.

A Club may apply to the Board for permission to rearrange any fixture so that it isplayed on a different date or at a different kick-off time.

L.10.2.	order that the Club in breach indemnifies the League for any and all loss
sustained as a result of such breach; andL.10.3.	impose such other order or sanction as it thinks fit.
L.11.

Each Club shall enter the F.A. Cup.

L.12.

Qualification for UEFA Club Competitions shall be on sporting merit throughdomestic competitions controlled or sanctioned by The Football Association. Clubs
qualifying for a UEFA Club Competition must apply for a UEFA Club Licence inaccordance with the Licensing Manual.

A Club shall not arrange to play a friendly match during the Season:

Postponement of League Matches

L.8.1.	until the dates of League Matches for that Season have been fixed andpublished in accordance with Rule L.1; or

L.13.

L.8.2.

209

Where a Commission upholds a complaint brought by the Board pursuant to Section
W (Disciplinary) of these Rules that a Club or any of its Officials or Directors has
acted in breach of Rule L.9, it shall:
L.10.1.	where it is a first offence, impose on the Club a deduction of 30 points
scored or to be scored in the League Table;

Arranging Other Matches
L.8.

enter or play in any Unapproved Competition.

Guidance

there is no police objection;

L.6.4.	the kick-off time of the re-arranged League Match is the same as that of
one of the League Matches (if any) which have been selected for live
Transmission in the United Kingdom on that Sunday, or such other kick-offtime as the Board may approve.

It shall be a breach of these Rules by a Club (acting through any of its Officials or
Directors) or any of its Officials or its Directors themselves to (indirectly or directly)
do any of the following without the prior written approval of the Board (not to be
unreasonably withheld or delayed):so that it adversely affects a League Match.

Rules: Section L

Clubs: Operations
Section L: Fixtures

Subject to Rules C.25 and C.29, a League Match shall not be postponed or
abandoned except:
L.13.1.	when on the date fixed for it to be played either the Home Club or the
Visiting Club is competing in a competition permitted by Rules A.1.17(a) to
A.1.17(f);210Section L: Fixtureswith the approval of or on the instructions of the officiating referee;

L.13.3.

by order of the police;

L.13.4.	by order of any other authority exercising its statutory powers to that
effect; or
L.13.5.
L.14.

Where it is proposed to postpone a League Match pursuant to Rule L.13.4 on the
grounds of safety, the appropriate Official of the Home Club shall:

L.14.2.	time permitting, consult with the officiating referee, the police and thechair of the Club’s safety advisory group and ensure that the match
delegate appointed to attend the League Match pursuant to Rule L.19 is
fully briefed as to the reasons for the postponement.
Subject to Rules C.25 and C.29, upon a League Match being postponed or abandonedin accordance with Rules L13.1 to L.13.4 the Home Club shall forthwith inform theBoard, and the Board will thereupon exercise its power under Rule L.1.2 and fix adate and kick-off time of the re-arranged League Match.

Guidance
Clubs are reminded of their obligation pursuant to Rule L.2 to use their best endeavours to ensure that all
League Matches take place on the date and at the kick-off time fixed for them. Pursuant to this, Clubs are
expected to do all they can to address any concerns raised by a statutory authority.

L.16.

Where a League Match is postponed due to an order pursuant to Rule L.13.3 orL.13.4, the Home Club must demonstrate to the Board that such order was not as aconsequence of the Club having failed to take all reasonable steps to ensure that
the League Match could take place at the time and on the date scheduled pursuant
to Rule L.1. If the Board reasonably considers that the Home Club did fail to take suchreasonable steps and that the order was as a consequence of such failure, the HomeClub will be in breach of this Rule.

Guidance
The Board shall consider whether a Club took all reasonable steps available to it to comply with this Ruleon a case-by-case basis.
Without prejudice to that position, reasonable steps Clubs would be expected to take to comply with thisRule may include (but not be limited to): (i) engaging with relevant local authorities, police forces and/or
other statutory authorities or community stakeholders in a proactive and timely manner to adequately
address any concerns such stakeholders may have in respect of the League Match in question; (ii) securing
enhanced policing, stewarding and/or other security resources as may be appropriate for the League
Match in question; (iii) ensuring that the League is given the opportunity to attend each meeting with therelevant Safety Advisory Group at which the League Match in question is to be discussed; and (iv)
engaging in dialogue with the League and opposing Club regarding whether a reduction in Visiting Club
ticket allocation would address any concerns raised by relevant local authorities, police forces and/or
other statutory authorities or community stakeholders.

211

L.17.

on the instructions of or with the prior written consent of the Board.

L.14.1.	complete and make available on request to the League all relevant risk
assessment documentation; andL.15.

Failure to Play a League Match
Subject to Rules C.25 and C.29, except in the case of a League Match which, without
either of the participating Clubs being at fault, is postponed or abandoned under
the provisions of Rule L.13, any Club which is at fault for the postponement orabandonment of a League Match on the date fixed under Rule L.1 or to which it isrearranged under Rules L.1.2, L.6 or L.7 (which may be as a result of action or inaction
and will include, for the avoidance of doubt, any instance where such postponement
or abandonment is as a result of the Club’s failure to comply with any other Rule) will
be in breach of these Rules.

Rules: Section L

L.13.2.

Section L: Fixtures

Replaying a League Match
L.18.

The Board shall have power to order that a League Match be replayed provided
that a recommendation to that effect has been made by a Commission in exercise
of its powers under Rule W.51.

Match Delegate
L.19.

The League will appoint a match delegate to attend each League Match and theHome Club shall ensure that they are allocated a prime seat and allowed access toall areas of the Stadium.

L.20.

The match delegate will act as an official representative of the League at the
League Match to which they are appointed and they will report thereon to the
League.

Full Strength Teams
L.21.

In every League Match each participating Club shall field a full strength team.

Minimum Age
L.22.

A Player who for the purpose of Youth Development Rule 2 is placed in an age group
below Under 16 shall not be named in a Club’s team sheet for or participate in a
League Match.

Team Sheet and Pre-Match Briefing
L.23.

At least 75 minutes before the time fixed for the kick-off of a League Match, a
representative of each participating Club shall submit a team sheet by such method
as approved by the Board containing the following particulars:
L.23.1.	the shirt numbers and names of its Players (including substitute Players)
who are to take part in that League Match;
L.23.2.	the colour of the Strip to be worn by its Players, including the goalkeeper;
andL.23.3.	the names and job titles of up to seven Officials who will occupy thetrainer’s bench during that League Match.

L.24.

At least 60 minutes before the time fixed for the kick-off of a League Match, theManager or a senior member of the coaching staff listed in Rule L.23.3 of eachparticipating Club shall attend a briefing with the referee.

212Section L: Fixtures

L.26.

Any Club acting in breach of either Rules L.23 or L.24 will pay a fixed penalty of £2,500
in respect of a first such breach, £5,000 in respect of a second such breach during a
Season and £10,000 in respect of a third such breach during a Season. Any
subsequent breach shall be dealt with under the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary)of these Rules.
If any Player (or substitute Player) named on a team sheet is injured or otherwise
incapacitated after the submission of the team sheet but before kick-off, upon his
Team Doctor or, if they are unavailable, another doctor certifying that the injury or
incapacitation is such that the Player in question cannot reasonably be expected toplay, the Club may add the name of another Player to the team sheet as a Player or
substitute Player.

L.27.

Any amendment to the team sheet pursuant to Rule L.26 shall be communicatedforthwith to the referee, the opposing Club and the Match Manager.

L.28.

No Player whose name does not appear on his Club’s team sheet shall take the fieldof play in that League Match.

Use of Official Ball
L.35.

L.35.1. 	
participating Clubs shall utilise a system of replacement balls, inaccordance with Law 2.3 of the Laws of the Game and any guidanceissued by the League in conjunction with PGMOL; andL.35.2. 	the Home club shall provide, and the participating Clubs shall use, only theofficial ball approved from time to time by the League.

Occupation of the Technical Area
L.36.

The technical area shall be occupied during a League Match only by substitute
Players and Officials whose names appear on the team sheet. Only Officials whosenames appear on the team sheet and who are situated in the technical area may
communicate instructions to Players during a League Match.

L.37.

Any Player who is dismissed from the field of play shall proceed immediately to thedressing room and shall not occupy the technical area.

Substitute Players

Duration of League Matches

L.29.

Subject to Rule L.30, in any League Match a Club may include in its team sheet up tonine substitute Players of whom not more than five may take part in the League
Match subject to the conditions set out in Law 3 of the Laws of the Game.

L.38.

Subject to the provisions of Law 7 of the Laws of the Game and Rule L.39, the durationof a League Match shall be 90 minutes.

L.30.

In each League Match, in addition to the five substitutions permitted by Rule L.29,
each Club shall also be permitted to utilise up to two ‘concussion substitutes’ and/or
two ‘additional substitutes’ (as appropriate) from those substitutes listed on theteam sheet, strictly in accordance with the provisions of the International Football
Association Board’s ‘Additional permanent concussion substitutes – Protocol B’(“IFAB Protocol”), the Head Injury Protocol at Appendix 5 to these Rules (“Headinjury Protocol”) and any associated guidance issued by the League. Each Club
must also provide the League with such information as is necessary to ensurecompliance with the IFAB Protocol and the Head Injury Protocol

L.39.

The Board may order a League Match which for whatever reason lasts for less than
90 minutes to count as a completed fixture or to be replayed either partially or in its
entirety.

L.40.

The half-time interval in League Matches shall be 15 minutes.

L.31.

Not more than three substitute Players of each Club shall warm up at the same timeon the perimeter of a pitch upon which a League Match is being played.

Gate Statements
L.41.

L.32.

L.33.

Each Club participating in a League Match shall adhere to the kick-off time and theHome Club shall report any delay to the Board together with any explanation
therefor.
Any Club which without good reason causes to be delayed either the kick-off of a
League Match from the time fixed or the re-start after the half-time interval shall be
dealt with under the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules.

Countdown to Kick-Off
L.34.

Each Club participating in a League Match must comply with the terms of therelevant Countdown to Kick-Off.

Within 10 Working Days of a League Match the Home Club shall submit its gate
statement to the Board (via the iFAS system).

Penalties
L.42.

Kick-Off213

In all League Matches:

Rules: Section L

L.25.

Section L: Fixtures

Any Club acting in breach of Rule L.34 will pay a fixed penalty of £2,500 in respect ofa first such breach, £5,000 in respect of a second such breach during a Season and£10,000 in respect of a third such breach during a Season. Any subsequent breachshall be dealt with under the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules.

Compensation for Postponed Matches
L.43.

Compensation shall be payable to a Home Club if a League Match in which it should
participate is postponed, provided that:
L.43.1.	the postponement is caused by the Visiting Club on the date fixed for the
League Match or on a date reasonably proximate thereto being engaged
in an F.A. Cup match or a Football League Cup match; andL.43.2.	on the date fixed for the League Match the Home Club is no longer
engaged in the relevant competition.

214

Section L: Fixtures

In the case of a postponement caused by an F.A. Cup match compensation shall be
paid out of the F.A. Cup pool and in the case of a Football League Cup match out of
the Football League Cup pool or in either case as the Board shall determine.

L.45.

In either case the amount of compensation shall be the sum (if any) by which theHome Club’s net revenue from the postponed League Match falls short of the Home
Club’s average net revenue for League Matches played in that Season.

Rules: Section L

L.44.

Section L: Fixtures

Provision of Hospitality for Officials
L.46.

215

Each Home Club shall provide hospitality arrangements for the Directors and other
Officials of the Visiting Club.

216

Clubs: Operations
Section M: Players’ Identification and Strip

M.1.

Before the commencement of each Season each Club shall allocate a different shirt
number to each member of its first team squad.

M.2.

A Club shall likewise allocate a shirt number to any Player joining its first team squadduring the Season.

M.3.

Save with the prior written consent of the Board shirt numbers shall commence with
the number one and shall be allocated consecutively.

M.4.

While he remains with the Club a Player will retain his shirt number throughout the
Season for which it was allocated.

M.5.

Upon a Player leaving a Club the shirt number allocated to him may be re-allocated.

M.6.

Each Club shall forthwith provide to the Board (via the iFAS system) full details inwriting of shirt numbers allocated so that throughout each Season the Board isaware of the names of members of the first team squad of each Club and the shirt
numbers allocated to them.

M.7.

When playing in League Matches each Player shall wear a shirt on the back of whichshall be prominently displayed his shirt number so as to be clearly visible (andcontrast with any pattern or design on the shirt) in accordance with guidelines laid
down by the Board from time to time, and above that his surname or such othername as may be approved in writing by the Board.

M.8.

The Player’s shirt number shall also appear on the front of the left or right leg of his
shorts.

M.9.

The size, style, colour and design of shirt numbers, lettering and the logo of the
League appearing on a Player’s shirt or shorts and the material from which such
numbers, lettering and logo are made shall be determined by the Board from time
to time.

M.14.

Each Strip registered with the Board by a Club must differ visibly from and contrast
with each other Strip registered by the Club in that Season, such that they could beworn by competing Clubs in a League Match, for the purposes of Rule M.22.

M.15.

The logo of the League (which for Season 2023/24 shall be deemed to include thepresence of the ‘No Room For Racism’ logo beneath the League’s primary logo) shallappear on the right sleeve of both home Strip and alternative Strip shirts. Where therelevant Strip does not bear a sponsor’s logo on the left sleeve of its shirt, a logo of
the League shall appear on that sleeve as well.

M.16.

Neither the home Strip shirt nor the shirt of either of the alternative Strips shall be ofa colour or design alike or similar to the outfits of Match Officials.

M.17.

Not later than ten weeks before the commencement of each Season, each Club shallregister its Strips (each of which must be available for the Club to wear in each
League Match during the Season) by submitting to the Board Form 10 together witha computer aided drawing (“CAD”) and physical samples of its home Strip,
alternative Strip(s) and goalkeeper’s Strip complying with these Rules and a brief
written description of each. The Board will print the Club’s registered Strips in thehandbook of the League and on the League’s website.

M.18.

Each Strip sample submitted for registration in accordance with Rule M.17 shall haveon it:
M.18.1.	the shirt number and name of any Player in the Club’s first team squad,displayed as required by Rule M.7; andM.18.2.	any advertisement for which the approval of the Board is either sought or
has already been given under the provisions of Rule M.29.1.

M.19.

M.10.

The colour and design of the shirt and socks worn by the goalkeeper when playing in
League Matches shall be such as to distinguish him from the other Players and from
Match Officials.

M.11.

The captain of each team appearing in a League Match shall wear an armband
provided by the League indicating his status as such.

M.12.

Any Club acting in breach of any of Rules M.1 to M.11 inclusive will be liable to pay to
the League a fixed penalty of £2,500 for a first breach, £5,000 for a second breach
during a Season and £10,000 for a third breach during a Season. Any subsequent
breach may be dealt under the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules.

Home and Alternative Strips
M.13.

217

Each Club shall have a home Strip for outfield Players and goalkeepers and up to a
maximum of two alternative Strips for outfield Players and a minimum of twoalternative Strips for goalkeepers which shall be registered with the Board and wornby its Players in League Matches in accordance with the provisions of these Rules.

Rules: Section M

Player Identification

Section M: Players’ Identification and Strip

If pursuant to Rule M.17 a Club seeks to register a Strip which does not comply withthese Rules:
M.19.1.	the Board shall give to that Club notice in writing to that effect giving fulldetails of the changes required to achieve compliance; andM.19.2.	the Strip in question shall not be worn by that Club’s Players in a League
Match until a further sample has been submitted to and approved inwriting by the Board.

M.20.

Subject to Rule M.21, Strips of the description thus registered shall be worn
throughout the Season immediately following and no changes to it shall be madeexcept with the prior written permission of the Board. Any request for such permission
must be made to the Board no less than 14 days before the League Match in which
the Club concerned intends to wear the changed Strip.

M.21.

On the occasions of a Club’s last home and away League Match in any Season afurther Strip (i.e. not one registered by the Club in accordance with Rule M.17) may
be worn provided that:
M.21.1.	at least 14 days’ prior written notice of intention to do so is given to theBoard (such notice to be accompanied by a sample of the Strip intended
to be worn) and the opposing Club (such notice to be accompanied by a
CAD drawing of the Strip intended to be worn); andM.21.2.	the alternative Strip shall be subsequently registered as the Club’s homeor alternative Strip for the following Season.

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Section M: Players’ Identification and Strip

Subject to Rule M.21, when playing in League Matches the Players of eachparticipating Club shall wear a Strip which differs visibly from and contrasts with one
another to ensure that Match Officials, Players, spectators and television viewers(including those with colour vision deficiency) will be able to distinguish clearly
between the two teams. In selecting the choice of Strip the following order ofprecedence shall apply unless authorised by the Board:
M.22.1.	1st priority: the outfield Players of the Home Club who shall wear theirhome Strip;

M.28.

When participating in a League Match no Player shall reveal undergarments thatshow political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images, or advertisingother than a manufacturer’s logo. The Board may proceed under Section W(Disciplinary) of these Rules against either the Player or his Club or both for any
breach of this Rule.

Strip Advertising
M.29.

Provided that:

M.22.2.

2nd priority: the outfield Players of the Visiting Club;

M.22.3.

3rd priority: the Home Club goalkeeper;

M.29.1.	the content, design and area of the advertisement is approved by the
Board; andM.22.4.

4th priority: the Visiting Club goalkeeper; andM.29.2.	it complies with The Football Association Rules for the time being in force,

M.22.5.

5th priority: the Match Officials.

advertising on Strips shall be permitted.

M.23.

At least 10 days prior to each League Match the Visiting Club shall notify the HomeClub and the League (by such means as advised by the Board from time to time) of
the Strip it intends its Players (including for the avoidance of doubt its goalkeeper)
to wear.

M.24.

The League, in consultation with PGMOL acting on behalf of the referee, will
determine any disputes arising between Clubs and no later than three working days
prior to each League Match notify both Clubs and the Match Officials of the colours
to be worn.

Rules: Section M

M.22.

Section M: Players’ Identification and Strip

Guidance
In respect of each League Match, the League will notify Clubs of the confirmed Strips to be worn by theHome Club and the Visiting Club (together with the uniform to be worn by the Match Officials) in the formof the Match Day Information Sheet.
For the avoidance of doubt, pursuant to the League’s power to resolve disputes arising between Clubs
regarding Strips, the League may (if necessary) require one or both Clubs to wear different shirts and/or
shorts and/or socks from more than one of their respective registered Strips to ensure sufficient contrast,
as required by Rule M.22.
Further, Clubs should be aware that, pursuant to Rule N.6.10, the Match referee is empowered, where
there is a clash between the Strip(s) or one or more Clubs participating in a League Match and the ballassistants and/or stewards on duty at the League Match, to require that the ball assistants and/or
stewards change their uniform(s) to remove the clash. Clubs are required to bear this in mind whenselecting Strips.

219

M.25.

In the event of a dispute arising on the day of a League Match in relation to the Strip
to be worn then the referee’s decision shall be final.

M.26.

Subject to Rule M.21, no Club shall participate in a League Match wearing a Strip
other than its registered home Strip or alternative Strip or a combination of thesame (in either case as instructed under Rule M.24 or Rule M.25) except with the priorwritten consent of the Board.

M.27.

Each Club shall ensure that it has available at each League Match a replacement
Strip for each Player named on the team sheet which can be used in the event of aPlayer requiring to change any part of his Strip. Each Player’s replacement Strip shallcomply with Rules M.7 and M.8.

220

Clubs: Operations
Section N: Match Officials

Section N: Match Officials

N.1.

Prior to the commencement of each Season, PGMOL will compile and publish a list of
Match Officials eligible to be appointed to officiate at League Matches during that
Season.

N.2.

PGMOL shall be empowered to remove the name of any Match Official from its list at
any time.

N.3.

PGMOL will appoint the Match Officials to officiate at each League Match. PGMOL
will give notice of such appointment to the participating Clubs and to the Match
Officials so appointed who shall each forthwith acknowledge their appointment to
PGMOL.

N.6.8.	wear one of the match uniforms provided by PGMOL ensuring that it does
not clash with the Strip worn by either of the participating teams;
N.6.9.	ensure that the Players’ Strip complies with the provisions of Section M(Players’ Identification and Strip) of these Rules;
N.6.10.	ensure that the uniform worn by any ball assistant or steward does not
clash with the Strip worn by either of the participating teams and if in theiropinion there is such a clash, they shall be authorised to request such ballassistant or steward to change their uniform or to leave the vicinity of the
field of play;N.6.11.	with the assistant referees, lead the participating teams onto the field ofplay in accordance with the provisions set out in the Countdown to KickOff; andN.6.12.	take such other steps as may be agreed between the League and PGMOL
from time to time.

Rules Binding on Match Officials
N.4.

Acknowledgement by a Match Official of an appointment made under Rule N.3 shallconstitute an agreement with the League by such Match Official to be bound by andto comply with:
N.4.1.	the Laws of the Game (and any protocols issued by the International
Football Association Board);
N.4.2.

The Football Association Rules; andN.4.3.

these Rules.

Compliance with Instructions
N.7.

N.8.

		

N.6.2.1.	if the referee considers it to be unfit, instruct that the League
Match be postponed or that the kick-off be delayed; or		

N.6.2.2.	if the referee considers it to be necessary, instruct that the pitch
be re-marked;

N.6.6.

check and approve any football to be used in the League Match;

N.6.7.	ensure that, if appropriate, the Home Club has made a coloured ballavailable;

221

on the circumstances surrounding the kick-off or re-start being delayed;on any change of Strip ordered;

N.8.7.	on the failure of a team to process together onto the field of play inaccordance with the provisions set out in the Countdown to Kick-Off;
N.8.8.

on any breach of Rule L.35 by either Club;

N.8.9.

on any Player being cautioned or sent-off;

N.8.10.	on either assistant referee taking over as referee and stating the reason
therefore;
N.8.11.	on any breach of these Rules by Clubs, Players, Officials, Managers andother Match Officials; andN.6.4.	permit the amendment of a team sheet if a Player is injured or otherwise
incapacitated as provided in Rule L.26;
attend the briefing referred to at Rule L.24;

on the condition of the pitch;

N.8.4.

N.8.6.

N.6.3.	receive the team sheets of the participating Clubs in accordance with Rule
L.23;

N.6.5.

N.8.3.

N.8.5.	on either team commencing the League Match with less than a fullcomplement of Players;

N.6.1.	together with the other appointed Match Officials, arrive at the Stadium
not less than two hours before the advertised time of kick-off;
decide on the fitness of the pitch for the playing of the League Match and:on the standard of facilities for Match Officials provided by the Home Club;

N.8.2.	on the late arrival at the Stadium of any of the Match Officials, giving
reasons therefore;

Prior to the commencement of a League Match at which they have been appointed
to officiate, the referee shall:

N.6.2.

By such method approved by PGMOL, the referee shall send the team sheets to andmake the following reports to the Board as soon as practicable after officiating at a
League Match:
N.8.1.

No Club or Official shall either directly or indirectly make or offer to make any
payment to or confer or offer to confer any benefit upon any Match Official.

Pre-Match Procedures
N.6.

Players and Officials shall comply with any lawful instruction given to them by aMatch Official officiating at a League Match.

Post-Match Procedures

Payments to Match Officials
N.5.

Rules: Section N

Appointment of Match Officials

N.8.12.	any other matter which the referee considers appropriate to bring to theBoard’s attention.
N.9.

A referee shall likewise report to The Football Association any breach of The Football
Association Rules.

222

Clubs: Operations
Section O: Medical

O.1.

O.2.

O.3.

O.7.

In respect of each League Match, the Medical Coordinator of the Home Club shall:
O.7.1.	by such method approved by the League, complete and sign the Match
Day Medical Requirements Form in advance of each League Match;

Nothing in this Section O or elsewhere in these Rules replaces, reduces or affects inany way the obligations imposed on Clubs by statute and/or common law in thefields of medicine, occupational health and/or health and safety.

O.7.2.	liaise with the Visiting Club’s Team Doctor prior to each League Match inorder to explain to them the Home Club’s arrangements for emergency
care;

Each Club’s Team Doctor, Crowd Doctor and Medical Coordinator, and any otherdoctor appointed by the Club, shall be a registered medical practitioner licensed topractice by the General Medical Council.

O.7.3.	on the day of the League Match, be available to deal with any queries of
the Visiting Club’s Team Doctor and ensure that the latter is given theopportunity to familiarise themselves with the Home Club’s medical
facilities and to meet the paramedics present at the League Matchpursuant to Rule O.19.4;

References in these Rules to a requirement to hold a current Football Association
Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football qualification (“ATMMiF”) shallmean that the individual concerned shall:

O.7.4.	comply with the Head Injury Protocol including providing assistance with
the identification and assessment of concussive injuries, whether throughthe use of pitch-side video technology or otherwise; andO.3.1.	have successfully undertaken the full ATMMiF course (or an equivalentcourse that is recognised and approved by: (a) the Faculty of Pre-Hospital
Care as equivalent to the AREA Certificate; and (b) the Board) in thepreceding 42 months; andO.3.2.	
have successfully undertaken the ATMMiF refresher course (or anequivalent course recognised and approved by the Board) in the preceding
22 months (unless they successfully undertook the full ATMMiF course or anequivalent course recognised and approved by the Board within that
period).

O.7.5.

at the request of either Team Doctor:

		

O.7.5.1.

		

O.7.5.2.	care for and monitor any Player or Match Official who has left
the field of play; and		

O.7.5.3.	act as the lead point of liaison and co-ordination for all Players
or Match Officials referred to hospital, including by liaising withthe hospital and establishing contact with local ambulancesand hospital emergency departments.

Guidance
The Football Association has developed a number of new courses to replace the previously required
qualifications:O.8.

• ATMMiF replaces the AREA;• Introduction to First Aid in Football (“IFAiF”) replaces EA;• Emergency First Aid in Football (“EFAiF”) replaces BFAS; and• Intermediate Trauma Medical Management in Football (“ITMMiF”) replaces IFAS.
Where an individual is required by these Rules to hold one of the new qualifications referred to above, itwill be acceptable to hold the previous qualification referred to until that qualification has expired, atwhich point the new qualification will be required.

In advance of each League Match, the Team Doctor of the Home Club shall, by suchmethod approved by the League, complete and sign the Mandatory Medical
Equipment Form and retain it for their records.

Crowd Doctor
O.9.

Each Club shall appoint at least one Crowd Doctor.

O.10.

A Crowd Doctor shall either:Team Doctor and Medical Coordinator
O.4.

Each Club shall appoint at least one Team Doctor and at least one Medical
Coordinator (who must be a doctor).

O.10.2.	
have successfully undertaken the Faculty’s ‘Generic Crowd Doctor
Training’ course or its equivalent.

O.5.

Each doctor appointed by a Club whose responsibilities include giving medical
treatment to Players must:
O.5.1.

hold a current ATMMiF;

O.5.3.	
comply with the General Medical Council’s requirements concerning
annual appraisal, scope of practice, indemnity and revalidation of doctors.
O.6.

223

assist with the treatment of injuries;

O.10.1.	hold a Diploma in Immediate Medical Care issued by the Royal College ofSurgeons (Edinburgh) Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care (“Faculty”) or its
equivalent; orO.5.2.	comply with the Head Injury Protocol and any guidance issued by the
Board in respect of the identification and notification of concussive
injuries; andThe Team Doctor must hold a diploma in sports medicine or an equivalent or higher
professional qualification.

Rules: Section O

Doctors – General

Section O: Medical

O.11.

Each Crowd Doctor shall successfully undertake the Faculty’s ‘Generic Refresher andSkills Update Course’ at least once every five years.

Physiotherapists
O.12.

Each Club shall employ a full time senior physiotherapist.

O.13.

The senior physiotherapist shall:
O.13.1.	
be a registered physiotherapist member of the Health and Care
Professions Council; andO.13.2.

hold a current ATMMiF.

224

Section O: Medical

Any other physiotherapist employed by a Club shall:

O.19.4.	the Home Club shall procure the attendance of at least two fully qualified
and appropriately insured paramedics who shall be available to assist
with on-field medical incidents;

O.14.1.	
be a registered physiotherapist member of the Health and Care
Professions Council; andO.15.

O.14.2.	(where the duties of the physiotherapist concerned include being present
in the technical area during League Matches in accordance with Rule L.36)
hold a current ATMMiF.

O.19.5.	
no Person other than a participating Club’s Team Doctor, Medical
Coordinator, physiotherapist or therapist (who shall be qualified as
required by these Rules) or the paramedics referred to in Rule O.19.4 shallbe permitted to treat Players or Match Officials on the field of play;

Any other sports therapist employed by a Club (where the duties of the therapist
concerned include being present in the technical area during League Matches inaccordance with Rule L.36) shall hold a current ATMMiF.

O.19.6.	the Home Club shall ensure that all equipment and facilities listed in the
Mandatory Medical Equipment Form are available and present at theStadium;
O.19.7.	the Home Club shall ensure that throughout each League Match a fully
equipped, dedicated and appropriately insured ambulance suitable tocarry an emergency casualty and staffed by a Person or Persons qualified
to perform essential emergency care en route is available at the Stadium
to transport any Player or Match Official requiring emergency treatment
to hospital; andMedical and Safety Action Plan
O.16.

Each Club shall prepare and make available to the League on request a Medical and
Safety Action Plan, which shall:
O.16.1.	set out protocols for the assessment of risk and management of injuries to
its employees in all areas of its business;

O.17.

O.19.8.	the Home Club shall before each League Match make available to the
Visiting Club the emergency treatment protocol referred to in Rule O.16.2
and obtain the Visiting Club’s Team Doctor’s confirmation that they havereceived it.

O.16.2.	set out protocols detailing the management of injuries to Players andMatch Officials sustained during League Matches, other matches in which
the Club participates and training (including a dedicated protocol for the
emergency treatment of Players and Match Officials during League
Matches played at its Stadium); andConcussive Injuries

O.16.3.	detail all first aid facilities and medical equipment maintained by the Clubin the event that treatment of such injuries is necessary.

O.20.

The Medical and Safety Action Plan shall be:

O.18.

O.20.2.	
notwithstanding Rule O.20.1, above, the Player shall not, under any
circumstances, be allowed to resume playing or training (as the case maybe) that same day. Furthermore, he shall not be allowed to return toplaying in matches or participating in training thereafter unless he has
been examined and declared fit to do so by his Team Doctor or, if they areunavailable, by another medical practitioner. In such circumstances, thewelfare of the Player is paramount and the decision of the Team Doctor orother medical practitioner as to whether the Player is fit to resume playing
or training shall be final.

annually reported to and approved by the Club’s board.

Each Club shall ensure that:
O.18.1.	it manages effectively all medical issues that may arise at a League Match;andO.18.2.	its first aid facilities and medical equipment are properly maintained andare in full working order.

Attendance of Medical Personnel and Provision of Medical Facilities
O.19.

At every League Match:
O.19.1.	each participating Club shall procure the attendance of its Team Doctor
and the Home Club shall procure the attendance of its Crowd Doctor andMedical Coordinator. The Home Club’s Team Doctor, Crowd Doctor andMedical Coordinator shall be available throughout and for a reasonable
time before and after the League Match;
O.19.2.	each participating Club shall procure the attendance of a physiotherapist
or therapist who is qualified as required by these Rules;
O.19.3.	each participating Club’s Team Doctor and physiotherapist or therapist(who shall be qualified as required by these Rules) shall occupy that Club’s
trainers’ bench during the League Match;

225

Where a Player, whether engaged in a League Match, any other match or in training,has sustained, or is suspected of having sustained, a concussive injury:
O.20.1.	the Club must comply with the Head Injury Protocol, any other concussion
protocol and guidance issued by the League in respect of the treatment ofthat Player and any review of that treatment; andO.17.1.	drawn up under the guidance of, and be regularly reviewed and if
necessary amended by, the Team Doctor in consultation with the Medical
Coordinator, senior physiotherapist, the Club’s safety officer and suchother Persons as the Club may consider appropriate; andO.17.2.

Rules: Section O

O.14.

Section O: Medical

Medical Records
O.21.

Each Club shall carry out medical examinations on all its Contract Players andAcademy Players registered on Scholarship Agreements (as defined in the Youth
Development Rules) in accordance with the requirements laid down in Appendix 6 tothese Rules and keep medical records that comply with General Medical Council
requirements.

O.22.

Where the transfer (including the Temporary Transfer) of the registration of aContract Player is being negotiated between Clubs, the Club holding the registration
shall, at the request of the other Club, and provided that the consent of the Contract
Player has been obtained, provide to it the medical records of the Contract Player inquestion (including for the avoidance of doubt any records which the Club holds ofthe cardiac screening and/or concussion history of the Player).

226

Section O: Medical

O.23.

During such time as there shall remain in force an agreement between the League
and the Professional Footballers’ Association for the subsidising of Player insurance
schemes, each Club shall cause each of its Contract Players and those of its Academy
Players with whom it has entered into a Scholarship Agreement (as defined in theYouth Development Rules) to be insured under and in accordance with the terms ofany private medical insurance scheme approved by the Board. In the case of such
Academy Players such insurance may be limited to football related injuries.

Rules: Section O

Medical Insurance

Section O: Medical

COVID-19 Emergency Protocols
O.24.

Clubs must comply with the COVID-19 Emergency Protocol set out at Appendix 16 tothese Rules.

Injury Audit
O.25.

227

Subject to any legal restrictions preventing disclosure, each Club shall comply
promptly and in full with any request for information made by the League inconnection with any injury audit operated by (or on behalf of) the League.

228

Section P: Managers

Codes of Conduct

Contents of Contracts of Employment

P.1.

Managers shall conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Conduct forManagers set out in Appendix 7 to these Rules.

P.8.

P.2.

Clubs shall conduct themselves in relation to Managers in accordance with the Codeof Conduct for Clubs set out in Appendix 8 to these Rules.

P.3.

Any failure by Managers or Clubs to conduct themselves in accordance with theirrespective Codes of Conduct will constitute a breach of this Rule.

P.8.1.

Meetings Re Refereeing and Other Matters
P.9.

Managers (in person) and Club captains (virtually, via videoconference) are required
to attend an annual pre-Season meeting and any mid-Season meeting organisedby the League and/or PGMOL and failure to do so (save in exceptional circumstances)
will constitute a breach of these Rules.

P.10.

By no later than 25 June in advance of each Season, each Club must notify the
League of two dates (each of which shall be before the Club’s first League Match of
the Season) on which each of its Contract Players, first team coaching and technicalstaff (including all sports scientists, analysts and performance staff) will be available
for a meeting to be attended by the League and/or PGMOL. The League will thennotify the Club as soon as possible thereafter on which of the two dates provided
the meeting will take place. Failure to attend this meeting (in the case of a Contract
Player, first team coaching and technical staff (including all sports scientists,
analysts and performance staff)) or to take reasonable steps to ensure theattendance of each of its Contract Players, first team and technical staff (including
all sports scientists, analysts and performance staff) at this meeting (in the case ofa Club), save in exceptional circumstances, will constitute a breach of these Rules.

Each Manager shall either:
P.4.1.	hold, or have commenced and be actively engaged on the requisite course
to obtain, a valid UEFA Pro Licence; or
P.4.2.	hold, or have commenced and be actively engaged on the requisite course
to obtain, a valid diploma of a similar standard issued by another national
association.

P.5.

 o Club shall employ any Person as a Manager who does not hold a qualification
N
listed in Rule P.4.

P.6.

 ules P.4. and P.5. shall not apply to Managers until the expiry of 12 weeks from theRdate of their appointment as such. The Board shall have power to grant an extensionof the 12 week period only if reasonably satisfied that a Manager is acting as atemporary replacement for another who is medically unfit to resume their duties.

Manager Contracts of Employment and other Agreements and their Submission to
the Board
P.7.

P.7.2.	any settlement or termination agreement it enters into with its Manager (orprevious Manager). That agreement must include full details of all benefits
to which the Manager (or previous Manger) is entitled as a consequence ofthe settlement or termination, whether in cash or in kind; andP.7.3.	full details of any other Transaction pursuant to which its Manager
received or is to receive remuneration from any other Person while they are
the Manager of the Club, including all benefits to which they are entitled,
whether in cash or in kind. Each Manager must provide the Club with all
such information as is necessary to enable the Club to comply with its
obligations under this Rule.

229

Broadcasters and Media
P.11.

Each Club must provide to the League within seven clear working days of it coming
into effect:
P.7.1.	full details of a Manager’s remuneration including all benefits to which
they are entitled whether in cash or in kind. All such details must be set out
in their contract. It will be a breach of these Rules for a Club to remunerate
a Manager or otherwise induce them to sign or extend a contract of
employment by offering or providing any payment or benefit (whether
directly or indirectly) that is not set out in their contract;

include the standard clauses set out in Appendix 9; andP.8.2.	clearly set out the circumstances in which the contract of employment
may be determined by either party.

Coaching Qualifications
P.4.

Contracts of employment between a Club and a Manager shall:

Rules: Section P

Clubs: Operations
Section P: Managers

Each Manager shall when requested to do so attend in person and participate in theinterviews, press conferences and other activity required of Managers pursuant to
Section K (Stadium Criteria and Broadcasters’ Requirements) of these Rules andfailure to do so (save in exceptional circumstances) will constitute a breach of theseRules. Such interviews shall not be arranged in such a manner as to interfere with theManager’s primary Match Day responsibilities as regards team matters.

Disputes
P.12.

Any dispute arising between the parties to a Manager’s contract with a Club shall be
dealt with under the procedures set out in Section Y (Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal)of these Rules.

Assistant Manager/Head Coach
P.13.

A Club which applies for a UEFA Club Licence must, in addition to employing aManager, employ an individual (such as an assistant manager or head coach) toassist the Manager in all football matters relating to the first team.

230

Section P: Managers

P.14.

Each Club must provide to the League within seven clear working days of it coming
into effect, in respect of each Senior Official:
P.14.1.	full details of that Senior Official’s remuneration for all services provided to
the Club, including all benefits to which they are entitled, whether in cash
or in kind. All such details must be set out in a contract between the Cluband the Senior Official, or otherwise included as a cost of the Club. It will bea breach of these Rules for a Club to remunerate a Senior Official orotherwise induce them to sign or extend a contract of employment byoffering or providing any payment or benefit (whether directly or indirectly)that is not set out in their contract or otherwise included as a cost of theClub;

Rules: Section P

Senior Officials

Section P: Managers

P.14.2.	any settlement or termination agreement it enters into with that Senior
Official (or previous Senior Official). That agreement must include fulldetails of all benefits to which the Senior Official (or previous Senior
Official) is entitled as a consequence of the settlement or termination,
whether in cash or in kind; andP.14.3.	full details of any other Transaction pursuant to which that Senior Official
received or is to receive remuneration from any other Person while they area Senior Official of the Club, including all benefits to which they areentitled, whether in cash or in kind. And each Senior Official must provide
the Club with all such information as is necessary to enable the Club tocomply with its obligations under this Rule.

231

232

Clubs: Operations
Section Q: Scouts

Q.1.

The Board shall keep a register of Scouts.

Q.2.

Each Club upon employing or engaging a Scout shall within five days thereof apply
to register him by duly completing Form 11 and submitting to the Board a copy of the
document by which, in accordance with Rule J.2, the Club binds the Scout to comply
with these Rules.

Q.3.

The Board shall register a Scout and shall notify the applicant Club to that effectupon being satisfied that:
Q.3.1.

Rules: Section Q

Registration of Scouts

Section Q: Scouts

the Club has complied with Rule Q.2, above; andQ.3.2.	the Scout who is the subject of the application is not currently registeredas the Scout of another Club.
Q.4.

Except during the period of five days mentioned in Rule Q.2, above, no Club shall
employ a Scout who is not registered under the provisions of this Section of theseRules unless it has made an application to register him which has yet to be
determined.

Q.5.

Upon a Club ceasing to employ or engage a registered Scout it shall within five days
thereof give notice to that effect to the Board who shall thereupon remove the nameof such Scout from the register.

Identification of Scouts
Q.6.

Each Club shall issue to each of its registered Scouts a formal means of identification
which shall include:
Q.6.1.

the name of the Club by which it is issued;

Q.6.2.	the signature of an Authorised Signatory of the issuing Club;
Q.6.3.

a photograph of the Scout; andQ.6.4.

the Scout’s signature.

Code of Conduct
Q.7.

233

Scouts shall conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Scouts
set out in Appendix 10 and any failure to do so shall constitute a breach of this Rule.
Each Club must ensure that its Scouts comply with the provisions of these Rules (and,where applicable, the Youth Development Rules) and Appendix 10 of these Rules.

234

Clubs: Operations
Section R: Supporter Relations

Section R: Supporter Relations

R.1.

R.6.3.	facilitate wider access to League Matches by the public by allowing for abroad range of ticket prices, the more expensive effectively subsidising thecheapest;

Each Club shall employ one or more appropriately senior Official(s) whose
responsibilities shall include:
R.1.1.

R.6.4.	allow for a reasonable reduction in the price of tickets for seats with arestricted view of the goal;

the delivery of the Club’s policies regarding its supporters;

R.1.2.	ensuring that there is a regular point of contact within the Club for theClub’s supporters; andR.6.5.	adopt a system of concessionary ticket prices tailored to the needs of thelocal community;

R.1.3.	liaising regularly with the Club’s management (including on safety andsecurity related issues as they affect supporters).

R.6.6.	give details in an online format and/or other appropriate means of theavailability of seating for disabled spectators and their personal assistants
and the pricing policy in relation thereto;

Policies
R.2.

R.3.

R.6.7.	set out particulars of any membership, loyalty, bond, debenture or similar
scheme;Each Club shall devise, document and publish: (a) a policy (or policies) with regard toticketing, merchandise and relations with its supporters, season ticket holders andothers having an interest in the activities of the Club (together in this Section ofthese Rules referred to as “Stakeholders”); and (b) a disability access statement. A
copy of all such documents must be provided to the League before the start of the
Season.

R.6.8.	make available a method of payment for season tickets by instalments atcompetitive rates of interest;
R.6.9.	promote the availability of tickets by reserving a reasonable proportion(at least 5%) of them for sale to non-season ticket holders;
R.6.10.

deal with the return and distribution of unwanted tickets;

A Club’s policy with regard to its Stakeholders should:

R.6.11.

include the following provisions in respect of abandoned League Matches:

R.3.1.	provide for consultation with them on a structured and regular basis
through forums, questionnaires and focus groups and by the publicationof current policies on major issues in an easily digested format; and		

R.6.11.1.	abandonment after spectators admitted to the Stadium but
before kick-off - free admission to the rearranged League
Match; andR.3.2.	
promote supporter and community liaison and provide for theestablishment of liaison structures where none exist.

		R.6.11.2.	abandonment after kick-off - half price admission to therearranged League Match; andR.6.12.	refer to the obligations set out in Rules R.7 to R.13, below.

Disability Access Officer
R.4.

Each Club shall employ one or more appropriately senior Official(s) whose
responsibilities shall include:

R.7.

Each Club shall provide an area of its Stadium for the exclusive use of family groups
and junior supporters.

R.4.1.	ensuring the provision by the Club of safe, inclusive, accessible facilities
and services for disabled supporters; andR.8.

Concessionary ticket prices must be made available by each of the Home andVisiting Clubs for:R.4.2.	liaising regularly with the Club’s management (including on issues related
to disability access).

Reporting
R.5.

R.9.
Each Club shall notify the League on request of how each of its said policies has
been implemented and the extent to which each has been achieved.

senior citizens; andR.8.2.

junior supporters.

Unless otherwise agreed by the Board or between the Clubs, and subject to Rule
R.11, at each League Match, the Home Club shall make available to the Visiting Clubthe following allocation of tickets (with such allocation to be inclusive of a minimumof 10% of the Home Club’s disabled spectator accommodation in each case):
R.9.1.

R.6.

R.9.2.	if the capacity of the Home Club’s Stadium is less than 30,000, such numberof tickets as is equal to 10% of its Stadium capacity.

A Club’s ticketing policy should:

R.6.2.	
aim to promote greater accessibility by the adoption of flexible andimaginative ticketing schemes;

235

R.8.1.

Ticketing

R.6.1.	provide general information to the public about ticket availability andpricing, giving the earliest possible notice of any changes and the reasons
therefore;

Rules: Section R

Supporter Liaison Officer

3,000 tickets; orGuidance
It is recognised that Clubs may categorise disabled spectator accommodation in different ways. However,to ensure compliance with Rule R.9, it is expected that, at a minimum, the 10% allocation referred toshould include 10% of the Home Club’s wheelchair accommodation and 10% of the Home Club’s ambulant
disabled seating.

236

Section R: Supporter Relations

R.12.

R.12.1.	may order and sell tickets on a sequential Seating Block by Seating Blockbasis (the sequence of release of Seating Blocks to the Visiting Club to be
determined by the Home Club);•	a reduced allocation is required to ensure that the League Match can take place at the timescheduled by the Board pursuant to Rule L.1; or

R.12.2.	must confirm its final order of tickets (subject to the conditions set out in
Rule R.13) at least four weeks before the League Match to which they
relate; and•	alternatively:		o	the Club has informed the League as soon as practically possible after becoming aware of any
proposal to reduce the Visiting Club allocation below the Rule R.9 threshold and provides all
relevant details of that proposal. It is expected that such notification should be received by the
League prior to any Safety Advisory Group (or other equivalent meeting) where the matter will
be discussed;		o	the Home Club has meaningfully engaged and consulted with the Visiting Club on the proposed
reduction (including by providing advance notice of the Safety Advisory Group meeting (or otherequivalent meeting) to the Visiting Club and the League in order that a representative from the
Visiting Club and the League can attend that meeting and/or make representations to it); and		

R.12.3.	shall pay for the entirety of the tickets so ordered save that it may return(and not pay for) any unsold tickets in the final Seating Block for which itordered tickets if it has sold 50% of the tickets in that Seating Block.
R.13.

R.13.2.	any unsold tickets being returned by the Visiting Club to the Home Clubnot later than 10 days before the date fixed for the League Match to which
they relate;
R.13.3.	the proceeds of tickets sold and the value (to be pro-rated to the numberof adult and concessionary tickets actually sold by the Visiting Club) of any
unsold tickets not returned as aforesaid being paid by the Visiting Club to
the Home Club within four days of the League Match taking place; andWhere Board approval has been granted in accordance with this Rule, that approval will be time-limited(whether to a particular League Match or such other period as the Board deems appropriate). The Club
concerned will be expected to take such remedial action during the close Season as necessary to ensurethat no similar issues arise during the following Season.

R.11.

The Visiting Club shall not sell the tickets referred to in Rule R.9 for a price greater thanthe Visiting Club Ticket Price Cap.

R.13.4.	the Visiting Club paying to the Home Club daily interest at the rate of 5%
per annum over the base rate for the time being of Barclays Bank Plc on
any amount not paid in accordance with Rule R.13.3.
R.14.

The tickets referred to in Rule R.9 must:
R.11.1.	be made available to the Visiting Club in blocks corresponding to theblocks of seating (“Seating Blocks”) in the area of the Home Club’s
Stadium for supporters of the Visiting Club, such Seating Blocks to be
designated by reference to the points at which segregation of supportersof the Home and Visiting Clubs can occur (and, for the avoidance of doubt,
there shall be no maximum or minimum number of seats in a Seating Blockand any question as to the size of a Seating Block or the location of asegregation point shall be determined by the Board);

237

Each Club shall submit to the League details of its season ticket prices and ticket prices
for individual League Matches no later than 48 hours before announcing the same
publicly (and, in any event, before the start of each Season).

Merchandise
R.15.

A Club’s merchandising policy should:
R.15.1.	allow for market research to be undertaken with regard to the frequencyof Strip changes and their design;
R.15.2.	identify the intervals at which Strip changes are intended to take place
and the date of the next intended change;

R.11.2.	be allocated so as to ensure that supporters of the Visiting Club arelocated in one or more segregated, self-contained area(s) of the Stadium;and
R.11.3.	(subject to the approval of the relevant local authority) be allocated so as
to ensure that, at a minimum, one Seating Block in which supporters of the
Visiting Club will be located is situated ‘pitch-side’ (i.e. the front row ofsuch Seating Block is the row closest to the pitch in the relevant stand thatis available for general admission).

Unless otherwise agreed, the provision by a Home Club of tickets for sale by a Visiting
Club shall be conditional upon:
R.13.1.	the Visiting Club making the tickets available for purchase by the later of
either three working days after receipt from the Home Club or the datethat is four weeks before the date of the fixture;o	there has been a detailed process of consideration and consultation conducted by the HomeClub (evidence of which has been provided to the League), including consideration of what
mitigations might be employed to avoid the reduction (and, if they have been deemed
inappropriate, why), how the reduction will be implemented and the expected impact this will
have on the safety and security operation at the League Match in question.

R.10.

The Visiting Club:

Rules: Section R

For the purposes of Rule R.9, Board approval of a lower Visiting Club allocation (to include any reduction
to the requirements regarding disabled spectator accommodation) will ordinarily only be given where a
Club can demonstrate the following:

Section R: Supporter Relations

R.15.3.	provide for swing tickets attached to replica Strip to state its launch date;and
R.15.4.	refer to the effect on the consumer of the obligations set out in Rules R.17
to R.20, below.
R.16.

Any numbers, lettering, badges and logos appearing on replica Strip shall be of thesame style, colour and design as those appearing on Players’ Strip currently
registered as required by Rule M.17.

R.17.

In any future contract to license a manufacturer to produce for retail sale replica Strip,
each Club shall include the standard clauses set out in Appendix 11 of these Rules.

238

Section R: Supporter Relations

Upon a Promoted Club becoming a member of the League in accordance with theprovisions of Rule B.4, it shall give notice to any manufacturer licensed to manufactureand distribute its replica Strip in the terms set out in Appendix 12 of these Rules andrequest such manufacturer to convey the substance of the notice to its dealers
forthwith and advise them that:
R.18.1.	they are free to sell, advertise and display for sale replica Strip supplied bysuch manufacturer at whatever price they may choose; andRules: Section R

R.18.

Section R: Supporter Relations

R.18.2.	they should inform the Competition and Markets Authority if they areconcerned that a minimum resale price is being imposed.
R.19.

No Club shall cause or procure any manufacturer with which it has a licensing
agreement for the manufacture of replica Strip to do any act or cause to be done
anything which would constitute a breach of the standard clauses referred to in Rule
R.17.

R.20.

Each Club shall provide the Competition and Markets Authority with such information
as it may need in order to satisfy itself that Rules R.17 to R.19, above, have been
complied with.

Visiting Club Support Officials
R.21.

At each League Match, the Visiting Club must ensure an appropriate number of
Officials, and in any event one Official for each 500 tickets sold to Visiting Club
supporters, attends the Home Club’s Stadium to assist the Home Club in the area inwhich the Visiting Club’s supporters are located (the “Visiting Club Support
Officials”). All Visiting Club Support Officials shall have at least a level 2 National
Occupational Standards for Spectator Safety qualification. One of the Visiting Club
Support Officials must have at least a level 3 National Occupational Standards forSpectator Safety qualification and shall attend the Home Club’s safety briefing prior
to the League Match.

Guidance
A Visiting Club’s Supporter Liaison Officer may be included within the allocation of Visiting Club Support
Officials required under Rule R.21.

Fan Engagement Standard and Fan Advisory Boards
R.22.

Each Club shall:
R.22.1.	establish an advisory group to consider issues relevant to its supporters
and supporter engagement (a “Fan Advisory Board”); andR.22.2.	
nominate a board-level Official to oversee fan engagement and be
accountable to the Board for the effective delivery of relevant Club
policy(ies) and the operation of the Fan Advisory Board.

R.23.

239

Each Club shall adopt, and comply with, the Fan Engagement Standard.

240

Clubs: Operations
Section S: S
 afeguarding and Mental Health

Section S: Safeguarding And Mental Health

S.1.

Each Club shall prepare, implement, review regularly and have reviewed by its local
authority (where the local authority is prepared to do so) written policies andprocedures for the safeguarding of Children and Adults at Risk.

S.2.

Each Club’s policies and procedures for the safeguarding of Children and Adults at
Risk shall:

S.5.11.	maintain the safeguarding of Children and Adults at Risk Staff register foreach Activity in such format as approved by the League;
S.5.12.	be made known to all Staff, and (in any handbook or the like which theClub produces to accompany any Activity) to Children and Adults at Risk
(and their Parents or carers) engaged in each Activity and be available inperson or by telephone to Staff and to such Children and Adults at Risk,
their Parents and carers at all reasonable times;
S.5.13.	provide written instructions to Staff engaged in each Activity in respectof good practice and what they are required to do if they detect any signof abuse of Children and Adults at Risk, if they suspect such abuse istaking place or if they otherwise have concerns as to the welfare of aChild or Adult at Risk;

S.2.1.	be in accordance with this Section of these Rules and shall have regard to
any guidance issued by the League in respect of safe event management;
S.2.2.

meet the Premier League Safeguarding Standards; andS.2.3.	comply with any other policy or guidance published by the League fromtime to time.

S.5.14.	provide guidance to and support for any member of Staff engaged ineach Activity who reports suspected abuse of a Child or Adult at Risk orconcerns as to their welfare; andRoles and Responsibilities
S.3.

Each Club shall designate a Senior Safeguarding Lead, who shall take leadership
responsibility for the Club’s safeguarding provision (in consultation with the Club’s
Head of Safeguarding) and actively champion safeguarding at board level. The
name of the Club’s Senior Safeguarding Lead shall be notified by the Club to the
League in Form 12.

S.4.

Each Club shall designate at least one full time member of Staff with the necessary
skills and expertise as its Head of Safeguarding. The name of the Club’s Head ofSafeguarding shall be notified by the Club to the League in Form 12.

S.5.

The Head of Safeguarding shall:
S.5.1.

be dedicated full time to that role as their sole responsibility;

S.5.2.	
where possible, report directly to (and be managed by) the Senior
Safeguarding Lead;

S.5.15.	
be responsible for maintaining clear, comprehensive and up-to-daterecords of all allegations of abuse or poor practice (including, but notlimited to, those subject to referral under Rules S.13 and S.14), details of
how such allegations are resolved and any decisions reached.
S.6.

The Head of Safeguarding may, in relation to a specific Activity, if appropriate,delegate any of the responsibilities listed in S.5.11 to S.5.14 to one or more othermembers of Staff (“Safeguarding Officer(s)”). In such circumstances, the Head ofSafeguarding must supervise the work of Safeguarding Officer(s) and ensure thatthey are properly trained, and supported including, without limitation, by way ofregular, minuted meetings with each Safeguarding Officer.

S.7.

Each Head of Safeguarding and Safeguarding Officer shall:
S.7.1.	be trained in all issues affecting the safeguarding of Children and Adults
at Risk;

S.5.3.	provide strategic leadership on safeguarding provision and issues within
the Club;S.5.4.

be given a job description that properly records their responsibilities; andS.7.3.	undertake in each calendar year continuing professional developmenttraining in the safeguarding of Children and Adults at Risk, approved by
the League, and maintain a record thereof.
Guidance

S.5.6.	liaise regularly with and be guided by the advice of the relevant local andstatutory authorities and the League with regard to issues concerning
the safeguarding of Children and Adults at Risk;

Clubs’ attention is drawn to Youth Development Rule 221 which requires that an Academy Safeguarding
Officer must be appointed to undertake the functions set out in Rule S.5.8 with regard to the Academy.

S.5.7.	ensure strict compliance with the Club’s policies and procedures for thesafeguarding of Children and Adults at Risk;

Safeguarding AwarenessS.5.8.	promote awareness within the Club of safeguarding of Children and
Adults at Risk and encourage and monitor the adoption of best practiceprocedures in that regard;
S.5.9.	
report on a regular basis on the effectiveness of, and the Club’s
compliance with, its policies and procedures for the safeguarding ofChildren and Adults at Risk to the Senior Safeguarding Lead;
S.5.10.	act as the lead Club Official in any investigation of an allegation of abuseof a Child or Adult at Risk;

241

S.7.2.

review and approve the safeguarding provision for all Activities;

S.5.5.	act as the first point of contact for any report or suspicion of abuse orconcern relating to the welfare of a Child or Adult at Risk engaged in an
Activity;

Rules: Section S

Clubs’ Policies and Procedures

S.8.

The following Persons shall be given regular training (in a form approved by the
Head of Safeguarding) in the Club’s policies and procedures for the safeguarding ofChildren and Adults at Risk:
S.8.1.

each member of Staff;

S.8.2.

each member of the Club’s board of directors;

S.8.3.

each Player; andS.8.4.

each Academy Player and their Parent(s).

242Section S: Safeguarding And Mental Health

Staff

Notification of Referrals to External Agencies and Football Authorities

S.9.

Staff shall in all dealings with and on behalf of Children and Adults at Risk do what
is reasonable in the circumstances of the case for the purpose of safeguarding or
promoting the safety and welfare of the relevant individual(s).

S.10.

Each member of Staff shall be given in writing:
S.10.1.

S.13.

On making any referral of an allegation or incident of suspected abuse of or
unsuitable behaviour towards a Child or Adult at Risk to any external agency(including, without limitation, the police, the local authority, the Charity Commission,
the Care Quality Commission, Ofsted or the DBS), the Head of Safeguarding or other
Official making the referral shall notify the Senior Safeguarding Lead in writing andensure that the Senior Safeguarding Lead is kept fully appraised of the progress of
the referral and any subsequent investigation or action.

S.14.

The Club shall notify the League and The Football Association (through thesubmission of the Affiliated Football Safeguarding Referral Form) of, and give theLeague and The Football Association such further information as they may require
in respect of:

the name of the Club’s Head of Safeguarding;

S.10.2.	descriptions of what constitutes poor safeguarding practice, abuse or
unsuitable behaviour towards a Child or Adult at Risk;
S.10.3.	
details of what they are required to do if there is any sign of poor
safeguarding practice, abuse or unsuitable behaviour towards a Child or
Adult at Risk or if there is a suspicion that such conduct is taking place;and
S.10.4.
S.11.

S.14.1.	any information received by the Club (or any foundation or community or
charity with which it is connected) regarding the abuse, harm or
exploitation of a Child or Adult at Risk by an individual who is or has
previously been involved in football related activity in any capacity. This
includes any current, prospective or future employee, volunteer,
consultant, Contract Player, Academy Player of any Club (or any
foundation or community or charity with which it is connected) (an“Associated Person”), whether or not the information relates to a recent
or non-recent allegation. This includes any referrals made to external
agencies (as described in Rule S.13);

the League’s ‘Guidance for Safer Working Practice’.

No Person shall be appointed as a member of Staff unless:S.11.1.	they have completed and submitted a written application (which may
include a CV);
S.11.2.	a written reference has been obtained by the Club from at least two
referees named in the application;
S.11.3.	they have applied to the DBS for Disclosure (where the DBS eligibility
criteria is met);

S.14.2.	any information received by the Club (or any foundation or community or
charity with which it is connected) regarding an allegation of a sexual
offence of any nature against anyone (irrespective of whether that
person is a Child or an Adult at Risk) by an individual who is or has
previously been involved in football related activity in any capacity. This
includes any Associated Person whether or not the information relates totheir performance in their role or otherwise, and whether or not the
information relates to a recent or non-recent allegation. This also
includes any referrals made to external agencies (as described in Rule
S.13); andS.11.4.	their Disclosure information has been received and the Club is satisfied
that they are not unsuitable to work with Children and Adults at Risk; andS.11.5.	their particulars have been entered in the Staff register referred to at
Rule S.5.11.

Parental Consent
S.12.

The written consent of a Child’s Parent shall be obtained:
S.12.1.	before the Child participates in an Activity (by the Parent completing andreturning to the Head of Safeguarding a written parental consent form);
and

S.14.3.	a third or subsequent incident or allegation of low-level concerns (as thatterm is defined in Affiliated Football’s Safeguarding Policy) whether
similar in nature or otherwise, in relation to a Child or Adult at Risk,
involving the same Associated Person,

S.12.2.	if the Child is under the age of 16, before any images or footage of them
are taken or used for any purpose whatsoever.

in each case, as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within 24 hours of
the relevant evidence, incident or investigation coming to the attention of the Club(or the foundation, community or charity with which it is connected).

Guidance
While the consent of a Parent (or carer) is not required where images or footage are taken of an Adult at
Risk, as a matter of good practice, Clubs should ensure that where such images or footage are to betaken, the Adult at Risk understands the implications of the images or footage being taken, especially if
the images or footage are to be used by the Club (or anyone else) for promotional purposes, or otherwise
made publicly available.

243

Rules: Section S

Section S: Safeguarding And Mental Health

Monitoring
S.15.

Each Club will permit the League to assess its compliance with this Section of theseRules by a representative of the League appointed for this purpose. Each Club shallensure that each such representative of the League is given access to all records
kept in accordance with the requirements of this Section of these Rules and is able
to meet Staff, Parents, Children, Academy Players, Adults at Risk and their carers.

244

Section S: Safeguarding And Mental Health

Such representative appointed by the League in accordance with Rule S.15 shall:
S.16.1.	give written feedback to the Club concerned on each monitoring visit
made and, if appropriate, agree with the Club an action plan setting out
actions to be taken by the Club to ensure compliance with this Section ofthese Rules; andMental and Emotional Wellbeing
S.21.

S.21.1.	each Season, it makes each of its Contract Players available for a sessionof between 45 and 90 minutes in duration, to receive information
regarding the support and resources available to promote mental andemotional wellbeing;

S.16.2.	report on each visit in writing to the League (a copy of which shall be
provided to the Club).
S.17.

Where the League becomes aware of significant or repeated breaches of thePremier League Safeguarding Standards, abuse of or unsuitable behaviour towards
a Child or Adult at Risk by a member of Staff or otherwise holds concerns regarding
a Club’s handling of a matter relating to safeguarding, it may (in its absolute
discretion) conduct a case review, either on its own or in conjunction with The
Football Association. Where such a case review is undertaken, the League shall beentitled to have access to all records kept in accordance with the requirements ofthis Section of these Rules and shall be entitled to meet Staff, Parents, Children,
Adults at Risk and their carers. Following such a case review, the League may makesuch directions to the Club concerned and/or propose such measures be put inplace by the Club as it considers necessary, which must be adopted by the Club
concerned in full.

S.21.2.	it devises, implements and makes available to the League on request, aMental and Emotional Wellbeing Action Plan; andS.21.3.	designates an individual as its Mental and Emotional Wellbeing Lead,with responsibility for the Club’s mental emotional wellbeing provision
and who actively champions mental and emotional wellbeing initiatives
at board level.
Promoted and Relegated Clubs
S.22.

Safer Recruitment
S.18.

be in accordance with this Section of these Rules; andS.22.2.	the Board’s disciplinary powers set out in Section W (Disciplinary) will
apply in full in respect of the matter (with the reference to ‘of these Rules’in Rules W.3 and W.7, deemed to include the relevant aligned EFL
Regulations).

S.18.2.	comply in full with any guidance or policy published by the League fromtime to time.
S.19.

Each Club shall designate a member of Staff as its Lead Disclosure Officer whosename shall be notified to the League in Form 12. The Lead Disclosure Officer shall:
S.19.1.	act as the Club’s principal point of contact with the League on all mattersconnected with safer recruitment and the use of the Disclosure service;
S.19.2.	liaise regularly with and be guided by the advice of the League on all
matters concerning safer recruitment procedures and the use of theDisclosure service; andS.19.3.

Where a Promoted Club, at the point at which it becomes a member of the League
pursuant to Rule B.4, is the subject of any investigation, proceedings and/or
sanction(s) by the EFL for alleged breaches of any safeguarding provisions within
the EFL Regulations that are aligned with these Rules, responsibility for theinvestigation, proceedings and/or sanctioning will pass to the Board. In such a case:
S.22.1.	the Board’s powers in Sections S (Safeguarding and Mental Health) andW (Disciplinary) of these Rules will apply in full in respect of theinvestigation (with the reference to ‘these Rules’ in Rule W.1 deemed toinclude the relevant aligned EFL Regulations); andEach Club shall prepare, implement and review regularly a safer recruitment policy,
which shall:
S.18.1.

Each Club shall ensure that:

Rules: Section S

S.16.

Section S: Safeguarding And Mental Health

S.23.

Where a Relegated Club, at the point at which it ceases to be a member of the
League pursuant to Rule C.14, is the subject of any investigation, proceedings and/or sanction(s) by the League for alleged breaches of the Rules that are aligned withany safeguarding provisions within the EFL Regulations, responsibility for theinvestigation, proceedings and/or sanctioning will pass to the EFL, in which case theprovisions of the relevant EFL Regulations will apply.

ensure strict compliance by the Club with its safer recruitment policies.

Publicity
S.20.

245

Each Club shall publish in an easily accessible section of its website:
S.20.1.

a clear statement of the Club’s commitment to safeguarding;

S.20.2.

the name and contact details of the Club’s Head of Safeguarding; andS.20.3.

a copy of the Club’s policies and procedures referred to at Rule S.1.

246

Players – Contracts, Registrations and Transfers
Section T: Players – Contracts

Section T: Players – Contracts

T.1.

A Club shall be at liberty at any time to make an approach to a Player with a view tonegotiating a contract with him:
T.1.1.

if he is an Out of Contract Player; orForm of Contract
T.10.

T.1.2.	in the case of a Contract Player, with the prior written consent of the Club(or club) to which he is contracted.
T.2.

T.3.

T.4.

A Club shall be at liberty after the third Saturday in May in any year and before thesubsequent 1 July to make such an approach to a Contract Player:
T.2.1.

who will become an Out of Contract Player on that 1 July; andT.2.2.

who has received no offer from his Club under Rule V.17.2; orT.2.3.

who has received but has declined such offer.

Length of Contract
T.11.

T.11.1.	contracts with Contract Players under the age of 18 years which must not
be capable of lasting for more than three years;
T.11.2.	contracts no greater than one month in duration (a “Monthly Contract”);
and

T.12.

For the purposes of Rules T.2 and T.3, “Contract Player” shall include a player who
has entered into a written contract of employment with a Football League club.

Players’ Remuneration

T.5.

An Out of Contract Player, or any Person on his behalf, shall be at liberty at any time
to make an approach to a Club (or club) with a view to negotiating a contract withsuch Club (or club).

T.6.

Subject to Rule T.7, a Contract Player, either by himself or by any Person on his behalf,shall not either directly or indirectly make any such approach as is referred to in RuleT.5 without having obtained the prior written consent of his Club.
After the third Saturday in May in any year and before the subsequent 1 July aContract Player to whom Rule T.2 applies or any Person on his behalf may make suchan approach as is referred to in Rule T.5.

T.11.3.

A statement made publicly by or on behalf of a Club expressing interest in acquiring
the registration of a Contract Player or by a Contract Player expressing interest intransferring his registration to another Club (or club) shall in either case be treatedas an indirect approach for the purposes of Rules T.3 and T.6.

Inducements
T.9.

Except as may be provided in a Player’s contract:
T.9.1.	no Club shall induce or attempt to induce a Player to sign a contract bydirectly or indirectly offering him or any Person connected with him or his
Intermediary a benefit or payment of any description whether in cash or in
kind; and247

Week by Week Contracts.

A Player under the age of 17 years may not enter into a contract of employment witha Club and may only be registered as an Academy Player.

T.13.

Full details of a Player’s remuneration including all benefits to which he is entitledwhether in cash or in kind shall be set out in his contract (or any amendment to that
contract in a form approved by the Board). It will be a breach of these Rules for a
Club to remunerate a Player or otherwise induce him to register with the Club and/or
sign or extend a contract of employment by offering or providing any payment or
benefit (whether directly or indirectly) that is not set out in his contract.

T.14.

The terms of a contract between a Club and a Player (including any amendment tothat contract in a form approved by the Board) shall be strictly adhered to.

Signing-on Fees
T.15.

A Signing-on Fee may be paid only to a Contract Player whose contract:
T.15.1.

Public Statements
T.8.

Subject to the exceptions set out below, a contract between a Club and a Player
may be for any period provided that its expiry date is 30 June. The exceptions to thisRule are:Any Club which by itself, by any of its Officials, by any of its Players, by its Intermediary,by any other Person on its behalf or by any other means whatsoever makes anapproach either directly or indirectly to a Contract Player except as permitted byeither Rule T.1.2 or Rule T.2 shall be in breach of these Rules and may be dealt with
under the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules.

Approaches by Players

T.7.

Save for any contracts entered into by a Promoted Club before it became a memberof the League which are in Form 13, contracts between Clubs and Players shall be inForm 14 (save with the permission of the Board).

Rules: Section T

T.9.2.	no Player shall either directly or indirectly accept or cause or permit his
Intermediary to accept any such offer as is described in this Rule.

Approaches to Players

is for a period of not less than three months; andT.15.2.	is not a Monthly Contract or a Conditional Contract or a Week by Week
Contract.
T.16.

In the case of a contract between a Club and a Player lasting for more than one year,
any Signing-on Fee shall be paid in equal annual instalments.

T.17.

If the registration of a Contract Player is transferred when any part of his Signing-on
Fee remains unpaid, a sum equal to the unpaid balance thereof shall be paid to him
forthwith by the Transferor Club unless:T.17.1.	the transfer is consequent upon the Contract Player’s contract having
been terminated by the Transferor Club by reason of the Contract Player’s
breach of its terms and conditions;T.17.2.	the transfer is consequent upon the Contract Player’s written request tothat effect;248Section T: Players – Contracts

T.17.4.	the Contract Player and Transferor Club agree in writing (with a copy ofsuch agreement submitted to the Board) that the Contract Player’s
entitlement under this Rule T.17 to receive the unpaid balance is waived.

Lump Sum Payments
T.18.

Unless otherwise agreed by the Board, no lump sum payment shall be paid or
payable by a Club to a Player during the first year of his employment as a Contract
Player with that Club save for:

Submission to Board
T.23.

Each Club shall submit a completed Schedule 3 to Form 13 or 14 to the Board when
it submits a copy of the Player’s contract in accordance with Rule T.24.

T.24.

Subject to the provisions of Rules U.17, U.19, U.21 and V.11.3, Clubs shall submit to theBoard copies of all contracts with Players (including any amendments to contracts
permitted by the Board) within five days of their execution.

Mutual Termination
T.25.

If the parties thereto (and the Player’s Parent if the Player is under the age of 18
years) agree to terminate a Player’s contract before its expiry date they shallforthwith notify The Football Association and the Board to that effect and shallprovide the Board with a copy of any compromise or other agreement recordingthat termination within five days of its coming into full force and effect.

T.26.

A Club shall be at liberty at any time to reach agreement with a Contract Player toamend the terms of his contract (save for paragraph 7 of Schedule 2 to Form 14). If
such an agreement increases the Contract Player’s remuneration then, unless theagreement is made in the Close Season, it shall be a term thereof that the Contract
Player’s current contract is extended by a minimum of one year.

T.18.1.	a Signing-on Fee (which must be paid in accordance with Rules T.15 toT.17); orT.18.2.	a sum paid in respect of the Player’s relocation expenses not exceeding
the amount from time to time permitted by HMRC to be paid for thispurpose without income tax and national insurance liability.
Guidance
For the avoidance of doubt, a sum payable in equal weekly or monthly instalments over the duration of
the first year of a Contract Player’s employment will not constitute a ‘lump sum’ for the purposes of RuleT.18.

Appeal against Termination
T.27.

Image Contracts
T.19.
T.20.

Particulars of any Image Contract Payment in respect of the Player shall be set out
in the contract with his Club.
No Image Contract or other agreement entered into by a Club may vary or affect therights and obligations set out in clause 4 of Form 14 (Standard Player’s Contract) tothe extent that such rights and obligations relate to rights granted to the League.

Signing the Contract
T.21.

Save where an alternative method of execution is approved by the Board in advance,
a contract between a Club and a Player shall be signed in each case in the presenceof a witness by:
T.21.1.

the Player;

T.21.2.

the Player’s Parent if the Player is under the age of 18 years; andT.21.3.

an Authorised Signatory on behalf of the Club.

Reporting Fines etc.
T.22.

249

A copy of any notice terminating a Player’s contract, whether given by the Club or
the Player, and any notice given by a Club imposing a fine on a Player or suspending
him shall be sent forthwith by the Club to the League and to The Football Association.

Rules: Section T

T.17.3.	the Board, on the application of either the Transferor Club or the Contract
Player, otherwise decides and either party may appeal to the Premier
League Appeals Committee against the decision of the Board in thisrespect in accordance with the provisions of Section Z (Premier League
Appeals Committee) of these Rules; orSection T: Players – Contracts

An appeal by a Player under the provisions of clause 10.3 of Form 13 or Form 14 or by
a Club under the provisions of clause 11.2 of Form 13 or Form 14 shall be commenced
by notice in writing addressed to the other party to the contract and to the Chair of
the Judicial Panel (with a copy provided to the Board).

Appeal against Disciplinary Decision
T.28.

An appeal by a Player under the provisions of paragraph 3.3.2 of Schedule 1, Part 1,of Form 13 or Form 14 shall be commenced by notice in writing addressed to the Cluband to the Chair of the Judicial Panel (with a copy provided to the Board).

T.29.

Appeals in accordance with Rules T.27 or T.28 shall be conducted in such manner as
the Chair of the Judicial Panel (or any member(s) of the Judicial Panel appointed by
the Chair to consider the appeal) may determine.

T.30.

The Chair of the Judicial Panel (or any member(s) of the Judicial Panel appointed by
the Chair to consider the appeal) may allow or dismiss any such appeal and makesuch other order as it thinks fit.

Disputes between Clubs and Players
T.31.

Any dispute or difference between a Club and a Player not otherwise expressly
provided for in these Rules may be referred in writing by either party to the Board forconsideration and adjudication in such manner as the Board may think fit. For the
purpose of this Rule only, “Player” shall include one who was formerly employed by
the Club with which the dispute or difference has arisen, whether or not he has beenregistered to play for another Club.

250

Section T: Players – Contracts

T.32.

The Chair of the Judicial Panel (or their appointee(s), as appropriate), shall have thepower to make an order for costs:
T.32.1.

in determining appeals under Rule T.27 or Rule T.28;

T.32.2.

in making an adjudication under Rule T.31; andRules: Section T

Orders for Costs

Section T: Players – Contracts

T.32.3.	if any proceedings under Rules T.27, T.28 or T.31, having been commenced,
are withdrawn.
T.33.

The Chair of the Judicial Panel (or their appointee(s), as appropriate), shall have thepower to determine the amount of any such costs which may include, without
limitation, those incurred by the League in the conduct of the proceedings.

T.34.

The Chair of the Judicial Panel (or their appointee(s), as appropriate), shall have thepower, at any time during the proceedings, to order one or several interim or final
payments on account of the costs of the League.

T.35.

Costs ordered to be paid as aforesaid shall be recoverable:
T.35.1.

in the case of a Club, under the provisions of Rule E.21; or

T.35.2.

in any other case, as a civil debt.

AppealT.36.

Within 14 days of a decision of the Chair of the Judicial Panel (or their appointee(s),as appropriate), given under the provisions of Rules T.30 or T.31 either party may by
notice in writing appeal against such decision to the Premier League Appeals
Committee whose decision shall be final.

Effect of Termination
T.37.

Upon the termination of a Player’s contract by a Club under the provisions of clause
10.1 of Form 13 or Form 14 becoming operative or upon the termination by a Playerof his contract with his Club under the provisions of clause 11.1 of Form 13 or Form 14
becoming operative, the Club shall forthwith release the Player’s registration.

T.38.

Except in the case of a Retired Player to whom the provisions of Rule U.29.5 apply,
upon a Player’s contract being terminated by mutual consent, his Club shall retain
the Player’s registration for such period (if any) and on such terms (if any) as theparties may in writing agree. Should the Player sign for another Club (or Football
League club) during that period, that Club (or Football League club) shall pay to theClub retaining the registration a Compensation Fee determined, in default ofagreement, by the Professional Football Compensation Committee.

Testimonial Matches
T.39.

251

Notwithstanding that it has no contractual obligation to do so, a Club in its absolute
discretion and with the prior written consent of the Board may, in the case of a Player
who has completed 10 or more years in its service as such, permit its Stadium to be
used without charge for the purposes of a testimonial match.

252

Section U: Players – Registrations

Requirement for Registration

Types of Registration

U.1.

U.9.

A Player shall not be named on the team sheet and/or play for a Club in a League
Match unless that Club holds his registration (which shall include, in the circumstances
set out in Rules U.3, U.12 and U.13, confirmation that he is eligible to play for it) witheffect from at least 75 minutes before kick-off and for League Matches to be played
between the close of the Summer Transfer Window and the end of the Season either:
U.1.1.
U.1.2.

amateur;

U.9.2.

contract;

U.9.3.

Monthly Contract; andhe is an Under 21 Player.

U.9.4.

temporary.

A Club shall be deemed to hold the registration of a Player upon receipt of the
League’s confirmation by email to that effect.

U.3.

If a loan of a Player (whether by Temporary Transfer or otherwise) is cancelled bymutual consent, the Player shall not play for the Club to which he is returning unless
the League has confirmed to that Club that the Player is eligible to play for it.

U.10.

U.11.

A Player who last played (or was last registered to play) for a club affiliated to anational association other than that to which the Club which is applying to register
him is affiliated shall not be registered unless the League has received written
confirmation from the Club’s national association that an international transfer
certificate has been issued in respect of the Player.

U.12.

A Player who is the subject of a loan to a Club or club affiliated to a national
association other than that to which the loaning Club is affiliated may not play forthe loaning Club following the termination of the loan until the League has received
written confirmation from the Club’s national association that an internationaltransfer certificate has been issued in respect of his return to his Club, and the
League has confirmed to the Club in writing receipt thereof and that he is eligible toplay for that Club.

A Club shall apply to:

U.4.2.	
remove a Player from its Squad List by submitting to the Board therequisite Form.
U.5.

A Player shall be deemed to have been included or removed from a Club’s Squad Liston receipt of the Board’s written confirmation.

U.6.

Changes to a Squad List may be made:U.6.1.

during the period of a Transfer Window; or

U.6.2.

at other times only with the permission of the Board.

Eligibility to Work in the United Kingdom
U.13.

U.7.

Each application to register a Player shall be subject to the approval of the Board.

U.8.

In addition to the forms and documents specifically required by these Rules, a Club
shall submit to the Board:
U.8.1.	any contract it proposes to enter into which gives the Club or any otherparty to the proposed contract any rights relating to the transfer of theregistration of a player at a date in the future from or to the Club or any
rights relating to the employment of the player by the Club; orAn application to register a Player shall be accompanied by such evidence as the
League may require to demonstrate that the Player may take up employment in the
United Kingdom, and the League shall not confirm that he is eligible to play for theClub applying to register him until the League has received such evidence.

Registration Procedure
U.14.

For the purpose of this Section of these Rules the New Registration of a Player shallmean his registration at a time when no other Club (or club) holds his registration
either because no previous application to register the Player has been made or
because a previous registration has been cancelled or has terminated or has
expired.

U.15.

The New Registration of an Amateur Player shall be effected by completion of andsubmission to the Board of Form 15 signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised
Signatory.

U.16.

The registration of an Amateur Player is not transferable.

U.17.

The New Registration of a Contract Player shall be effected by completion andsubmission to the Board of a copy of the Player’s contract.

U.8.2.	any contract it proposes to enter into, save for a Representation Contract
or an Image Contract, which gives the Club or any other party to the
proposed contract the right to receive payments in respect of a Player.
Any such proposed contract shall be subject to the approval of the Board. In deciding
whether to give such approval the Board shall have regard to (without limitation)
Rules I.4 and I.7 (regarding dual interests).

The registration of Academy Players shall be governed by the Youth Development
Rules.

International Transfer Certificate

U.4.1.	include a Player on its Squad List by submitting to the Board the requisite
Form; and

253

U.9.1.

his name is included on the Squad List; or

U.2.

U.4.

There shall be four types of registration governed by this Section of these Rules,
namely:Rules: Section U

Players – Contracts, Registrations and Transfers
Section U: Players – Registrations

254

Section U: Players – Registrations

The transfer of the registration of a Contract Player shall be effected in accordancewith the provisions of Rule V.11.

U.19.

The New Registration of a Contract Player on a Monthly Contract basis shall beeffected by completion of and submission to the Board of Football Association Form
G(1), signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory, together with a copyof the Player’s contract.

U.20.

The transfer of the registration of a Contract Player on a Monthly Contract basis
shall be effected in accordance with the provisions of Rule V.11.

U.21.

A Monthly Contract registration may be extended by one month by completion ofand submission to the Board of Football Association Form G(1) (Extension), signed
on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory, and, if any changes to it have been
made, a copy of the Player’s contract.

U.22.

The Temporary Transfer of the registration of a Contract Player and any extension
thereof shall be effected in accordance with the provisions of Rules V.6 to V.10.

U.23.

Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Board of all duly
completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player
shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Matchin which the Club making the application intends him to play, save that theinternational transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in
the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (butmust be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a Club in a League Match).

U.24.

A Club which transfers or cancels the registration of a Player may not apply toregister that Player within a year except with the prior written consent of the Board.

Multiplicity of Registrations
U.25.

A Player shall not apply to be registered by more than one Club (or club) at any one
time and the Board shall refuse any application made in breach of this Rule.

Monthly Registrations
U.26.

U.27.

There shall be no limit to the number of times a Monthly Contract registration may
be extended under Rule U.21 provided that a Club intending to apply to extend theMonthly Contract registration of a Player for a third or subsequent time shall give to
the Player not less than seven days’ notice of its intention to do so.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule V.1, a Club may apply at any time to extend a
Monthly Contract registration provided it has not been allowed to expire.

Termination of Registrations
U.28.

The registration of an Amateur Player:
U.28.1.

Subject to the provisions of Rules T.37 and T.38, a contract registration shallterminate:U.29.1.	in the case of a Contract Player, upon it being transferred in accordancewith Rule V.11;
U.29.2.	in the case of an Out of Contract Player in respect of whom the conditions
set out in Rule V.17 have been satisfied, upon a Transferee Club effecting
his New Registration;
U.29.3.	in the case of an Out of Contract Player in respect of whom the said
conditions have not been satisfied, upon the expiry of his contract;
U.29.4.	in the case of a Contract Player, upon his contract being terminated on the
ground of his permanent incapacity; andU.29.5.	in the case of a Retired Player, on the expiry of a period of 30 months
commencing at the end of the Season in which he stops playing
competitive football.

New Registrations Requiring Consent
U.30.

An application for the New Registration of a Contract Player whose contract has
been terminated by a Club (or club) on the ground of his permanent incapacity shallbe refused unless that Club (or club) consents.

U.31.

An application for the New Registration of a Contract Player who has received alump sum disability benefit under the terms of the League’s personal accident
insurance scheme shall be refused unless, upon being satisfied that the circumstancesof such application are exceptional, the Board consents.

List of Players
U.32.

Except as provided in Rules U.33 and U.34, after the Winter Transfer Window in eachyear and on or before the subsequent third Saturday in May each Club shall confirm
to the Board:
U.32.1.	whether the list of Players provided to it for these purposes is complete
and accurate in all material particulars;
U.32.2.	details of any Players who are not included in the list referred to in Rule
U.32.1 but who should be so included;
U.32.3.	in the case of each Contract Player whose registration it holds and whose
contract expires on the 30 June in that year, whether or not the Club has:		

U.32.3.1.	offered him a new contract under the provisions of Rule V.17.2; or		

U.32.3.2.

U.28.3.	may likewise be terminated by order of the Board on the application ofeither the Club or the Player.

implemented any option provision in respect of him; andU.32.4.	in the case of each Academy Player whose registration it holds and withwhom it has entered into a Scholarship Agreement (as defined in the Youth
Development Rules), whether or not the Club has:		

U.32.4.1.	(if the Academy Player is in the second year of his Scholarship
Agreement), given him written notice, pursuant to clause 4.2 of
the Scholarship Agreement, of the extension of the duration
thereof by one year; or		

U.32.4.2.	(if the Academy Player is in the second or third year of his
Scholarship Agreement) given him written notice, pursuant toclause 6.7 of the Scholarship Agreement, of its intention to offer
him a professional contract as a Contract Player.

shall expire at the end of the Season in which it commenced;

U.28.2.	may be terminated before its expiry by agreement to that effect between
the Club and the Player, such agreement to be notified in writing forthwith
by the Club to the Board; and

255

U.29.

Rules: Section U

U.18.

Section U: Players – Registrations

256

Section U: Players – Registrations

The date by which each Club is required by Rule U.32 to give confirmation to the Board
shall be extended in the case of a Club which on the third Saturday in May in any year
is still participating in the F.A. Cup, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa
League or the UEFA Europa Conference League or has yet to play a League Match theoutcome of which could affect:

U.38.4.	by way of remuneration (including benefits in cash or kind and Image
Contract Payments) to or for the benefit of a Contract Player whose
registration it holds;
U.38.5.	by way of an allowance permitted by Youth Development Rule 302, to an
Academy Player with whom it has entered into a Scholarship Agreement(as defined in the Youth Development Rules);U.33.1.	identification of the League Champions in accordance with Rule C.11;
U.33.2.

identification of the Clubs to be relegated in accordance with Rule C.14; orU.33.3.

qualification for a UEFA Club Competition.

U.38.6.	by way of payment to an Intermediary strictly in accordance with theterms of the The FA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries;
U.38.7.

U.34.

In the circumstances outlined in Rule U.33, above, the Club shall give the Board theinformation required by Rule U.32 within four Working Days of the last relevant F.A.
Cup match, UEFA Champions League Match, UEFA Europa League match, UEFA
Europa Conference League match or League Match having been played.

U.35.

The particulars contained in Clubs’ lists of Players shall be published by the Board by
the second Saturday in June in each year.

U.37.

U.38.9.	by payment of value added tax payable in respect of any of the above
payments or liabilities;
U.38.10.	in the case of a Transferor Club, by assignment of its entitlement to aCompensation Fee or Loan Fee to a Financial Institution; andUpon a Club (in this Rule and Rule U.37 called “the Former Member”) ceasing to bea member of the League under the provisions of Rule B.5 (other than by reason of its
relegation from the League in accordance with Rule C.14), the registrations of its
Players (except those held in consequence of a Temporary Transfer) shall vest in the
League and thereupon the League shall be at liberty to transfer those registrations
as it shall think fit and shall receive any Compensation Fees to which the Former
Member would otherwise have been entitled under the provisions of Section V(Players – Transfers of Registrations) of these Rules.

U.38.11.	in the case of a Transferee Club, by payment of a Compensation Fee orLoan Fee to a Financial Institution to whom the Transferor Club has
assigned its entitlement of the same.
U.39.

Any Compensation Fees obtained in accordance with Rule U.36 shall belong to the
League and out of them the Board shall have power to make a grant to either orboth of:U.37.1.	any Club to which Compensation Fees are owed by the Former Member; andU.37.2.

by payment of incidental expenses arising in respect thereof;

U.38.8.	by payment or receipt of training compensation or solidarity payment
pursuant to the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players andany other levies or payments payable to or by a Club pursuant to thestatutes or regulations of FIFA or any other football governing body fromtime to time, or otherwise properly due to or from such a governing body;Clubs Ceasing to be Members
U.36.

the Former Member.

In respect of a player whom it applies to register as a Contract Player, a Club ispermitted to make a payment to buy out the interest of a Person who, not being a Clubor club, nevertheless has an agreement either with the club with which the player isregistered, or with the player, granting it the right to receive money from a new Club orclub for which that player becomes registered. Any such payment which is notdependent on the happening of a contingent event may be made either in one lumpsum or in instalments provided that all such instalments are paid on or before theexpiry date of the initial contract between the Club and the player. Any such payment
which is payable upon the happening of a contingent event shall be payable withinseven days of the happening of that event.

Prohibition of Third Party Investment

Assignment of Entitlement to Compensation Fee or Loan Fee

U.38.

U.40.

Unless otherwise agreed by the Board and subject to Rule U.39, a Club may only makeor receive a payment or incur any liability as a result of or in connection with theproposed or actual registration (whether permanent or temporary), transfer ofregistration or employment by it of a Player in the following circumstances:
U.38.1.	by payment to a Transferor Club or receipt from a Transferee Club of aCompensation Fee, Contingent Sum, Loan Fee or sell-on fee;
U.38.2.

Rules: Section U

U.33.

Section U: Players – Registrations

A Club may only assign its entitlement to a Compensation Fee or Loan Fee to a
Financial Institution in accordance with Rule U.38.10 where, as a condition of suchassignment, the relevant Financial Institution confirms in a written agreement with
the Club that it will not further assign the entitlement to a third party without theexpress prior written consent of the League.

by payment of levy pursuant to Rules V.38 to V.40;

U.38.3.	by receipt of all or part of a Compensation Fee, Contingent Sum, Loan Fee or sellon fee, in default of payment of it by the Transferee Club from which it is due, from:

257

		

U.38.3.1.

a financial institution or other guarantor;

		

U.38.3.2.

the League in accordance with the provisions of these Rules; or		

U.38.3.3.	The Football League in accordance with the provisions of theRegulations of The Football League;258

Players – Contracts, Registrations and Transfers
Section V: Players – Transfers of Registrations

V.1.

V.2.

V.7.

V.7.1.	a Temporary Transfer to a Club may not take place in the Transfer Window
in which the Transferor Club acquired the Player’s registration;“Transfer Windows” means the two periods in a year during which, subject to Rule
V.4, a Club may apply for:V.1.1.

the New Registration of a player;

V.1.2.

the registration of a player transferred to it; andV.1.3.

the registration of a Temporary Transfer.

V.7.2.	during the period of the Temporary Transfer of his contract registration a
Player shall not play against the Transferor Club;
V.7.3.	if during the period of a Temporary Transfer the Player’s registration istransferred permanently from the Transferor Club to the Transferee Club,the two Clubs may agree in writing (with such agreement copied to the
League) that the Player shall not play against the Transferor Club for theremainder of the Season;

The Summer Transfer Window in any year shall:
V.2.1.	conclude at 17:00 on the Thursday before the commencement of therelevant Season or at such other date and at such other time as the Board
may determine in its discretion (which will only be exercised in the event ofagreement by a simple majority of Clubs on an alternative date and time);
and

V.7.4.	subject to any conditions imposed by the Board in the exercise of its
discretion under Rule V.4.2, the minimum period of a Temporary Transfer
shall be the period between two consecutive Transfer Windows and theperiod of a Temporary Transfer shall not extend beyond 30 June next after
it was entered into, save that the Board may, in its absolute discretion,
permit a Temporary Transfer to be terminated before the commencementof the second Transfer Window (subject to such conditions as the Board
deems appropriate);

V.2.2.	commence either: (a) at midnight on the last day of the Season; or (b) at
midnight on the date 12 weeks prior to the date on which it is to conclude(in accordance with Rule V.2.1, above), whichever is the later.
Guidance

V.7.5.	the maximum number of Temporary Transfers to any one Club registrable
in the same Season shall be four and in no circumstances shall more than
one be from the same Transferor Club at any one time save there shall be
excluded from these numbers any Temporary Transfer of the kinddescribed in V.7.6.1 or V.7.6.2;

The Board will confirm the two issues of: (a) the date/time on which the Summer Transfer Window will
open; and (b) whether or not the Summer Transfer Window will close at a date/time other than at 17:00
on the Thursday before the commencement of the relevant Season, at the first General Meeting of thepreceding Season (for example, the opening and closing time and date of the 2023 Summer Transfer
Window will be determined at the first General Meeting of Season 2023/24).

V.3.

V.4.

V.7.6.	not more than two Temporary Transfers shall be registered by a Club at
the same time except that there shall be excluded from that number:

The Winter Transfer Window in any year shall commence at 00:01 on 1 January or atsuch other date and time as the Board shall determine and shall end on 31 January
next if a Working Day or, if not, on the first Working Day thereafter, at a time to be
determined by the Board.

		

V.7.6.1.

		

V.7.6.2.	the Temporary Transfer of a goalkeeper which in its absolute
discretion the Board may allow in circumstances it considers to
be exceptional;

Outside a Transfer Window, the Board in its absolute discretion may:

V.7.7.	a Club may transfer the registration of no more than one of its goalkeepers
by way of temporary Transfer to another Club each Season, subject to any
further Temporary Transfer of one of its goalkeepers pursuant to Rule
V.7.6.2; andV.4.1.

refuse an application to register a player; or

V.4.2.	
grant an application to register a player and, if thought fit, impose
conditions by which the Club making the application and the player shallbe bound.

Temporary Transfers
V.5.

A “Temporary Transfer” shall mean the transfer of a contract registration effectedin accordance with Rules V.6 to V.10.

V.6.

Subject to the conditions set out below, a Temporary Transfer shall be permitted:
V.6.1.

between Clubs;

V.6.2.	between a Club and a club in membership of The Football League, theNational League, the Northern Premier League, the Isthmian League andthe Southern League; andV.6.3.	between a Club that has its registered address in Wales and a club inmembership of the Welsh Premier League.

259

The conditions referred to in Rule V.6 are:Rules: Section V

Transfer Windows

Section V: Players – Transfers of Registrations

any Temporary Transfer which become permanent; andV.7.8.	
any other conditions agreed between the Transferor Club and theTransferee Club or, in the exercise of its discretion, imposed by the Board.
Guidance
For the avoidance of doubt, no Club that already has two Temporary Transfers registered at the sametime may be permitted to register a further player whose permanent registration is held by a Club on a‘sub-loan’. That is to say, if a player is loaned by a club based overseas (or to which Rules V.5 to V.7 do not
otherwise apply), that player cannot then be ‘sub-loaned’ by the overseas club to another Club wherethat Club already has two Temporary Transfers registered at that time.
An example of the circumstances in which the Board might exercise its discretion in Rule V.7.4 is where aPlayer subject to a Temporary Transfer is unable to represent the Club temporarily holding his registration
due to a long-term injury. In such circumstances, the Board might approve the termination of the
Temporary Transfer on the condition that the Player is prohibited from making any first team appearancesat the Club with which he re-registers, during the remaining period of the original Temporary Transfer.

260

Section V: Players – Transfers of Registrations

V.9.

V.10.

The Loan Fee payable on a Temporary Transfer shall be such sum (if any) as shallhave been agreed between the Transferee Club and the Transferor Club and set out
in Football Association Form H.2 or H.3 (as appropriate) or in a supplementaryagreement.
Any Loan Fee (including any instalments thereof) shall be paid on or before the dateor dates agreed between the parties, the latest of which must be no later than 30
June immediately following the conclusion of the Season in which the Temporary
Transfer expired.

Out of Contract Players
V.15.

An Out of Contract Player may seek to be registered by any Transferee Club.

V.16.

Upon receiving a formal written offer to effect the New Registration of an Out ofContract Player whose registration it holds, a Club shall forthwith notify the Player
and the Board in writing to that effect.

V.17.

Provided that the following conditions are satisfied, a Compensation Fee shall be
paid to a Transferor Club by a Transferee Club upon effecting the New Registrationof an Out of Contract Player:

A Temporary Transfer shall be effected by submitting to the Board Football
Association Form H.2 or Form H.3 duly completed and signed on behalf of the Clubby an Authorised Signatory.

V.17.1.	the Out of Contract Player in question must be under the age of 24 years
as at the 30 June in the year his contract of employment with a Club has
expired;Contract Players
V.11.

V.17.2.	on or before the third Saturday in May in the year in which the Player’s
contract is to expire or, in the circumstances mentioned in Rule U.33, withinfour Working Days of the last relevant F.A. Cup match, UEFA Champions
League match, UEFA Europa League match, UEFA Europa Conference
League match or League Match, in that year having been played, theTransferor Club must send to the Player Form 16 offering him a newcontract on the terms therein set out, which must be no less favourable
than those in his current contract;

The transfer of the registration of a Contract Player shall be effected in the following
manner:V.11.1.

t he Transferor Club and the Transferee Club shall enter into a Transfer
Agreement signed on behalf of each Club by an Authorised Signatory inwhich shall be set out full particulars of all financial and other arrangements
agreed between the Transferor Club and the Transferee Club and, except
as provided below, between the Transferor Club and the Contract Player
in relation to the transfer of the Contract Player’s registration whether thesame are to take effect upon completion of the transfer or at any time
thereafter;
V.11.2.	any such arrangements agreed between the Transferor Club and theContract Player to which the Transferee Club is not privy may be omitted
from the Transfer Agreement provided that they are forthwith notified inwriting to the Board by the Transferor Club;
V.11.3.	the Transfer Agreement shall be sent by the Transferee Club to the Board
together with a copy of the contract entered into between the Transferee
Club and the Contract Player together with (if applicable) the evidence
required by Rules U.12 and U.13; andV.11.4.	the Transferee Club shall pay any Compensation Fee due to the Transferor
Club under the terms of the Transfer Agreement in accordance with Rule
V.29 and any levy payable under Rule V.38.
V.12.

All transfer arrangements in respect of Contract Players are subject to the approvalof the Board.

V.13.

The Transferee Club will hold the registration of the Contract Player upon receipt of
the League’s confirmation by email to that effect.

Retired Players
V.14.

261

A Club that, pursuant to Rule U.29.5, holds the registration of a Retired Player who isunder the age of 24 years, shall be entitled, if his registration is transferred, to be
paid a Compensation Fee by the Transferee Club.

Rules: Section V

V.8.

Section V: Players – Transfers of Registrations

V.17.3.	any offer made on Form 16 by a Club to a Player under the provisions ofRule V.17.2 shall remain open and capable of acceptance by the Player fora period of one month from the date upon which it was sent by the Club byordinary first class post to his usual or last known address; andV.17.4.
V.18.

a copy of Form 16 must be sent forthwith to the Board.

Contract terms shall be deemed to be no less favourable if, disregarding any
provision for a Signing-on Fee in the Player’s current contract which is stated to be aonce only payment, they are at least equal in value to the most favourable terms towhich the Player was or is entitled in any year of his current contract.

The Player’s Options
V.19.

Upon receiving an offer on Form 16 a Player may either:
V.19.1.	accept the same within one month of its date and enter into a newcontract with his Club in the terms offered; orV.19.2.

decline it in writing.

V.20.

If the Player considers that the terms offered by his Club and set out in Form 16 areless favourable than those in his current contract, he may give notice to that effectto his Club and the Board in Form 17 and apply for a free transfer.

V.21.

Such application shall be determined by the Board and if it succeeds:
V.21.1.	the Player’s Club will not be entitled to a Compensation Fee upon aTransferee Club effecting his New Registration; andV.21.2.

the Player will receive severance pay in accordance with his contract.

262

Section V: Players – Transfers of Registrations

V.22.

V.28.

If a Club makes an offer to a Player on Form 16 and the Player declines it, upon the
expiry of the Player’s contract the Club may either:
V.22.1.	enter into a Conditional Contract with the Player in such financial terms as
may be agreed;
V.22.2.

enter into a Week by Week Contract with the Player; or

V.22.3.	if neither a Conditional Contract nor a Week by Week Contract has beenentered into or a Week by Week Contract has been determined by theClub, continue to pay the Player the amount of the basic wage under his
expired contract,

Method of Payment
V.29.

Subject to Rules V.30 and V.35, all Compensation Fees, Loan Fees (including in bothcases instalments thereof) and Contingent Sums payable to a Club or to a Football
League club shall be paid (together in each case with value added tax at the thencurrent rate) by the Transferee Club into the Compensation Fee Account by
telegraphic transfer or by such other means as the Board may from time to time
direct.

V.30.

If a Club assigns its entitlement to a Compensation Fee or Loan Fee instalment
pursuant to Rule U.38.10:

and in any such case the Club shall be entitled to a Compensation Fee upon aTransferee Club effecting the Player’s New Registration provided he then remains
under the age of 24 years and the other conditions set out in Rule V.17 have beensatisfied.
V.23.

V.24.

V.25.

The financial terms of a Week by Week Contract shall be those contained in thePlayer’s expired contract, excluding any Signing-on Fee, except that the Player shallbe entitled to receive such incentives (if any) as are payable by the Club to its
Contract Players with effect from the date of his new contract.
An Out of Contract Player who continues to receive from his Club the amount of his
basic wage under the provisions of Rule V.22.3 shall not be entitled to play for that
Club. If such Out of Contract Player unreasonably refuses or other relevant
circumstances exist whereby the Out of Contract Player will not accept an offer of
employment by another Club (or club), his Club may make application to the Premier
League Appeals Committee for an order that payments to the Out of Contract
Player may cease without affecting his Club’s entitlement to a Compensation Fee.
A Club which having continued to pay the Player the amount of his basic wage under
Rule V.22.3 intends to cease making such payments shall give to the Player two
weeks’ notice to that effect and upon a Transferee Club effecting the Player’s New
Registration the Club shall not be entitled to a Compensation Fee.

V.30.1.	it shall procure by means of a legally enforceable agreement that monies
payable by virtue of the assignment are paid into the Compensation Fee
Account by the assignee; andV.30.2.	it shall irrevocably and unconditionally instruct the Transferee Club to pay
such monies to the assignee upon their becoming due.
V.31.

Subject to Rule V.37.2, forthwith upon receiving monies into the Compensation Fee
Account the Board shall pay the same to the Transferor Club entitled to receive
them.

V.32.

A Transfer Agreement shall provide that the agreed Compensation Fee together
with value added tax at the then current rate shall be paid on or before the expiry
date of the initial contract between the Transferee Club and the Contract Player.
Compensation Fee instalments shall be paid on or before the dates set out in theTransfer Agreement (and if any such date is not a Working Day then the instalment
shall be paid on the Working Day which immediately precedes that date).

V.33.

Where any Compensation Fee payable under the provisions of Rule V.17 is notagreed between the Transferee Club and the Transferor Club, the Transferee Club
shall upon applying to register the Out of Contract Player pay into the Compensation
Fee Account at least half the Compensation Fee offered to the Transferor Club andthe balance shall likewise be paid as determined by the Professional FootballCompensation Committee under Rule V.27.2.

V.34.

If the registration of a Player is further transferred before the Compensation Fee inrespect of an earlier transfer is paid in full, the Transferee Club in that earlier transfer
shall forthwith pay the balance of such Compensation Fee into the Compensation
Fee Account, save:

The Compensation Fee
V.26.

The Compensation Fee payable by a Transferee Club to a Transferor Club upon thetransfer of the registration of a Contract Player to the Transferee Club shall be such
sum as shall have been agreed between the Transferee Club and the Transferor Cluband set out in the Transfer Agreement.

V.27.

The Compensation Fee likewise payable in respect of an Out of Contract Player
under the provisions of Rule V.17 shall be:
V.27.1.	such sum as shall have been agreed between the Transferee Club and theTransferor Club or in default of agreement; orV.27.2.	such sum as the Professional Football Compensation Committee on theapplication of either Club shall determine.

A Club which is a Transferor Club shall provide to any previous Club or Football
League club with which a Player was registered, and which has a right to a sell-on
fee in respect of any transfer of that Player, full details of any Compensation Fee andContingent Sum(s) to which it becomes entitled. The Club receiving the information
shall not disclose or divulge it directly or indirectly to any third party without the priorwritten consent of the Transferor Club save to statutory and regulatory authorities
or as may be required by law or to its auditors.

Rules: Section V

The Club’s Options

Section V: Players – Transfers of Registrations

V.34.1.	where it has received an instruction in accordance with Rule V.30.2, in
which case it shall pay such balance to the assignee named in the
instruction on the date or dates when it becomes due under the Transfer
Agreement pursuant to which it acquired the registration of the Player; or
V.34.2.	where the Board expressly approves an alternative arrangement for thepayment of the balance of the Compensation Fee into the Compensation
Fee Account.

263

264

Section V: Players – Transfers of Registrations

V.36.

An agreement for an International Transfer and a Transfer Agreement with aTransferor Club which is not in membership of the League or The Football League
shall provide that the Compensation Fee, any instalments thereof and any
Contingent Sums payable by the Transferee Club shall be paid (together with any
value added tax payable in respect thereof) to The Football Association bytelegraphic transfer or by such other means as the Board may from time to time
direct for payment to the Transferor Club in accordance with The Football
Association Rules.
Upon the happening of a contingent event resulting in a Contingent Sum becoming
payable:V.36.1.	in the case of an International Transfer, the Transferee Club shall forthwith
inform the Transferor Club in writing to that effect and shall pay suchContingent Sum by the date stipulated in the transfer agreement (whichmust be no later than the following 31 July) in accordance with Rule V.35;
and
V.36.2.	in every other case, the Transferee Club shall forthwith inform theTransferor Club to that effect on Form 18 and shall pay such Contingent
Sum by the date stipulated in the transfer agreement (which must be nolater than the following 31 July) in accordance with Rule V.29.

V.37.

V.40.

Guidance
Where in the case of a proposed transfer of the type referred to in Rule V.40, above, the Board is of the viewthat the financial value attributed to either of the Players is materially below that Player’s true transfer value(with the effect that a reduced sum is payable by way of levy), the Board will request that the Transferor
Club(s) restate(s) the declared transfer value and may exercise its power under Rule V.12 if necessary.

V.41.

V.42.

V.37.1.	the Board shall have power to refuse any application by that Transferee
Club to register any Player until any sums then payable to its Transferor
Club are paid;

V.43.

Any Club that makes or continues any claim (including any claim made prior toadmission into membership of the League) in breach of the agreement set out in
Rule V.42, above, shall indemnify those Club(s) or club(s) that are the subject of theclaim against any liability imposed by FIFA, the Football Association or any otherrelevant regulatory body of football and/or any judicial bodies exercising jurisdiction
pursuant to any rules thereof.

Transfer Windows

V.38.

V.44.

Subject to Rule V.39, upon payment of a Compensation Fee, a Contingent Sum,International Loan Fee or a payment made pursuant to Rule U.39, a Club shallforthwith pay to the League a levy equal to 4% of the sum paid (net of any value
added tax) and in the case of a Compensation Fee or International Loan Fee
payable by instalments, the levy upon the whole of it shall be paid as aforesaid upon
the Transferee Club applying to register the Player to which it relates.
Such levy shall not be payable on a Loan Fee unless the registration of the Contract
Player who is the subject of the Temporary Transfer is transferred on a permanent
basis from the Transferor Club to the Transferee Club during, or within four months ofthe expiry of, the Temporary Transfer, in which case a levy equal to 4% of theaggregate of any Loan Fee and Compensation Fee shall be paid to the League.

Clubs (or clubs) affiliated to the Football Association; andV.42.2.	Clubs (or clubs) affiliated to the Football Association of Wales but which
participate in leagues sanctioned by the Football Association.

Transfer Levy

V.39.

265

Membership of the League shall constitute an agreement between each Club thatthey shall not make or continue any claim (to FIFA, the Football Association or any
other relevant regulatory body of football and/or any judicial bodies exercisingjurisdiction pursuant to any rules thereof) under Article 20 (Training Compensation)
and/or Article 21 (Solidarity Mechanism) of the FIFA Regulations on the Status andTransfer of Players in relation to movement of players between:
V.42.1.

V.37.2.	the Board shall have the power set out at Rule E.24;

V.37.4.	that Transferee Club shall pay to its Transferor Club interest on any part ofa Compensation Fee or Contingent Sum not paid on its due date at therate of 5% over the base rate from time to time of Barclays Bank Plc fromthat date until the date of payment together with such other penalty as
the Board in its discretion may decide.

The sums received by the League by way of levy shall be used to pay premiums due
under the Professional Footballers’ Pension Scheme and any surplus shall be added
to the Professional Game Youth Fund.

Solidarity – England and Wales

If any Transferee Club acts in breach of Rules V.29 or V.32 to V.36 (inclusive):

V.37.3.	the Board shall have power to impose a penalty in accordance with thetariff of applicable penalties which it shall from time to time notify to
Clubs; andWhere a Transferee Club registers a Player and the relevant consideration tenderedby the Transferor Club includes the registration of another Player or some other formof non-financial consideration or value-in-kind, the Transferee Club and Transferor
Club shall attribute a financial value to the Player(s) transferred, which shall be
noted in the Transfer Agreement(s), and upon which a levy equal to 4% of such value
shall be paid in each case.

Rules: Section V

V.35.

Section V: Players – Transfers of Registrations

During the Transfer Windows in each Season, no Club may register and secure
governing body endorsements (in accordance with The FA’s Men’s Players Points
Based System) for more than six new U21 Non-Home-Grown Players.

Guidance
The cap on U21 Non-Home-Grown Players set out in Rule V.44 is applicable per Season (which, for the
avoidance of doubt, includes the Summer Transfer Window immediately prior to the Season). A Club shall beentitled to register U21 Non-Home-Grown Players without obtaining a governing body endorsement wheresuch Players will be loaned out to clubs outside of the United Kingdom without first participating in League
Matches. If at a later date that Club wishes such Players to participate in League Matches it must apply for agoverning body endorsement in respect of the Player, who will then (if he is an Under 21 Player) be counted
towards the cap on U21 Non-Home-Grown Players set out in Rule V.44 (and any subsequent cap on thenumber of new U21 Non-Home-Grown Players that the Club may register).

266

Disciplinary and Dispute Resolution
Section W: Disciplinary

W.1.

In exercising its summary jurisdiction the Board shall be entitled to impose a fine notexceeding £100,000 or, in the case of a breach of these Rules by a Manager, such sum
as may be set out in any tariff of fines, or other penalty, agreed in writing between
the Board and the League Managers Association. The Board shall also be entitled tosuspend any portion of any fine imposed in accordance with this Rule W.8.

W.9.

The Board shall exercise its summary jurisdiction by giving notice in Form 20 to theClub or Person allegedly in breach.

W.10.

Within 14 days of the date of a notice in Form 20, the Club or Person to whom it isaddressed must either:

The Board shall have power to inquire into any suspected or alleged breach of theseRules and for that purpose may require:
W.1.1.	any Manager, Match Official, Official or Player to appear before it toanswer questions and/or provide information; andW.1.2.

W.2.

W.8.

any such Person or any Club to produce documents.

Any Manager, Match Official, Official or Player who fails to appear before or to
produce documents to the Board when required to do so under Rule W.1 shall be inbreach of these Rules.

Board’s Disciplinary Powers
W.3.

The Board shall have power to deal with any suspected or alleged breach of theseRules by:
W.3.1.	issuing a reprimand;
W.3.2.	imposing a fixed penalty or other sanction where such provision is made inthese Rules;
W.3.3.

exercising its summary jurisdiction;

W.3.4.

referring the matter to a Commission appointed under Rule W.19;

W.3.5.

seeking interim measures in accordance with Rules W.58 to W.61;

W.3.6.	referring the matter to The Football Association for determination under
The Football Association Rules; and/or

W.11.

submit to the Board’s jurisdiction and pay the fine imposed; or

W.10.2.

elect to be dealt with by a Commission.

Failure to comply with the requirement contained in a notice in Form 20 shallconstitute a breach of these Rules.

Agreed Sanctions
W.12.

Where the Board wishes to conclude a Sanction Agreement with a Person pursuant
to Rule W.3.7, it must provide a copy of the proposed Sanction Agreement to the
Chair of the Judicial Panel prior to its execution.

W.13.

When in receipt of a proposed Sanction Agreement, the Chair of the Judicial Panelmust, within two clear days, nominate three members of the Disciplinary Panel who
will be required, within five clear days of their appointment, either:

W.3.7.	concluding an agreement in writing with that Person in which it accepts asanction (which may include any of the sanctions referred to at Rule W.51)
proposed by the Board, provided that agreement has been ratified inaccordance with Rule W.13 (a “Sanction Agreement”).

W.13.1.	to ratify the sanction set out in the proposed Sanction Agreement, inwhich case the Sanction Agreement can be concluded immediately by theparties and take immediate effect thereafter; or
W.13.2.	to refuse to ratify the sanction set out in the proposed Sanction Agreementon the basis that it is unduly lenient, in light of the breach(es) of the Rules
admitted. In such cases, either:

Fixed Penalty Procedure
W.4.

Upon being satisfied that a fixed penalty is payable under the provisions of these Rules,
the Board shall give notice in Form 19 to the Club or Person by whom it is payable.

		

W.13.2.1.	the parties may revise the sanction set out in the proposed
Sanction Agreement and re-submit it to the Chair of the Judicial
Panel in accordance with Rule W.12; or

W.5.

Within 14 days of the date of a notice in Form 19 the Club or Person to whom it isaddressed must either:		

W.13.2.2.	the Board may refer the matter to a Commission in accordancewith Rule W.3.4.

W.5.1.

W.6.

pay the fixed penalty; or

W.5.2.	appeal under the provisions of Rule W.62.1.1 against the imposition of the
same.

W.14.

Failure to pay a fixed penalty as provided in Rule W.5.1 or within seven days, upon an
appeal against the same being dismissed, shall in either case constitute a breach ofthese Rules.

Guidance

Summary Jurisdiction
W.7.

267

W.10.1.

Rules: Section W

Power of Inquiry

Section W: Disciplinary

The Board’s summary jurisdiction shall extend to any suspected or alleged breach ofthese Rules (other than a breach for which a fixed penalty is prescribed) which in its
absolute discretion the Board considers should not be referred to a Commission
under Rule W.3.4 or to The Football Association under Rule W.3.6.

A decision taken pursuant to Rule W.13 need not be unanimous and may be taken bysimple majority.

Where the three members of the Disciplinary Panel intend to refuse to ratify the sanction set out in the
proposed Sanction Agreement, pursuant to Rule W.13.2, they must: (a) first provide both parties to the
proposed Sanction Agreement with an opportunity to make any representations and consider those
representations prior to taking their final decision; and (b) if the decision remains that they will refuse to
ratify the proposed Sanction Agreement, they must provide written reasons for their decision.

268

Section W: Disciplinary

Section W: Disciplinary

W.15.

W.21.

It shall be no answer to a request from the Board to disclose documents orinformation pursuant to Rule W.1 that such documents or information requested are
confidential. All Clubs and Persons subject to these Rules must ensure that any otherobligations of confidentiality assumed are made expressly subject to the League’s
right of inquiry under these Rules. No Club or Person shall be under an obligation todisclose any documents rendered confidential by either the order of a court ofcompetent jurisdiction or by statute or statutory instrument.

Commission Procedures
W.22.

W.16.

All Persons who are requested to assist pursuant to Rule W.1 shall provide full,complete and prompt assistance to the Board in its exercise of its power of inquiry.

The parties to proceedings before a Commission shall be:
W.22.1.

the Board; andW.22.2.	the Club, Manager, Match Official, Official or Player allegedly in breach ofthese Rules (the “Respondent”).

Guidance
The obligation above means that those bound by the Rules must not only answer questions, provide
information and provide documents when requested to do so, but also that, for example (and without
limitation), they must not delay at all in doing so, they must do so comprehensively, and they must do soon a co-operative and open basis, which includes volunteering relevant information and documents
unknown to the Board, obtaining such information and documents from other parties when able to do so,and ensuring that the appropriate individuals are made available for questioning by the Board.

W.23.

Proceedings before a Commission shall be commenced by a written complaint
which shall be drafted by or on behalf of the Board.

W.24.

The complaint shall be in Form 21 and shall identify the Rule(s) allegedly breached, it
shall contain a summary of the facts alleged and it shall have annexed to it copies ofany documents relied upon by the Board in support of the complaint.

The Judicial Panel

W.25.

The complaint shall be sent by recorded delivery post by the Board to the Respondentand the Chair of the Judicial Panel. In the case of a Respondent who is a Manager, an
Official or a Player, it shall be sent to them care of their Club. A complaint shall bedeemed to have been received by a Respondent on the third day after the date of
posting. No defect in the service of a complaint shall invalidate all or any part of theproceedings if it can be shown that it is likely that the complaint has come to theattention of the Respondent.

W.26.

As soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of a complaint, the Chair of the
Judicial Panel shall appoint a Commission to hear the complaint, confirm theidentities of the Commission members to the Board and the Respondent(s) andrequire each appointed individual to complete a statement of impartiality in suchform as the Chair of the Judicial Panel shall prescribe. Where a party objects to one
or more of the appointments made to the Commission, it must raise such objection
within two Working Days of the relevant appointment(s), which shall be resolved by
the Chair of the Judicial Panel in such manner as they think fit.

W.27.

At any stage the Commission may indicate (either of its own accord or as a result ofrepresentations from a Person, Club (or club) and in any event in its sole discretion),that if the complaint is upheld, it may wish to exercise its power under Rule W.51.5 toaward compensation to any Person or to any Club (or club). If the Commission so
indicates, it shall notify the parties to the proceedings and the relevant Person, Club(or club) of this fact. The Commission may then make appropriate directions as to
the receipt of evidence of loss from the relevant Person, Club (or club) as well as
directions on the receipt of evidence in response from the parties to the proceedings.

W.28.

Where (in proceedings in which the Respondent is a Club or Relegated Club) the
Commission makes the indication referred to at Rule W.27, above, and after having
heard evidence from both parties subsequently determines that no compensation is
to be awarded in accordance with Rule W.51.5, the Club (or Relegated Club) claiming
compensation in such circumstances may appeal that determination to an Appeal
Board. If it fails to do so (or if the Appeal Board dismisses any such appeal) the Club(or Relegated Club) will not be able to bring any further claim of any kind (whether
for compensation, in damages or otherwise) against the Respondent Club arisingout of the breach of these Rules in respect of which the Commission was appointed.

W.17.

Subject to the approval of Clubs in a General Meeting, a Chair of the Judicial Panelshall be appointed to administer the Judicial Panel in accordance with its terms ofreference, set out at Appendix 15 to these Rules.

W.18.

The Judicial Panel shall include:
W.18.1.	authorised insolvency practitioners eligible under Rule E.38 to sit as amember of an appeal tribunal appointed thereunder;
W.18.2.

legally qualified persons eligible:		

W.18.2.1.	under Rule E.38 or Rule F.17 to sit as chair of appeal tribunals
appointed thereunder;		

W.18.2.2.	under Rule Y.7 to sit as chair of Managers’ Arbitration Tribunals;
and/or		

W.18.2.3.

under Rule W.19 to sit as chair of Commissions;

W.18.3.	Persons who have held judicial office eligible under Rule W.63 to sit aschairs of Appeals Boards; andW.18.4.	Persons who hold nationally recognised qualifications as accountants or
auditors, who shall be eligible to be members of Commissions appointed
to determine suspected or alleged breaches of Rules E.47 to E.51.

Appointing a Commission
W.19.

W.20.

269

Subject to Rule W.84, and notwithstanding Rule W.19, where both parties are inagreement that the proceedings should be determined by a single member (rather
than three members) of the Disciplinary Panel, the Chair of the Judicial Panel shallappoint a one-person Commission for that purpose. In such circumstances, thisSection of the Rules shall be interpreted on the basis that the Commission comprises
a single individual, who shall undertake the duties of chair of the Commission.

Subject to Rule W.84, a Commission shall be appointed by the Chair of the Judicial
Panel and shall comprise three members of the Disciplinary Panel of whom one, whoshall be legally qualified, shall sit as chair of the Commission.
Subject to Rule W.84, a Commission appointed to deal with a suspected or alleged
breach of Rules E.47 to E.51 shall include at least one member of the Disciplinary
Panel qualified as set out in Rule W.18.4 (but who shall not sit as the chair of theCommission, who shall be legally qualified as set out in Rule W.19).

Rules: Section W

Provision of Information

270

Section W: Disciplinary

Within 14 days of receipt of the complaint (or such shorter time as ordered pursuant
to Rule W.31) the Respondent shall send to the Board and to the Commission (or the
Chair of the Judicial Panel if a Commission has not yet been fully constituted) byrecorded delivery post a written answer in Form 22 in which the Respondent:

W.38.3.

either or both parties to produce and exchange documents;

W.38.4.

the submission of expert evidence;

W.38.5.

lists of witnesses and lodging and exchange of witness statements;

W.29.1.

W.38.6.

witnesses to be summoned to attend the hearing;

W.38.7.

prior notice to be given of any authorities relied on by the parties;

W.38.8.

the parties to lodge and exchange an outline of their submissions; and/or

shall either admit or deny the complaint; andW.29.2.	
may request that the complaint shall be determined by written
representations in which case, if the complaint is denied, the written
representations shall be contained in the answer.
W.30.

W.31.

W.32.

The Board shall respond in writing to any request that the matter be determined by
written representations within 14 days of receipt of the answer (or such shorter time
as ordered pursuant to Rule W.31) and, if the request is contested by the Board, theCommission (or the Chair of the Judicial Panel if the Commission has not yet been
fully constituted) shall determine (in accordance with such procedure as they see fit)
whether the complaint shall be determined at a hearing or by written representations
alone.
The Commission (or the Chair of the Judicial Panel if a Commission has not yet been
fully constituted) shall have the power to amend the time periods set out in Rules W.29
and W.30 if there is a compelling reason why the proceedings before the Commissionneed to be concluded expeditiously and/or the parties are in agreement in respect ofsuch amendment.
If the complaint is admitted, the Respondent may include in the answer details of
any mitigating factors (together with any supporting evidence) that it wishes to betaken into account by the Commission.

W.33.

If the complaint is denied, the Respondent’s reasons shall be set out in the answer
and copies of any documents on which the Respondent relies shall be annexed.

W.34.

Documentary evidence shall be admissible whether or not copies are attached tothe complaint or the answer as long as such documents are:W.34.1.

W.38.9.	the assessment of the entitlement to and amount of compensation that
may be ordered pursuant to Rule W.51.5.
W.39.

Notice of the date, time and place of the hearing shall be given in writing to theparties by the chair of the Commission.

W.40.

If the Board or its representative fails to attend the hearing, the chair of theCommission may either adjourn it or proceed in the Board’s absence.

W.41.

If the Respondent fails to attend the hearing, it shall proceed in the absence of the
Respondent.

W.42.

Any witness who is bound by these Rules, and who having been summoned by aCommission to attend a hearing fails to do so, shall be in breach of these Rules.

W.43.

The chair of the Commission shall have an overriding discretion as to the manner inwhich a hearing is conducted but, subject thereto:
W.43.1.	where the complaint has been admitted, they shall invite the Board or its
representative to outline the facts of the complaint and shall give the
Respondent the opportunity to provide further details of any mitigating
factors contained in the answer;
W.43.2.	where the complaint has been denied, witnesses shall be taken throughtheir evidence in chief by the party tendering such evidence and may besubject to cross-examination by the opposing party (at its option) and reexamination if required. Witnesses may also be examined by the chair of
the Commission and its members;

relevant; andW.34.2.	submitted by a party to the Commission in sufficient time before thehearing, such that neither party will be prejudiced by their submission.

271

W.35.

If the Respondent fails to send an answer in accordance with Rule W.29, theRespondent shall be deemed to have denied the complaint which shall be
determined at a hearing.

W.36.

If the complaint is to be determined by written representations, forthwith uponreceipt of the answer the chair of the Commission shall convene a meeting of its
members at which the complaint will be determined.

W.37.

If the complaint is to be determined at a hearing, the chair of the Commission may
give directions for the future conduct of the complaint addressed in writing to theparties or require the parties to attend a directions hearing.

W.38.

A directions hearing shall be conducted by the chair of the Commission sitting alone.
They may give such directions as they think fit including directions for:W.38.1.

the Board to give further particulars of the complaint;

W.38.2.

the Respondent to give further particulars of the answer;

Rules: Section W

W.29.

Section W: Disciplinary

W.43.3.

the parties shall be permitted to put questions to witnesses;

W.43.4.

witnesses may be examined on oath; andW.43.5.	at the conclusion of the evidence the parties shall each be invited toaddress the Commission.
W.44.

The chair of a Commission may order that a transcript of the proceedings be taken.

W.45.

The Board shall have the burden of proving the complaint. The standard of proof
shall be on a balance of probabilities.

W.46.

The Commission shall make its decision unanimously or by majority. No member of
the Commission may abstain.

W.47.

In the case of a determination by written representations the Commission’s decision
shall forthwith be communicated in writing by the chair of the Commission to theparties (and copied to the Chair of the Judicial Panel).

272

Section W: Disciplinary

In the case of a determination at a hearing the Commission’s decision shall beannounced as soon as practicable thereafter and if possible at the end of thehearing and shall be confirmed in writing by the chair of the Commission to theparties (and copied to the Chair of the Judicial Panel).

W.49.

In either case, unless the parties otherwise agree, the Commission shall give its
reasons for its decision (a copy of which shall be provided to the Chair of the Judicial
Panel). In the event of a majority decision no minority or dissenting opinion shall be
produced or published.

W.52.

Where a Person or Club (or club) has been invited to address the Commission oncompensation, in accordance with Rules W.27 and W.28, the Commission may
adjourn the hearing to allow all relevant parties to make submissions, or if it considers
that it is in the interest of justice that the determination of the complaint be resolved
before the issue of compensation is addressed, direct that a further hearing takeplace on the issue of compensation after the complaint has been determined.

W.53.

A Person or Club (or club) invited to make submissions on compensation shall beentitled to be present at the hearing, but may only make submissions or advanceevidence or question witnesses if and to the extent that the chair of the Commission
gives it leave.

Commission’s Powers
W.50.

Upon finding a complaint to have been proved the Commission shall invite the
Respondent to place any mitigating factors before the Commission.

W.54.

If the Board fails to prove a complaint a Commission may order the League to pay to
the Respondent such sum by way of costs as it shall think fit.

W.51.

Having heard and considered such mitigating factors (if any) the Commission may:

W.55.

Where a Respondent Club is suspended from playing in League Matches or any
matches in competitions which form part of the Games Programme or Professional
Development Leagues (as those terms are defined in the Youth Development Rules)
under the provisions of Rule W.51.4.1, its opponents in such matches which shouldhave been played during the period of suspension, unless a Commission otherwiseorders, shall be deemed to have won them.

W.56.

Fines and costs shall be recoverable by the Board as a civil debt; compensation shall
likewise be recoverable by the Person or Club entitled to receive it.

W.57.

Fines recovered by the Board shall be used towards the operating expenses of the
League or, at the discretion of the Board, towards charitable purposes. Costs
recovered by the Board shall be used to defray the costs of the Commission.

W.51.1.

reprimand the Respondent;

W.51.2.	impose upon the Respondent a fine unlimited in amount and suspend any
part thereof;
W.51.3.	in the case of a Respondent who is a Manager, Match Official, Official orPlayer, suspend them from operating as such for such period as it shallthink fit;
W.51.4.

in the case of a Respondent which is a Club:		

W.51.4.1.	suspend it from playing in League Matches or any matches incompetitions which form part of the Games Programmes orProfessional Development Leagues (as those terms are definedin the Youth Development Rules) for such period as it thinks fit;		

W.51.4.2.	deduct points scored or to be scored in League Matches or suchother matches as are referred to in Rule W.51.4.1;

		

W.51.4.3.	recommend that the Board orders that a League Match or suchother match as is referred to in Rule W.51.4.1 be replayed; and/or		

W.51.4.4.	recommend that the League expels the Respondent frommembership in accordance with the provisions of Rule B.6;

W.51.5.	order the Respondent to pay compensation unlimited in amount to any
Person or to any Club (or club);
W.51.6.	cancel or refuse the registration of a Player registered or attempted to beregistered in contravention of these Rules;
W.51.7.	impose upon the Respondent any combination of the foregoing or suchother penalty as it shall think fit;
W.51.8.	make any such penalty conditional, including imposing the penalty unlessa defined action is taken by the Respondent within a defined period oftime;
W.51.9.	order the Respondent to pay such sum by way of costs as it shall think fit
which may include the fees and expenses of members of the Commission;
and/or
W.51.10. make such other order as it thinks fit.

273

Rules: Section W

W.48.

Section W: Disciplinary

Interim Applications
W.58.

Following a Commission being constituted in accordance with Rule W.26 (“Fully
Constituted”), the parties shall make any application for any interim measures,
relief or order that they wish to make to the Commission, which shall determine any
such applications as it sees fit with the Commission exercising the powers provided
under Rules W.51.

W.59.

In the event that a party wishes to seek any interim measures, relief or order prior to
the Commission being Fully Constituted (including without limitation, where theBoard wishes to seek compliance with and/or enforcement of a Person’s obligations
under Rules W.1 and W.16), then that party shall be entitled to seek such measures,
order or relief in accordance with the following provisions:
W.59.1.	the party seeking the interim measures, order or relief (the “Interim
Applicant“) shall serve its application on the other party and file its
application (the “Interim Application“) with the Chair of the Judicial Panel;
W.59.2.	within two clear days of being served with the Interim Application, theChair of the Judicial Panel shall appoint an individual from the Judicial
Panel to hear it (the “Interim Commission“) and require the appointed
individual to complete a statement of impartiality in such form as the Chairof the Judicial Panel shall prescribe. Where a party objects to theappointment made to the Interim Commission, it must raise such objection
within two Working Days of the appointment, which shall be resolved by
the Chair of the Judicial Panel in such manner as they think fit;

274

Section W: Disciplinary

W.59.3.1.	the extent to which there shall be oral or written evidence or
submissions; andW.59.3.2.	
whether to have an oral hearing to determine the Interim
Application, or whether to determine the Interim Application
solely on the basis of written submissions and evidence; andW.61.

AppealsW.62.

a Club (or club) or Person that wishes to challenge:
W.62.1.1.	the decision of the Board to impose a fixed penalty;
W.62.1.2.	the decision of a Commission or an Interim Commission before
which such Club or Person appeared as Respondent, including
the relief, order, measure or sanction imposed; or
W.62.1.3.	the amount of compensation (if any) which a Commission has,pursuant to Rule W.51.5, ordered either that it shall pay or thatshall be paid in its favour; or

W.62.2.

W.59.4.1.	where the respondent to the Interim Application is a Club, thesuspension of the Club’s entitlement to receive Central Funds
from the League, either: (a) for a prescribed period of time; (b)pending compliance in full with its obligations under Rules W.1
and W.16 (following which the withheld Central Funds will be
provided to the Club); and/or (c) unless prescribed actions aretaken by the Club within a prescribed period of time; and/or

the Board, where it:
W.62.2.1.	wishes to challenge a decision taken by a Commission to dismiss
a complaint;
W.62.2.2.	considers a decision on sanction imposed by a Commission to
be unduly lenient; or
W.62.2.3.	wishes to challenge a decision by an Interim Commission in
respect of an Interim Application, including the relief, order,
measure or sanction imposed,

may appeal in accordance with the provisions of these Rules against the decision,
the penalty or the amount of compensation (as appropriate).
W.63.

An appeal shall lie to an Appeal Board which shall be appointed by the Chair of the
Judicial Panel and, subject to Rule W.84, shall comprise three members of the
Appeals Panel of whom one, who shall have held judicial office, shall sit as chair of the
Appeal Board.

No Club or Person to whom the Rules apply must be able to defeat the proper investigation of potential
breaches of the Rules by refusing or delaying the answering of questions or provision of information or
documents or failing to provide full, complete and prompt assistance to the Board. In these circumstances
it is necessary that an Interim Commission is able to impose interim measures that will require and enforce
compliance with those obligations by imposing a consequence on the respondent unless and/or until
there is compliance.

W.64.

The parties to an appeal shall be:

Where an Interim Commission makes an order of the sort referred to in Rule W.59, it may (if it deems
appropriate) provide for a review date on which, if the order remains in force due to the respondent’s
ongoing non-compliance with its obligations under Rules W.1 and W.16, it can consider whether theongoing effect of the order and the length of time in which it has been in place renders it clearly
disproportionate, in which case it may be vacated.

W.65.

An appeal against the decision of the Board to impose a fixed penalty shall be inForm 23.

W.66.

An appeal against the decision of a Commission or Interim Commission shall be inForm 24.

W.67.

An appeal shall be commenced by the appellant sending or delivering to the Chair of
the Judicial Panel Form 23 or Form 24, as the case may be, so that it is received together
with a deposit of £1,000 within 14 days of the date of the decision appealed against(time being of the essence) unless a lesser period is ordered pursuant to Rule W.69.

Guidance

W.60.

275

Either:W.62.1.

W.59.4.	in determining the Interim Application, the Interim Commission shall have
all the powers set out in Rule W.51. For the avoidance of doubt, and without
prejudice to the generality of those powers, where the Interim Application
involves a request by the Board for a direction, declaration or othermeasure that a Person complies with its obligations under Rules W.1 and
W.16, and/or an order enforcing such obligations, the Interim Commission
may make the following orders, without excluding any other order that it
deems appropriate:W.59.4.2.	where the respondent to the Interim Application is an individual(whether a Manager, Official, Match Official or Director),suspension of that individual from some or all of their duties,
either: (a) for a prescribed period of time; (b) pending
compliance in full with its obligations under Rules W.1 and W.16;
and/or (c) unless prescribed actions are taken by the individual
within a prescribed period of time.

Any decision by an Interim Commission in respect of an Interim Application may be
appealed by either party, in accordance with Rule W.62, below. Where the appeal isagainst an order by an Interim Commission of the sort referred to in Rule W.59.4.1 or
W.59.4.2 that order will, save in exceptional circumstances, remain in full force andeffect pending the outcome of proceedings before the Appeal Board.

The Interim Commission shall issue its decision in writing (which may be in summary,with detailed reasons to follow) in respect of the Interim Application within 14 daysof it being served (or, where there are exceptional circumstances pursuant to Rule
W.59.3, in accordance with the directions issued by the Interim Commission).

Rules: Section W

W.59.3.	the Interim Commission shall decide all procedural and evidential mattersand shall give directions within two clear days of their appointment with aview to ensuring the resolution of the Interim Application within 14 clear
days of it being made, save in exceptional circumstances. The directions
shall include without limitation:

Section W: Disciplinary

W.64.1.

a Respondent to a complaint;

W.64.2.

a Person subject to a decision of an Interim Commission;

W.64.3.

a Person, Club or club pursuant to Rule W.62.1.3; and/or

W.64.4.

the Board.

276Section W: Disciplinary

W.69.

W.70.

W.71.

277

As soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of Form 23 or Form 24, as
appropriate, the Chair of the Judicial Panel shall appoint an Appeal Board to hear
the appeal, confirm the identities of the Appeal Board members to the parties andrequire each appointed individual to complete a statement of impartiality in suchform as the Chair of the Judicial Panel shall prescribe. Where a party objects to one
or more of the appointments made to the Appeal Board, it must raise such objection
within two Working Days of the relevant appointment(s), which shall be resolved by
the Chair of the Judicial Panel in such manner as they think fit.

Appeal Board’s Powers
W.78.

Notice of the date, time and place of the appeal hearing shall be given in writing to
the parties by the chair of the Appeal Board.

W.73.

If a party fails, refuses or is unable to attend the hearing the Appeal Board may
either adjourn it or proceed in the party’s absence.

W.74.

Except in cases in which the Appeal Board gives leave to adduce fresh evidence
pursuant to Rule W.71, an appeal shall be by way of a review of the evidence adduced
before the Commission or Interim Commission and the parties shall be entitled tomake oral representations. Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Rule, theAppeal Board shall have an overriding discretion as to the manner in which thehearing is conducted.

W.75.

The Appeal Board may permit the appellant at any time to withdraw the appeal onsuch terms as to costs and otherwise as the Appeal Board shall determine.

W.76.

The Appeal Board shall make its decision unanimously or by majority. No member ofthe Appeal Board may abstain.

W.77.

The Appeal Board’s decision shall be announced as soon as practicable after theappeal hearing and if possible at the end thereof and shall be confirmed in writingby the chair of the Appeal Board to the parties, giving reasons (with a copy provided
to the Chair of the Judicial Panel). If the decision reached by the Appeal Board wasby a majority, no minority or dissenting opinion shall be produced or published.

allow the appeal;

W.78.2.

dismiss the appeal;

W.78.4.

vary or discharge any order for compensation made by the Commission;

W.78.5.

order the deposit to be forfeited to the League or repaid to the appellant;

W.78.6.	order a party to pay or contribute to the costs of the appeal including thefees and expenses of members of the Appeal Board;
W.78.7.	remit the matter back to the Commission or Interim Commission withdirections as to its future disposal; and/or

The Appeal Board may give directions as it thinks fit for the future conduct of theappeal, addressed in writing to the parties, or require the parties to attend a
directions hearing.

W.72.

W.78.1.

W.78.3.	except in the case of a fixed penalty, vary any penalty imposed or ordermade at first instance;

The Appeal Board (or the Chair of the Judicial Panel if an Appeal Board has not yet
been fully constituted) shall have the power to abridge the time period set out in
Rule W.67 if there is a compelling reason why the proceedings before the Appeal
Board need to be concluded expeditiously.

Any party to an appeal may apply for permission to adduce evidence that was not
adduced before the Commission or Interim Commission that heard the complaint orInterim Application (as appropriate). Such permission shall only be granted if it canbe shown that the evidence was not available to the party and could not have beenobtained by such party with reasonable diligence, at the time at which theCommission or Interim Commission heard the complaint or Interim Application (asappropriate).

Upon the hearing of an appeal, an Appeal Board may:

Rules: Section W

W.68.

Section W: Disciplinary

W.78.8.
W.79.

make such other order as it thinks fit.

Subject to the provisions of Section X (Arbitration) of these Rules, the decision of an
Appeal Board shall be final.

Admissibility of Evidence
W.80.

In the exercise of their powers under this Section of these Rules, a Commission or an
Appeal Board shall not be bound by judicial rules governing the admissibility ofevidence. Instead, facts relating to a breach of these Rules may be established byany reliable means.

Legal Representation
W.81.

The parties to proceedings before a Commission or an Appeal Board shall beentitled to be represented by a solicitor or counsel provided that they shall havegiven to the other party and to the chair of the Commission or of the Appeal Board
as the case may be 14 days’ prior written notice to that effect identifying the solicitor
or counsel instructed. In relation to proceedings before an Interim Commission, if
there is to be an oral hearing, the parties shall notify one another and the Interim
Commission of their intention to instruct a solicitor or counsel and their identity nolater than two clear days before that hearing.

Publication
W.82.

All proceedings convened under this Section W shall be confidential and heard inprivate, save as follows:
W.82.1.	where a suspected or alleged breach of the Rules has been referred to a
Commission pursuant to Rule W.3.4, the Board will confirm the same inpublic, providing details of the Person suspected or alleged to be in breachand the Rule(s) suspected or alleged to have been breached;
W.82.2.	final awards of any Commission, Interim Commission or Appeal Board shallbe confirmed publicly and published on the League’s website;
W.82.3.	a Sanction Agreement that includes either: (a) a fine in excess of £100,000;or (b) a ‘sporting sanction’ of any kind, shall be confirmed publicly andpublished on the League’s website; and278

Section W: Disciplinary

W.83.

All Clubs and Persons bound by these Rules (and any Person required to observe
these Rules as a result of any obligation whether to the League or to any third party)
shall be deemed to have provided their full and irrevocable consent to publication of
the details, awards and Sanction Agreements referred to in Rule W.82, above(including details of any submissions, oral or written statements or other evidence
adduced in the proceedings to which those documents relate), save that such Clubsand Persons may apply to the Board and/or the body that has handed down theaward to request the redaction of any information that is either: (a) medicallysensitive; or (b) confidential in relation to safeguarding. For this purpose, reasonableprior notice of the date of publication of any award (and its contents) or Sanction
Agreement, in accordance with Rules W.82.2 or W.82.3, must be provided to theparties.

Rules: Section W

W.82.4.	at the conclusion of each Season, the Board will present to Clubs at thesubsequent annual general meeting a summary of all disciplinary action
taken pursuant to this Section W in the preceding 12 months, including (ineach case) details of the respondent, the Rule(s) breached and thesanction(s) imposed.

Section W: Disciplinary

Ad Hoc Appointments
W.84.

279

Notwithstanding Rules W.19 to W.21 and W.63 and any other Rules to the contrary,
the Chair of the Judicial Panel may, in their absolute discretion, when appointing
Commissions, Appeal Boards, tribunals and otherwise, as provided for in the Rules,
appoint on an ad hoc basis individuals who are not members of the Judicial Panelbut whom they consider would be suitable for the particular appointment (and forthe period of their temporary appointment each such person will be considered amember of the Judicial Panel). It is anticipated that the Chair of the Judicial Panel will
exercise this power only in exceptional circumstances.

280

Disciplinary and Dispute Resolution
Section X : Arbitration

X.1.

X.5.

X.5.1.

In this Section of these Rules:

X.1.2.

“party” means a party to the arbitration;“the tribunal” means the arbitral tribunal; andX.1.4.

“the chair” means the chair of the tribunal.

Membership of the League shall constitute an agreement in writing between the
League and each Club, between the League and each Director of each Club andbetween each Club for the purposes of section 5 of the Act in the following terms:
X.2.1.	to submit all disputes which arise between them (including in the case of a
Relegated Club any dispute between it and a Club or the League, thecause of action of which arose while the Relegated Club was a member ofthe League), whether arising out of these Rules or otherwise, to final andbinding arbitration in accordance with the provisions of the Act and thisSection of these Rules;
X.2.2.

X.3.

X.6.

was contrary to English law, and

A Person who is not a party to a Disciplinary Dispute or a Board Dispute may notinvoke these arbitration provisions in respect of such a dispute, unless that party canshow that they are sufficiently affected by the outcome of the dispute that it is rightand proper for them to have standing before the tribunal.

Commencement of the Arbitration
X.7.

that the seat of each such arbitration shall be in England and Wales;

An arbitration shall be deemed to have commenced (and for the purpose of Rule X.2
a dispute shall be deemed to have arisen) upon the party requesting an arbitration
serving upon the other party (and copied to the Board) a request in Form 25.

X.2.3.	that the issues in each such arbitration shall be decided in accordancewith English law; andAppointing the Arbitrators

X.2.4.	that no other system or mode of arbitration will be invoked to resolve any
such dispute.

X.8.

Subject to Rule X.13, the tribunal shall comprise three Suitably Qualified Persons (asdefined in Rule X.10) and there shall be no umpire.

Disputes subject to arbitration under this Section X will be deemed to fall into one ofthree categories, being:

X.9.

Within 14 days of the party requesting an arbitration serving upon the other party(and copied to the Board) the Form 25 pursuant to Rule X.7, each party shall by
notice in Form 26 addressed to the other party (and copied to the Board) appoint
one Suitably Qualified Person (as defined in Rule X.10) to act as an arbitrator in thearbitration requested. And within 14 days of their appointment (i.e. of the date of thesecond appointee being appointed) the two arbitrators so appointed shall appoint
another Suitably Qualified Person (as defined in Rule X.10) as the third arbitrator
who shall sit as chair. If the two arbitrators so appointed fail to agree on theappointment of the third arbitrator the Board (or The Football Association if the
League is a party) shall make the appointment giving notice in writing to that effectto each party.

X.10.

A Suitably Qualified Person for the purposes of this Section X shall be any individual
who is both:

X.3.2.	
disputes arising from the exercise of the Board’s discretion (“Board
Disputes”); andX.3.3.

other disputes arising from these Rules or otherwise.

In the case of a Disciplinary Dispute, the only grounds for review of a decision of aCommission or Appeal Board by way of arbitration under this Section X shall be thatthe decision was:
X.4.1.

reached outside of the jurisdiction of the body that made the decision;

X.4.2.

reached as a result of fraud, malice or bad faith;

X.10.1.	a solicitor of no less than 10 years’ admission or a barrister of no less than
10 years’ call; andX.4.3.	reached as a result of procedural errors so great that the rights of theapplicant have been clearly and substantially prejudiced;
X.4.4.

X.10.2.	independent of the party appointing them and able to render an impartial
decision.

reached as a result of a perverse interpretation of the law; or

X.4.5.	one which could not reasonably have been reached by any Commission or
Appeal Board which had applied its mind properly to the facts of the case.

281

was reached as a result of fraud, malice or bad faith; or

X.5.4.

Standing

X.3.1.	disputes arising from decisions of Commissions or Appeal Boards madepursuant to Rules W.1 to W.84 (Disciplinary) of these Rules (“Disciplinary
Disputes”);

X.4.

X.5.3.

directly and foreseeably prejudices the interests of a Person or Persons who were in
the contemplation of the Board at the time that the decision was made as being
directly affected by it and who suffer loss as a result of that decision.

Agreement to Arbitrate
X.2.

was reached outside the jurisdiction of the Board;

X.5.2.	could not have been reached by any reasonable Board which had applied
its mind properly to the issues to be decided;

X.1.1.	“ the Act” means the Arbitration Act 1996 or any re-enactment oramendment thereof for the time being in force;
X.1.3.

In the case of a Board Dispute, the only grounds for review shall be that the decision:

Rules: Section X

Definitions

Section X: Arbitration

X.11.

If a party refuses or fails to appoint an arbitrator when it is obliged to do so inaccordance with these Rules the Board (or The Football Association if the League isa party) shall make the appointment giving notice in writing to that effect to eachparty.

282

Section X: Arbitration

Upon appointment all arbitrators must sign a statement of impartiality. Any
arbitrator not signing such a statement within seven days of appointment may not
act and the party appointing them must nominate another arbitrator within sevendays subject to the provisions in Rules X.8 to X.11.

Appointing a Single Arbitrator
X.13.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule X.8, the parties shall be at liberty to appointa single arbitrator (who must be a Suitably Qualified Person) in which case:
X.13.1.

X.18.6.

The Tribunal’s General Powers
X.19.

X.19.2.	give directions in relation to the preservation, custody, detention,
inspection or photographing of property owned by or in the possession ofa party to the proceedings;
X.19.3.	give directions as to the preservation of evidence in the custody or control
of a party;

Replacing an Arbitrator

X.19.4.

If following their appointment an arbitrator refuses to act, becomes incapable ofacting, is removed by order of a competent court or dies, the Board (or The Football
Association if the League is a party) shall appoint a replacement arbitrator (whomust be a Suitably Qualified Person) to replace them.

X.19.6.	require exchange of witness statements and any expert’s reports;
X.19.7.

Such communications addressed by the arbitrators to one party shall be copied tothe other and to the Board.

X.17.

Any communication sent by either party to the arbitrators shall be addressed to thechair and shall be copied to the other party and the Board.

X.19.9.

X.19.11.	
require the parties to attend such procedural meetings as it deems
necessary to identify or clarify the issues to be decided and the procedures
to be adopted; andX.19.12.	give such other lawful directions as it shall deem necessary to ensure thejust, expeditious, economical and final determination of the dispute.

The chair of the tribunal shall decide all procedural and evidential matters and forthat purpose within 14 days of their appointment they shall either give directions forthe conduct of the arbitration addressed in writing to each party or serve on eachparty Form 28 requiring their attendance at a preliminary meeting at which they will
give directions. In either case the directions shall address without limitation:
X.18.1.	where appropriate, whether the proceedings should be stayed to permit
the parties to explore whether the dispute may be resolved by way of
mediation;
X.18.2.	whether and if so in what form and when statements of claim and defence
are to be served;
X.18.3.	whether and if so to what extent discovery of documents between theparties is necessary;
X.18.4.	
whether strict rules of evidence will apply and how the admissibility,
relevance or weight of any material submitted by the parties on matters offact or opinion shall be determined;
X.18.5.	whether and if so to what extent there shall be oral or written evidence or
submissions;283

order that a transcript be taken of the proceedings;

X.19.10.	extend or abbreviate any time limits provided by this Section of theseRules or by its directions;

Directions
X.18.

appoint one or more experts to report to it on specific issues;

X.19.8.	require a party to give any such expert any relevant information or to
produce or provide access to any relevant documents or property;

All communications sent in the course of the arbitration by the arbitrators shall besigned on their behalf by the chair.

X.16.

direct that a witness be examined on oath;

X.19.5.	require each party to give notice of the identity of witnesses it intends tocall;Communications
X.15.

The chair of the tribunal shall have power to:
X.19.1.	allow either party upon such terms (as to costs and otherwise) as it shallthink fit to amend any statement of claim and defence;

Form 27 shall be substituted for Form 26; andX.13.2.	this Section of these Rules shall be interpreted on the basis that thetribunal comprises a single arbitrator who shall undertake the duties of
the chair.

X.14.

whether expert evidence is required; andX.18.7.	whether and if so to what extent the tribunal shall itself take the initiativein ascertaining the facts and the law.

Rules: Section X

X.12.

Section X: Arbitration

Duty of the Parties
X.20.

The parties shall do all things necessary for the proper and expeditious conduct of
the arbitration and shall comply without delay with any direction of the chair of thetribunal as to procedural or evidential matters.

Default of the Parties
X.21.

If either party is in breach of Rule X.20 the tribunal shall have power to:
X.21.1.

make peremptory orders prescribing a time for compliance;

X.21.2.	make orders against a party which fails to comply with a peremptoryorder;
X.21.3.	
dismiss a claim for want of prosecution in the event of inordinate or
inexcusable delay by a party which appears likely to give rise to a
substantial risk that it will not be possible to have a fair resolution of theissues or will cause serious prejudice to the other party; and/or
X.21.4.	debar that party from further participation and proceed with thearbitration and make an award but only after giving that party written
notice of its intention to do so.

284Section X: Arbitration

X.31.

X.22.

The chair shall fix the date, time and place of the arbitration hearing and shall givethe parties reasonable notice thereof. A representative of the Board shall be entitled
to attend the hearing as an observer.

X.23.

At or before the hearing the chair shall determine the order in which the parties shallpresent their cases.

X.24.

Any witness who gives oral evidence may be questioned by the representative ofeach party and by each of the arbitrators.

X.25.

The proceedings of an arbitration convened under this Section X shall be confidential
and shall be conducted in private.

Costs
X.32.

Until they are paid in full, the parties shall be jointly and severally liable to meet thearbitrators’ fees and expenses, the total amount of which shall be specified in theaward.

X.33.

The tribunal shall award costs on the general principle that costs should follow theevent except where it appears to the tribunal that in the circumstances this is not
appropriate in relation to the whole or part of the costs.

X.34.

The party in favour of which an order for costs is made shall be allowed, subject toRule X.35, a reasonable amount in respect of all costs reasonably incurred, any
doubt as to reasonableness being resolved in favour of the paying party.

X.35.

In appropriate cases the tribunal may award costs on an indemnity basis.

X.36.

The chair shall have power to tax, assess or determine the costs if requested to do soby either party.

Remedies
X.26.

The tribunal shall have power to:
X.26.1.	
determine any question of law or fact arising in the course of thearbitration;
X.26.2.

determine any question as to its own jurisdiction;

X.26.3.

make a declaration as to any matter to be determined in the proceedings;

X.26.4.

order the payment of a sum of money;

X.26.5.

award simple or compound interest;

X.26.6.

order a party to do or refrain from doing anything;

X.26.7.	order specific performance of a contract (other than a contract relating toland); and/or

Challenging the Award
X.37.

X.26.8.	order the rectification, setting aside or cancellation of a deed or otherdocument.

Majority Decision
X.27.

If the arbitrators fail to agree on any issue they shall decide by a majority and amajority decision shall be binding on all of them. No dissenting judgment shall be
produced.

Provisional Awards
X.28.

The tribunal shall have power to make provisional awards during the proceedings
including, without limitation, requiring a party to make an interim payment on
account of the claim or the costs of the arbitration. Any such provisional award shallbe taken into account when the final award is made.

The Award285

The award shall be in writing and shall contain reasons for the tribunal’s decision. A
copy of it shall be provided to the Board and to the Chair of the Judicial Panel. Where
the award contains decisions on points of law or interpretation that the Chair of the
Judicial Panel considers to be of wider application or use to the Board and Clubs, withthe agreement of the parties to the arbitration, they may produce and circulate to
the Board (for distribution to Clubs) an anonymised summary of the award.

Rules: Section X

The Hearing

Section X: Arbitration

Subject to the provisions of sections 67 to 71 of the Act, the award shall be final andbinding on the parties and there shall be no right of appeal. There shall be no rightof appeal on a point of law under section 69 of the Act. In the event that a party toarbitration under this Section X challenges the award, whether in the English High
Court or any other forum, it shall ensure that the League is provided with a copy of
any written pleadings filed and/or evidence adduced as soon as reasonably
practicable after their/its filing.

Representation
X.38.

A party may be represented before a tribunal by a solicitor or counsel provided that
14 days’ prior written notice to that effect identifying the solicitor or counsel
instructed is given to the other party and to the chair.

X.39.

A Club which is a party may be represented before a tribunal by one of its Officials.
An Official shall not be prevented from representing their Club because they are or
may be a witness in the proceedings.

WaiverX.29.

If before the award is made the parties agree on a settlement of the dispute thetribunal shall record the settlement in the form of a consent award.

X.30.

The tribunal may make more than one award at different times on different aspectsof the matters in dispute.

X.40.

A party which is aware of non-compliance with this Section of these Rules and yetproceeds with the arbitration without promptly stating its objection to such noncompliance to the chair shall be deemed to have waived its right to object.

286

Disciplinary and Dispute Resolution
Section Y: Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal

Y.1.

Any dispute arising between the parties to a Manager’s contract of employment
shall be determined by the Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal (in this Section of theseRules referred to as ”the Tribunal”).

Y.10.

All communications sent in the course of the arbitration by the Tribunal shall besigned on its behalf by its chair.

Y.11.

Such communications addressed by the Tribunal to one party shall be copied to theother and to the Board.

Y.2.

The seat of each arbitration conducted by the Tribunal shall be in England andWales. Each such arbitration shall be decided in accordance with English law.

Y.12.

Any communications sent by either party to the Tribunal shall be addressed to its
chair and shall be copied to the other party and to the Board.

Y.3.

Such an arbitration shall be deemed to have commenced upon the party requesting
it serving on the other party a request in Form 25.

Y.13.

The chair of the Tribunal shall decide all procedural and evidential matters and forthat purpose within 14 days of their appointment they shall serve on each party
Form 28 requiring their attendance at a preliminary meeting at which they will give
directions including, but not limited to, those set out in Rule X.18.

Y.14.

The chair of the Tribunal shall have the powers set out in Rule X.19.

Y.15.

The parties shall do all things necessary for the proper and expeditious conduct of
the arbitration and shall comply without delay with any direction of the chair of the
Tribunal as to procedural or evidential matters.

Y.16.

If either party is in breach of Rule Y.15 the Tribunal shall have power to:

Guidance
Parties to such disputes are encouraged to seek resolution without recourse to arbitration through, forexample, a pre-action meeting to discuss the matter, prior to issuing a Form 25.

Y.4.

The party requesting such an arbitration shall send a copy of Form 25 together witha deposit of £5,000 to the Board. That party will also send a copy of the Form 25 to
the Chair of the Judicial Panel who shall forthwith send to each party particulars of
those individuals who are members of the Judicial Panel and noting which of themembers are eligible to sit as chair of the Tribunal.

Y.16.1.
Y.5.

Y.6.

make peremptory orders prescribing a time for compliance;

The Tribunal shall ordinarily comprise three members of the Judicial Panel (one ofwhom is eligible to sit as chair of the Tribunal) and there shall be no umpire. However,the parties are at liberty to agree that the matter be resolved by a single eligible
member of the Judicial Panel, in which case this Section of the Rules shall beinterpreted on the basis that the Tribunal consists of a single arbitrator (an eligible
member of the Judicial Panel) who shall undertake the duties of the chair.

Y.16.2.	make orders against a party which fails to comply with a peremptoryorder;

Within 14 days of service of the Chair of the Judicial Panel sending particulars ofmembers of the Judicial Panel pursuant to Rule Y.4, each party shall by notice in Form
26 addressed to the Board (copied to the Chair of the Judicial Panel) appoint one
eligible Judicial Panel member to act as an arbitrator in the arbitration requested,save where a single arbitrator is agreed pursuant to Rule Y.5, in which case theparties shall jointly confirm their identity to the Board (and the Chair of the Judicial
Panel) in writing.

Y.16.4.	debar that party from further participation and proceed with thearbitration and make an award but only after giving that party written
notice of its intention to do so.

Y.7.

If a party refuses or fails to appoint an arbitrator in accordance with Rule Y.6 the
Chair of the Judicial Panel shall make the appointment giving notice in writing tothat effect to each party (copied to the Board).

Y.8.

Within 14 days of their appointment the two arbitrators so appointed shall appointa third arbitrator who shall be an eligible legally qualified member of the Judicial
Panel and who shall sit as chair of the Tribunal. If the two arbitrators so appointed
fail to agree on the appointment of the third arbitrator the Chair of the Judicial
Panel shall make the appointment giving notice in writing to that effect to eachparty (copied to the Board).

Rules: Section Y

Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal

Section Y: Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal

Y.16.3.	
dismiss a claim for want of prosecution in the event of inordinate or
inexcusable delay by a party which appears likely to give rise to a
substantial risk that it will not be possible to have a fair resolution of theissues or will cause serious prejudice to the other party; and/or

Y.17.

The chair of the Tribunal shall fix the date, time and place of the arbitration hearing
and shall give the parties reasonable notice thereof. A representative of the Board
shall be permitted to attend the hearing as an observer. In order to allow the parties
time in which to fulfil their obligation to attempt to reach a settlement of the disputeby mediation, the hearing shall not take place before the expiry of 42 days from thedeemed commencement of the arbitration.

Guidance

Y.9.

287

If following their appointment an arbitrator refuses to act, becomes incapable ofacting, is removed by order of a competent court or dies, the Chair of the Judicial
Panel shall appoint a member of the Judicial Panel to replace them (and provide
notice of that appointment to the Board).

Where the parties engage in mediation, each party should ensure that they are represented in person atsuch mediation by an individual with sufficient authority to reach a resolution of the dispute.

Y.18.

At or before the hearing the chair of the Tribunal shall determine the order in which
the parties shall present their cases.

Y.19.

Any witness who gives oral evidence may be questioned by the representative ofeach party and by each of the arbitrators.

288

Section Y: Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal

Except for the power to order specific performance of a contract, the Tribunal shallhave the powers set out in Rule X.26 together with the following additional powers:
Y.20.1.	to order the cancellation of the registration of the Manager’s contract of
employment;
Y.20.2.	to order that the deposit be forfeited by or returned to the party paying it;
and/or
Y.20.3.

289

Rules: Section Y

Y.20.

Section Y: Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal

to make such other order as it thinks fit.

Y.21.

The provisions of Rules X.27 to X.40 inclusive, substituting “Tribunal” for “tribunal” and“chair of the Tribunal” for “chair”, shall apply to proceedings of the Tribunal. In
exercising its power to award costs the Tribunal shall have regard to the extent towhich each of the parties fulfilled their obligation to attempt to reach a settlementof the dispute by mediation.

Y.22.

The proceedings of an arbitration convened under this Section Y shall be confidential
and shall be conducted in private.

290

Disciplinary and Dispute Resolution
Section Z: Premier League Appeals Committee

Section Z: Premier League Appeals Committee

Z.1.

The Premier League Appeals Committee (hereafter in this Section of these Rules
called “the Committee”) shall determine the following matters:
Z.1.1.	an appeal by a Club or an Academy Player under the provisions of Youth
Development Rule 313;

Z.7.

Z.1.2.	an appeal by a Club or a Contract Player under the provisions of Rule T.17.3
against a decision of the Board regarding payment of the balance of a
Signing-on Fee to the Contract Player;
Z.1.3.	an appeal by a Club or a Contract Player under the provisions of Rule T.36
against a decision of the Chair of the Judicial Panel (or their appointee(s),as appropriate), given under either Rule T.30 or Rule T.31; andZ.1.4.	an application by a Club under the provisions of Rule V.24 that payments
to an Out of Contract Player may cease without affecting the Club’s
entitlement to a Compensation Fee.

Composition of the Committee
Z.2.

Z.4.

Z.5.

If following their appointment any other member of the Committee is unable to act
or to continue acting, their appointer may appoint a replacement so that thecomposition of the Committee is maintained as provided in Rule Z.2.
If the members of the Committee fail to agree on any issue, they shall decide by amajority.

291

Z.6.1.

in an appeal under Rule Z.1.1, Z.1.2 or Z.1.3:
Z.6.1.1.

		

Z.6.1.2.	the respondent Contract Player or Club;

Z.6.2.

in the determination of a dispute under Rule Z.1.3:

		

Z.6.2.1.

the applicant Club or Player; and		

Z.6.2.2.

the respondent Player or Club; andProceedings shall be commenced by an application in writing to the Chair of the
Judicial Panel (copied to the Board) identifying:
Z.7.1.

the respondent;

Z.7.2.

the Rule under the provisions of which the appeal or application is made;Z.7.3.

the nature of the appeal or application and the facts surrounding it;

Z.7.4.

the remedy or relief sought; andZ.7.5.

any documents relied upon, copies of which shall be annexed.

Z.9.1.	procure that for the purpose of determining the application the Committee
is composed in accordance with Rule Z.2;
Z.9.2.	send a copy of the application and any documents annexed to it to thechair and members of the Committee; andZ.9.3.	send a copy of the same by recorded delivery post to the respondent(copied to the Board).
Z.10.

Within 14 days of receipt of the copy application the respondent shall send to the
Chair of the Judicial Panel (copied to the Board) by recorded delivery post a written
response to the application, annexing thereto copies of any documents relied upon.

Z.11.

Upon receipt of the response the Chair of the Judicial Panel shall send a copy thereof
together with a copy of any document annexed to:Z.11.1.

the chair and members of the Committee; andZ.11.2.

the party making the application.

Z.12.

The chair of the Committee may give directions as they think fit for the future
conduct of the proceedings addressed in writing to the parties with which theparties shall comply without delay.

Z.13.

The Committee by its chair shall have power to summon any Person to attend thehearing of the proceedings to give evidence and to produce documents and any
Person who is bound by these Rules and who, having been summoned, fails to attend
or to give evidence or to produce documents shall be in breach of these Rules.

Z.14.

The Chair of the Judicial Panel shall make all necessary arrangements for the hearingof the proceedings and shall give written notice of the date, time and place thereof
to the parties.

Z.15.

If a party to the proceedings fails to attend the hearing the Committee may either
adjourn it or proceed in their absence.

Z.16.

The chair of the Committee shall have an overriding discretion as to the manner inwhich the hearing of the proceedings shall be conducted.

The parties to proceedings before the Committee shall be:		

the respondent Out of Contract Player.

Upon receipt of an application the Chair of the Judicial Panel shall:Committee Procedures
Z.6.

the applicant Club; andZ.6.3.2.

Z.9.

Z.2.2.	a member of the Judicial Panel appointed by the Chair of the Judicial
Panel; andIf the chair of the Committee is unable to act or to continue acting as such in thedetermination of any matter, the Chair of the Judicial Panel shall appoint in theirstead a member of the Judicial Panel who holds or has held judicial office.

Z.6.3.1.

		

Except in the case of an application made by an Academy Player, an application
made under the provisions of Rule Z.7 shall be accompanied by a deposit of £1,000.

Z.2.1.	an independent chair who holds or has held judicial office and who, withthe prior approval of the Professional Footballers’ Association, shall be
appointed by the Board in such terms as it thinks fit;

Z.3.

in an application under Rule Z.1.4:

		

Z.8.

The Committee shall be composed of:

Z.2.3.	an appointee of the Professional Footballers’ Association provided that incases where an officer or employee of that body is appearing before theCommittee representing a party to the proceedings then the appointee
shall not be an officer or employee of that body.

Z.6.3.

Rules: Section Z

Jurisdiction

the appellant Club or Contract Player; and292

Section Z: Premier League Appeals Committee

The Committee shall not be bound by any enactment or rule of law relating to theadmissibility of evidence in proceedings before a court of law.

Z.18.

The hearing shall be conducted in private.

Z.19.

Each party shall be entitled to be represented at the hearing by a solicitor or counsel
provided that they shall have given to the other party and to the chair of theCommittee 14 days’ prior written notice to that effect.

Z.20.

The Committee’s decision shall be announced as soon as practicable and if possibleat the end of the hearing and shall be confirmed in writing to the parties (with a copy
to the Board and the Chair of the Judicial Panel).

Z.21.

The Committee shall give reasons for its decision.

Z.22.

The decision of the Committee shall be final and binding.

Rules: Section Z

Z.17.

Section Z: Premier League Appeals Committee

Fees and Expenses
Z.23.

The chair and members of the Committee shall be entitled to receive from the
League a reasonable sum by way of fees and expenses.

Committee’s Powers
Z.24.

Upon determining an application made in accordance with the provisions of thisSection of these Rules, the Committee may:Z.24.1.	order the deposit required by Rule Z.8 to be forfeited to the League or
repaid to the applicant;Z.24.2.	order either party to pay to the other such sum by way of costs as it shallthink fit which may include the fees and expenses of the chair and membersof the Committee paid or payable under Rule Z.23; and/or
Z.24.3.

Z.25.

293

make such other order as it shall think fit.

The proceedings of an appeal convened under this Section Z shall be confidential
and shall be conducted in private.

294

Premier
LeagueForms

Premier League

Form 1

List of Authorised Signatories of ............................................. Football Club

Premier League

Form 2

Notification of Club Bank Account (Rule E.2)

(Rule A.1.27)

To:

The Board
The Premier League

We confirm on behalf of the board of …………………………....................................... Football Clubthat the following bank account is the Club’s bank account for the purposes of Rule E.2:

The following Officials of the Club are Authorised Signatories:
Print Name

Position

Signature

The Board
The Premier League

Limit of Authority*(if any)

Premier League Forms

To:

Name of bank …………………………………………………………….........................
Name of account holder ……………………………………………………………....
Title of account ……………………………………………………………......................
Sort code ……………………………………………………………..................................
Account number ……………………………………………………………....................

Signed by a Director of the Club ………………………………………………….
			

Date ………………………………………………….

Signed by a Director of the Club ………………………………………………….
			

Date ………………………………………………….

* In particular, please indicate if the individual is an Authorised Signatory for the purposesof an application for a UEFA Club Licence.
Signed ……………………………................. Position …………………………… Date ………………………......................
297

298

Premier League

Form 3

Appeal Under Rule E.36

Premier League

Form 3A

Calculation of Aggregated Adjusted Earnings Before Tax(Rule E.47.3)

The Board 					Date: .........................................
The Premier League

We, [insert name of Club] ......................................................... (the “Club”) hereby appeal
against the deduction of nine points notified to us by the Board on [date] ..............................
on the ground that the Event of Insolvency was caused by and resulted directly fromcircumstances, other than normal business risks, over which the Club could not reasonably
be expected to have had control and its Officials had used all due diligence to avoid thehappening of such circumstances.

Reporting Period: 36 months ending on ………………………... 20……...
T-2

T-1

T

Total

£

£

£

£

Actual / forecast profit / loss before tax
Add back:

Premier League Forms

To:

Depreciation / impairment of tangible fixed assets
Amortisation or impairment of goodwill and otherintangible assets (excluding amortisation of the costs ofplayers’ registrations)
Youth Development Expenditure

Brief details of the circumstances that led to the Event of Insolvency are set out on theattached sheet(s).

Women’s Football Expenditure
Community Development Expenditure

A deposit of £1,000 is enclosed.

Signed ……………………………………………………………………………………..
Position …………………………………………………………………………………...

Adjusted Earnings Before Tax

Statement on behalf of the Board of Directors of the ClubOn behalf of the board of directors of …………………………………….. Football Club, I confirm in
respect of the [Club’s] OR [the Group’s (of which the Club is a member)] accounting periodof 36 months ended on ……………………… 20…......... that [with the exception(s) noted below]:
1.	The above calculation of Adjusted Earnings Before Tax has been prepared inaccordance with the Rules of the Premier League.
2.	Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 1 above, the estimated figures
for T in the above calculation have been prepared:
2.1	in all material respects in a format similar to the Club’s Annual Accounts; and2.2	are based on the latest information available to the Club and are, to thebest of the Club’s knowledge and belief, an accurate estimate as at the timeof preparation of future financial performance.
[The exception(s) referred to above is/are as follows: …………………………………………......................]For and on behalf of the board of directors of ……….……………………………………….. Football Club
Signed ……………………………............... Name ……………………….......... Position ………………………................
To be signed by a director of the Club whose particulars are registered under theprovisions section 162 of the Companies Act 2006.
Date ..........................….......................

299

300

Premier League

Form 4A

Owners’ and Directors’ Declaration

Form 4A

Owners’ and Directors’ Declaration For Individual Directors(Rules A.1.79, F.3, F.4 and F.5)
The Board
The Premier LeagueI, (full name)......................................................................................................................................................of..........................................................................................................................(post code) ................................
hereby declare that:
1.	By signing and dating this declaration, I acknowledge and agree to be bound by
the Premier League Rules (“Rules”) and agree to submit all disputes of whatevernature with the Premier League to arbitration in accordance with Section X(Arbitration) of the Rules. I further acknowledge and agree that, as a Director, I
am/will become* a “Participant” as that term is defined in The Football Association
Rules and, as such, will be bound by them;
2.	I am/propose to become* a Director (as defined at Rule A.1.80) of [INSERT NAME
OF CLUB] ...............................(“the Club”);
3.

I am/am not* a Person having Control over the Club for the purposes of the Rules;

4.	I have/have not* been found by a Commission to have acted in breach of Rules
B.24, or L.9;
5.	I have/have not* accepted a sanction proposed by the Board pursuant to Rule
W.3.7 that I should be disqualified from acting as a Director of the Club, as a resultof a breach of Rules B.24, or L.9;
6.	I am/am not* either directly or indirectly involved in or have power to determine or
influence the management or administration of another Club or Football League club;7.	I hold/do not hold* either directly or indirectly a Significant Interest in a Club while
either directly or indirectly holding an interest in any class of Shares of another Club;
8.	I hold/do not hold* either directly or indirectly a Significant Interest in a club (andin this Declaration 8, Significant Interest shall be construed as if references to ‘theClub’ in that definition at Rule A.1.225, were references to ‘the club’).
9.

I am/am not* prohibited by law from being a director as set out in Rule F.1.6;

10.	
I have/have* not been subject to two disqualifications, suspensions or likesanctions for any of the matters set out in Rule F.1.7, irrespective of whether any
such disqualification, suspension or like sanction is current or not;301

11.	I have/have not* been Convicted of an offence as set out in Premier League Rule F.1.8;
12.	I have/have not* engaged in conduct outside the United Kingdom that would constitutean offence of the sort described in Rules F.1.8.2 or F.1.8.3 if such conduct had taken placein the United Kingdom, whether or not such conduct resulted in a Conviction;
13.	I have/have not* received two or more Convictions for any of the matters set out in
Rule F.1.8, irrespective of whether such Convictions are Spent Convictions or not;Premier League Forms

To:

14.	I am/am not* the subject of any of the arrangements, orders, schemes, plans orprovisions set out in Rule F.1.12;
15.	I have/have not* been subject to two or more arrangements, orders, schemes, plansor provisions in respect of any of the matters set out in Rule F.1.12, irrespective ofwhether any arrangement, order, scheme, plan or provision is current or not;16.	I have/have not* been a Director of a Club or club which, while I have been a
Director of it, suffered two or more unconnected Events of Insolvency (and in thisDeclaration 16 the definitions of Director at Rule A.1.80 and Events of Insolvency at
Rule A.1.90 shall be deemed to apply to clubs in the same way as to Clubs);
17.	I have/have not* been a Director of two or more Clubs or clubs each of which, while
I have been a Director of them, has suffered an Event of Insolvency (and in thisDeclaration 17 the definitions of Director at Rule A.1.80 and Events of Insolvency at
Rule A.1.90 shall be deemed to apply to clubs in the same way as to Clubs);
18.	I have/have not* been in an equivalent role to that of a Director in at least
two Entities that have each been subject to or suffered unconnected Events ofInsolvency, which have occurred in the immediately preceding ten years following
my ceasing to act in that capacity, or within one year thereafter;
19.	I have/have not* been in an equivalent role to that of a Director in an Entity thathas been subject to or suffered two or more unconnected Events of Insolvency,
which have occurred in the immediately preceding ten years following my ceasing
to act in that capacity, or within one year thereafter;
20.	I am/am not* subject to any unsatisfied judgment or order for payment of any
monetary amount;302

Owners’ and Directors’ Declaration

Form 4A

Owners’ and Directors’ Declaration

Form 4A

30.	I am/am not* an Intermediary and/or registered as an intermediary or agent
pursuant to the regulations of any national member association of FIFA;

22.	I am/am not* subject to any form of suspension, disqualification or striking-off by aprofessional body as set out in Rule F.1.19;

31.

23.	I am/am not* subject to a suspension, ban or other form of disqualification by anyof the bodies as set out in Rule F.1.20;
24.	I have/have not* been subject to two or more suspensions, bans, disqualifications
or strikings-off as set out in Rules F.1.18 to F.1.20, irrespective of whether they are
current or not;25.	I have/have not* been removed from acting as a trustee of a pension scheme by
the Pensions Regulator or a court, or otherwise seriously contravened the pensions
regulatory system (whether in the United Kingdom or by any equivalent body or
court of competent jurisdiction anywhere in the world);
26.	I have/have not* been a Director or Relevant Signatory of a Club or club (and in thisDeclaration 26 the definitions of Director at Rule A.1.80 and Relevant Signatory at
Rule A.1.209 shall be construed as if references to a ‘Club’ in that definition includesa ‘club’) that has been expelled from either the League, the EFL, the National
League, Isthmian League, Northern Premier League, Southern Football League,
the FA Women’s Super League or the FA Women’s Championship whilst I was a
Director or Relevant Signatory of that Club or club or in the 30 days immediately
following my departure from the Club or club;
27.	I have/have not* been in an equivalent role to that of a Director or Relevant
Signatory at any club or team in any other sport which, pursuant to the rules of
the relevant sports governing body, has been removed (other than by way ofrelegation on sporting merit after completion of a full season) from the applicable
league or competition whilst they were in that role (or in the one year immediately
following their departure from that role);
28.	I am/am not* required to notify personal information pursuant to Part 2 of theSexual Offences Act 2003;
29.	I have/have not* been found to have breached any of the rules set out in Rule F.1.26;

I am/am not* a UK Sanctions Restricted Person;

32.	I have provided to the Board of the Premier League all information relevant to its
assessment of my compliance with Rule F.1;

Premier League Forms

21.	I am/am not* subject to a suspension or ban from involvement in the administrationof a sport as set out in Rule F.1.18;

33.	I have not provided any false, misleading or inaccurate information to the Board of
the Premier League relating to my compliance with Rule F.1;
34.	I have been provided by the Club with a list of all Directors of the Club and confirm
that, to the best of my knowledge, this is a complete and accurate list of all
Directors of the Club; and35.

This Declaration is true, correct and complete in every particular.

I acknowledge further to the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection
Regulation (“GDPR”) that the Football Association Premier League Limited shall becollecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data which may include Special
Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in the GDPR) about me including such datain this form for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing
body of football and otherwise in accordance with the Premier League Player Privacy
Notice available at www.premierleague.com/player-privacy-policy.
I understand that the words “Convicted”, “Club”, “club”, “Control”, “Declaration”,“Director”, “Event of Insolvency”, “Intermediary”, “Shares” and “Significant Interest”(together with any other defined terms comprising any part of these definitions)have the meanings set out in the Rules of the Premier League.

			
Signed by the Director/proposed Director .......................................................
						
Date ........................................................
			
Signed by an Authorised Signatory …..................................................................
						
Date ........................................................
* delete as appropriate

303

304

Premier League

Form 4B

Owners’ and Directors’ Declaration

Form 4B

Owners’ and Directors’ Declaration For Corporate Directors(Rules A.1.79, F.3, F.4 and F.5)
The Board
The Premier League

9.	The Company is/is not* prohibited by law from being a director as set out in RuleF.1.6;We, (full name) .................................................................................................................................................
(the “Company”) of.......................................................................................(post code) ........................
hereby declare that:

10.	The Company has/has not* been subject to two disqualifications, suspensions orlike sanctions for any of the matters set out in Rule F.1.7, irrespective of whether
any such disqualification, suspension or like sanction is current or not;1.	By signing and dating this declaration, I acknowledge and agree on behalf of
the Company that the Company shall be bound by the Premier League Rules(“Rules”) and agrees to submit all disputes of whatever nature with the Premier
League to arbitration in accordance with Section X (Arbitration) of the Rules. I
further acknowledge and agree that, as a Director, the Company is/will become* a“Participant” as that term is defined in The Football Association Rules and, as such,
will be bound by them;

11.	The Company has/has not* been Convicted of an offence as set out in Premier
League Rule F.1.8 (so far as these relate to legal persons);

2.	The Company is/proposes to become* a Director (as defined at Rule A.1.80) of[INSERT NAME OF CLUB] ...............................(“the Club”);

13.	
The Company has/has not* received two or more Convictions for any of thematters set out in Rule F.1.8 (so far as these relate to legal persons), irrespective ofwhether such Convictions are Spent Convictions or not;Premier League Forms

To:

12.	The Company has/has not* engaged in conduct outside the United Kingdom thatwould constitute an offence of the sort described in Rules F.1.8.2 or F.1.8.3 if suchconduct had taken place in the United Kingdom, whether or not such conduct
resulted in a Conviction;

3.	The Company is/is not* a Person having Control over the Club;
4.	The Company has/has not* been found by a Commission to have acted in breachof Rules B.24, or L.9;
5.	The Company has/has not* accepted a sanction proposed by the Board pursuant
to Rule W.3.7 that it should be disqualified from acting as a Director of the Club, as
a result of a breach of Rules B.24, or L.9;
6.	The Company is/is not* either directly or indirectly involved in or have power todetermine or influence the management or administration of another Club or
Football League club;305

14.	The Company has/has not* been the subject of an Event of Insolvency pursuant
to Rule F.1.13. For the purposes of this Declaration 14, ‘Company’ shall include
any of the following of the Company: Associated Undertakings, Fellow Subsidiary
Undertakings, Group Undertakings, Parent Undertakings or Subsidiary
Undertakings;
15.	The Company has/has not* been a Director of a Club or club which, while it has beena Director of it, suffered two or more unconnected Events of Insolvency (and in thisDeclaration 15 the definitions of Director at Rule A.1.80 and Events of Insolvency at
Rule A.1.90 shall be deemed to apply to clubs in the same way as to Clubs);

7.	
The Company holds/does not hold* either directly or indirectly a Significant
Interest in a Club while either directly or indirectly holding an interest in any classof Shares of another Club;16.	The Company has/has not* been a Director of two or more Clubs or clubs each ofwhich, while it has been a Director of them, has suffered an Event of Insolvency (andin this Declaration 16 the definitions of Director at Rule A.1.80 and Events of Insolvency
at Rule A.1.90 shall be deemed to apply to clubs in the same way as to Clubs);

8.	
The Company holds/does not hold* either directly or indirectly a Significant
Interest in a club (and in this Declaration 8, Significant Interest shall be construed
as if references to ‘the Club’ in that definition at Rule A.1.225, were references to‘the club’).

17.	The Company has/has not* been in an equivalent role to that of a Director in atleast two Entities that have each been subject to or suffered unconnected Events ofInsolvency, which have occurred in the immediately preceding ten years following
its ceasing to act in that capacity, or within one year thereafter;306

Owners’ and Directors’ Declaration

Form 4B

19.	The Company is/is not* subject to any unsatisfied judgment or order for paymentof any monetary amount;
20.	The Company is/is not* subject to a suspension or ban from involvement in theadministration of a sport as set out in Rule F.1.18;
21.	The Company is/is not* subject to any form of suspension, disqualification or
striking-off by a professional body as set out in Rule F.1.19;

Form 4B

26.	The Company has/has not* been in an equivalent role to that of a Director or
Relevant Signatory at any club or team in any other sport which, pursuant to therules of the relevant sports governing body, has been removed (other than by
way of relegation on sporting merit after completion of a full season) from theapplicable league or competition whilst they were in that role (or in the one year
immediately following their resignation from that role);

Premier League Forms

18.	The Company has/has not* been in an equivalent role to that of a Director in an
Entity that has been subject to or suffered two or more unconnected Events ofInsolvency, which have occurred in the immediately preceding ten years following
its ceasing to act in that capacity, or within one year thereafter;

Owners’ and Directors’ Declaration

27.	The Company has/has not* been found to have breached any of the rules set out
in Rule F.1.26;
28.	The Company is/is not* an Intermediary and/or registered as an intermediary or
agent pursuant to the regulations of any national member association of FIFA;
29.	The Company is/is not* a UK Sanctions Restricted Person;

22.	The Company is/is not* subject to a suspension, ban or other form of disqualification
by any of the bodies as set out in Rule F.1.20;
23.	
The Company has/has not* been subject to two or more suspensions, bans,disqualifications or strikings-off as set out in Rules F.1.18 to F.1.20, irrespective ofwhether they are current or not;24.	The Company has/has not* been removed from acting as a trustee of a pension
scheme by the Pensions Regulator or a court, or otherwise seriously contravened
the pensions regulatory system (whether in the United Kingdom or by any
equivalent body or court of competent jurisdiction anywhere in the world);
25.	The Company has/has not* been a Director or Relevant Signatory of a Club or club(and in this Declaration 25 the definitions of Director at Rule A.1.80 and Relevant
Signatory at Rule A.1.209 shall be construed as if references to a ‘Club’ in thatdefinition includes a ‘club’) that has been expelled from either the League, theEFL, the National League, Isthmian League, Northern Premier League, Southern
Football League, the FA Women’s Super League or the FA Women’s Championshipwhilst it was a Director or Relevant Signatory of that Club or club or in the 30 days
immediately following its resignation from the Club or club;

307

30.	The following are/are not* currently the subject of UK Sanctions: (i) any groupcompanies or subsidiaries of the Company, (ii) any of its directors, officers or
employees; (iii) any agent, or affiliate, or other person associated with or acting on
behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries;
31.	We have provided to the Board of the Premier League all information relevant to
its assessment of the Company’s compliance with Rule F.1;
32.	We have not provided any false, misleading or inaccurate information to the Boardof the Premier League relating to the Company’s compliance with Rule F.1;
33.	We have been provided by the Club with a list of all Directors of the Club andconfirm that, to the best of my knowledge, this is a complete and accurate list of
all Directors of the Club; and34.

This Declaration is true in every particular.

308

Owners’ and Directors’ Declaration

Form 4B

Premier League

Form 5

Dual Interest Notice (Rules G.1 and G.4)
To:

It is understood that the words “Convicted”, “Club”, “club”, “Control”, “Declaration”,“Director”, “Event of Insolvency”, “Intermediary”, “Shares” and “Significant Interest”(together with any other defined terms comprising any part of these definitions)have the meanings set out in the Rules of the Premier League.

a Significant Interest in ...................................................................................................... Football Club.

Pursuant to Rule G.1 we hereby give notice that a Person*holds*has acquired*has ceased to hold

The particulars required by Rule G.4 are as follows:1.

Signed by .......................................................... for and on behalf of the Company						
Date ........................................................
Signed by an Authorised Signatory .........…..................................................................
						
Date ........................................................
* delete as appropriate

The Board 					Date: .................................................
The Premier League

Premier League Forms

It is acknowledged further to the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data
Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) that the Football Association Premier League Limited
shall be collecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data which may include
Special Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in the GDPR) about individuals
engaged by the Company including such data in this form for the purpose of discharging
its functions as a regulatory and governing body of football and otherwise in accordancewith the Premier League Player Privacy Notice available at www.premierleague.com/
player-privacy-policy.

The Person holding/acquiring/ceasing to hold* a Significant Interest in the Club is(name) ...............................................................................................................................
of (address) ......................................................................................................................

2.

The details of the Significant Interest are as follows:........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................

3.	The proportion (expressed in percentage terms) which the Shares bear to thetotal number of Shares of that class in issue is ..............................%
4.	The proportion (expressed in percentage terms) which the Shares bear to thetotal number of issued Shares of the Club is ..............................%
This notice is given on the basis that the words “Club” “Holding” “Person” “Shares”“Significant Interest” (together with any other defined terms comprising any part of thedefinitions set out therein) have the meanings set out in the Rules of the Premier League.
						Signed ....................................................................
						Position .................................................................
* delete as appropriate

309

310

Premier League

Form 6Premier League

Form 7

Directors’ Report (Rules H.6, H.7, H.8 and H.9)

To:

To:

The Board
The Premier League

From: ..........................................................................[Entity Name] (the “Club”)..........................................................................[Address]..........................................................................[Person’s Name]..........................................................................[Person’s Name]..........................................................................[Proposed Acquiror]/[Person who has acquired Control]..........................................................................[Addresses]
Dated..........................................................................
Premier League Rules: Acquisition Leverage Test
1.	We refer to the Premier League Rules (the “Rules”), specifically the requirement
to provide the Board an Acquisition Leverage Compliance Certificate (the Form 6)
under Rule E.14 This is an Acquisition Leverage Compliance Certificate in respectof [the proposed date of acquisition of Control of the Club] [the date [six] months
after the date of acquisition of Control of the Club] [the date [12] months after thedate of acquisition of Control of the Club] [the date as requested by the Board,such date being [X] after the acquisition of Control of the Club] (the “Acquisition
Test Date”). Terms defined in the Rules have the same meaning when used in thisAcquisition Leverage Compliance Certificate.

The Football Association Premier League Limited (“the League”)

	In accordance with the requirements of Section H of the Rules of the League, we, theDirectors of ..................................................... Football Club Limited (“the Club”), hereby
report in respect of the Club’s accounting period of ................... months ended on........................... 20 ......... (“the Period of Review”) that [with the exception(s) noted
below] all Material Transactions entered into by the Club during the Period of
Review:Premier League Forms

Acquisition Leverage Compliance Certificate (Rule E.14)(1)	
were negotiated and approved in accordance with the Club’s writtentransfer policy; and(2)	have been documented and recorded as required by relevant provisions ofthese Rules and the Football Association Rules.

[The exception(s) referred to above is/are as follows ................................][Signature of each Director and date of signing]

2.	We confirm that on the Acquisition Test Date, the ratio of Acquisition Debt toAcquisition Equity was ............
3	Accordingly, we certify that the Acquisition Leverage Test [has not]/[has] beenbreached, and that the Board [is]/[is not] entitled to use its powers under RuleE.16.3 and the Rules.
[As we are in breach of the Acquisition Leverage Test, we intend to cure this breach by[proposed remedial action]].1

1 If this statement cannot be made, the Acquisition Leverage Compliance Certificate should identify

any general non-compliance that is continuing and the steps, if any, being taken to remedy it.

311

312

Premier League

Form 8

Registration of Pitch Dimensions by ................................................
Football Club (Rule K.17)
The Board
The Premier League

	The dimensions of our pitch at [address of ground] ...............................................................
for Season 20.......... /20.......... are as follows:

Form 9Team Sheet of .............................................................. Football Club (Rule L.23)
Date ..................................................................................................
Opponents .............................................................................. F.C.
Medical Video Operator ............................................................

Kick-off time ....................................
Referee ...............................................

Shirt No.

Name

Shirt No.

Name

Replaced

Name

Job Title

Team

Premier League Forms

To:

Premier League

Length: .................................. yards (............... metres)
Width: .................................... yards (............... metres)

Signed ……………………………............................
Position ……………………………………………....….
Date ………………………......................................

Time

Substitutes

Officials occupying
the trainer’s bench

Colour of strip

Shirt

ShortsSocks

Signed ……………………………...................................
313

Goalkeeper’s
Shirt

Goalkeeper’s
Socks

Position ……………………………………………....…......
314

Premier League

Form 10

Registration of Strips by ...................................................... Football Club

Premier League

Form 11

Scout Registration Form (Rule Q.2)

(Rule M.17)
The Board
The Premier League

Scout’s Particulars

	I submit herewith samples of our home Strip, alternative Strip(s) and goalkeeper’s
Strip for Season 20...... /20......
A brief description (colours) of each is as follows:
Home Strip
Shirt		: ..........................................................................................................
Shorts		: ..........................................................................................................
Change Shorts (if applicable) : ..........................................................................................................
Socks		: ..........................................................................................................
Change Socks (if applicable) : ..........................................................................................................
Goalkeeper (shirt, shorts, socks) : ..........................................................................................................
Alternative Strip 1
Shirt		: ..........................................................................................................
Shorts		: ..........................................................................................................
Change Shorts (if applicable) : ..........................................................................................................
Socks		: ..........................................................................................................
Change Socks (if applicable) : ..........................................................................................................
Goalkeeper (shirt, shorts, socks) : ..........................................................................................................
Alternative Strip 2*
Shirt		: ..........................................................................................................
Shorts		: ..........................................................................................................
Change Shorts (if applicable) : ..........................................................................................................
Socks		: ..........................................................................................................
Change Socks (if applicable) : ..........................................................................................................
Goalkeeper (shirt, shorts, socks) : ..........................................................................................................

Surname ........................................................ Other name(s) ........................................................................
Address ..................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................... Post Code .....................................
Date of birth .................................................

Premier League Forms

To:

Application to Register
We hereby apply for the above-named to be registered as a Scout whose registration isheld by ........................................................ Football Club						Signed ...................................................................
						Authorised Signatory						
						Date .......................................................................

Endorsement by Scout
I hereby consent to the above application. I certify that the above particulars are correct.
I agree to be bound by the Rules of the Premier League.
						
Signed ...................................................................
						
						Date .......................................................................

Additional Goalkeeper Strip(s) (shirt, shorts, socks) (if applicable)..........................................................................................................
Signed ……………………………............................
Position ……………………………………………....….
Date ………………………......................................
* delete if inapplicable

315

316

Premier League

Form 12Premier League
English Football League Contract

To:

No.

The Board			
From: ............................................................. Football Club
The Premier League 					FA Copy
League Copy
Club Copy

The following member of Staff has been designated as the Senior Safeguarding Lead:

Player Copy

Name .......................................................................		

Premier League Forms

Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities (Rules S.3, S.4 and S.19)

Form 13

Player’s surname

The following member of Staff has been designated as the Head of Safeguarding:Player’s forename(s)Present Postal Address

Name .......................................................................
Email address

The following member of Staff has been designated as Lead Disclosure Officer:
Name .......................................................................

*The Player’s birth certificate must be provided to the League in the case of his firstregistration.
AN AGREEMENT made the (day) ......................... day of (month and year) ...........................
Signed ……………………………............................
Position ……………………………………………....….
Date ………………………......................................

between ............................................... Football Club/Company Limited/Plc whose registeredoffice is at (address) ........................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................................
Registered Company No ......................................................
(hereinafter referred to as “the Club”) of the one part and the above-named Player(hereinafter referred to as “the Player”) of the other part.

WHEREBY it is agreed as follows:1.

Definitions and Interpretation
1.1	The words and phrases below shall have the following meaning:		“Associated Company” shall mean any company which is a holding
company or subsidiary (each as defined in Section 736 of the Companies
Act 1985) of the Club or of any holding company of the Club;		“the Board” shall mean the board of directors of the Club for the time beingor any duly authorised committee of such board of directors;
317

318

English Football League Contract

Form 13

		“Club Rules” shall mean the rules or regulations affecting the Player fromtime to time in force and published by the Club;		“Code of Practice” shall mean the Code of Practice from time to time inforce and produced jointly by the Football Association Premier League
Limited and the PFA in conjunction with the FA;		“the FA Rules” shall mean the rules and regulations from time to time inforce of the FA and including those of FIFA and UEFA to the extent they
relate or apply to the Player or the Club;		“the FA” shall mean the Football Association Limited;		“FIFA” shall mean the Fédération Internationale de Football Association;
		“Gross Misconduct” shall mean serious or persistent conduct behaviour
activity or omission by the Player involving one or more of the following:		(a)theft or fraud;		(b)deliberate and serious damage to the Club’s property;		 (c)
use or possession of or trafficking in a Prohibited Substance;		(d)	incapacity through alcohol affecting the Player’s performance as aplayer;		(e)	breach of or failure to comply with of any of the terms of this contract,		or such other similar or equivalent serious or persistent conduct behaviour
activity or omission by the Player which the Board reasonably considers toamount to gross misconduct;
		“Holiday Year” shall mean a period of twelve months from 1st July in one
year to 30th June in the next year;		“Intermediary” means any person who qualifies as an Intermediary for the
purposes of the FA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries as they may
be amended from time to time;

319

Form 13		“International Club” shall mean any association football club that does notparticipate in a league competition sanctioned by or otherwise affiliated to
the FA;		“International Loan Agreement” shall mean a loan agreement signed
between a Transferor Club and an International Club;		“Internet” shall mean the global network of computer systems using TCP/IP
protocols including (without limitation) the World Wide Web;

Premier League Forms

		“Club Context” shall mean in relation to any representation of the Player
and/or the Player’s Image a representation in connection or combination
with the name colours Strip trade marks logos or other identifying
characteristics of the Club (including trade marks and logos relating to theClub and its activities which trade marks and logos are registered in thename of and/or exploited by any Associated Company) or in any mannerreferring to or taking advantage of any of the same;

English Football League Contract

		“the Laws of the Game” shall mean the laws from time to time in force
governing the game of association football as laid down by the International
Football Association Board (as defined in the statutes of FIFA);		“the League” shall mean the football league of which the Club is a member
from time to time;		“the League Rules” shall mean the rules or regulations from time to time inforce of the League;		“Manager” shall mean the official of the Club responsible for selecting theClub’s first team;		“Media” shall mean any and all media whether now existing or hereafter
invented including but not limited to any print and/or paper medium
broadcast satellite or cable transmission and any visual and/or audio
medium and including but not limited to the Internet any television or radio
channel Website webcast and/or any transmission made by any mobile ormobile telephony standard or technology or other media or broadcasting
service;		“PFA” shall mean the Professional Footballers Association;
		“Permanent Incapacity” shall mean either: (a) “Permanent Total
Disablement” as defined in the League’s personal accident insurance
scheme; or (b) incapacity of the Player by reason of or resulting from any
injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder) where in the written
opinion of an appropriately qualified medical consultant instructed by theClub (“the Initial Opinion”) and (if requested in writing either by the Club at
any time or by the Player at any time but not later than twenty one days
after receipt from the Club of notice in writing terminating this contract
pursuant to clause 8.1) of a further such consultant approved or proposedby the Player (and in the absence of either an approval or proposal within

320English Football League Contract

Form 13

		“Player’s Image” shall mean the Player’s name nickname fame image
signature voice and film and photographic portrayal virtual and/or
electronic representation reputation replica and all other characteristics of
the Player including his shirt number;		“Player Injury” shall mean any injury or illness (including mental illness or
disorder) other than any injury or illness which is directly caused by or results
directly from a breach by the Player of his obligations under clause 3.2.1of this contract or of any other of his obligations hereunder amounting to
Gross Misconduct;
		“Prohibited Substance” shall have the meaning set out in the FA Rules;		“the Rules” shall mean the statutes and regulations of FIFA and UEFA the
FA Rules the League Rules the Code of Practice and the Club Rules;
		“Strip” shall mean all versions from time to time of the Club’s official
football clothing including shirts shorts socks and/or training kit track suits
headwear and/or any other clothing displaying the Club’s name and/or
official logo;

		

1.2.2	references to person shall include any entity business firm orunincorporated association; and		

1.2.3	references to statutory enactments or to the Rules shall include reenactments and amendments of substantially the same intent as
the original referenced enactment or Rule.

1.3

The headings of this contract are for convenience only and not interpretation.

1.4	In the event of any dispute as to the interpretation of any of the provisions of
this contract reference shall be made (where appropriate) for clarification
to the Code of Practice but so that in the event of any conflict the provisionsof this contract shall prevail. Subject thereto wherever specific reference
to the Code of Practice is made in this contract the relevant terms andprovisions thereof are deemed incorporated herein as if set out in full.
2.

Appointment and duration
2 .1	The Club engages the Player as a professional footballer on the terms andconditions of this contract and subject to the Rules.
2.2	This contract shall remain in force until the date specified in clause 2 of
Schedule 2 hereto subject to any earlier determination pursuant to theterms of this contract.

3.

Duties and Obligations of the Player
3.1

		The Player agrees:
3.1.1

1.2
		

321

For the purposes of this contract and provided the context so permits:
1.2.1	the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and any genderincludes any other gender;when directed by an authorised official of the Club:			

3.1.1.1 to attend matches in which the Club is engaged;			

3.1.1.2	to participate in any matches in which he is selected to playfor the Club; and			

3.1.1.3	to attend at any reasonable place for the purposes of andto participate in training and match preparation;

		

3.1.2

to play to the best of his skill and ability at all times;		

3.1.3	except to the extent prevented by injury or illness to maintain ahigh standard of physical fitness at all times and not to indulge inany activity sport or practice which might endanger such fitness orinhibit his mental or physical ability to play practise or train;		“UEFA” shall mean the Union des Associations Européennes de Football; and		“Website” shall mean a site forming part of the Internet with a unique URL/
domain name.

Form 13

Premier League Forms

28 days of the request nominated on the application of either party by
the President (“the President”) for the time being of the Royal College ofSurgeons) (“the Further Opinion”) the Player will be unlikely by reason ofsuch incapacity to play football to the same standard at which the Player
would have played if not for such incapacity for a consecutive period of notless than twenty months commencing on the date of commencement of
the incapacity PROVIDED that if the Initial Opinion and the Further Opinion
disagree with one another then if the Further Opinion was given by aconsultant nominated by the President it shall prevail but if not then a third
opinion (“the Third Opinion”) from a consultant nominated by the President
may be obtained on the application of either party and that opinion shallbe final and binding for the purposes of this definition;

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Form 133.1.4	to undertake such other duties and to participate in such otheractivities as are consistent with the performance of his duties underclauses 3.1.1 to 3.1.3 and as are reasonably required of the Player;		

3.1.5	that he has given all necessary authorities for the release to theClub of his medical records and will continue to make the same
available as requested by the Club from time to time during thecontinuance of this contract;				

3.1.6	to comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of
any authorised official of the Club;

			

		

3.1.7	to play football solely for the Club or as authorised by the Club or as
required by the Rules;

3.2.4.1	prevent the Player from making any investment in any
business so long as it does not conflict or interfere with his
obligations hereunder; or			

3.2.4.2 limit the Player’s rights under clauses 4 and 6.1.8;

		

3.1.8

		

		

3.1.9	to observe the Rules but in the case of the Club Rules to the extent
only that they do not conflict with or seek to vary the express termsof this contract;		

3.1.10	to submit promptly to such medical and dental examinations as
the Club may reasonably require and to undergo at no expense
to himself such treatment as may be prescribed by the medical ordental advisers of the Club or the Club’s insurers; and3.2.5	knowingly or recklessly do write or say anything or omit to do
anything which is likely to bring the Club or the game of football
into disrepute cause the Player or the Club to be in breach of theRules or cause damage to the Club or its officers or employees or
any match official. Whenever circumstances permit the Player shallgive to the Club reasonable notice of his intention to make any
contributions to the public media in order to allow representations
to be made to him on behalf of the Club if it so desires; and				

3.1.11	on the termination of this contract for any cause to return to theClub in a reasonable and proper condition any property (including
any car) which has been provided or made available by the Club to
the Player in connection with his employment.

3.2.6	except in the case of emergency arrange or undergo any medical
treatment without first giving the Club proper details of the
proposed treatment and physician/surgeon and requesting theClub’s consent which the Club will not unreasonably withhold
having due regard to the provisions of the Code of Practice.

to observe the Laws of the Game when playing football;

The Player agrees that he shall not:		

3.2.1	undertake or be involved in any activity or practice which will
knowingly cause to be void or voidable or which will invoke any
exclusion of the Player’s cover pursuant to any policy of insurance
maintained for the benefit of the Club on the life of the Player orcovering his physical well-being (including injury and incapacity
and treatment thereof);		

3.2.2	when playing or training wear anything (including jewellery) which
is or could be dangerous to him or any other person;		

3.2.3	except to the extent specifically agreed in writing between the Cluband the Player prior to the signing of this contract use as his regularplace of residence any place which the Club reasonably deems
unsuitable for the performance by the Player of his duties otherthan temporarily pending relocation;4.

3.2.4	undertake or be engaged in any other employment or be engaged
or involved in any trade business or occupation or participate
professionally in any other sporting or athletic activity without theprior written consent of the Club PROVIDED THAT this shall not:Premier League Forms

		

3.2

323

Form 13

Community public relations and marketing
4.1	
For the purposes of the promotional community and public relations
activities of the Club and/or (at the request of the Club) of any sponsors
or commercial partners of the Club and/or of the League and/or of any
main sponsors of the League the Player shall attend at and participate insuch events as may reasonably be required by the Club including but notlimited to appearances and the granting of interviews and photographic
opportunities as authorised by the Club. The Club shall give reasonable
notice to the Player of the Club’s requirements and the Player shall makehimself available for up to six hours per week of which approximately halfshall be devoted to the community and public relations activities of the324

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Form 13

4.2	Whilst he is providing or performing the services set out in this contract(including travelling on Club business) the Player shall:		

4.2.1	wear only such clothing as is approved by an authorised official of
the Club; and		

4.2.2	not display any badge mark logo trading name or message on
any item of clothing without the written consent of an authorised
official of the Club provided that nothing in this clause shall prevent
the Player wearing and/or promoting football boots and in thecase of a goalkeeper gloves of his choice.

4.3	Subject in any event to clause 4.4 and except to the extent of any
commitments already entered into by the Player as at the date hereof
or when on international duty in relation to the Players’ national footballassociation UEFA or FIFA he shall not (without the written consent of theClub) at any time during the term of this contract do anything to promoteendorse or provide promotional marketing or advertising services or exploit
the Player’s Image either: (a) in relation to any person in respect of such
person’s products brand or services which conflict or compete with any of
the Club’s club branded or football related products (including the Strip) or
any products brand or services of the Club’s two main sponsors/commercial
partners or of the League’s one principal sponsor; or (b) for the League.
4.4	The Player agrees that he will not either on his own behalf or with or
through any third party undertake promotional activities in a Club Context
nor exploit the Player’s Image in a Club Context in any manner and/or in any
Media nor grant the right to do so to any third party.
4.5	Except to the extent specifically herein provided or otherwise specificallyagreed with the Player nothing in this contract shall prevent the Player fromundertaking promotional activities or from exploiting the Player’s Image solong as:325

		

4.5.1	the said promotional activities or exploitation do not interfere orconflict with the Player’s obligations under this contract; and		

4.5.2	the Player gives reasonable advance notice to the Club of any
intended promotional activities or exploitation.

Form 13

4.6	The Player hereby grants to the Club the right to photograph the Player
both individually and as a member of a squad and to use such photographs
and the Player’s Image in a Club Context in connection with the promotionof the Club and its playing activities and the promotion of the League
and the manufacture sale distribution licensing advertising marketingand promotion of the Club’s club branded and football related products(including the Strip) or services (including such products or services which
are endorsed by or produced under licence from the Club) and in relation to
the League’s licensed products services and sponsors in such manner as theClub may reasonably think fit so long as:		

4.6.1	the use of the Player’s photograph and/or Player’s Image either
alone or with not more than two other players at the Club shallbe limited to no greater usage than the average for all players
regularly in the Club’s first team;		

4.6.2	the Player’s photograph and/or Player’s Image shall not be used to
imply any brand or product endorsement by the Player; and		

4.6.3	PROVIDED that all rights shall cease on termination of this contract
save for the use and/or sale of any promotional materials or
products as aforesaid as shall then already be manufactured or in
the process of manufacture or required to satisfy any outstandingorders.

Premier League Forms

Club. No photograph of the Player taken pursuant to the provisions of thisclause 4.1 shall be used by the Club or any other person to imply any brandor product endorsement by the Player.

English Football League Contract

4.7	In its dealings with any person permitted by the Club to take photographsof the Player the Club shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that the
copyright of the photographs so taken is vested in the Club and/or thatno use is made of the said photographs without the Club’s consent and inaccordance with the provisions of this contract.
4.8	The Player shall be entitled to make a responsible and reasonable reply
or response to any media comment or published statements likely toadversely affect the Player’s standing or reputation and subject as provided
for in clause 3.2.5 to make contributions to the public media in a responsible
manner.
4.9	In this clause 4 where the context so admits the expression “the Club”
includes any Associated Company of the Club but only to the extent andin the context that such company directly or indirectly provides facilities toor undertakes commercial marketing or public relations activities for theClub and not so as to require the consent of any Associated Company whenconsent of the Club is required.
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Form 13English Football League Contract

4.11	Nothing in this clause 4 shall prevent the Club from entering into otherarrangements additional or supplemental hereto or in variance hereof in
relation to advertising marketing and/or promotional services with thePlayer or with or for all or some of the Club’s players (including the Player)from time to time. Any other such arrangements which have been agreed asat the date of the signing of this contract and any image contract or similar
contract required to be set out in this contract by the League Rules are set
out in Schedule 2 paragraph 13.
5.

6.

Obligations of the Club
6.1

5.2	The Club shall reimburse the Player all reasonable hotel and other expenses
wholly and exclusively incurred by him in or about the performance of his
duties under this contract PROVIDED that the Player has obtained the priorauthorisation of a director the Manager or the secretary of the Club and thePlayer furnishes the Club with receipts or other evidence of such expenses.
5.3

6.1.1	observe the Rules all of which (other than the Club Rules) shall takeprecedence over the Club Rules;		

6.1.2	provide the Player each year with copies of all the Rules which
affect the Player and of the terms and conditions of any policy of
insurance in respect of or in relation to the Player with which thePlayer is expected to comply;

		

6.1.3	promptly arrange appropriate medical and dental examinations
and treatment for the Player at the Club’s expense in respect of any
injury to or illness (including mental illness or disorder) of the Player
save where such injury or illness is caused by an activity or practiceon the part of the Player which breaches clause 3.2.1 hereof in whichcase the Club shall only be obliged to arrange and pay for treatment
to the extent that the cost thereof remains covered by the Club’s
policy of medical insurance or (if the Club does not maintain sucha policy) then to the extent that it would remain covered by such a
policy were one maintained upon normal industry terms commonly
available within professional football and so that save as aforesaid
this obligation shall continue in respect of any examinations and/or treatment the necessity for which arose during the currency ofthis contract notwithstanding its subsequent expiry or termination
until the earlier of completion of the necessary examinations and/or prescribed treatment and a period of 18 months from the date of
expiry or termination hereof;		

6.1.4	use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that any policy of insurance
maintained by the Club for the benefit of the Player continues
to provide cover for any examinations and/or treatment as arereferred to in clause 6.1.3 until completion of any such examinations
and/or treatment;

The Club may deduct from any remuneration payable to the Player:		

5.3.1	any monies disbursed and/or liabilities incurred by the Club on
behalf of the Player with the Players prior consent; and		

5.3.2	any other monies (but not claims for damages or compensation)
which can be clearly established to be properly due from the Player
to the Club.

5.4	If at a Disciplinary hearing conducted under Part 1 of Schedule 1 hereto afine is imposed on a player calculated by reference to the Player’s weekly
wage, the fine shall take the form of a forfeiture of wages of a corresponding
amount so that the amount forfeit shall not become payable to the Player.
The forfeiture shall take effect in relation to the monthly instalment of thePlayer’s remuneration falling due next after the date on which the noticeof the decision is given to him (“Pay Day”). But see clause 5.5 dealing withappeals. For the avoidance of doubt, the amount forfeit is the gross amountof the weekly wage.

The Club shall:		

Remuneration and expenses
5.1	
Throughout his engagement the Club shall pay to the Player the
remuneration and shall provide the benefits (if any) as are set out in
Schedule 2.

327

5.5	If on Pay Day the time for appealing has not expired or if notice of appeal
has been given, the reference to Pay Day shall be to the day on which themonthly instalment of remuneration becomes payable next after: (a) the
expiry of the time for appealing without any appeal having been made; or(b) if an appeal is made, the date on which the outcome of the appeal isnotified to the Player. In the case of an appeal, the amount that is forfeit
shall be the amount (if any) determined on appeal.

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4.10	For the purposes of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 nothing
in this clause 4 is intended to nor does it give to the League any right toenforce any of its provisions against the Club or the Player.

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English Football League Contract

6.1.5	comply with all relevant statutory provisions relating to industrial
injury and any regulations made pursuant thereto;		

6.1.6	at all times maintain and observe a proper health and safety policy
for the security safety and physical well being of the Player whencarrying out his duties under this contract;		

6.1.7	in any case where the Club would otherwise be liable as employer
for any acts or omissions of the Player in the lawful and proper
performance of his playing practising or training duties under thiscontract defend the Player against any proceedings threatenedor brought against him at any time arising out of the carrying out
by him of any such acts or omissions and indemnify him from any
damages awarded and this obligation and indemnity shall continue
in relation to any such acts or omissions during the currency of thiscontract notwithstanding its expiry or termination before suchproceedings are threatened and/or brought;

		

6.2
		

		

English Football League Contract

7.

7.2	In the event that the Player shall become incapacitated from playing byreason of any injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder) the Club
shall pay to the Player during such period of incapacity or the period of thiscontract (whichever is the shorter) the following amounts of remuneration
for the following periods:
		

7.2.1	in the case of a Player Injury his basic wage over the first 18 months
and one half of his basic wage for the remainder of his period ofincapacity; or		

7.2.2	in the case of any other injury or illness his basic wage over the first
12 months and one half of his basic wage for the remainder of his
period of incapacity.

7.3	In each case specified in clause 7.2 above there shall be paid to the Player
in addition to his basic wage all or the appropriate share of any bonus
payments if and to the extent that payment or provision for continuationof the same is specifically provided for in Schedule 2 or in the Club’s Bonus
Scheme.
7.4	The payments made by the Club pursuant to clause 7.2 shall be deemed
to include all and any statutory sick pay and/or any other state benefits
payable by reference to sickness to which the Player may be entitled.

6.1.9	release the Player as required for the purposes of fulfilling theobligations in respect of representative matches to his national
association pursuant to the statutes and regulations of FIFA.

7.5	Nothing in this clause 7 shall reduce or vary the entitlement of the Player tosigning on fees and/or loyalty payments or any other payments of a similar
nature due to him under this Contract.

The Club shall not without the consent in writing of the Player:

6.2.2	use or reveal the contents of any medical reports or other medical
information regarding the Player obtained by the Club save forthe purpose of assessing the Player’s health and fitness obtaining
medical and insurance cover and complying with the Club’s
obligations under the Rules.

Injury and Illness
7.1	Any injury to or illness of the Player shall be reported by him or on his behalf
to the Club immediately and the Club shall keep a record of such injury orillness.

6.1.8	give the Player every opportunity compatible with his obligations
under this contract to follow any course of further educationor vocational training which he wishes to undertake and give
positive support to the Player in undertaking such education andtraining. The Player shall supply the Footballer’s Further Education
and Vocational Training Society with particulars of any courses
undertaken by him; and6.2.1	take or use or permit to be used photographs of the Player for any
purposes save as permitted by clause 4; orForm 13

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329

Form 138.

Permanent or Prolonged Incapacity
8.1

In the event that:		

8.1.1	the Player shall suffer Permanent Incapacity; or		

8.1.2	the Player has been incapacitated from playing by reason of or
resulting from the same injury or illness (including mental illness or
disorder) for a period (consecutive or in the aggregate) amounting
to 18 months in any consecutive period of 20 months,

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Form 13English Football League Contract

claim from such third party a claim for recovery of any such payment andupon successful recovery repay to the Club the lesser of the total of the
remuneration paid by the Club to the Player during the period of incapacity
and the amount of any damages payable to or recovered by the Player inrespect of such claim or otherwise by reference to loss of earnings under thiscontract under any compromise settlement or judgment. Any amounts paidby the Club to the Player in such circumstances shall constitute loans fromthe Club to be repaid to the Club to the extent aforesaid upon successful
recovery as aforesaid.

8.2	The length of such notice shall be 12 months in the case of an incapacity byreason of a Player Injury and six months in every other case.
8.3

The notice referred to in clause 8.1 may be served at any time after:		

8.3.1	the date on which the Player is declared to be suffering Permanent
Total Disablement under the terms of the League’s personal
accident insurance scheme; or		

8.3.2	the date on which such Permanent Incapacity is established by theInitial Opinion; or		

8.3.3	in the case of any incapacity as is referred to in 8.1.2 the date on
which the period of incapacity shall exceed 18 months as aforesaid
but so that the right to terminate pursuant to clause 8.1.2 shall only
apply while such incapacity shall continue thereafter.

8.4	In the event that after the service of any notice pursuant to clause 8.1.1
Permanent Incapacity is not confirmed by the Further Opinion (if requested)or (where relevant) by the Third Opinion then such notice shall lapse andcease to be of effect.
8.5	In the case of any notice of termination given under this clause 8 the Club
shall be entitled by further notice on or after serving notice of termination
to terminate this contract forthwith on paying to the Player at the time ofsuch termination the remainder of his remuneration and any other sums
properly due to him under this contract and the value of any other benefits
which would be payable or available to the Player during the remainderof the period of his notice of termination provided always that the Club’s
obligations pursuant to clause 6.1.3 shall continue to apply during theremainder of the said notice period and for any further relevant period asprovided therein.
8.6	Where the Club has made payment to the Player during any period ofincapacity owing to illness or injury and the Player’s absence is due to theaction of a third party other than of another club player or match official
in relation to any damage or injury sustained on or about the field of playor during training or practising giving the Player a right of recovery againstthat third party then if the Player makes any claim against such third party
the Player must where he is reasonably able to do so include as part of such
331

9.

Premier League Forms

		the Club shall be entitled to serve a notice upon the Player terminating thiscontract.

Form 13

Disciplinary Procedure

Except in any case where the Club terminates the Player’s employment pursuant to theprovisions of clause 10 hereof (when the procedure set out therein shall apply) the Club
shall operate the disciplinary procedure set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 hereto in relation
to any breach or failure to observe the terms of this contract or of the Rules.
10.

Termination by the Club
10.1	The Club shall be entitled to terminate the employment of the Player by 14
days’ notice in writing to the Player if the Player:		

10.1.1shall be guilty of Gross Misconduct;		

10.1.2	shall fail to heed any final written warning given under the provisionsof Part 1 of Schedule 1 hereto; or		

10.1.3	is convicted of any criminal offence where the punishment consistsof a sentence of imprisonment of three months or more (which is
not suspended).

10.2	If the Club terminates the Player’s employment for any reason under clause
10.1 the Club shall within seven days thereafter notify the Player in writingof the full reasons for the action taken.
10.3	The Player may by notice in writing served on the Club and the League at
any time from the date of termination up to 14 days after receipt by thePlayer of written notification under clause 10.2 give notice of appeal against
the decision of the Club to the League and such appeal shall be determinedin accordance with the procedures applicable pursuant to the League
Rules.

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English Football League Contract

Form 13		

11.1.1	shall be guilty of serious or persistent breach of the terms andconditions of this contract; or		

11.1.2	fails to pay any remuneration or other payments or bonuses due tothe Player or make available any benefits due to him as it or theyfall due or within fourteen days thereafter and has still failed tomake payment in full or make the benefits available by the expiryof the said 14 days’ notice.

11.2	The Club may within 14 days of receipt of any notice of termination of thiscontract by the Player in accordance with clause 11.1 give written noticeof appeal against such termination to the Player and to the League whichshall hear such appeal in accordance with procedures applicable pursuant
to the League Rules.

10.5	
Pending the hearing and determination of such appeal the Club may
suspend the Player for up to a maximum of six weeks from the date ofnotice of termination and if the Board so determine such suspension shallbe without pay provided that:		

10.5.1	the payment due to the Player in respect of the 14 days’ notice
period under clause 10.1 is made to the Player forthwith;		

10.5.2	pending the determination of the appeal an amount equal to the
remuneration which would otherwise have been due to the Player
but for the suspension without pay is paid to an escrow accountheld by the PFA as and when it would otherwise have become duefor payment to the Player and following the determination of theappeal the PFA will either pay the money (including interest earnedon the said account) to the Player or return it to the Club according
to the appeal decision;				

10.5.3	all other benefits for the Player under the provisions of clauses 6.1.3
and 6.1.4 of this contract shall be maintained and remain in force
while the appeal is pending; and10.5.4	during any such period of suspension the Club shall be under noobligation to assign to the Player any playing training or otherduties and shall be entitled to exclude the Player from the Club’s
premises including its ground and training ground.

10.6	Upon any termination of this contract by the Club becoming operative theClub shall forthwith release the Player’s registration.
11.

Termination by the Player
11.1	The Player shall be entitled to terminate this contract by 14 days’ notice inwriting to the Club if the Club:333

Form 13

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10.4	If the Player exercises his right of appeal the termination of this contractby the Club shall not become effective unless and until it shall have been
determined that the Club was entitled to terminate this contract pursuant
to clause 10.1 but so that if it is so determined then subject only to clause
10.5.3 the Player shall cease to be entitled to any remuneration or benefits
with effect from the expiration of the period of notice referred to in clause
10.3 and any payment made by the Club in respect thereof shall forthwith
become due from the Player to the Club.

English Football League Contract

11.3	
If the Club exercises its right of appeal pursuant to clause 11.2 thetermination of this contract shall not become operative unless and until it
shall have been determined that the Player was entitled to terminate thiscontract pursuant to clause 11.1.
11.4	Upon any termination of this contract by the Player becoming operative theClub shall forthwith release the Player’s registration.
12.

Grievance Procedure

In the event that the Player has any grievance in connection with his employment under
this contract the grievance procedures set out in Part 2 of the Schedule 1 hereto shall beavailable to the Player.
13.

Representation of Player

In any disciplinary or grievance procedure the Player shall be entitled to be accompaniedby or represented by his Club captain or a PFA delegate and/or any officer of the PFA.
14.

Holidays

For each Holiday Year the Player shall be entitled to take in the aggregate the equivalentof five weeks paid holiday to be taken at a time or times and for such days during theHoliday Year as shall be determined by the Club but so that (subject to the Club’s firstteam and any international commitments) the Club shall not unreasonably refuse topermit the Player to take three of such weeks consecutively. Holidays not taken during
any Holiday Year (or subject to agreement by the Club within one month of the end ofsuch Holiday Year) may not be carried forward into any subsequent Holiday Year.

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Survival

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19.

The provisions of this contract shall remain in full force and effect in respect of any
act or omission of either party during the period of this contract notwithstanding thetermination of this contract.
16.

This contract is to be treated as being private and confidential and its contents shall not be
disclosed or divulged either directly or indirectly to any person firm or company whatsoever
either by the Club the Player or any Intermediary of the Club or the Player except:

19.2	If by the expiry of this contract the Club has not made to the Player anoffer of re-engagement on terms at least as favourable to the Player as
those applicable over the last 12 months of this contract (or the length of
this contract if shorter) then subject to clauses 19.1 and 19.3 the Player shallcontinue to receive from his Club (as a separate payment representing
compensation as more particularly referred to in the Code of Practice) a
payment equal to his weekly basic wage (at the average amount of his
weekly wage over the preceding 12 months of this contract or the wholeof this contract if shorter) for a period of one month from the expiry of thiscontract or until the Player signs for another club whichever period is theshorter provided that where the Player signs for another club within that
period of one month at a lower basic wage than such average then suchpayment shall in addition include a sum equal to the shortfall in such basic
wage for the remainder of such period.

with the prior written agreement of both the Club and the Player;

16.2	as may be required by any statutory regulatory governmental or quasi
governmental authorities or as otherwise required by law or pursuant to
the Rules including (where appropriate) any recognised stock exchange;
16.3	in the case of the Player to his duly appointed Intermediary and professional
advisers including the PFA; or
16.4	in the case of the Club to its duly appointed Intermediary and its professional
advisers or to such of its directors secretary servants or representatives orauditors to whom such disclosure is strictly necessary for the purposes of
their duties and then only to the extent so necessary.
17.

18.

Specificity of Football

The parties hereto confirm and acknowledge that this contract the rights and obligations
undertaken by the parties hereto and the fixed term period thereof reflect the special
relationship and characteristics involved in the employment of football players and theparticipation by the parties in the game of football pursuant to the Rules and the parties
accordingly agree that all matters of dispute in relation to the rights and obligations of
the parties hereto and otherwise pursuant to the Rules including as to termination ofthis contract and any compensation payable in respect of termination or breach thereof
shall be submitted to and the parties hereto accept the jurisdiction and all appropriate
determinations of such tribunal panel or other body (including pursuant to any appeal
therefrom) pursuant to the provisions of and in accordance with the procedures andpractices under this contract and the Rules.
335

19.3	The maximum amount payable to the Player under sub-clause 19.2 is double
the maximum sum which an Employment Tribunal can award from time totime as a compensatory award for unfair dismissal.

Arbitration

Any dispute between the Club and the Player not provided for in clauses 9, 10, 11,12 andSchedule 1 hereof shall be referred to arbitration in accordance with the League Rules or(but only if mutually agreed by the Club and the Player) in accordance with the FA Rules.

Severance
19.1	If the Player shall not make an application to an Employment Tribunal forcompensation in respect of unfair dismissal or redundancy as a result of
not being offered a new contract either on terms at least as favourable asunder this contract or at all then the following provisions of this clause 19
shall take effect.

Confidentiality

16.1

Form 13

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15.

Form 13

20.

Miscellaneous
20.1	This contract and the documents referred to herein constitute the entire
agreement between the Club and the Player and supersede any and all
preceding agreements between the Club and the Player.
20.2	The further particulars of terms of employment not contained in the body ofthis contract which must be given to the Player in compliance with Part 1 of
the Employment Rights Act 1996 are given in Schedule 2.
20.3	This contract is signed by the parties hereto in duplicate so that for thispurpose each signed agreement shall constitute an original but taken
together they shall constitute one agreement.

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20.4	For the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998 the Player consents to theClub the League PFA and FA collecting Personal Data including Sensitive
Personal Data (both as defined in the said Act) about the Player. The Club’s
Data Protection Policy can be found in the Club’s employee handbook.

Schedule 1
Part 1
Disciplinary Procedure and Penalties

Jurisdiction and Law

1.

This contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law andthe parties submit to the non exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

Form 13

Introduction	The disciplinary procedure aims to ensure that the Club behaves fairly ininvestigating and dealing with allegations of unacceptable conduct with a viewto helping and encouraging all employees of the Club to achieve and maintainappropriate standards of conduct and performance. The Club neverthelessreserves the right to depart from the precise requirements of its disciplinary
procedure where the Club considers it expedient to do so and where the Player’s
resulting treatment is no less fair.
2.

Premier League Forms

21.

Form 13

Records	All cases of disciplinary action under this procedure will be recorded and placedin the Club’s records until deleted in accordance with paragraph 4.2. A copy of theClub’s disciplinary records concerning the Player will be supplied to the Player at
his request.
3.

The Procedure

The following steps will be taken as appropriate in all cases of disciplinary action:
3.1

Investigation

		No action will be taken before a proper investigation has been undertakenby the Club into the matter complained of. If the Club determines the same
to be appropriate the Club may by written notice suspend the Player for up
to 14 days while the investigation takes place. If the Player is so suspended
this contract will continue together with all the Player’s rights under it
including the payment of the Player’s remuneration and benefits but during
the period of suspension the Player will not be entitled to access to any of
the Club’s premises except at the prior request or with the prior consent
of the Club and subject to such conditions as the Club may impose. The
decision to suspend the Player will be notified in writing to the Player by the
Club.

337

338

English Football League Contract		

3.2.1	If the Club decides to hold a disciplinary hearing about the mattercomplained of the Player will be given full details in writing of thecomplaint against him and reasonable notice of the date and timeof the hearing. At the hearing the Player will be given an opportunity
to state his case either personally or through his representative as
provided for in clause 13 of this contract.

		

3.2.2	Subject as provided in paragraph 3.2.3 no disciplinary penalty will
be imposed without first giving the Player the opportunity to state
his case to the Manager or if the Player so requests to a director of
the Club and where the Club considers it appropriate or where thePlayer requests the same without a disciplinary hearing.

		

3.2.3	A disciplinary hearing may proceed in the Player’s absence and adisciplinary penalty may be imposed if he fails to appear at such
hearing after having received proper notice thereof.

3.3
		

		

		

339

Disciplinary Hearing

Appeals
3.3.1	The Player shall have a right of appeal to the Board against any
disciplinary decision. The Player should inform the Board in writingof his wish to appeal within 14 days of the date of notification
to him of the decision which forms the subject of such appeal.
The Board will conduct an appeal hearing as soon as possible
thereafter at which the Player will be given a further opportunity
to state his case. The decision of the Board will be notified to thePlayer in writing within seven days and subject to paragraph 3.3.2
will be final and binding under this procedure.
3.3.2	In the event of any sanction being imposed or confirmed in excess
of an oral warning the Player may by notice in writing served on
the Club and the League within 14 days of receipt by the Playerof written notification of the decision of the Board give notice ofappeal against it to the League who will determine the matter inaccordance with the League Rules.
3.3.3	If the Player exercises any right of appeal as aforesaid any sanction
imposed by the Club upon the Player shall not take effect until
the appropriate appeal has been determined and the sanction
confirmed varied or revoked as the case may be.

English Football League Contract

4.

Form 13

Disciplinary Penalties
4.1	At a disciplinary hearing or on an appeal against a disciplinary decision theClub may dismiss the allegation or if it is proved to the Club’s satisfaction may:		

4.1.1	give an oral warning a formal written warning or after a previous
warning or warnings a final written warning to the Player;		

4.1.2	impose a fine not exceeding the amount of the Player’s basic wage
for a period of up to two weeks for a first offence (unless otherwise
approved by the PFA in accordance with the Code of Practice) andup to four weeks for subsequent offences in any consecutive periodof 12 months but only in accordance with the provisions of the Codeof Practice;		

4.1.3	order the Player not to attend at any of the Club’s premises for such
period as the Club thinks fit not exceeding four weeks; and/or		

4.1.4	in any circumstances which would entitle the Club to dismiss
the Player pursuant to any of the provisions of clause 10 of thiscontract dismiss the Player or impose such other disciplinary action(including suspension of the Player and/or a fine of all or part of theamount of the Player’s basic wage for a period not exceeding six
weeks).

Premier League Forms

3.2

Form 13

4.2	Any warning or sanction given under this disciplinary procedure will bedeleted in the Club’s records after 12 months.

Part 2
Grievance Procedures
1.	The Player shall bring any grievance informally to the notice of the Manager inthe first instance. The Player may be required by the Manager to put any suchgrievance in writing. Having enquired into such grievance the Manager will thennotify the Player of his decision.
2.	If the grievance is not determined by the Manager to the Player’s satisfaction thePlayer may within 14 days thereafter serve formal notice of the grievance in writingon the secretary of the Club and the matter shall thereupon be determined by thechairman of the Club or by the Board as soon as possible and in any event withinfour weeks of the receipt of the notice.

340

English Football League Contract

Form 13

The following provisions shall apply to supplement the provisions of this contract and theinformation as set out herein in order to comply with the requirements of Part 1 of the
Employment Rights Act 1996.

1.

The Player’s employment with the Club began on ..................................

2.

The date of termination of this contract is 30 June 20...........

3.	No employment with a previous employer shall count as part of the Player’s
continuous period of employment hereunder.
4.	The Player’s hours of work are such as the Club may from time to time reasonably
require of him to carry out his duties and the Player shall not be entitled to any
additional remuneration for work done outside normal working hours.
5.	The place of employment shall be at the Club’s ground and training ground but
the Club shall be entitled to require the Player to play and to undertake his duties
hereunder at any other place throughout the world.
6.	No contracting out certificate pursuant to the Pensions Scheme Act 1993 is in force
in respect of the Player’s employment under this contract.
7.

The Professional Footballers’ Pension Scheme
7.1

Immediately on signing this contract, the Player shall:

		

7.1.1

be automatically enrolled as; or

		

7.1.2

or continue to be,		a member of the 2011 Section of the Professional Footballers’ Pension
Scheme (the “Scheme”) and shall remain so during the continuance of his
employment hereunder unless he:

341

		

7.1.3	notifies the Scheme Administrator in writing that he wishes to opt
out of the Scheme;		

7.1.4	has previously registered with HM Revenue & Customs for Fixed or
Enhanced Protection;

Form 13		

7.1.5	joins an International Club on a temporary basis by way ofInternational Loan Agreement (in which case his entitlement tomembership of the Scheme shall be suspended for the duration ofthat International Loan Agreement); or		

7.1.6	is otherwise ineligible for membership of the Scheme in accordancewith the terms of the Scheme’s definitive trust deed and rules asamended from time to time.

Premier League Forms

Schedule 2 – Insert Player’s Name…...........................................
Supplemental Provisions and Employment Rights Act 1996

English Football League Contract

7.2	For as long as the Player remains a member of the Scheme, an annual
contribution (funded by the levy on transfer fees) will be paid into the
Scheme for the benefit of the Player. The annual contribution shall be £6,000
or such other amount as determined by the Trustees of the Scheme fromtime to time.
7.3	The Player shall not be required to contribute to the Scheme but may electto contribute such amount as he notifies to the Scheme Administrator inwriting. Where a Player decides to contribute to the Scheme he can agreewith his Club and the Scheme Administrator for the contribution to be madethrough a salary sacrifice arrangement.
7.4	Where, by virtue of previous membership of the Scheme, the Player has built
up benefits under its Cash Section and/or Income Section, those benefits
are frozen and will be revalued until his retirement from the Scheme. The
Player shall be entitled to such benefits (including death benefits) fromeach section of the Scheme in which he has participated on such conditions
as are set out in the Scheme’s definitive trust deed and rules as amended
from time to time.
7.5	The Player further agrees that the Club may disclose his name, address,
email address, gender, date of birth, National Insurance number, salary
information and dates of commencement and termination of employment
to the League and the administrators of the Scheme for the purposes offacilitating the administration of the Scheme.

342

English Football League Contract

Remuneration

English Football League Contract

10.

Form 13

Benefits (if any) to be provided to the Player during the currency of this contract:

The Player’s remuneration shall be:.......................................................................................................................................................................

8.1.......................................................................................................................................................................

Basic Wage:		£.........................per week/per annum payable by monthly instalments in arrear			from....................................to....................................

		 £.........................per week/per annum payable by monthly instalments in arrear			from....................................to....................................

		 £.........................per week/per annum payable by monthly instalments in arrear			from....................................to....................................

		 £.........................per week/per annum payable by monthly instalments in arrear			.......................................................................................................................................................................
11.

12.	The terms and conditions of this contract form part of a number of collective
agreements between the Club (through the League) and the Player (through thePFA) affecting the Player’s employment and full details thereof are set out in the
Code of Practice.
13.	(If applicable) The following provisions which are additional or supplemental tothose set out in clause 4 have been agreed between the Club and the Player as
referred to in clause 4.11:

from....................................to....................................

.......................................................................................................................................................................

		 £.........................per week/per annum payable by monthly instalments in arrear			.......................................................................................................................................................................

from....................................to....................................

.......................................................................................................................................................................
14.

8.2	Such of the bonuses and incentives as the Player shall be entitled to receive
under the terms of the Club’s bonus and incentive scheme as are set out
below/a copy of which is annexed hereto:
		 ..........................................................................................................................................................
8.3

The Player’s normal retirement age is 35 years.

Premier League Forms

8.

Form 13

Any other provisions:.......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................

Any other payments as follows:

		 ..........................................................................................................................................................
9.	Insurances (if any) maintained for the benefit of the Player subject to the terms
and conditions thereof during currency of this contract the premiums of which arepaid by the Club.

343

Nature of Policy			

Amount.......................................................................

.......................................................................

344

English Football League Contract

Form 13

Form 13

Schedule 3
Premier League
Player Ethnicity Monitoring Questionnaire (Rule T.23)

in the presence of: .............................................................................................................

USE OF INFORMATION(Witness signature) ……………………………………………………………………………….

Completion of this questionnaire is mandatory, as required under Rule T.23. If you
provide the information it will be used as set out below and will not be used forselection or any other purposes.

(Address) ................................................................................................................................
Occupation ............................................................................................................................

SIGNED by the Player’s parent or guardian (if the player is under 18)………………………………………………………..…………………………………………….
in the presence of: ...............................................................................................................
(Witness signature) ……………………………………………………………………………….
(Address) ................................................................................................................................
Occupation ............................................................................................................................

SIGNED by (name)..............................................................................................................
for and on behalf of the Club in thepresence of: ...........................................................................................................................
(Witness signature) ……………………………………………………………………………….
(Address) ................................................................................................................................
Occupation ............................................................................................................................

Did Player use the services of an Intermediary

yes/noIf yes, name of Intermediary...............................................................................................................
Signature of Intermediary ……………………………………………………………….…………………....................

The information provided on this ethnicity questionnaire will be recorded on a computer system shared by
the Football Association Premier League Limited (“Premier League”) (and The Football League Limited
should the Player ever compete in the Football League) against the Player’s record and will be used:• to help the Premier League gain insight as to who is playing the game at this level;• to help ensure compliance with the Premier League’s Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Policy (a copy ofwhich is in Appendix 3 of the Premier League’s Rules); and• to compile aggregate statistics and reports:- on a club by club basis which we may wish to share with the relevant club only and The Football
Association Limited; and- on a league basis which we may wish to publish for public interest and to share with other bodies thathave a legitimate interest in equal opportunities such as the Professional Footballers Association andthe Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Premier League Forms

SIGNED by the Player ………………………………………………………......................

English Football League Contract

What is your ethnic group?
(Choose ONE section from A to F, then tick the appropriate box to indicate the ethnicity that you identify withfrom the list below)

A Asian or Asian British
IndianPakistani
Bangladeshi
ChineseAny other Asianbackground
B	Black, African,
Caribbean or Black
BritishCaribbean
AfricanC	Mixed or Multiple
ethnic groups
White and Black
CaribbeanWhite and Black
AfricanWhite and AsianAny other Mixedor Multiple ethnic
background

E WhiteEnglish, Welsh,
Scottish, Northern
Irish or British
Irish
Gypsy or Irish Traveller
Roma
Eastern European
Any other White
background

D Other ethnic groups
Arab

F UndeclaredPrefer not to disclose
my ethnic origin

 ny other Black, BlackA
British or Caribbean
backgroundAny other ethnic group

Name of Player
Did the Club use the services of an Intermediary

yes/noIf yes, name of Intermediary .............................................................................................................
Signature of Intermediary……………………………………………………………….………………….....................
345......................................................................................................................
Signed.......................................................................

Date.............................................

(Parent / Guardian to sign if Player is a minor)

346

Premier League

Form 14

Premier League Contract

Form 14

Premier League Contract
FA Copy
League Copy
Club Copy

WHEREBY it is agreed as follows:1.

Definitions and Interpretation
1.1	The words and phrases below shall have the following meaning:

Player Copy

Player’s surname		 “Associated Company” shall mean any company which is a holding
company or subsidiary (each as defined in Section 736 of the Companies
Act 1985) of the Club or of any holding company of the Club;

Premier League Forms

No.

Player’s forename(s)Present Postal Address

Email address
Date of Birth
Place of Birth*
Nationality		 “the Board” shall mean the board of directors of the Club for the time beingor any duly authorised committee of such board of directors;		 “Club Context” shall mean in relation to any representation of the Player
and/or the Player’s Image a representation in connection or combination
with the name colours Strip trade marks logos or other identifying
characteristics of the Club (including trade marks and logos relating to theClub and its activities which trade marks and logos are registered in thename of and/or exploited by any Associated Company) or in any mannerreferring to or taking advantage of any of the same;

National Insurance Number
Club for which Player was last registered		 “Club Rules” shall mean the rules or regulations affecting the Player fromtime to time in force and published by the Club;Club for which Player
last played (excluding domestic trial)*The Player’s birth certificate must be provided to the League in the case of his firstregistration.
AN AGREEMENT made the (day) ......................... day of (month and year) ...........................
Between ............................................... Football Club/Company Limited/Plc whose registeredoffice is at (address) .........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................
Registered Company No ......................................................
(hereinafter referred to as “the Club”) of the one part and the above-named Player(hereinafter referred to as “the Player”) of the other part.

347

		 “Code of Practice” shall mean the Code of Practice from time to time inforce and produced jointly by the Football Association Premier League
Limited and the PFA in conjunction with the FA;		 “the FA Rules” shall mean the rules and regulations from time to time inforce of the FA and including those of FIFA and UEFA to the extent they
relate or apply to the Player or the Club;		 “the FA” shall mean the Football Association Limited;		 “FIFA” shall mean the Fédération Internationale de Football Association;
		 “Gross Misconduct” shall mean serious or persistent conduct behaviour
activity or omission by the Player involving one or more of the following:		(a)theft or fraud;		(b)deliberate and serious damage to the Club’s property;348

Premier League Contract		(c)
use or possession of or trafficking in a Prohibited Substance;(d)	incapacity through alcohol affecting the Player’s performance as aplayer;(e)
breach of or failure to comply with of any of the terms of this contract,		or such other similar or equivalent serious or persistent conduct behaviour
activity or omission by the Player which the Board reasonably considers toamount to gross misconduct;		 “Holiday Year” shall mean a period of twelve months from 1st July in one
year to 30th June in the next year;		 “Intermediary” means any Person who qualifies as an Intermediary for the
purposes of the FA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries as they may
be amended from time to time;		 “International Club” shall mean any association football club that does notparticipate in a league competition sanctioned by or otherwise affiliated to
the FA;		 “International Loan Agreement” shall mean a loan agreement signed
between a Transferor Club and an International Club;		 “Internet” shall mean the global network of computer systems using TCP/IP
protocols including (without limitation) the World Wide Web;		 “the Laws of the Game” shall mean the laws from time to time in force
governing the game of association football as laid down by the International
Football Association Board (as defined in the statutes of FIFA);		 “the League” shall mean the football league of which the Club is a member
from time to time;		 “the League Rules” shall mean the rules or regulations from time to time inforce of the League;

Premier League Contract

Form 14		 “Media” shall mean any and all media whether now existing or hereafter
invented including but not limited to any print and/or paper medium
broadcast satellite or cable transmission and any visual and/or audio medium
and including but not limited to the Internet any television or radio channel
Website webcast and/or any transmission made by any mobile or mobile
telephony standard or technology or other media or broadcasting service;

Premier League Forms

				

Form 14		 “PFA” shall mean the Professional Footballers Association;
		 “Permanent Incapacity” shall mean either: (a) “Permanent Total
Disablement” as defined in the League’s personal accident insurance
scheme; or (b) incapacity of the Player by reason of or resulting from any
injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder) where in the written
opinion of an appropriately qualified medical consultant instructed by theClub (“the Initial Opinion”) and (if requested in writing either by the Club at
any time or by the Player at any time but not later than twenty one days
after receipt from the Club of notice in writing terminating this contract
pursuant to clause 8.1) of a further such consultant approved or proposedby the Player (and in the absence of either an approval or proposal within
28 days of the request nominated on the application of either party by
the President (“the President”) for the time being of the Royal College ofSurgeons) (“the Further Opinion”) the Player will be unlikely by reason ofsuch incapacity to play football to the same standard at which the Player
would have played if not for such incapacity for a consecutive period of notless than twenty months commencing on the date of commencement of
the incapacity PROVIDED that if the Initial Opinion and the Further Opinion
disagree with one another then if the Further Opinion was given by aconsultant nominated by the President it shall prevail but if not then a third
opinion (“the Third Opinion”) from a consultant nominated by the President
may be obtained on the application of either party and that opinion shallbe final and binding for the purposes of this definition;
		 “Player’s Image” shall mean the Player’s name, nickname, fame, image,signature, voice and film and photographic portrayal, virtual and/or
electronic representation, reputation, replica and all other characteristics of
the Player including his shirt number;		 “Manager” shall mean the official of the Club responsible for selecting theClub’s first team;

349

350

Premier League Contract

Form 142.

Appointment and duration
2.1	The Club engages the Player as a professional footballer on the terms andconditions of this contract and subject to the Rules.
2.2	This contract shall remain in force until the date specified in clause 2 of
Schedule 2 hereto subject to any earlier determination pursuant to theterms of this contract.

		 “Prohibited Substance” shall have the meaning set out in the FA Rules;		 “the Rules” shall mean the statutes and regulations of FIFA and UEFA the FA
Rules the League Rules the Code of Practice and the Club Rules;3.

		 “Strip” shall mean all versions from time to time of the Club’s official footballclothing including shirts shorts socks and/or training kit track suits headwear
and/or any other clothing displaying the Club’s name and/or official logo;

		

Duties and Obligations of the Player
3.1

The Player agrees:
3.1.1

1.2

For the purposes of this contract and provided the context so permits:

3.1.1.1 to attend matches in which the Club is engaged;			

3.1.1.2	to participate in any matches in which he is selected to playfor the Club; and			

3.1.1.3	to attend at any reasonable place for the purposes of andto participate in training and match preparation;

		

3.1.2 to play to the best of his skill and ability at all times;		

3.1.3	except to the extent prevented by injury or illness to maintain a highstandard of physical fitness at all times and not to indulge in any
activity sport or practice which might endanger such fitness or inhibit
his mental or physical ability to play practise or train;		

1.2.1	the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and any genderincludes any other gender;		

1.2.2	references to person shall include any entity business firm orunincorporated association; and		

1.2.3	references to statutory enactments or to the Rules shall include reenactments and amendments of substantially the same intent as
the original referenced enactment or Rule.

3.1.4	to undertake such other duties and to participate in such otheractivities as are consistent with the performance of his duties underclauses 3.1.1 to 3.1.3 and as are reasonably required of the Player;		

3.1.5	that he has given all necessary authorities for the release to the Clubof his medical records and will continue to make the same available
as requested by the Club from time to time during the continuance of
this contract;		

3.1.6	to comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of
any authorised official of the Club;		

3.1.7	to play football solely for the Club or as authorised by the Club or as
required by the Rules;		

3.1.8 to observe the Laws of the Game when playing football;		

1.3	The headings of this contract are for convenience only and not interpretation.
1.4	In the event of any dispute as to the interpretation of any of the provisions of
this contract reference shall be made (where appropriate) for clarification
to the Code of Practice but so that in the event of any conflict the provisionsof this contract shall prevail. Subject thereto wherever specific reference
to the Code of Practice is made in this contract the relevant terms andprovisions thereof are deemed incorporated herein as if set out in full.

351

when directed by an authorised official of the Club:			“UEFA” shall mean the Union des Associations Européennes de Football; and		 “Website” shall mean a site forming part of the Internet with a unique URL/
domain name.

Form 14

Premier League Forms

		 “Player Injury” shall mean any injury or illness (including mental illness or
disorder) other than any injury or illness which is directly caused by or results
directly from a breach by the Player of his obligations under clause 3.2.1 ofthis contract or of any other of his obligations hereunder amounting to Gross
Misconduct;

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Premier League Contract

3.1.9	to observe the Rules but in the case of the Club Rules to the extent
only that they do not conflict with or seek to vary the express terms ofthis contract;		

3.1.10	to submit promptly to such medical and dental examinations as
the Club may reasonably require and to undergo at no expense
to himself such treatment as may be prescribed by the medical ordental advisers of the Club or the Club’s insurers; and		

3.1.11	on the termination of this contract for any cause to return to the Clubin a reasonable and proper condition any property (including anycar) which has been provided or made available by the Club to thePlayer in connection with his employment.

		Premier League Contract

Form 14		

3.2.5	knowingly or recklessly do, write or say anything or omit to do
anything which is likely to bring the Club or the game of football into
disrepute, cause the Player or the Club to be in breach of the Rules orcause damage to the Club or its officers or employees or any matchofficial. Whenever circumstances permit the Player shall give to theClub reasonable notice of his intention to make any contributions to
the public media in order to allow representations to be made to him
on behalf of the Club if it so desires; and		

3.2.6	except in the case of emergency arrange or undergo any medical
treatment without first giving the Club proper details of the proposed
treatment and physician/surgeon and requesting the Club’s consent
which the Club will not unreasonably withhold having due regard to
the provisions of the Code of Practice.

Premier League Forms

		

3.2

353

Form 14

The Player agrees that he shall not:3.2.1	undertake or be involved in any activity or practice which will
knowingly cause to be void or voidable or which will invoke any
exclusion of the Player’s cover pursuant to any policy of insurance
maintained for the benefit of the Club on the life of the Player orcovering his physical well-being (including injury and incapacity andtreatment thereof);		

3.2.2	when playing or training wear anything (including jewellery) which isor could be dangerous to him or any other person;		

3.2.3	except to the extent specifically agreed in writing between the Cluband the Player prior to the signing of this contract use as his regularplace of residence any place which the Club reasonably deems
unsuitable for the performance by the Player of his duties other than
temporarily pending relocation;

		

3.2.4	undertake or be engaged in any other employment or be engaged
or involved in any trade business or occupation or participate
professionally in any other sporting or athletic activity without theprior written consent of the Club PROVIDED THAT this shall not:			

3.2.4.1	prevent the Player from making any investment in any
business so long as it does not conflict or interfere with his
obligations hereunder; or			

3.2.4.2	limit the Player’s rights under clauses 4 and 6.1.8;

4.

Community, public relations and marketing
4.1	
For the purposes of the promotional, community and public relations
activities of the Club and/or (at the request of the Club) of any sponsors
or commercial partners of the Club and/or of the League and/or of any
main sponsors of the League the Player shall attend at and participate insuch events as may reasonably be required by the Club, including but notlimited to, appearances and the granting of interviews and photographic
opportunities as authorised by the Club. The Club shall give reasonable
notice to the Player of the Club’s requirements and the Player shall makehimself available for up to six hours per week of which approximately halfshall be devoted to the community and public relations activities of theClub. No photograph of the Player taken pursuant to the provisions of thisclause 4.1 shall be used by the Club or any other person to imply any brandor product endorsement by the Player.
4.2	Whilst he is providing or performing the services set out in this contract(including travelling on Club business), the Player shall:		

4.2.1	wear only such clothing as is approved by an authorised official of
the Club; and		

4.2.2	not display any badge, mark, logo, trading name or message on
any item of clothing without the written consent of an authorised
official of the Club provided that nothing in this clause shall prevent
the Player wearing and/or promoting football boots and, in thecase of a goalkeeper, gloves of his choice.
354

Premier League Contract

Form 14		

4.6.2	the Player’s photograph and/or Player’s Image shall not be used to
imply any brand or product endorsement by the Player; and		

4.6.3	PROVIDED that all rights shall cease on termination of this contract
save for the use and/or sale of any promotional materials or products
as aforesaid as shall then already be manufactured or in the processof manufacture or required to satisfy any outstanding orders.

4.7	In its dealings with any person permitted by the Club to take photographsof the Player the Club shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that the
copyright of the photographs so taken is vested in the Club and/or thatno use is made of the said photographs without the Club’s consent and inaccordance with the provisions of this contract.

4.4	The Player agrees that he will not either on his own behalf or with or
through any third party, undertake promotional activities in a Club Context
nor exploit the Player’s Image in a Club Context in any manner and/or in any
Media nor grant the right to do so to any third party.

4.8	The Player shall be entitled to make a responsible and reasonable reply or
response to any media comment or published statements likely to adversely
affect the Player’s standing or reputation and, subject as provided for in clause
3.2.5, to make contributions to the public media in a responsible manner.

4.5	Except to the extent specifically herein provided or otherwise specificallyagreed with the Player, nothing in this contract shall prevent the Player fromundertaking promotional activities or from exploiting the Player’s Image solong as:		

4.5.1	the said promotional activities or exploitation do not interfere orconflict with the Player’s obligations under this contract; and		

4.5.2	the Player gives reasonable advance notice to the Club of any
intended promotional activities or exploitation.

4.9	In this clause 4, where the context so admits the expression “the Club”
includes any Associated Company of the Club but only to the extent andin the context that such company directly or indirectly provides facilities toor undertakes commercial marketing or public relations activities for theClub and not so as to require the consent of any Associated Company whenconsent of the Club is required.
4.10	For the purposes of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 nothing
in this clause 4 is intended to nor does it give to the League any right toenforce any of its provisions against the Club or the Player.

4.6	The Player hereby grants to the Club the right to photograph the Player
both individually and as a member of a squad and to use such photographs
and the Player’s Image in a Club Context in connection with the promotionof the Club and its playing activities and the promotion of the League
and the manufacture sale distribution licensing advertising marketingand promotion of the Club’s club branded and football related products(including the Strip) or services (including such products or services which
are endorsed by or produced under licence from the Club) and in relation to
the League’s licensed products, services and sponsors in such manner as theClub may reasonably think fit so long as:		

355

4.6.1	the use of the Player’s photograph and/or Player’s Image either
alone or with not more than two other players at the Club shallbe limited to no greater usage than the average for all players
regularly in the Club’s first team;Form 14

Premier League Forms

4.3	
Subject in any event to clause 4.4 and except to the extent of any
commitments already entered into by the Player as at the date hereof
or when on international duty in relation to the Players’ national footballassociation UEFA or FIFA, he shall not (without the written consent of theClub) at any time during the term of this contract do anything to promote,endorse or provide promotional marketing or advertising services or exploit
the Player’s Image either: (a) in relation to any person in respect of such
person’s products brand or services which conflict or compete with any of
the Club’s club branded or football related products (including the Strip) or
any products, brand or services of the Club’s two main sponsors/commercial
partners or of the League’s one principal sponsor; or (b) for the League.

Premier League Contract

4.11	Nothing in this clause 4 shall prevent the Club from entering into otherarrangements additional or supplemental hereto or in variance hereof in
relation to advertising, marketing and/or promotional services with thePlayer or with or for all or some of the Club’s players (including the Player)from time to time. Any other such arrangements which have been agreed asat the date of the signing of this contract and any image contract or similar
contract required to be set out in this contract by the League Rules are set
out in Schedule 2 paragraph 13.
5.

Remuneration and expenses
5.1	Throughout his engagement the Club shall pay to the Player the remunerationand shall provide the benefits (if any) as are set out in Schedule 2.
356

Premier League Contract

Form 145.3

5.3.1	any monies disbursed and/or liabilities incurred by the Club on
behalf of the Player with the Players prior consent; and		

5.3.2	any other monies (but not claims for damages or compensation)
which can be clearly established to be properly due from the Player
to the Club.

5.4	If at a Disciplinary hearing conducted under Part 1 of Schedule 1 hereto afine is imposed on a player calculated by reference to the Player’s weekly
wage, the fine shall take the form of a forfeiture of wages of a corresponding
amount so that the amount forfeit shall not become payable to the Player.
The forfeiture shall take effect in relation to the monthly instalment of thePlayer’s remuneration falling due next after the date on which the noticeof the decision is given to him (“Pay Day”). But see clause 5.5 dealing withappeals. For the avoidance of doubt, the amount forfeit is the gross amountof the weekly wage.
5.5	If on Pay Day the time for appealing has not expired or if notice of appeal
has been given, the reference to Pay Day shall be to the day on which themonthly instalment of remuneration becomes payable next after: (a) the
expiry of the time for appealing without any appeal having been made; or(b) if an appeal is made, the date on which the outcome of the appeal isnotified to the Player. In the case of an appeal, the amount that is forfeit
shall be the amount (if any) determined on appeal.
6.

Obligations of the Club
6.1

357

		

6.1.3	promptly arrange appropriate medical and dental examinations
and treatment for the Player at the Club’s expense in respect of any
injury to or illness (including mental illness or disorder) of the Player,save where such injury or illness is caused by an activity or practiceon the part of the Player which breaches clause 3.2.1 hereof, in whichcase the Club shall only be obliged to arrange and pay for treatment
to the extent that the cost thereof remains covered by the Club’s
policy of medical insurance or (if the Club does not maintain such a
policy), then to the extent that it would remain covered by such a
policy were one maintained upon normal industry terms commonly
available within professional football and so that save as aforesaid
this obligation shall continue in respect of any examinations and/or treatment the necessity for which arose during the currency ofthis contract notwithstanding its subsequent expiry or termination
until the earlier of completion of the necessary examinations and/or prescribed treatment and a period of 18 months from the date of
expiry or termination hereof;		

6.1.4	use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that any policy of insurance
maintained by the Club for the benefit of the Player continues
to provide cover for any examinations and/or treatment as arereferred to in clause 6.1.3 until completion of any such examinations
and/or treatment;		

6.1.5	comply with all relevant statutory provisions relating to industrial
injury and any regulations made pursuant thereto;		

6.1.6	at all times maintain and observe a proper health and safety policy
for the security safety and physical well being of the Player whencarrying out his duties under this contract;		

6.1.7	in any case where the Club would otherwise be liable as employer
for any acts or omissions of the Player in the lawful and proper
performance of his playing, practising or training duties under thiscontract, defend the Player against any proceedings threatenedor brought against him at any time arising out of the carrying out
by him of any such acts or omissions and indemnify him from any
damages awarded and this obligation and indemnity shall continue
in relation to any such acts or omissions during the currency of thiscontract notwithstanding its expiry or termination before suchproceedings are threatened and/or brought;

The Club may deduct from any remuneration payable to the Player:

		

The Club shall:		

6.1.1	observe the Rules, all of which (other than the Club Rules) shall takeprecedence over the Club Rules;		

6.1.2	provide the Player each year with copies of all the Rules which
affect the Player and of the terms and conditions of any policy of
insurance in respect of or in relation to the Player with which thePlayer is expected to comply;

Form 14

Premier League Forms

5.2	The Club shall reimburse the Player all reasonable hotel and other expenses
wholly and exclusively incurred by him in or about the performance of his
duties under this contract PROVIDED that the Player has obtained the priorauthorisation of a director the Manager or the secretary of the Club and thePlayer furnishes the Club with receipts or other evidence of such expenses.

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6.2

6.1.8	give the Player every opportunity compatible with his obligations
under this contract to follow any course of further educationor vocational training which he wishes to undertake and give
positive support to the Player in undertaking such education andtraining. The Player shall supply the Footballer’s Further Education
and Vocational Training Society with particulars of any courses
undertaken by him; and6.1.9	release the Player as required for the purposes of fulfilling theobligations in respect of representative matches to his national
association pursuant to the statutes and regulations of FIFA.
The Club shall not, without the consent in writing of the Player:		

6.2.1	take or use or permit to be used photographs of the Player for any
purposes save as permitted by clause 4; or		

6.2.2	use or reveal the contents of any medical reports or other medical
information regarding the Player obtained by the Club save forthe purpose of assessing the Player’s health and fitness obtaining
medical and insurance cover and complying with the Club’s
obligations under the Rules.

7.

Injury and Illness
7.1	Any injury to or illness of the Player shall be reported by him or on his behalf to
the Club immediately and the Club shall keep a record of such injury or illness.
7.2	In the event that the Player shall become incapacitated from playing byreason of any injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder), the Club
shall pay to the Player during such period of incapacity or the period of thiscontract (whichever is the shorter) the following amounts of remuneration
for the following periods:

				

7.2.1	in the case of a Player Injury, his basic wage over the first 18 months
and one half of his basic wage for the remainder of his period ofincapacity; or
7.2.2	in the case of any other injury or illness, his basic wage over the first
12 months and one half of his basic wage for the remainder of his
period of incapacity.

7.3	In each case specified in clause 7.2, above there shall be paid to the Player in
addition to his basic wage all or the appropriate share of any bonus payments
359

Premier League Contract

Form 14

if and to the extent that payment or provision for continuation of the same isspecifically provided for in Schedule 2 or in the Club’s Bonus Scheme.
7.4	The payments made by the Club pursuant to clause 7.2 shall be deemed
to include all and any statutory sick pay and/or any other state benefits
payable by reference to sickness to which the Player may be entitled.
7.5	Nothing in this clause 7 shall reduce or vary the entitlement of the Player tosigning on fees and/or loyalty payments or any other payments of a similar
nature due to him under this contract.
8.

Premier League Forms

		

Form 14

Permanent or Prolonged Incapacity
8.1

In the event that:

		

8.1.1

the Player shall suffer Permanent Incapacity; or		

8.1.2	the Player has been incapacitated from playing by reason of or
resulting from the same injury or illness (including mental illness or
disorder) for a period (consecutive or in the aggregate) amounting
to eighteen months in any consecutive period of twenty months,

		the Club shall be entitled to serve a notice upon the Player terminating thiscontract.
8.2	The length of such notice shall be 12 months in the case of an incapacity byreason of a Player Injury and six months in every other case.
8.3

The notice referred to in clause 8.1 may be served at any time after:		

8.3.1	the date on which the Player is declared to be suffering Permanent
Total Disablement under the terms of the League’s personal
accident insurance scheme;		

8.3.2	the date on which such Permanent Incapacity is established by theInitial Opinion; or		

8.3.3	in the case of any incapacity as is referred to in 8.1.2, the date on
which the period of incapacity shall exceed 18 months as aforesaid
but so that the right to terminate pursuant to clause 8.1.2 shall only
apply while such incapacity shall continue thereafter.

8.4	In the event that after the service of any notice pursuant to clause 8.1.1,
Permanent Incapacity is not confirmed by the Further Opinion (if requested)or (where relevant) by the Third Opinion, then such notice shall lapse andcease to be of effect.
360

Premier League Contract

Form 148.6	Where the Club has made payment to the Player during any period ofincapacity owing to illness or injury and the Player’s absence is due to theaction of a third party other than of another club, player or match official in
relation to any damage or injury sustained on or about the field of play or
during training or practising giving the Player a right of recovery against thatthird party, then if the Player makes any claim against such third party thePlayer must where he is reasonably able to do so include as part of such claim
from such third party a claim for recovery of any such payment and uponsuccessful recovery repay to the Club the lesser of the total of the remuneration
paid by the Club to the Player during the period of incapacity and the amountof any damages payable to or recovered by the Player in respect of such claim
or otherwise by reference to loss of earnings under this contract under any
compromise settlement or judgment. Any amounts paid by the Club to thePlayer in such circumstances shall constitute loans from the Club to be repaid
to the Club to the extent aforesaid upon successful recovery as aforesaid.
9.

Disciplinary Procedure	Except in any case where the Club terminates the Player’s employment pursuant to
the provisions of clause 10 hereof (when the procedure set out therein shall apply) theClub shall operate the disciplinary procedure set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 hereto in
relation to any breach or failure to observe the terms of this contract or of the Rules.
10.

		10.3	The Player may by notice in writing served on the Club and the League at
any time from the date of termination up to 14 days after receipt by thePlayer of written notification under clause 10.2, give notice of appeal against
the decision of the Club to the League and such appeal shall be determinedin accordance with the procedures applicable pursuant to the League Rules.
10.4	If the Player exercises his right of appeal the termination of this contractby the Club shall not become effective unless and until it shall have been
determined that the Club was entitled to terminate this contract pursuant
to clause 10.1 but so that if it is so determined then subject only to clause
10.5.3 the Player shall cease to be entitled to any remuneration or benefits
with effect from the expiration of the period of notice referred to in clause
10.3 and any payment made by the Club in respect thereof shall forthwith
become due from the Player to the Club.
10.5	
Pending the hearing and determination of such appeal the Club may
suspend the Player for up to a maximum of six weeks from the date ofnotice of termination and, if the Board so determine, such suspension shallbe without pay provided that:		

10.5.1	the payment due to the Player in respect of the 14 days’ notice
period under clause 10.1 is made to the Player forthwith;		

10.5.2	pending the determination of the appeal an amount equal to the
remuneration which would otherwise have been due to the Player
but for the suspension without pay is paid to an escrow accountheld by the PFA as and when it would otherwise have become duefor payment to the Player and following the determination of theappeal the PFA will either pay the money (including interest earnedon the said account) to the Player or return it to the Club according
to the appeal decision;		

10.5.3	all other benefits for the Player under the provisions of clauses 6.1.3
and 6.1.4 of this contract shall be maintained and remain in force
while the appeal is pending; and10.1	The Club shall be entitled to terminate the employment of the Player by 14
days’ notice in writing to the Player if the Player:

361

10.1.1	shall be guilty of Gross Misconduct;		

10.1.2	shall fail to heed any final written warning given under the provisionsof Part 1 of Schedule 1 hereto; or

10.1.3	is convicted of any criminal offence where the punishment consistsof a sentence of imprisonment of three months or more (which is
not suspended).

10.2	If the Club terminates the Player’s employment for any reason under clause
10.1, the Club shall within seven days thereafter notify the Player in writingof the full reasons for the action taken.

Termination by the Club		Form 14

Premier League Forms

8.5	In the case of any notice of termination given under this clause 8 the Club
shall be entitled by further notice on or after serving notice of termination toterminate this contract forthwith on paying to the Player at the time of suchtermination the remainder of his remuneration and any other sums properly
due to him under this contract and the value of any other benefits which would
be payable or available to the Player during the remainder of the period of his
notice of termination, provided always that the Club’s obligations pursuant
to clause 6.1.3 shall continue to apply during the remainder of the said notice
period and for any further relevant period as provided therein.

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10.5.4	during any such period of suspension the Club shall be under noobligation to assign to the Player any playing training or otherduties and shall be entitled to exclude the Player from the Club’s
premises including its ground and training ground.

10.6	Upon any termination of this contract by the Club becoming operative, theClub shall forthwith release the Player’s registration.
11.

Termination by the Player
11.1	The Player shall be entitled to terminate this contract by 14 days’ notice inwriting to the Club if the Club:		

11.1.1	shall be guilty of serious or persistent breach of the terms andconditions of this contract; or		

11.1.2	fails to pay any remuneration or other payments or bonuses due tothe Player or make available any benefits due to him as it or theyfall due or within fourteen days thereafter and has still failed tomake payment in full or make the benefits available by the expiryof the said 14 days’ notice.

11.2	The Club may, within 14 days of receipt of any notice of termination of thiscontract by the Player in accordance with clause 11.1 give written noticeof appeal against such termination to the Player and to the League whichshall hear such appeal in accordance with procedures applicable pursuant
to the League Rules.
11.3	
If the Club exercises its right of appeal pursuant to clause 11.2, thetermination of this contract shall not become operative unless and until it
shall have been determined that the Player was entitled to terminate thiscontract pursuant to clause 11.1.
11.4	Upon any termination of this contract by the Player becoming operative theClub shall forthwith release the Player’s registration.
12.

Grievance Procedure	In the event that the Player has any grievance in connection with his employment
under this contract the grievance procedures set out in Part 2 of the Schedule 1
hereto shall be available to the Player.

363

Premier League Contract

13.

Form 14

Representation of Player	
In any disciplinary or grievance procedure the Player shall be entitled to beaccompanied by or represented by his Club captain or a PFA delegate and/or any
officer of the PFA.
14.

Holidays

Premier League Forms

		

Form 14	For each Holiday Year the Player shall be entitled to take in the aggregate theequivalent of five weeks paid holiday to be taken at a time or times and for suchdays during the Holiday Year as shall be determined by the Club but so that(subject to the Club’s first team and any international commitments) the Club
shall not unreasonably refuse to permit the Player to take three of such weeks
consecutively. Holidays not taken during any Holiday Year (or subject to agreementby the Club within one month of the end of such Holiday Year) may not be carriedforward into any subsequent Holiday Year.
15.

Survival	The provisions of this contract shall remain in full force and effect in respect of any
act or omission of either party during the period of this contract notwithstanding
the termination of this contract.
16.

Confidentiality	This contract is to be treated as being private and confidential and its contents
shall not be disclosed or divulged either directly or indirectly to any person firm orcompany whatsoever either by the Club the Player or any Intermediary of the Clubor the Player except:
16.1	with the prior written agreement of both the Club and the Player;
16.2	as may be required by any statutory, regulatory, governmental or quasi
governmental authorities or as otherwise required by law or pursuant to
the Rules including (where appropriate) any recognised stock exchange;
16.3	in the case of the Player to his duly appointed Intermediary and professional
advisers including the PFA; or
16.4	in the case of the Club to its duly appointed Intermediary and its professional
advisers or to such of its directors secretary servants or representatives orauditors to whom such disclosure is strictly necessary for the purposes of
their duties and then only to the extent so necessary.
364Premier League Contract

Premier League Contract

Arbitration

period of one month at a lower basic wage than such average then suchpayment shall in addition include a sum equal to the shortfall in such basic
wage for the remainder of such period.

	Any dispute between the Club and the Player not provided for in clauses 9, 10,
11,12 and Schedule 1 hereof shall be referred to arbitration in accordance with
the League Rules or (but only if mutually agreed by the Club and the Player) inaccordance with the FA Rules.
18.

19.3	The maximum amount payable to the Player under sub-clause 19.2 is double
the maximum sum which an Employment Tribunal can award from time totime as a compensatory award for unfair dismissal.

Specificity of Football	The parties hereto confirm and acknowledge that this contract the rights andobligations undertaken by the parties hereto and the fixed term period thereofreflect the special relationship and characteristics involved in the employmentof football players and the participation by the parties in the game of footballpursuant to the Rules, and the parties accordingly agree that all matters of disputein relation to the rights and obligations of the parties hereto and otherwise pursuant
to the Rules, including as to termination of this contract and any compensation
payable in respect of termination or breach thereof, shall be submitted to andthe parties hereto accept the jurisdiction and all appropriate determinations ofsuch tribunal panel or other body (including pursuant to any appeal therefrom)pursuant to the provisions of and in accordance with the procedures and practices
under this contract and the Rules.

20.

Severance
19.1	If the Player shall not make an application to an Employment Tribunal forcompensation in respect of unfair dismissal or redundancy as a result of
not being offered a new contract either on terms at least as favourable asunder this contract or at all, then the following provisions of this clause 19
shall take effect.
19.2	If by the expiry of this contract the Club has not made to the Player anoffer of re-engagement on terms at least as favourable to the Player as
those applicable over the last 12 months of this contract (or the length of
this contract if shorter) then subject to clauses 19.1 and 19.3 the Player shallcontinue to receive from his Club (as a separate payment representing
compensation as more particularly referred to in the Code of Practice) a
payment equal to his weekly basic wage (at the average amount of his
weekly wage over the preceding 12 months of this contract or the wholeof this contract if shorter) for a period of one month from the expiry of thiscontract or until the Player signs for another club, whichever period is theshorter, provided that where the Player signs for another club within that

365

Miscellaneous
20.1	This contract and the documents referred to herein constitute the entire
agreement between the Club and the Player and supersede any and all
preceding agreements between the Club and the Player.
20.2	The further particulars of terms of employment not contained in the body ofthis contract which must be given to the Player in compliance with Part 1 of
the Employment Rights Act 1996 are given in Schedule 2.
20.3	This contract is signed by the parties hereto in duplicate so that for thispurpose each signed agreement shall constitute an original but taken
together they shall constitute one agreement.

21.
19.

Form 14

Premier League Forms

17.

Form 14

Privacy Notice	For the purposes of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection
Regulation (“GDPR”) the Player acknowledges that the Club, the League, the
PFA and The FA are collecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data
which may include Special Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in theGDPR) about the Player including such data in this contract. The League’s, the
PFA’s and The FA’s Player Privacy Notice will be provided to you directly during
the registration process and/or will be available on their respective websites. The
Club’s Data Protection Policy can be found in the Club’s employee handbook.
22.

Jurisdiction and Law

	This contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law
and the parties submit to the non exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

366

Premier League Contract

Form 141.

3.

3.2.1	If the Club decides to hold a disciplinary hearing about the mattercomplained of, the Player will be given full details in writing of thecomplaint against him and reasonable notice of the date and timeof the hearing. At the hearing the Player will be given an opportunity
to state his case either personally or through his representative as
provided for in clause 13 of this contract.

		

3.2.2	Subject as provided in paragraph 3.2.3 no disciplinary penalty will
be imposed without first giving the Player the opportunity to state
his case to the Manager or if the Player so requests to a director of
the Club and where the Club considers it appropriate or where thePlayer requests the same without a disciplinary hearing.

		

3.2.3	A disciplinary hearing may proceed in the Player’s absence and adisciplinary penalty may be imposed if he fails to appear at such
hearing after having received proper notice thereof.

Records	All cases of disciplinary action under this procedure will be recorded and placedin the Club’s records until deleted in accordance with paragraph 4.2. A copy of theClub’s disciplinary records concerning the Player will be supplied to the Player at
his request.

3.3

3.3.1	The Player shall have a right of appeal to the Board against any
disciplinary decision. The Player should inform the Board in writingof his wish to appeal within 14 days of the date of notification to himof the decision which forms the subject of such appeal. The Board
will conduct an appeal hearing as soon as possible thereafter atwhich the Player will be given a further opportunity to state hiscase. The decision of the Board will be notified to the Player inwriting within seven days and subject to paragraph 3.3.2 will befinal and binding unwder this procedure.

		

3.3.2	In the event of any sanction being imposed or confirmed in excess
of an oral warning, the Player may by notice in writing served on
the Club and the League within 14 days of receipt by the Playerof written notification of the decision of the Board give notice ofappeal against it to the League who will determine the matter inaccordance with the League Rules.

		

3.3.3	If the Player exercises any right of appeal as aforesaid, any sanction
imposed by the Club upon the Player shall not take effect until
the appropriate appeal has been determined and the sanction
confirmed varied or revoked as the case may be.

The following steps will be taken as appropriate in all cases of disciplinary action:
Investigation

		No action will be taken before a proper investigation has been undertakenby the Club into the matter complained of. If the Club determines the same
to be appropriate the Club may by written notice suspend the Player for up
to 14 days while the investigation takes place. If the Player is so suspended
this contract will continue together with all the Player’s rights under it
including the payment of the Player’s remuneration and benefits but during
the period of suspension the Player will not be entitled to access to any of
the Club’s premises except at the prior request or with the prior consent
of the Club and subject to such conditions as the Club may impose. The
decision to suspend the Player will be notified in writing to the Player by the
Club.

367

Appeals		

The Procedure

3.1

Disciplinary Hearing		Introduction	The disciplinary procedure aims to ensure that the Club behaves fairly ininvestigating and dealing with allegations of unacceptable conduct with a viewto helping and encouraging all employees of the Club to achieve and maintainappropriate standards of conduct and performance. The Club neverthelessreserves the right to depart from the precise requirements of its disciplinary
procedure where the Club considers it expedient to do so and where the Player’s
resulting treatment is no less fair.
2.

3.2

Form 14

Premier League Forms

Schedule 1
Part 1
Disciplinary Procedure and Penalties

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Disciplinary Penalties
4.1	At a disciplinary hearing or on an appeal against a disciplinary decision, theClub may dismiss the allegation or if it is proved to the Club’s satisfaction
may:

		

4.1.1	give an oral warning a formal written warning or after a previous
warning or warnings a final written warning to the Player;		

4.1.2	impose a fine not exceeding the amount of the Player’s basic wage
for a period of up to two weeks for a first offence (unless otherwise
approved by the PFA in accordance with the Code of Practice) andup to four weeks for subsequent offences in any consecutive periodof 12 months but only in accordance with the provisions of the Codeof Practice;				

4.1.3	order the Player not to attend at any of the Club’s premises for such
period as the Club thinks fit not exceeding four weeks; and/or
4.1.4	in any circumstances which would entitle the Club to dismiss thePlayer pursuant to any of the provisions of clause 10 of this contract
dismiss the Player or impose such other disciplinary action (including
suspension of the Player and/or a fine of all or part of the amount of
the Player’s basic wage for a period not exceeding six weeks).

4.2	
Any warning or sanction given under this disciplinary procedure will bedeleted in the Club’s records after 12 months.

Part 2
Grievance Procedures
1.	The Player shall bring any grievance informally to the notice of the Manager
in the first instance. The Player may be required by the Manager to put any
such grievance in writing. Having enquired into such grievance the Manager
will then notify the Player of his decision.
2.	
If the grievance is not determined by the Manager to the Player’s
satisfaction the Player may within 14 days thereafter serve formal notice ofthe grievance in writing on the secretary of the Club and the matter shallthereupon be determined by the chairman of the Club or by the Board
as soon as possible and in any event within four weeks of the receipt of
the notice.

369

Premier League Contract

Form 14

Schedule 2 – Insert Player’s Name …..........................................
Supplemental Provisions and Employment Rights Act 1996
The following provisions shall apply to supplement the provisions of this contract and theinformation as set out herein in order to comply with the requirements of Part 1 of the
Employment Rights Act 1996.
1.

The Player’s employment with the Club began on .................................

2.

The date of termination of this contract is 30 June 20...........

Premier League Forms

4.

Form 14

3.	No employment with a previous employer shall count as part of the Player’s
continuous period of employment hereunder.
4.	The Player’s hours of work are such as the Club may from time to time reasonably
require of him to carry out his duties and the Player shall not be entitled to any
additional remuneration for work done outside normal working hours.
5.	The place of employment shall be at the Club’s ground and training ground but
the Club shall be entitled to require the Player to play and to undertake his duties
hereunder at any other place throughout the world.
6.	No contracting out certificate pursuant to the Pensions Scheme Act 1993 is in force
in respect of the Player’s employment under this contract.
7.	The Professional Footballers’ Pension Scheme
7.1	Immediately on the Player’s registration with the Premier League, the Player
shall:
		

7.1.1

be automatically enrolled as; or

		

7.1.2

or continue to be,		a member of the 2011 Section of the Professional Footballers’ Pension
Scheme (the “Scheme”) and shall remain so during the continuance of his
employment hereunder unless he:		

7.1.3	notifies the Scheme Administrator in writing that he wishes to opt
out of the Scheme;
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Premier League Contract

Form 14

7.1.4	has previously registered with HM Revenue & Customs for Fixed or
Enhanced Protection;

		

7.1.5	joins an International Club on a temporary basis by way ofInternational Loan Agreement (in which case his entitlement tomembership of the Scheme shall be suspended for the duration ofthat International Loan Agreement); or		

7.1.6	is otherwise ineligible for membership of the Scheme in accordancewith the terms of the Scheme’s definitive trust deed and rules asamended from time to time.

7.2	For as long as the Player remains a member of the Scheme, an annual
contribution (funded by the levy on transfer fees) will be paid into the
Scheme for the benefit of the Player. The annual contribution shall be £6,000
or such other amount as determined by the Trustees of the Scheme fromtime to time.

8.

7.5	The Player further agrees that the Club may disclose his name, address,
email address, gender, date of birth, National Insurance number, salary
information and dates of commencement and termination of employment
to the League and the administrators of the Scheme for the purposes offacilitating the administration of the Scheme.

8.1

Basic Wage:		 £ per week/per annum payable by monthly instalments in arrear				from .........................
to .........................
		 £ per week/per annum payable by monthly instalments in arrear				from .........................
to .........................
		 £ per week/per annum payable by monthly instalments in arrear				from .........................
to .........................
8.2	Such of the bonuses and incentives as the Player shall be entitled to receive
under the terms of the Club’s bonus and incentive scheme as are set out
below/a copy of which is annexed hereto:
SEE ATTACHED
8.3

Any other payments as follows:
SEE ATTACHED

9.	Insurances (if any) maintained for the benefit of the Player subject to the terms
and conditions thereof during currency of this contract the premiums of which arepaid by the Club.
Nature of Policy				Amount
N/A						10.

Benefits (if any) to be provided to the Player during the currency of this contract:
SEE ATTACHED

11.

371

Remuneration
The Player’s remuneration shall be:

7.3	The Player shall not be required to contribute to the Scheme but may electto contribute such amount as he notifies to the Scheme Administrator inwriting. Where a Player decides to contribute to the Scheme he can agreewith his Club and the Scheme Administrator for the contribution to be madethrough a salary sacrifice arrangement.
7.4	Where, by virtue of previous membership of the Scheme, the Player has built
up benefits under its Cash Section and/or Income Section, those benefits
are frozen and will be revalued until his retirement from the Scheme. The
Player shall be entitled to such benefits (including death benefits) fromeach section of the Scheme in which he has participated on such conditions
as are set out in the Scheme’s definitive trust deed and rules as amended
from time to time.

Form 14

Premier League Forms

		

Premier League Contract

The Player’s normal retirement age is 35 years.

372Premier League Contract

Form 14

13.	(If applicable) The following provisions which are additional or supplemental tothose set out in clause 4 have been agreed between the Club and the Player as
referred to in clause 4.11:
SEE ATTACHED

14.

SIGNED BY THE PLAYER
Player signature:.........................................................................................................................
in the presence of:Witness signature:......................................................................................................................
Witness name:.............................................................................................................................

Form 14

Premier League Forms

12.	The terms and conditions of this contract form part of a number of collective
agreements between the Club (through the League) and the Player (through thePFA) affecting the Player’s employment and full details thereof are set out in the
Code of Practice.

Premier League Contract

Witness address:.........................................................................................................................
Witness occupation:..................................................................................................................

Any other provisions:

SIGNED BY THE PLAYER’S PARENT OR GUARDIAN (if the player is under 18)

SEE ATTACHEDParent / Guardian signature:................................................................................................
Parent / Guardian name:........................................................................................................
in the presence of:Witness signature:......................................................................................................................
Witness name:.............................................................................................................................
Witness address:.........................................................................................................................
Witness occupation:..................................................................................................................
SIGNED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CLUB BY:
Authorised signatory signature:...........................................................................................
Authorised signatory name:...................................................................................................
in the presence of:Witness signature:......................................................................................................................
Witness name:.............................................................................................................................
Witness address:.........................................................................................................................
Witness occupation:..................................................................................................................
Did Player use the services of an Intermediary
yes/noIf yes, name of Intermediary .................................................................................................
Did the Club use the services of an Intermediary
yes/noIf yes, name of Intermediary .................................................................................................

373

374

Premier League Contract

Form 14

USE OF INFORMATION
Completion of this questionnaire is mandatory, as required under Rule T.23. If you
provide the information it will be used as set out below and will not be used forselection or any other purposes.
The information provided on this ethnicity questionnaire will be recorded on a computer system shared by
the Football Association Premier League Limited (“Premier League”) (and The Football League Limited
should the Player ever compete in the Football League) against the Player’s record and will be used:• to help the Premier League gain insight as to who is playing the game at this level;• to help ensure compliance with the Premier League’s Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Policy (a copy ofwhich is in Appendix 3 of the Premier League’s Rules); and• to compile aggregate statistics and reports:- on a club by club basis which we may wish to share with the relevant club only and The Football
Association Limited; and- on a league basis which we may wish to publish for public interest and to share with other bodies thathave a legitimate interest in equal opportunities such as the Professional Footballers Association and theEquality and Human Rights Commission.

What is your ethnic group?
(Choose ONE section from A to F, then tick the appropriate box to indicate the ethnicity that you identify withfrom the list below)

A Asian or Asian British
IndianPakistani
Bangladeshi
ChineseAny other Asianbackground
B	Black, African,
Caribbean or Black
BritishCaribbean
AfricanC	Mixed or Multiple
ethnic groups
White and Black
CaribbeanWhite and Black
AfricanWhite and AsianAny other Mixedor Multiple ethnic
background

E WhiteEnglish, Welsh,
Scottish, Northern
Irish or British
Irish
Gypsy or Irish Traveller
Roma
Eastern European
Any other White
background

D Other ethnic groups
Arab

F UndeclaredPrefer not to disclose
my ethnic origin

 ny other Black, BlackA
British or Caribbean
backgroundAny other ethnic group

Name of Player......................................................................................................................
Signed.......................................................................
(Parent / Guardian to sign if Player is a minor)

375

Date.............................................

Form 15

Amateur Registration Form (Rule U.15)
Player’s Particulars
Surname ........................................................ Other name(s) ........................................................................
Address..................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................... Post Code .....................................
Date of birth .......................................................................
Nationality* .........................................................................

Premier League Forms

Schedule 3
Premier League
Player Ethnicity Monitoring Questionnaire (Rule T.23)

Premier League

Application to Register
We hereby apply for the above-named Player to be registered as an Amateur Player for............................................................................................... Football Club						
						Signed ...................................................................
						Authorised Signatory						Date .......................................................................
Endorsement by Player
I consent to the above application and acknowledge further to the Data Protection Act
2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) that The Football Association
Premier League Limited shall be collecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data
which may include Special Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in the GDPR) about
me including such data in this Amateur Registration Form for the purpose of discharging its
functions as a regulatory and governing body of football and otherwise in accordance with
the Premier League Player Privacy Notice available at www.premierleague.com/playerprivacy-policy. I certify that the above particulars are correct. I agree to be bound by theRules of the Premier League. [Having been registered as a Contract Player, I confirm that atleast 30 days has elapsed since my contract registration terminated.]**						
						Signed ...................................................................
						Date .......................................................................
*  if the player last played for a club affiliated to a national association other than The Football Association, this Formmust be accompanied by written confirmation from The Football Association that an international registrationtransfer certificate has been issued in respect of the player** delete words in brackets if inapplicable

I hereby certify that I have this day registered (name of Player) ...................................................
................................…………………….................... as an Amateur Player whose registration is held by................................…………………….................... Football Club.
Signed ...................................................................

Date .......................................................................

For and on behalf of the Board of The Premier League
376

Premier League

Form 16

Offer Of New Contract (Rule V.17.2)

Premier League

Form 17

Application for Free Transfer (Rule V.20)

		................................................................................................................................................................

To:		

[name of Club] ...................................................................... Football ClubAnd to:		

The Board
The Premier League

Copy to: The Board
		 The Premier League

		Under the provisions of Rule V.17.2 of the Rules of the Premier League
		 .................................................................................................. Football Club hereby offers
		 you a new contract to commence on the 1st July ............................................................
		 in the following terms:

		I acknowledge having received your offer of a new contract in Form 16
dated ...........................................................

Premier League Forms

To:		[name and address of Out of Contract Player] .................................................................

		I consider that the terms offered are less favourable than those in my current
contract dated ........................................................... and I hereby give notice tothat effect and apply for a free transfer.

		.................................................................................................................................................................
		.................................................................................................................................................................
		.................................................................................................................................................................
		.................................................................................................................................................................

Signed ……………………………............................
Position ……………………………………………....….
Date ………………………......................................

		.................................................................................................................................................................
		.................................................................................................................................................................
		.................................................................................................................................................................
		This offer remains open and capable of acceptance for a period of one monthwithin which time you may either accept it and enter into a new contract in theterms offered or decline it in writing. If you consider that the terms offered areless favourable than those in your current contract you may give notice to that
effect in Form 17.
Signed ……………………………............................
Position ……………………………………………....….
Date ………………………......................................

377

378

Premier League

Form 18

Premier League
Fixed Penalty Notice (Rule W.4)

To: 		

[name of Transferor Club] ................................................................. Football Club

To: 		
Date:		

Copy to:		

The Board
The Premier League

A Contingent Sum became payable to you on [date] ............... by virtue of the Transfer
Agreement between us relating to [name of Contract Player] .....................................................

The contingent event resulting in the Contingent Sum becoming payable was...............................................................................................................................................................................
and the Contingent Sum which will be paid into the Compensation Fee Account withinseven days of it becoming due amounts to £ ...................................................

Signed on behalf of the Transferee Club ..........................................................................

.........................................
.........................................

		You are in breach of Rule .................................. in that on [date] .......................you[description of breach, indicating in appropriate cases whether it is a first,
second or third breach of that Rule] ................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................

Premier League Forms

Contingent Sum Notification (Rule V.36.2)

Form 19

		You are required within 14 days of the date of this notice to pay a fixedpenalty of £ ...................... Alternatively, you are entitled within that period toappeal under the provisions of Rule W.62.1.1. If you appeal and your appeal
is dismissed the fixed penalty becomes payable forthwith.
		Failure to pay the fixed penalty as required by this notice or forthwith
upon any appeal being dismissed will constitute a breach of the Rules of
the League in respect of which you will be liable to be dealt with under theprovisions of Section W.

Position .............................………………………………………
Date ..............................……………………………………..

379

						Signed ……………………………..................................
						For and on behalf of the Board

380

Premier League

Form 20

Premier League

Form 21

Complaint (Rule W.24)

To:		.............................................................

To:		.............................................................

Date:.............................................................

Date:

		
		

You are in breach of Rule .......................................................... in that on [date] 		
you ...............................................................................................................................................

		The Board’s complaint is that you are in breach of Rule ........................................
in that on [date] ............................................................. you [description of breach]..........................................................................................................................................................

		The Board intends to exercise its summary jurisdiction and to impose on you
a fine of £ ........................................

.............................................................

Premier League Forms

Summary Jurisdiction Notice (Rule W.9)

		 ..........................................................................................................................................................
		 ..........................................................................................................................................................

		
		
		
		

You are required within 14 days of the date of this notice to either:(1)submit to the Board’s jurisdiction and pay the fine imposed; or(2)elect to be dealt with by a Commission.
Any such election should be in writing addressed to me at the League Office.

		Failure to comply with this requirement within the time limit will constitute a
breach of the Rules of the League in respect of which you will be liable to be
dealt with under the provisions of Section W.

						Signed ……………………………..................................
						For and on behalf of the Board

		A summary of the facts alleged is as follows: ...............................................................
		 ..........................................................................................................................................................
		 ..........................................................................................................................................................
		 ..........................................................................................................................................................
		 ..........................................................................................................................................................

		*Annexed hereto are copies of the following documents upon which theBoard relies: ................................................................................................................................
		 ..........................................................................................................................................................
		 ..........................................................................................................................................................
		 ..........................................................................................................................................................
		 ..........................................................................................................................................................

		In accordance with Rule W.29, within 14 days of receipt of this complaint you
are required to send to me by recorded delivery post a written answer inForm 22.
						Signed ……………………………..................................
						For and on behalf of the Board* delete if inapplicable

381

382

Premier League

Form 22

Answer (Rule W.29)

Premier League
Appeal Against Fixed Penalty (Rule W.65)

The Board					Date: ..................................................
The Premier League

I/We* acknowledge having received the complaint dated ..............................................................
The complaint is admitted/denied*. I/We* request that the complaint be determined by
written representations.**[If the complaint is admitted] I/We* ask the Commission to take into account thefollowing mitigation: .........................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................ §*[If the complaint is denied and is to be determined at a hearing] My/Our* reasons fordenying the complaint are: ...........................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................. §*[If the complaint is denied and is to be determined by written representations] My/Our*
representations are as follows: ...................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................. §Annexed hereto are copies of the following documents upon which I/we* rely: ...................
....................................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................. §Signed ......................................................................
						
* delete as appropriate			§ continue on separate sheet if necessary

383

Position .................................................................
[for and on behalf of*] the Respondent

The Board					Date: ..................................................
The Premier League

	I/We* hereby appeal against the fixed penalty imposed by the notice in Form 20
dated ............................................................
My/our* appeal is* against the decision of the Board to impose the fixed penalty.
* against the amount of the fixed penalty.
* against the decision of the Board to impose the fixed penalty and its amount.

Premier League Forms

To:
To:

Form 23

The grounds of my/our* appeal are:.......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................... §A deposit of £1,000 is enclosed.

					

Signed # ...................................................................................

					
				

Position ....................................................................................
[for and on behalf of*] the Respondent*§#

delete as appropriate
continue on separate sheet if necessary
state position if signed on behalf of a Club384

Premier League

Form 24

Premier League
Request for Arbitration (Rules X.7 or Y.3)

To:

To: .................................................................................
.........................................................................................
.........................................................................................
.........................................................................................

The Board					Date: ..................................................
The Premier League

	I/We* hereby appeal against the decision of the Commission before which I/We*
appeared dated .......................................................................
My/our* appeal is* against the decision of the Commission.
* against the amount of the penalty.
* against the decision of the Commission and the penalty.
* against the amount of compensation ordered by the Commission.
The grounds of my/our* appeal are: ..............................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................... §	*I/We intend to apply at the appeal hearing for leave to adduce the following
fresh evidence: ........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................... §	The reasons for such application are: ............................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................... §A deposit of £1,000 is enclosed.

					

From: ..................................................................
...............................................................................
...............................................................................
...............................................................................

 dispute has arisen between us concerning (brief description of matters in dispute)A................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................................................

Premier League Forms

Appeal Against Commission Decision (Rule W.66)

Form 25

I/We wish to have the dispute settled by arbitration in accordance with the provisions ofSection [ ]§ of the Rules of the Premier League and you are hereby required to appoint
an arbitrator pursuant thereto.
Signed .......................................................................
Position* .................................................................
Date ...........................................................................
§*

insert “Y” if the arbitration is to be determined by the Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal; insert “X” in any other caseto be completed if the Form is signed on behalf of the League or a Club

Copy to:		

The Board
The Premier League

Signed # ...................................................................................

* delete whichever are inapplicable§ continue on separate sheet if necessary# state position if signed on behalf of a Club

385

386

Premier League

Form 26

Appointment of Arbitrator (Rules X.9 or Y.6)

The Board				
From: ...............................................................
The Premier League 			...............................................................
							...............................................................
	Pursuant to the request for arbitration made by ............................................................
and dated ...................................................................................................., I/we hereby appoint(name of appointee) .................................................................................... as an arbitrator in
the arbitration requested.
Signed ......................................................................
Position* .................................................................
Date ..........................................................................

Copy to:(the other party) ..........................................................................................................
			 .............................................................................................................................................
			 .............................................................................................................................................
			 .............................................................................................................................................

Form 27

Appointment of Single Arbitrator (Rule X.13.1)
To:

The Board
The Premier League

	Pursuant to the request for arbitration made by ..............................................................
and dated ....................................................... we, the parties to the arbitration, hereby
jointly appoint (name of appointee) ...........................................................................................
as the single arbitrator in the arbitration requested.

Signed .................................................................

Signed .................................................................

on behalf of ......................................................

on behalf of ......................................................

Position* ............................................................

Position* ............................................................

Date ....................................................................

Date ....................................................................

Premier League Forms

To:

Premier League* to be completed if the Form is signed on behalf of the League or a Club* to be completed if the Form is signed on behalf of the League or a Club

387

388

Premier League

Form 28

Notice of Preliminary Meeting (Rules X.18 or Y.13)

From: ..............................................................................
...........................................................................................
...........................................................................................
...........................................................................................

You are hereby required to attend a preliminary meeting at (place) .......................................
.................................................. on (date) .................................................. at (time) .....................................
when the tribunal will give directions for the conduct of the arbitration to which each ofyou is a party.

Premier League Forms

To: .............................................................................
....................................................................................
....................................................................................
....................................................................................

Signed …………………………………………………………………..
Chair
Dated ...............................................................................

389

390

YouthDevelopment
Rules

Youth Development Rules
General1.10.

“Academy Performance Plan” means a document which sets out the goals,
strategy and measurable short-term and long-term performance targets for all
aspects of the work of the Club’s Academy, such strategy and performance targets
to be consistent with the Club’s Vision Statement, Coaching Philosophy and Playing
Philosophy and, where appropriate, details how the Academy will deliver andintegrate its coaching, Education, Games and Sports Science and Medicine/
Performance Support Programmes;

1.11.

“Academy Player” means a male player (other than an Amateur Player, NonContract Player (in The Football League) or a Trialist) who is in an age groupbetween Under 9 to Under 21 and who is registered for and who is coached by, orplays football for or at a Club which operates an Academy pursuant to these Rules,
save for any player who:

Definitions
Rule 1 sets out definitions used in the Youth Development Rules. All other capitalised terms used in thissection of the Rules are defined in Premier League Rule A.1.

1.

In this section of the Rules the following terms shall have the following meanings:

1.1.

“Academy” means an establishment for the coaching and education of Academy
Players operated by a Club in accordance with the requirements of this Section of theRules and licensed by the Professional Games Board ("PGB") pursuant to Rule 17;

1.2.

“Academy Doctor” means the Official referred to in Rule 106;

1.3.

“Academy Expenses Information” means the following information, in the format
to be prescribed by the League, and signed by a Club’s finance director:

1.4.

1.5.

393

(a)	
the Board is satisfied has developed technical, tactical, physical,
psychological and social skills of such a level that he would not benefit
from continued coaching in the Academy or participating or continuing toparticipate in its Games Programme (which includes, for the purpose ofthis definition, the league competition referred to in Rules 178 to 185); and(b)has entered into a written contract of employment in Form 14 with that Club;(a)	details of all amounts paid (directly or indirectly) over the preceding 12months to or in respect of each of the Club’s Academy Players (in the
Under 9 to Under 16 age groups) or their families and each of the Club's
prospective Academy Players or their families, in each case whether or
not those amounts related to reimbursement or pre-payment ofexpenses or otherwise; andGuidance(b)	confirmation that all expenses paid in the preceding year have been paidin accordance with the Club’s Academy Expenses Policy required by Rule344;

Clubs’ attention is drawn to Rule 80 which requires Clubs to develop and implement a procedure toenable the transition of Academy Players to the senior squad, and also to Rule 125.1 which provides thateach Academy Player has access to coaching tailored to his individual needs. Any decision by a Club tocease treating an Academy Player as such where it is not reasonable to do so in light of his overall
development and skill level may be treated at being a breach of this Rule.

“Academy Expenses Policy” means the Club’s policy in respect of reimbursement
or prepayment of legitimately incurred expenses to its current and prospective
Academy Players (in the Under 9 to Under 16 age groups), which must:(a)comply with any guidance issued by the League;(b)

be signed off by the Club’s board; and(c)be submitted to the League;“Academy Financial Information” means a budget for the following season,
together with a comparison of the budgeted and actual figures for the previous
season, all of which information shall be set out in the format to be prescribed by
the League;

1.6.

“Academy Management Team” has the meaning set out in Rule 57;

1.7.

“Academy Manager” means the Official responsible for the strategic leadershipand operation of a Club’s Academy, whose role and responsibilities are moreparticularly defined at Rules 59 to 66;

1.8.

“Academy Nutritionist” means the Official referred to in Rule 95;

1.9.

“Academy Operations Manager” means the Official referred to in Rule 67;

Youth Development Rules

Note: throughout this document binding Premier League Rules are shaded in light grey. Guidance and othernotes are also included for the assistance of Clubs. Such guidance and notes do not, however, form part of theRules.

GeneralIt is emphasised that Academy Players aged 17 or older may no longer be classified as such only where
the Board approves an application by the Club in light of all the circumstances relevant to the particular
Academy Player and on such terms as the Board considers appropriate.
The responsibilities of a Club in relation to Duty of Care continue.

1.12.

“Academy Psychologist" means the Official referred to in Rule 117;

1.13.

“Academy Secretary” means the Official referred to in Rules 68 and 69;

1.14.

“Academy Staff” means those Officials of a Club employed or otherwise engaged
to work in the Club’s Academy;

Guidance

The term “employ” is used in the Rules with reference to Academy Staff, but it is accepted that therelationship need not necessarily be one of employment. For example, a Club may enter into acontract for services with Part Time youth coaches whereby no employment relationship will arise.
Any references to “employ” or “employment” in this section of the Rules shall be interpreted
accordingly.
1.15.

“Academy Standards Application” means the online system:(a)	through which Clubs are required to complete the self-assessment
referred to in Rule 8, as part of the ISO process for the auditing of
Academies;

394

General

General(c)through which quantitative data can be provided to Clubs;

1.16.

“Applicant Club” has the meaning set out in Rule 345;

1.17.

“Artificial Surface” means a playing surface which in the reasonable opinion of the
League meets the requirements of the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf andany new outdoor or indoor Artificial Surface pitch installed by a Club which operates
or applies to operate a Category 1 Academy must achieve the ‘FIFA Quality’ rating
under the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf;Approval for matches falling within subsection (g), above, would be given by each Club on an annual
basis, having considered player-by-player circumstances, development plans, club philosophy andany conditions implemented by The Football Association. From the Youth Development Phase,
registered Academy Players shall not be permitted to play grassroots football. For the avoidance of
doubt, participation in grassroots matches will not count towards game time requirements set out inthese Rules.
1.19.

To achieve and maintain the ‘FIFA Quality’ rating under the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf,
the Artificial Surface pitch needs to be certified on an annual basis by a FIFA accredited agent.
Existing Artificial Surface pitches have a natural life span. Accordingly, as they reach the end of theirnatural life span, they should be replaced with pitches that achieve the necessary rating under theFIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf.
“Authorised Games” means:(a)	international matches arranged by a national association including
preparation and trials therefor;(b)	matches in which the Academy Player plays for the Club holding his
registration:(i)in its first teams;(ii)

which are comprised in a Games Programme; or(iii)	which are comprised in Festivals or Tournaments, participationin which is limited to Academy teams or which are sanctioned by
The Football Association or by a foreign national association;

The BFAS will need to be renewed every three years (it is hoped as part of the renewal of the main
Academy coaching qualifications).
1.20.

“Category” means one of the four categories into which each Academy shall beassigned in accordance with the criteria and procedures set out in this section of theRules, and “Category 1”, “Category 2”, “Category 3” and “Category 4” shall be
construed accordingly;

1.21.

“Chief Executive” means the Official referred to in Premier League Rule J.1.1;

1.22.

“Club Board” means those Directors of the Club whose particulars are registeredunder section 162 of the Act;

1.23.

“Coach Competency Framework” means a document which sets out the key
competencies and behaviours which the Club expects its Academy coaches topossess and demonstrate;

1.24.

“Coaching Curriculum” means a Club’s coaching curriculum which must be set out
in writing and include:(c)	friendly matches organised by the Club holding the Academy Player’s
registration and played at an Academy, participation in which is limited to
Academy Players registered at an Academy or Trialists but excluding
matches between two teams consisting of one Club’s Academy Players;(d)	friendly matches against any opposition played outside the season dates
set out in the Games Programme Schedule in which the Academy Player
plays for the Club holding his registration;(a)	the technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social skills that theClub wishes its Academy Players to develop;(b)	the appropriate means of coaching Academy Players in order that they
develop those skills (having due regard to their age); and
(c)

(f)	
trial matches for other Clubs or Football League clubs in which the
Academy Player plays with the prior written permission of the Club holding
his registration;(g)	in respect of the Foundation Phase only, matches played for teams at thegrassroots level, outside the Academy system; or(h)any other match authorised by the Board;

specific coaching curricula for each Development Phase;

1.25.

“Coaching Philosophy” means a written statement which sets out in detail(including by describing the content of individual coaching sessions for each
Academy Player) the means by which the Club will coach its Academy Players in eachage group so that they have the best opportunity to develop the technical, tactical,
physical, psychological and social skills that the Club wishes players in each positionon the pitch to acquire, as set out in the Club’s Playing Philosophy;

1.26.

“Continued Professional Development” means ongoing training for Academy
Staff, relevant to their discipline, of such quality, content and frequency as isnecessary to ensure that each member of Academy Staff has the necessary
knowledge and expertise in order to fulfil their role;

1.27.

“Core Coaching Time” means between 08:30 and 17:30 on Mondays to Fridays, savethat in the Foundation Phase and Youth Development Phase it also includes between
09:00 and 17:00 on Saturdays;(e)	matches organised by the English Schools Football Association or
Independent Schools Football Association or an association affiliated toeither of such Associations in which the Academy Player plays with theprior agreement of his Parent(s) (in the case of an Academy Player under
the age of 18 years), all participation in such matches to be notified by the
Academy Player to the Club holding his registration;

395“Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification” means the qualification of that nameissued by or on behalf of The Football Association;

Guidance

Guidance

1.18.

Guidance

Youth Development Rules(b)	through which the ISO provides feedback to Clubs as part of the multidisciplinary assessment referred to in Rule 10.2; and396

General“Development Action Plan” means an individualised plan, developed andimplemented in accordance with these Rules, for the professional development of an
Academy coach;

1.37.

“Emergency Action Plan” means a plan detailing the medical facilities andpersonnel who shall be available at each Club’s home matches in the Games
Programmes and training venues, and the contingency plan for how any medical
emergencies at such matches and training shall be dealt with;

1.38.

“Emergency First Aid in Football” or “EFAiF” means the qualification of that nameissued by or on behalf of The Football Association;

1.39.

“FA Advanced Youth Award” means the advanced qualification for Academy
coaches to be developed and awarded by The Football Association;

Guidance

See further Rules 85 to 87.
1.29.

1.30.

1.31.

1.32.

“Development Phase” means the Foundation Phase, the Youth Development
Phase or the Professional Development Phase as the context requires, and“Development Phases” means all of the former;“Duty of Care” means the responsibility of each Club to promote, protect andsupport the individual wellbeing of each Academy Player and member of Academy
Staff, within the Academy, in accordance with the following pillars:(a)education (see Rules 190 to 206);(b)

personal development and life skills (see Rules 207 to 210);(c)

inductions and transitions (see Rules 211 to 215);(d)

academy Player and Parent(s) voice (see Rules 216 and 217);(e)

safeguarding and mental and emotional wellbeing (see Rules 218 to 221);(f)

health and safety (see Rules 222 and 223);(g)

inclusion, diversity and equality (see Rules 224 and 225); and(h)injury and medical (see Rules 226 to 233);“Educational Adviser” means, in respect of any Club in membership of the Premier
League, experts appointed by the Premier League to support the delivery ofeducation to Academy Players, and, in respect of any Club in membership of theFootball League, means the charity, League Football Education;

1.33.

“Education Programme” has the meaning set out in Rule 190;

1.34.

“EHOC” means the ‘Elite Heads of Coaching’ programme provided by the League
for Heads of Coaching at Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 Academies and inrespect of which additional funding is available from the League in the event of Club
participation;

1.35.

“Elite Academy Managers Development Programme” or “EAM” means thedevelopment programme provided by the League for Academy Managers;

1.36.

397

“Development Centre” means an establishment operated by a Club in England or
Wales for the coaching of Children which is not an Academy but provides
development opportunities for talented young players who have the potential to
become Academy Players and includes Pre-Academy Training Centres, JuniorTraining Centres and Senior Training Centres. This includes any such establishment
by whatever name or title it is known;“Elite Player Performance Plan” means the document of that name dated May
2011 and presented to the General Meeting held on Thursday 2 June 2011;

Youth Development Rules

1.28.

General

Guidance

The FA Advanced Youth Award contains a specialist element relevant to each Development Phase.
Coaches will be required to hold the specialism relevant to the age group that they coach.
1.40.

“FA Youth Award” means the non-age specific qualification for Academy coaches
awarded by The Football Association;

1.41.

“Festival” means an event, which may be spread over more than one day, at which
teams from three or more Clubs (or clubs) play a series of matches in an environment
in which the matches are competitive but the results are not given any particularsignificance;

1.42.

“Foundation Phase” means the Under 9 to Under 11 age groups inclusive;

1.43.

“Foundation Phase Games Programme” means the games programmesorganised by the League and the Football League for teams in each of the Under 9
to Under 11 age groups as set out in Rules 150 to 155;

1.44.

“Full Time” means, when applied to a role specified under these Rules, one where
the working hours are at least 35 hours per week (subject to such additional hours as
the Club may require). A Full Time role may be fulfilled by more than one Official (e.g.
on a job-share basis) provided that the minimum hours stated above are undertaken;

Guidance
A Club will not be penalised should a member of its Academy Staff fulfilling one of the roles required by theseRules to be Full Time if working slightly less than 35 hours per week provided that the required outputs of thatrole are being satisfactorily delivered. See further, by way of comparison, Rule 51 and the Guidance
thereunder.

1.45.

“Full Time Education” means the education provided for registered pupils at
primary or secondary schools or full time equivalent students at colleges of further
education;

1.46.

“Full Time Training Model” means:(a)	in the Professional Development Phase, a programme of coaching andeducation whereby the Academy Player’s academic education shall bescheduled to enable four hours of coaching per day (which may be split
into two sessions of two hours each) to take place within the Core
Coaching Time; and398

General

General

1.51.

“Head of Education” means the Official referred to in Rule 111;(i)		the Academy Player shall receive within the Core Coaching
Time a minimum of 20 hours of education;

1.52.

“Head of Recruitment” means the Official referred to in Rule 113;

1.53.

“Hybrid Training Model” means a programme of coaching and education whereby
the coaching of an Academy Player primarily takes place outside the Core Coaching
Time save that, subject to the provisions of these Rules, Academy Players in theYouth Development Phase may be released from attendance at school during the
School Day for the maximum equivalent duration of two days a week which, for the
avoidance of doubt, may occur over more than two days in a week (for example, one
full day and two half days);(ii)	
the Academy Player shall receive a significant amount ofcoaching within the Core Coaching Time. The exact amount ofsuch coaching to take place within the Core Coaching Time is tobe determined by the Club for each individual Academy Player.
The Club shall demonstrate the amount of coaching issignificantly more than the amount of coaching in the Core
Coaching Time which the Club gives to its Academy Players
engaged on the Hybrid Training Model. Full details must be set
out in the Academy Player’s individual coaching plan referred toin Rule 125;(iii)	no single coaching session shall endure for more than 90
minutes, and if there are two or more coaching sessions on asingle day, there shall be a period of rest between each session
sufficient to ensure that the Academy Player is fully rested, andof at least 90 minutes’ duration, unless the Academy Player’s
individual coaching plan recognises that he may have shorter
rest periods; andGuidance

Clubs’ attention is drawn to Rule 198.2, pursuant to which they must provide all necessary additional
educational support so that the Academy Player’s education is not prejudiced as a result of being
released from school to undertake coaching during the Core Coaching Time.
1.54.

“Individual Learning Plan” means an individual plan for each Academy Player
setting out measurable objectives for the development that he needs to undertakeand the means by which he will obtain those objectives;

1.55.

“Induction and Transition Strategy” means the documented plan in place ateach Club, agreed by the Technical Board, designed and implemented to support
Academy Players in their arrival to and departure from the Club, for whatever reason
and whatever age group;

1.56.

“Intermediate Trauma Medical Management in Football” or “ITMMiF” means
the qualification of that name issued by or on behalf of The Football Association;

1.57.

“ISO” means Professional Game Academy Audit Company or such other independent
standards organisation appointed from time to time by the PGB for the purposes ofundertaking the ISO Audits;(iv)	the Club’s delivery of the Full Time Training Model must comply
with these Rules;
1.47.

“Futsal” means the variant of association football that is played in accordance with
the Futsal Laws of the Game as published from time to time by FIFA (with any suchvariation thereto as the League may from time to time determine), the current such
Laws being available at:
http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/footballdevelopment/refereeing/51/44/50/
lawsofthegamefutsal2014_15_eneu_neutral.pdf;

1.48.

“Games Programme” means the Foundation Phase Games Programme, the Youth
Development Phase Games Programme, or the Professional Development Phase
Games Programme;

1.58.

“ISO Audit” means the process of independent auditing of Clubs’ Academies inaccordance with Rules 7 to 15, including a process of self-assessment by each Club,and a multi-disciplinary assessment by the ISO;

1.49.

“Games Programme Schedule” means the period during which matches in the
Games Programmes shall take place;

1.59.

“Junior Training Centre” means a Development Centre operated by a Club inaccordance with Rules 129 to 141 to provide opportunities for young players in
between their Under 9 year and their Under 16 year (inclusive), who are not registered
Academy Players but who have the potential to become registered Academy
Players;

1.60.

“Learning Management System” or “LMS” means the online system provided by
the League for the upload and storage of educational data and information
regarding Academy Players;

1.61.

“Multi-disciplinary Review” means a review of all aspects of an Academy Player’s
football, athletic and educational performance and development and which shall
include:

Guidance
The Games Programme Schedule incorporates two periods of “downtime” for matches in the Foundation
Phase and Youth Development Phase Games Programmes. The first such period generally encompasses
the last two weeks of July and the first two weeks of August, and the second encompasses two weeks over
Christmas. The exact dates for each season’s period of downtime will be set out in the Games Programme
Schedule when it is published by the League in the preceding season. A provisional date of 31 January ineach season has been set for the publication of the Games Programme Schedule (although it may besubject to amendment thereafter but before the start of the following season to accommodate, forexample, newly-classified or re-classified Academies).
The League will conduct regular consultation meetings with Clubs to consider the Games Programme
Schedule for the following season.

1.50.

399

“Head of Academy Coaching” means the Official referred to in Rule 70;

Youth Development Rules(b)	in the Youth Development Phase, a programme which complies with thefollowing:(a)	reports from all relevant Academy Staff (including from the coaching,education and sports science and medicine/performance support
disciplines);

400

General

General

(c)

1.69.

self-assessment by the Academy Player; and(d)	short, medium and long-term targets for the Academy Player’s football,athletic and personal development;
1.62.

“Parent Handbook” means the information to be provided by the League to the
Parent(s) of each Academy Player upon each occasion of his registration for a Cluband which will contain:(a)	information about the consequences of the Academy Player becoming
registered with a Club; and(b)	a summary of the Club’s obligations to the Academy Player, and theAcademy Player’s obligations to the Club;

1.63.

“Part Time” means, when applied to a role specified under these Rules, one where
the working hours are less than 35 hours per week. A Part Time role may be fulfilledby two or more Officials (e.g. on a job-share basis);

Guidance

No minimum number of hours is specified for Part Time roles required under these Rules. This is left toClubs’ discretion. However, the League and the ISO will require to be satisfied that the required
outputs and results are achieved by a Club’s staffing structure. See further, by way of comparison,
Rule 51 and the Guidance thereunder.

“Personal Development and Life Skills Plan” means the individual development
plan for each Academy Player delivered by his Club on an ongoing basis throughout
the period of his registration and which will also include (without limitation) life skills
training or coaching in the following areas:(a)mental and emotional wellbeing;(b)

health and nutrition;(c)careers and further education advice;(d)transition support;(e)financial management;(f)use of social media;(g)dealing with the media;(h)anti-doping;(i)

gambling, anti-corruption and sporting integrity;(j)personal integrity; and(k)social skills;

Guidance

In addition to the above, Rule 225 requires all Clubs to deliver training to Academy Players andAcademy Staff on equality, diversity and inclusion.
1.70.

“Player Care” means the adoption of a holistic approach to personal and sporting
development, supporting Academy Players to achieve their potential in and out of
football;

1.71.

“Playing Philosophy” means a written statement which sets out:

1.64.

“Part Time Training Model” means a coaching curriculum whereby the coaching ofan Academy Player does not require him to miss any part of the School Day;

1.65.

“Performance Analysis” means the analysis of the physiological, technical andtactical performance of each individual Player and, in a game, of the team as awhole. Performance Analysis shall be undertaken by means of such video and/or IT
technology as the League shall from time to time determine;

1.66.

“Performance Analysts” means the Officials referred to in Rules 107 and 108;

1.72.

1.67.

“Performance Clock/Development Journey” means the application utilised forrecording, measuring, monitoring and evidencing all aspects of an Academy Player’s
progression and development in accordance with the format and procedures to be
set by the League;“Pre-Academy Training Centre” means a Development Centre operated by a Clubin accordance with Rules 129 to 141 to identify young players who have the potential
to become registered Academy Players upon the commencement of their Under 9
year;

1.73.

“Premier League 2” means the League of that name managed, organised andcontrolled by the League;

1.74.

“Productivity Data” means an analysis, produced by the League using the
Productivity Methodology, as to the track record of Academies in developing
Academy Players;

1.75.

“Productivity Methodology” means the methodology developed by the League
for analysing the registration and playing history of Players and, as a consequence
thereof, for producing the Productivity Data and each Club’s Productivity Profile;

1.68.

“Performance Management Application/Intelligence Platform” means theonline support service to be developed and maintained by the League and utilisedby each Club for the purposes of assisting the management of the Academy andrecording and analysing data. Such data shall include (without limitation):(a)each Academy Player’s Performance Clock/Development Journey;(b)	such information as the League may from time to time require for the
purposes of national or Category-wide benchmarking; andYouth Development Rules(b)	for Academy Players on the Full Time Training Model or the Hybrid Training
Model, reports and educational data from the Academy Player’s school(and where the League requests, all Academy Players on the Part Time
Training Model);(a)	the principles, values, playing style and tactical approach of all of theClub’s teams (including its first team); and(b)	profiles detailing, for each age group and the first team, the Club’s desired
technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social skills of players ineach position on the pitch;(c)	data received from The Football Association in respect of an Academy
Player who plays for, or who is coached by The Football Association with aview to playing for, an England representative side;

401

402

General“Productivity Profile” means an analysis, provided by the League using the
Productivity Methodology, of each Club’s track record in developing Academy
Players, that is to say:

1.89.

“Technical Board” has the meaning set out in Rules 33 to 35;

1.90.

“Tournament” means a grouping of competitive matches between three or more
Clubs (or clubs) whose results are given significance (e.g. there may be a winner of
the Tournament) and which are typically played together at one venue and over ashort period of time (e.g. one day or a few days);(a)	the extent to which Academy Players coached by or at its Academy haveprogressed to become established professional Players; and accordingly,(b)	the extent to which the Club is successful in contributing to thedevelopment of established professional Players;

1.91.

“Professional Development Leagues” means the leagues of that name managed,organised and controlled by the League (in the case of Clubs operating Category 1
and Category 2 Academies) or by The Football League (in the case of Clubs
operating Category 3 and Category 4 Academies) and “Professional Development
League 1”, “Professional Development League 2” and “Professional Development
League 3” shall be construed accordingly;“Training Camp” means an event for the Academy Players of one Club and whichlasts for one or more days and at which a variety of coaching and other on-pitch andoff-pitch activities takes place;

1.92.

“Training Club” has the meaning set out in Rule 345;

1.93.

“Training Model” means the Full Time Training Model, the Hybrid Training Model orthe Part Time Training Model;

1.78.

“Professional Development Phase” means the Under 17 to Under 21 age groups
inclusive;

1.94.

“Trialist” means a player playing in age groups Under 9 to Under 21 (inclusive) who
is attending an Academy on trial under the provisions of Rules 252 or 253;

1.79.

“Professional Development Phase Games Programme” means the games
programmes organised by the League and Football League for teams in theProfessional Development Phase as set out in Rules 171 to 177;

1.95.

“Vision Statement” means a written statement of the Club’s desired culture, values,
ambitions and strategic aims, and the behaviours and activities which the Club has
adopted and will adopt (including within its Academy) in order to achieve the same;

1.80.

“Qualified Teacher Status” means the accreditation which an individual mustobtain in order to teach in state-maintained schools in England and Wales;

1.96.

“Youth Development Phase” means the Under 12 to Under 16 age groups inclusive;
and

1.81.

“Scholarship Agreement” means an agreement made between a Club and an
Academy Player in PLYD Form 1;

1.97.

1.82.

“School Day” means the times when the pupils of a school are required to attend
that school as determined by its governors;“Youth Development Phase Games Programme” means the games programmesorganised by the League and Football League for teams in each of the Under 12 toUnder 16 age groups, full details of which are set out in Rules 156 to 170.

2.

For the purposes of this section of these Rules:

1.77.

1.83.

“Senior Academy Physiotherapist” means the Official referred to in Rule 102;2.1.	Academy Players shall be placed in one of 13 age groups commencing
with age group Under 9 and ending with age group Under 21; and1.84.

“Senior Professional Development Coach” means the Official referred to in Rule 78;

1.85.

“Senior Training Centre” means a Development Centre operated by a Club inaccordance with Rules 129 to 144 to provide opportunities for young players in
between their Under 17 year and Under 23 year (inclusive), who are not registered
Academy Players but who have the potential to become registered Academy Players
or Contract Players;

2.2.	the age group into which each Academy Player shall be placed shall be
determined by his age on 31 August in the year in question, save in the caseof players in the Under 21 age group, who must be under the age of 21 as
at 1 January in the year in which the Season concerned commences (i.e. for
Season 2023/24 born on or after 1 January 2002).

1.86.

403

“Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme” means an
integrated, interdisciplinary programme for the provision of sports science, medical
services, performance support and analysis as more particularly described in Rules
234 to 237;

1.87.

“Sports Therapist” means a Person who holds at least an undergraduate degree insports therapy;

1.88.

“Staff Registration System” means the online platform maintained by the leagues
and updated by the Clubs to ensure an up to date record of those Academy Staff
who are engaged in specific recognised disciplines (as communicated by the League
from time to time) exists for the purpose of the Academy audit and league analysis;

Youth Development Rules

1.76.

GeneralGeneral3.

If a Club engages in the training and development of young players then it must:
3.1.

obtain a licence to operate an Academy; and3.2.

operate its Academy in accordance with this section of the Rules.

4.

The maximum term of a licence to operate an Academy shall be three years, unless
revoked earlier in accordance with these Rules or extended by the PGB at its sole
discretion.

5.

There shall be four Categories of Academy.

6.

The League may publish a list of clubs operating an Academy, broken down by
Category.

404

General

General7.

Each Club which operates or applies to operate an Academy shall give the League
and the ISO access to such facilities, personnel, documents and records as theyreasonably require in order to undertake their responsibilities under these Rules.

8.

In accordance with such timetable as issued by the League from time to time, a Club
which wishes to operate (or continue to operate) an Academy must: (a) submit its
written application (signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory) to do
so to the ISO; and (b) submit a self-assessment via the Academy Standards
Application to demonstrate adherence with:
8.1.

the ‘safe to operate’ conditions implemented by the ISO from time to time;

8.2.

the Rules; and12.

12.1.	refer the Club to the League or the Football League (where applicable) totake action, as a breach of these Rules; or
12.2.	refer the Club to the PGB who may take any of the steps set out in Rules 10
and/or 23.
13.

Subject to Rule 14, where a Club wishes to apply for its Academy to obtain a higher
Category status: (a) it must indicate the same in the submission referred to at Rule 8,
above; and (b) the assessment processes referred to in Rules 8 and 10 will take placeover the course of one year, rather than three. Where a Club can demonstrate at thetime of submission that it is compliant with all requirements of the higher Category
status, the ISO may consider awarding such higher Category status to the Club on aprovisional basis whilst the one-year assessment referred to in point (b) isundertaken.

14.

A Club that has its Academy status downgraded by the PGB may not re-apply forthe same or higher Category status from which it was downgraded within one yearof the PGB’s determination unless:8.3.	the standards issued by the ISO from time to time in respect of the areas
set out in Rule 10.2, below (the "Standards").
9.

10.

The PGB, taking into account the advice of the ISO (which shall be provided following
a review by the ISO of the submission referred to in Rule 8), shall determine whether
each applicant Club adheres to the ISO’s ‘safe to operate’ conditions, the Rules andthe Standards and notify each such Club of its determination by the deadline
stipulated by the League.

14.1.	the PGB is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances which justify
an application; and14.2.	the Club bears any costs of the League, ISO and PGB reasonably incurredby any of those bodies in assessing and determining the Club’s application.

The PGB shall determine that a Club either:
10.1.		does not comply with the ISO’s ‘safe to operate’ conditions, the Rules andthe Standards, in which case the ISO will issue an action plan to the Clubfor it to address any breaches of the conditions, Rules or Standards, failure
to comply with which may (at the PGB’s absolute discretion, but subject toany action taken pursuant to Rules 11, 12 and 24) result in the refusal to
grant a licence to operate an Academy, the removal of an existing licenceto operate an Academy or the downgrading of the Category status of an
Academy; or

15.

Each Club shall be given no less than one weeks’ notice of the dates of any elementof an ISO Audit and may not change those dates save with the permission of thePGB, which shall only be granted if the PGB is satisfied there are exceptional
circumstances which justify such a change.

16.

Prior to any element of an ISO Audit being presented to the PGB, the ISO shall:
16.1.

10.2.		does comply with the ISO’s ‘safe to operate’ conditions, the Rules and theStandards in full, in which case the Club shall maintain the Category statusof its Academy and the ISO shall conduct a further multi-disciplinary
assessment of the Club’s Academy over a three-year period across thefollowing areas (utilising such assessment criteria as devised by the ISOfrom time to time):

11.

405

(a)

leadership and management;(b)coaching;(c)

medicine/performance support;(d)education and Player Care;(e)pathway and productivity; and(f)safeguarding.

Where during or following the completion of the multi-disciplinary assessment
referred to at Rule 10, above, the ISO determines that the Club is failing to or has
failed to adequately fulfil any element of the assessment criteria, the ISO will issue anaction plan to the Club for it to address any such failure(s), which must be followed by
the Club.

Should a Club fail to promptly comply with any action plan issued pursuant to Rule11, the ISO may:

Youth Development Rules

Applications to Operate Academies

give to the Club a copy of it and of the ISO’s recommendation;

16.2.	thereafter, if requested by the Club, hold a meeting with Officials of theClub and representatives of the League to discuss it; and16.3.	consider any representations made by the Club or the League about theClub’s ISO Audit and make all appropriate amendments to the ISO Audit
consequent upon those representations.
Guidance
It is expected that the Club Officials who will attend the meeting with the ISO and the League referred toin Rule 16.2 will include the Academy Manager and the Chief Executive.

17.

The PGB, having given due consideration to a Club’s ISO Audit and recommendationand to the advice of the League, shall (where appropriate) issue all licences tooperate Academies and shall determine the Category of each Academy in respectof which it grants a licence.

18.

For the avoidance of doubt, a Club shall only have the right to make representations
to the PGB in connection with its application for a licence to operate an Academy if
it believes that the ISO Audit contains manifest error.

406

GeneralA Club may only appeal against the decision of the PGB not to issue it a licence tooperate an Academy, or against the PGB’s determination of the Category of its
Academy, if that decision was:
19.1.

reached as a result of fraud, malice or bad faith;19.2.	reached as a result of procedural errors so great that the rights of the Club
have been clearly and substantially prejudiced;
19.3.

24.

reached as a result of a perverse interpretation of the law; or

19.4.	one which could not reasonably have been reached by any tribunal which
had applied its mind properly to the facts of the case.
20.

Any appeal by a Club pursuant to Rule 19 shall be dealt with in accordance with Rule
K (Arbitration) of the Rules of The Football Association.

21.

A Club that has had a licence removed may not re-apply for a licence to operate an
Academy within three years of the PGB’s determination unless:21.1.	the PGB is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances which justify
a further application; andGuidance
Failure to comply with any of the Rules in this section, other than those specified in Rule 24, above, will not
ordinarily lead to liability to disciplinary action under Section W (Disciplinary). However, such failure tocomply may be dealt with pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Club’s Academy licence and maylead to the revocation, suspension or downgrading of that licence, or the withdrawal or suspension ofcentral funding, pursuant to Rule 21.
The League considers that the Rules specified in Rule 24 are of such a nature that breach should open thepossibility of disciplinary action under Section W because they impact upon other people or entities, andin particular, Academy Players and/or other Clubs.

25.

The circumstances referred to above include a change in ownership or strategic priority within theClub leading to a significantly high level of commitment to and investment in the Academy. The Club
would need to demonstrate an improvement in performance against targets, not simply plans toimprove performance.
22.

Any Club or Official making a false statement (whether made verbally or in writing)or falsifying a document in connection with:

25.2.	in the case of Promoted Clubs becoming a member of the League from
Season 2023/24, within two years of becoming a member of the League.
Guidance
Whilst Clubs must be compliant by the dates set out in Rule 25, Clubs should be mindful that the application
process may take some time. As such, Clubs are encouraged to make applications as soon as possible.
For the avoidance of doubt, the requirements of Rule 25 will apply irrespective of whether a club remains
in membership of the League at the end of the ‘lead-in’ period.

26.

A Club (or club) will ensure that the Category status of its Academy is not lowered, or
it does not cease to operate an Academy, in any Season during which it is a memberof the League or is in receipt of the sums set out in Premier League Rule D.25.

22.1.

an application for a licence to operate an Academy;

22.2.

the League’s annual evaluation undertaken pursuant to Rule 36.2;

22.3.

an ISO Audit; orGuidance

22.4.

any other provision of these Rules,

A Club (or club) will be in breach of Rule 26 in circumstances where the Category status of its Academy islowered by its own volition or when a decision in respect of the Category status is taken under these Rules.

shall be in breach of these Rules and shall be liable to be dealt with in accordancewith the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of the Premier League Rules.
23.

Clubs participating in the League must operate a Category 3 Academy or higher:
25.1.	in the case of Clubs in membership of the League in Season 2022/23, by nolater than the start of Season 2024/25; and21.2.	the Club bears any costs of the League, ISO and PGB reasonably incurredby any of those bodies in assessing and determining the Club’s further
application.
Guidance

Without prejudice to Rule 23, any breach of Rules 3.2, 7, 22, 31.2, 41 to 49, 52, 54 to 56,
115, 116, 123 to 127, 129 to 132, 135 to 148, 153, 154, 168 to 170, 177 to 179, 187, 188, 190
to 206, 211, 214, 232 to 245, 259, 261, 262, 265 to 268, 274, 280, 283, 284, 296, 299, 302 to
304, 314 to 317, 335, 338, or 344 shall be liable to be dealt with under the provisions ofSection W of the Premier League Rules.

Youth Development Rules

19.

GeneralIf, in breach of Rule 3.2, a Club fails to comply with any Rule in this section, or if a Clubor Official makes a false statement or falsifies a document as set out in Rule 22, thenthe PGB may:
23.1.

revoke the Club’s licence to operate an Academy;

23.2.	suspend the Club’s licence to operate an Academy for such time as it shalldetermine during which the Club shall have the opportunity to ensure it
becomes compliant with the relevant Rule;23.3.	determine that the Club’s Academy shall have a lower Category than its
current Category; or
23.4.	withdraw or suspend the Club’s entitlement to any central funding
provided for the purposes of youth development; and23.5.	in any of the above cases require the ISO to undertake an ISO Audit of theClub’s Academy as soon as reasonably practicable.
407

408

Youth Development Rules
Strategy, Leadership and Management of the Academy

27.

32.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall document and make available to the
League and the ISO its Vision Statement, Playing Philosophy and Coaching
Philosophy each of which shall be:
27.1.

drawn up by the Technical Board; and27.2.

annually reviewed and approved by the Club Board.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that the Performance
Management Application/Intelligence Platform is available for access by thefollowing individuals:
32.1.

relevant Academy Staff; and32.2.	Parents of its Academy Players aged 17 and younger, and the Academy
Players themselves, in relation to information contained on the
Performance Management Application/Intelligence Platform which
relates to that Academy Player (but excluding information which in theClub’s reasonable opinion ought not to be so disclosed).

Academy Performance Plan
28.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall prepare and make available to the
League and the ISO, as part of the self-assessment process referred to at Rule 8, its
Academy Performance Plan.

Technical Board
33.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish a Technical Board.

29.

The Academy Performance Plan shall be drawn up under the guidance of the
Academy Manager in consultation with such Officials as the Club may consider
appropriate (including, by way of example only, the Manager, the Chief Executive,
the Academy Management Team and the technical director if the Club has
appointed one and the Technical Board) and shall be reviewed annually by the
Academy Manager.

34.

The membership of the Technical Board shall consist of such Officials as the Club
Board deems necessary in order for the Technical Board to properly perform thefunctions with which it is tasked by these Rules, and accordingly may include:

30.

The Club Board shall:
30.1.

annually review and approve the Academy Performance Plan;

30.2.	ensure that the Academy Performance Plan is communicated to all
relevant Officials; and31.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall:
31.1.	utilise the Performance Management Application/Intelligence Platformfrom the date of its implementation by the League and record on it thedata listed in Rule 1.68;

the Chief Executive;

34.2.

the Manager;

34.3.

the Academy Manager;

34.4.

any technical, football or sporting director employed by the Club;

34.5.

such Officials as can give input from the following functional areas:
34.5.1.

30.3.	measure the performance of the Academy each year against theobjectives, strategy and specific performance targets set out in the
Academy Performance Plan and ensure that appropriate action is taken if
the performance targets have not been met.

Performance Management Application/Intelligence Platform

34.1.

34.6.
35.

Youth Development Rules

Strategic Documents

Strategy, Leadership and Management of the Academy

recruitment;

34.5.2.

coaching; and34.5.3.

Professional Development Phase coaching; andany other Official that the Club deems appropriate.

The Technical Board shall provide technical advice and support in the developmentof the Club’s Playing Philosophy, Coaching Philosophy and Coach Competency
Framework, and in the development, implementation and monitoring of the
Academy Performance Plan.

31.2.	ensure that the data held on the Performance Management Application/
Intelligence Platform which is within the Club’s control is held securely andis only released to, or accessed by, those Persons who require access to it
pursuant to any of these Rules; and31.3.	provide the League with such information as it may from time to timerequire for the purposes of analysing and benchmarking on a national orCategory-wide basis any aspect of the performance of Academy Players
or Clubs.

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410

Youth Development Rules
Performance Management,
Player Development and Progression

Monitoring

Performance Clock/Development Journey

36.

The League shall conduct:
36.1.

40.

on-going monitoring of each Academy; and40.1.	shall maintain a Performance Clock/Development Journey for each of its
Academy Players (updated within seven days of each performance that
falls to be recorded) and ensure that it is made available to:36.2.	an annual evaluation of each Academy which shall be made available to
the Club, the ISO and, if required, the PGB.
37.

Each Club which operates an Academy:

40.1.1.

A Club shall be entitled to publish the results of its ISO Audit and the Category of its
Academy.

Productivity Profile
38.

39.

the Academy Player;

40.1.2.	his Parent(s) (and without prejudice to the generality of theforegoing the Club shall provide to the Academy Player and his
Parent(s) a copy of his Performance Clock/Development Journey
if he ceases to be registered with the Club);

Each year the League will provide each Club which operates an Academy with an up
to date Productivity Profile, benchmarked (on an anonymised basis) against other
Clubs (and, if appropriate, Football League clubs).

40.2.

40.1.3.

the League; and40.1.4.

the ISO; andYouth Development Rules

Youth Development Rules
Effective Measurement

shall nominate a member of staff who shall be responsible for:40.2.1.	being the point of contact for the League for the Performance
Management Application/Intelligence Platform;

The League may publish Productivity Data.

Guidance

40.2.2.	supporting and coordinating the training of Club users in using
the Performance Management Application/Intelligence Platform;
and

The time periods applied for Productivity Data and how it will be presented will be reviewed with Clubs
alongside other measures of Academy performance.

40.2.3.

supporting an annual review of data quality.

Guidance

The Performance Clock/Development Journey records the the Academy Player's progress throughout hisdevelopment. The Performance Clock is an embedded application in the Performance Management
Application/Intelligence Platform. Information is carried forward year on year (and from club to club) tobuild into a comprehensive record of the Academy Player's development. The Performance Clock/
Development Journey should provide a breakdown of the time spent in individual and team technical andpractical development, matches played, sports science and medicine (including psychological and social
development) and educational progression. The Performance Clock/Development Journey logs qualitative
information and evidence documented by both coach and Academy Player relating to an Academy
Player's successful progression in the above areas. The Performance Clock/Development Journey also
evidences the Academy Player’s Multi-disciplinary Reviews.
It should be noted that while there is scope within the Performance Clock/Development Journey for the
Academy Player to give feedback and comments, the primary responsibility to maintain Performance
Clock/Development Journey lies with the Club. Any Club which fails to maintain its Academy Players’
Performance Clock/Development Journey, and make them available in accordance with Rule 40, may
jeopardise its categorisation.

Individual Learning Plans and Multi-disciplinary Reviews
41.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that it undertakes a Multidisciplinary Review in respect of each Academy Player:
41.1.

every 12 weeks (if he is in one of the Under 9 to Under 11 age groups);

41.2.

every six weeks (if he is in one of the Under 12 to Under 18 age groups); and41.3.	with such frequency as is necessary according to his developmental needs(if he is one of the Under 19 to Under 21 age groups).

411

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Performance Management,
Player Development and Progression

Guidance

The following best practice recommendations are made, which supplement the above minimum
requirements.

Neither the Academy Player nor his Parent(s) need be present at the Multi-disciplinary Review. See
however the Club’s obligations under Rules 43, 44 and 46 to 48.
42.

Each Multi-disciplinary Review shall assess the performance and development of
the Academy Player against his performance targets set at previous Multidisciplinary Reviews. At the end of each Multi-disciplinary Review the Club shallupdate the Academy Player’s Individual Learning Plan to take account of conclusions
reached at the Multi-disciplinary Review.

43.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that it conducts a meeting witheach of its Academy Players:43.1.	no fewer than four times per Season (if he is in one of the Under 9 to Under
18 age groups); and1.	Multi-disciplinary Reviews should not only measure the Academy Player’s progression against his
own performance targets, but also benchmark his development against that of his peers.
2.	The procedure for undertaking Multi-disciplinary Reviews with Academy Players should follow astandard protocol. The meeting should involve the head coach for the Academy Player’s
Development Phase and the Head of Education (particularly if the Club is providing education to
the Academy Player), plus any other relevant Academy Staff (e.g. sports scientists) as required.
3.	Similar protocols may be adopted for the meetings with Parent(s). Thus, it is recommended that themeeting is attended by the head coach for the Academy Player’s Development Phase, the Head of
Education and any other relevant Academy Staff.

Youth Development Rules

Performance Management,
Player Development and Progression

43.2.	with such frequency as is necessary according to his development needs (ifhe is one of the Under 19 to Under 21 age groups).
44.

At the meetings referred to in Rule 43, the Club shall:
44.1.

discuss with the Academy Player his Individual Learning Plan; and44.2.	take all appropriate action (for example by way of amending his Individual
Learning Plan to set mutually agreed performance targets and/or suchindividual coaching, athletic development or educational support as may
be necessary).
45.

Each Multi-disciplinary Review shall be recorded on the Academy Player’s
Performance Clock/Development Journey.

46.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall meet with the Parent(s) of each
Academy Player under the age of 18 at least twice a year and provide to and discusswith the Parent(s) a detailed review of all aspects of the Academy Player’s
performance and development based on his most recent Multi-disciplinary Reviews.

47.

A written record of the discussion referred to in Rule 46 shall be given to the Parent(s)and noted on the Academy Player’s Performance Clock/Development Journey.

48.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall, between 1 May and 30 June in eachyear, provide to the Parent(s) of each Academy Player under the age of 18 an annual
written report on all aspects of the Academy Player’s performance and development
over the preceding season.

49.

Each Club shall permit a representative of the League to attend and access, via the
Performance Management Application/Intelligence Platform, Multi-disciplinary
Reviews if so requested by the League.

Guidance
It is recommended that one of the meetings referred to in Rule 46 is held at around the mid-Season point
and the other at the end of the Season. The annual written report referred to in Rule 48 should form thebasis of the end of Season meeting.
Regular reviews of all aspects of an Academy Player’s development are a key part of the Elite Player
Performance Plan. Each periodic Multi-disciplinary Review will have input from each discipline within the
Academy (coaching, education and welfare, and sports science and medicine/performance support).

413

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Youth Development Rules
Staff

50.

56.

56.1.	provide Continued Professional Development to members of Academy
Staff where required to do so pursuant to these Rules; andEach Club which operates an Academy shall establish a staffing structure for its
Academy which shall:

56.2.	take all reasonable steps to ensure that each member of Academy Staff
who is required by these Rules to undertake Continued Professional
Development does so.

50.1.	subject to Rule 51, include the mandatory posts required by this section of
the Rules for the Category applicable to its Academy; and50.2.	have regard to the guidelines and best practice set out in the Elite Player
Performance Plan.
51.

Save for the Academy Manager and the coaches described in Rules 72 and 73, a Club
need not employ those Academy Staff whose employment is mandatory for theCategory of its Academy pursuant to these Rules provided that the Club is able todemonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the League, the ISO or the PGB(whichever body is appropriate), that its staffing structure includes the same
expertise and achieves the same results as if all the mandatory posts required bythis section of the Rules were filled.

Guidance
It is envisaged that CPD will be delivered partly by Clubs and partly externally (e.g. by The Football
Association).

Academy Management Team57.

The exceptions to this are the post of Academy Manager and the coaches set out in Rules 72 and 73: a
Club must employ a Full Time Academy Manager in accordance with Rules 59 to 65 and coaches inaccordance with Rules 72 and 73.

58.

Guidance
Clubs should submit information for all Academy Staff that work in the following areas on a full time, parttime, contractual or other basis: Academy Management, Operations, Coaching, Performance Support/
Analysis, Sports-Science and Medicine, Recruitment, Education and Player Care and Safeguarding.

53.

54.

The Club shall document its staffing structure in an organisational chart which shall:

Guidance
This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51. If a Club does not employ one of the Officials
described in Rule 57.2, Clubs should consider including representation from the relevant functional areaon the Academy Management Team.

Academy Manager
Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ a Full Time Academy Manager.

be made available to Academy Staff, the League and the ISO.

60.

The Academy Manager’s appointment shall be approved by the Club Board.

The relationship between a Club and each member of its Academy Staff shall beappropriately documented by way of:61.

The Academy Manager shall report to the Chief Executive or to such other senioradministrative Official of the Club as the Club Board shall approve.

62.

The responsibilities of the Academy Manager shall include (unless otherwise
approved by the Board):

show the reporting lines of each member of Academy Staff; and53.2.

an employment contract;54.2.	a statement of terms of employment pursuant to Section 1 of the
Employment Rights Act 1996; or
54.3.

in the case of a non-employee, a contract for services.

Each member of Academy Staff shall be given:55.1.	a written job description (which may be contained in the document
referred to in Rule 54); and
55.2.

415

The Academy Management Team shall assist the Academy Manager in running theoperations of the Academy in accordance with the Club’s Academy Performance
Plan.

59.

53.1.

54.1.

55.

be led by the Academy Manager; and57.2.	in addition to the Academy Manager, consist of such other Officials as theClub Board deems necessary in order for the Academy Management
Team to properly perform the functions with which it is tasked by theseRules and otherwise, and which may accordingly include the Head of
Education, the Head of Sports Science and Medicine, the Head of
Recruitment, the Head of Academy Coaching, the individual referred to at
Rule 115, the Head of Safeguarding, the Academy Operations Manager
and the Academy Secretary.

The functions covered by the mandatory posts must be delivered by all Clubs operating an Academy.
However, the League acknowledges that Clubs should have flexibility in the organisation of their staffing
structure provided that the structure that is adopted delivers the same outputs and results as if themandatory posts were filled.

Each Club that operates an Academy shall ensure that the Staff Registration System
is updated at the start of each Season, and within seven days of an applicable
member of staff changing roles, joining or leaving the Club.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish an Academy Management
Team which shall:
57.1.

Guidance

52.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall:

Youth Development Rules

GeneralStaff

62.1.	guiding the development of the Club’s Playing Philosophy, Coaching
Philosophy and Coaching Curriculum;
62.2.	drawing up the Academy Performance Plan as set out in, and subject tothe provisions of, Rule 29;
62.3.

implementing the Academy Performance Plan;an annual performance appraisal.
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StaffStaff

advising the Club Board on:

66.

62.4.1.	whether the Academy has met the performance targets set out
in the Academy Performance Plan; and62.4.2.	the action to be taken by the Club if the Academy has not met
those performance targets;
62.5.	ensuring the effective use by all appropriate Academy Staff of the
Performance Management Application/Intelligence Platform and
Performance Clock/Development Journey, including ensuring that all
relevant data is recorded thereon;
62.6.	the design, implementation and management of the Academy’s Coaching
Curriculum;

Academy Operations Manager
67.

62.9.

liaising with the Club’s Manager as appropriate.

68.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint an Academy Secretary who
shall be employed Full Time in the case of a Club which operates a Category 1 orCategory 2 Academy or at least Part Time in the case of a Club which operates a
Category 3 or Category 4 Academy.

69.

The Academy Secretary shall:
69.1.	provide administrative support to the Academy Manager and theAcademy Management Team;

Guidance

69.2.	act as the point of contact between the Academy and the League for all
administrative matters, including the submission of required information;and

It is acknowledged that some Academy Managers may also have important roles as coaches and thatthe above responsibilities may limit the time they have for coaching. As a consequence, the Academy
Manager will be entitled to delegate some of their functions to other staff at the Academy to enable him
to continue to undertake coaching.

63.

64.

63.1.

an up to date UEFA A Licence;

Guidance

63.2.

an FA Youth Award; andThis section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51.

63.3.

an FA Advanced Youth Award.

Head of Academy Coaching

A Club may appoint as Academy Manager a Person who does not hold thequalifications set out in Rule 63 provided that the Head of Academy Coaching:70.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ a Head of Academy Coaching
who shall:

64.1.

holds these qualifications;

70.1.

64.2.

is tasked with overseeing the Coaching Curriculum; and70.2.	subject to Rule 62.6, have responsibility for delivery of the Academy’s
Coaching Curriculum;

The Academy Manager must undertake Continued Professional Development
organised by the Club. In addition, where the Academy Manager holds a qualification
set out in Rule 63, he must attend such training provided by The Football Association
as is necessary to maintain the validity of that qualification and at least five hours of
in-service training to be provided by the League every year and hold a current BFAS,
current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board.

Guidance
Any Academy Manager holding the BFAS qualification will be required to attain the EFAiF qualification
with effect from the date of expiry of the BFAS qualification. Any new Academy Manager appointed after
1st July 2018 not already holding BFAS must hold the EFAiF on appointment.

417

69.3.	be familiar with all relevant provisions of these Youth Development Rules,
as amended from time to time.

Subject to Rule 64, each Academy Manager must hold:64.3.	is a member of the Academy Management Team and sits on the Technical
Board.
65.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall appoint an Academy
Operations Manager, who shall be employed Full Time and shall have day-to-day
responsibility for executive and operational issues within the Academy.

Academy Secretary

62.7.	ensuring that all Academy Staff undertake the Continued Professional
Development required of them by this section of the Rules;
62.8.	being the line manager of the Head of Education, Head of Coaching andHead of Recruitment; andEach Club which operates an Academy must ensure that its Academy Manager
enrols and participates fully in the Elite Academy Managers Development
Programme.

Youth Development Rules

62.4.

report to the Academy Manager;

70.3.	be responsible for designing and delivering the Club’s Continued
Professional Development programme, which shall reflect the Club’s
Playing Philosophy and Coaching Philosophy and each coach’s CoachCompetency Framework for all the Club’s Academy coaches;
70.4.	discharge the responsibilities with regard to Development Action Plans set
out at Rules 85 to 87;
70.5.	hold at least an up to date UEFA A Licence, an FA Youth Award, and an FA
Advanced Youth Award;
70.6.	hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification, current EFAiF or anequivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board;
70.7.	have recent and relevant experience of coaching Academy Players in an
Academy (or of a comparable environment);
70.8.	be employed Full Time in the case of a Head of Academy Coaching
employed in a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy and at least
Part Time in the case of a Category 4 Academy;
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StaffStaff

70.10.	attend such training to be provided by The Football Association as isnecessary to maintain the validity of the qualifications set out in Rule 70.5;
and
70.11.	in conjunction with each of the Club’s coaches, plan, deliver and monitor
the delivery of individual development plans for each such coach.

Guidance
For those Clubs which operate a Category 3 Academy, the Academy Manager may count towards theminimum numbers required under Rule 72.
For those Clubs which operate a Category 4 Academy, the Academy Manager and Head of Academy
Coaching may count towards the minimum numbers required under Rule 72.

73.

In addition to the coaches set out in Rule 72 each Club shall employ sufficient
additional coaching staff (Full Time or Part Time) to ensure that the coach to
Academy Players ratios set out in Rule 126 are maintained.

74.

Each Club shall appoint one Full Time coach in each Development Phase who shallbe the lead coach for that phase and be responsible for managing the delivery ofcoaching within it, and who shall:

Guidance
The League has devised EHOC to provide a funded, elite development programme for Full Time Heads ofAcademy Coaching.

71.

In addition to the in-service training referred to in Rule 70.9, the Head of Academy
Coaching must:
71.1.	undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club;

74.1.	in respect of the Youth Development and Professional Development
Phase, hold at least an up to date UEFA A Licence; and71.2. 	enrol and participate in the Elite Heads of Coaching scheme operated by
the League; and74.2.	in respect of the Foundation Phase, hold at least an up to date UEFA B
Licence and the relevant age specific FA Advanced Youth Award.

71.3.	complete the European Mentoring and Coaching Council Foundation
Award within two years of the commencement of their employment.

Goalkeeping Coaches
75.

Guidance
It is recommended (and mandatory in the circumstances set out in Rule 64) that the Head of Academy
Coaching will be a senior appointment in the Academy and a member of the Academy Management
Team and sit on the Technical Board.

75.2.	a Club operating a Category 2 Academy shall employ at least one Full
Time goalkeeping coach.
76.

Coaches72.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ, either on a Full Time or PartTime basis, such goalkeeping coaches as are necessary to ensure that each
Academy Player who is a goalkeeper receives the required hours of coaching set out
in Rule 123, subject to the following minimum requirements:
75.1.	a Club operating a Category 1 Academy shall employ at least two Full
Time goalkeeping coaches; andThis section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51.
When appointing a Head of Academy Coaching, Clubs should have regard to any applicable bestpractice guidance published by the League and Football League from time to time. Support in thisrecruitment process may also be obtained from the League.

Youth Development Rules

70.9.	attend at least five hours of in-service training to be provided by the
League each year;

Each goalkeeping coach must:
76.1.	attend at least five hours of in-service training to be provided by The
Football Association each year;

Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ as a minimum the number ofFull Time coaches for each Development Phase in accordance with the Category of
its Academy as set out in the following table:
Foundation Phase Youth
Development Phase

Professional
Development Phase

Category 1

2

3

3

Category 2

1

2

2

Category 3

1

1

2

Category 4

N/A

N/A

2

76.2.	attend the first aid training for Academy coaches provided by The Football
Association at least once every three years; and
76.3.
77.

undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

Each goalkeeping coach must hold an up to date UEFA B Licence and a UEFA
Goalkeeping Coaching B Licence.

Guidance
This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51.

419

Senior Professional Development Coach
78.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy shall (and a Club
which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy may) appoint a Senior
Professional Development Coach who shall:
78.1.

for Category 1 and Category 2 Academies only, be full-time;

78.2.

report to the Academy Manager;

78.3.

liaise with the Manager;

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StaffStaff

78.5.	oversee on a day-to-day basis the Coaching Curriculum for the Under 19
to Under 21 age groups;

Guidance
The League, The Football League and The Football Association will establish and maintain a national
database of qualifications of coaches, and the in-service training they have undertaken.

78.6.	manage the transition of Academy Players to the Club’s senior squad in
accordance with the Club’s procedure for the same described in Rule 80;

84.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall prepare a Coach Competency
Framework, which must be approved by its Technical Board.

78.7.	contribute to the Multi-disciplinary Reviews of all Academy Players in theProfessional Development Phase; and85.

Each Club shall ensure that the Head of Academy Coaching provides to each of its
Academy coaches (including goalkeeping coaches and the Senior Professional
Development Coach) a Development Action Plan, that is to say the Head of Academy
Coaching shall undertake an assessment of the competencies of each Academy
coach and discuss this with him, and agree with him the competencies andbehaviours which he needs to develop, and the activities which he will undertake inorder to develop them, and the timeframe within which he will undertake them, andrecord the same in writing and give a copy to the coach.

86.

The Club must record evidence that the actions referred to in the Development
Action Plan have been undertaken, and review those actions within an appropriate
period with the coach, and amend the Development Action Plan if necessary.

79.3.	manage the transition of Academy Players to the Club’s senior squad in
accordance with the Club’s procedure for the same described in Rule 80.

87.

The Club shall ensure that the Head of Academy Coaching reviews, and, if necessary,amends each coach’s Development Action Plan with such frequency as is necessary.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall develop, implement and provide evidenceof a procedure to enable the transition of Academy Players to its senior squad.

Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine

78.8.	manage the Club’s team which competes in the Professional Development
League.
79.

Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy that does notappoint a Senior Professional Development Coach in accordance with Rule 78 shallassign a member of the coaching staff responsible for the coaching of the Club’s
professional players to act as a liaison coach who shall:

80.

79.1.

liaise with the Academy Manager;

79.2.

liaise with the Manager; andGuidance

88.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 and Category 2 Academy shall appoint a
Full Time Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine who shall report to either
the Academy Manager or the Official who is responsible for Sports Science andMedicine/Performance Support for the entire Club (and whichever they report to,they shall liaise closely with the other).

89.

Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy shall demonstrate
to the reasonable satisfaction of the League, the ISO or PGB (whichever body isappropriate) that its Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support
Programme for Academy Players is appropriately managed and delivered.

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51.

Coaches: Qualifications and Professional Development
81.

Each coach (excluding goalkeeping coaches to whom Rule 76 applies) must from thecommencement of and throughout their employment hold:81.1.	an up to date UEFA B Licence (save where these Rules require a coach tohold an up to date UEFA A Licence);
81.2.

an FA Youth Award; and81.3.	an up to date FA Advanced Youth Award with the age-specific specialist
element relevant to the Development Phase which they coach.
Guidance
These Rules require the following Academy Staff to hold an up to date UEFA A Licence:•

Head of Academy Coaching (Rule 70.5); and•Senior Professional Development Coach (Rule 78.4).

82.

83.

421

Youth Development Rules

78.4.	hold a UEFA A Licence and the FA Advanced Youth Award with the age
specific specialist element relevant to the Professional Development Phase;

Each coach (including goalkeeping coaches) must attend at least five hours of inservice training to be provided by the Football Association or League each year andhold a current BFAS, current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approvedby the Board.
In addition to the in-service training referred to in Rule 82, each coach must
undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

Guidance
A Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy may choose to buy in support for this function
on a Part Time basis.
Clubs may elect to alternatively title this role ‘Head of Academy Performance’ or ‘Head of Academy
Performance Support’.

90.

The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine shall be responsible formanaging and delivering the Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support
Programme for all Academy Players registered with the Club.

91.

The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine:
91.1.

shall be either:
91.1.1.	a registered physiotherapist member of the Health and Care
Professions Council;

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StaffStaff

91.1.3.	the holder of at least a master’s degree in sports science (orother relevant discipline) from a recognised university and haveor be working towards British Association of Sport and Exercise
Sciences and/or British Psychological Society accreditation;
and95.4.	shall be on the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (“SENr”) or work
under the direct management and supervision of an individual listed on
the SENr.

Lead Sports Scientist
96.

96.1.	hold at least a bachelor’s degree in sports science (or another relevant
discipline) from a recognised university;

91.2.	shall have recent and relevant professional experience in a sports
performance environment.

96.2.	have recent and relevant professional experience in a sports performanceenvironment;

Guidance

96.3.	co-ordinate and lead the sports science services for the Academy;

Under Rule 91.1.2, where the Academy Doctor is not head of department the further qualificationis still necessary if the doctor is providing independent unsupervised management in the area ofSport and Exercise Medicine.
92.

92.2.	if they are neither of the above, a current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher
qualification approved by the Board.
93.

94.

For the avoidance of doubt, if the Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine is
not a registered physiotherapist member of the Health and Care Professions Council
or a registered medical practitioner (as set out in Rule 92.1 and 92.2 respectively)
then the primacy of decisions regarding the clinical treatment of Academy Players
shall rest with a physiotherapist or registered medical practitioner.
The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine must undertake Continued
Professional Development organised by the Club or the League.

It is envisaged that the Person who is appointed to this role shall have had recent relevant experience(which will be assessed by the League and/or the ISO), including managerial experience in a sports
science environment.
This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51.

Academy Nutritionist
Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall appoint or designate an
existing member of Academy Staff to the role of Academy Nutritionist who:
95.1.

shall be Part Time;

95.2.	shall be responsible for devising and implementing plans to promotenutrition and a healthy diet amongst Academy Players;423

96.5.	hold or be working towards holding British Association of Sport andExercise Sciences accreditation.
97.

Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy shall demonstrate
to the reasonable satisfaction of the League, the ISO or the PGB (whichever body isappropriate) that it delivers sufficient and appropriate sports science services to its
Academy Players.

98.

The Lead Sports Scientist must undertake Continued Professional Development
organised by the Club.

Guidance
For Clubs’ obligations generally regarding the provision of the Sports Science and Medicine/Performance
Support, see Rules 234 to 237.
It is envisaged that the person appointed to this role will have recent, relevant experience (which will beassessed by the League and/or the ISO). A Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy may
choose to buy in support for this function on a Part Time basis.
This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51.

Guidance

95.

96.4.	hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification, current EFAiF or anequivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board; andThe Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine shall hold either:
92.1.	if they are a registered physiotherapist member of the Health and Care
Professions Council or a registered medical practitioner, Advanced
Trauma Medical Management in Football (“ATMMiF”) (in compliance with
Premier League Rule O.3 for Premier League Clubs) or an equivalent or
higher qualification approved by the Board; orEach Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy shall appoint a Full
Time Lead Sports Scientist who shall:

Youth Development Rules

95.3.	shall provide advice to Academy Players and Staff on all aspects ofnutrition; and91.1.2.	a registered medical practitioner licensed to practise by theGeneral Medical Council (and shall comply with the General
Medical Council’s requirements concerning annual appraisal,scope of practice, indemnity and revalidation of doctors) with adiploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine or equivalent or higher
qualification; orLead Strength and Conditioning Coaches
99.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 or 2 Academy shall employ a Lead Strengthand Conditioning Coach who shall:
99.1.	in the case of a Category 1 Academy, be employed Full Time, and in thecase of a Category 2 Academy, be employed at least Part Time;
99.2.	be responsible for providing to the Club’s Academy Players appropriate
strength and conditioning training and monitoring as part of the Sports
Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme;
99.3.	hold at least a bachelor’s degree in sports science (or another relevant
discipline) from a recognised university and have or be working towards
British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences accreditation;

424

StaffStaff

99.5.	hold or be working towards accreditation by the UK Strength andConditioning Association (or equivalent workshops run by any equivalentbody).
100.

Guidance
This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51.

Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists
103.

In addition to the Senior Academy Physiotherapist referred to at Rule 102, each Club
which operates a Category 1 Academy shall employ at least two Full Timephysiotherapists who shall each be a registered physiotherapist member of the
Health and Care Professions Council and (where their duties include clinical leadershipat matches) hold a current ATMMiF. Each Club which operates a Category 2 Academy
shall employ at least one such Full Time physiotherapist who meets these requirements.

104.

Any Sports Therapist employed by a Club must be subject to the management andsupervision of a registered physiotherapist member of the Health and Care
Professions Council.

In addition to the Lead Sports Scientist and the Lead Strength and Conditioning
Coach, each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall employ a minimum of
one additional Full Time sports scientist or strength and conditioning coach who
shall:

105.

Each physiotherapist and Sports Therapist must undertake Continued Professional
Development organised by the Club and shall hold a current ITMMiF or an equivalentor higher qualification approved by the Board.

101.1.	hold at least a bachelor’s degree in sports science (or another relevant
discipline) from a recognised university;

Guidance

The Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach must undertake Continued Professional
Development organised by the Club.

Guidance
It is recommended that Category 2 Academies employ the Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach on a
Full Time basis, but the League acknowledges that this may not always be possible, therefore, theminimum role is stated to be Part Time.
This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51.

101.

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51.

101.2.	hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification, current EFAiF or anequivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board; andAcademy Doctor

101.3.	
hold or be working towards holding British Association of Sport andExercise Sciences accreditation.

106.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint a Senior Academy
Physiotherapist who shall:
102.1.

106.2.	if employed by a Club which operates a Category 1 Academy, hold acurrent ATMMiF or if employed by a Club which operates a Category 2,
Category 3 or Category 4 Academy hold a current ITMMiF (or in either casean equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board);

be employed on a Full Time basis;102.2.	
be a registered physiotherapist member of the Health and Care
Professions Council (save that a Club which operates a Category 3 or 4
Academy may continue to employ as its Senior Academy Physiotherapist
any Person so employed at the time of these Rules coming into force whodoes not hold the qualifications specified in this Rule provided that they
have successfully completed the Football Association’s Diploma in theTreatment and Management of Injuries course or an equivalent or higher
qualification. Any Person appointed thereafter must hold the qualifications
specified by this Rule);
102.3.	have recent and relevant professional experience in a sports performanceenvironment;
102.4.	if employed by a Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy
hold a current ATMMiF (in compliance with Premier League Rule O.3 forPremier League Clubs) or if employed by a Club which operates a Category
3 or Category 4 Academy hold a current ITMMiF (or in either case anequivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board);425

102.5.

co-ordinate and lead the physiotherapy service within the Academy;

102.6.

ensure that Rules 232.1 and 233 are complied with; and102.7.

undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint an Academy Doctor who shall:
106.1.	be a registered medical practitioner licensed to practise by the General
Medical Council (and shall comply with the General Medical Council’s
requirements concerning annual appraisal, scope of practice, indemnity
and revalidation of doctors);

Senior Academy Physiotherapist
102.

Youth Development Rules

99.4.	hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification, current EFAiF or anequivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board; and106.3.	be available to assess and, if appropriate, undertake the treatment of any
playing injuries suffered by an Academy Player;
106.4.

undertake Continued Professional Development;

106.5.	be available for consultation at the Academy on at least one occasion per
week (in addition to any attendance at matches); and106.6.

be responsible for the preparation of each Club’s Emergency Action Plan.

Guidance
Whether the Academy Doctor should be Full Time or Part Time has not been specified, it being recognisedthat the role may be fulfilled by a doctor who also has responsibilities for the professional squad, or who
has other professional responsibilities outside the Club.
See also Rules 232 and 233 concerning the medical cover at coaching and matches.
The League will gather and share best practice in relation to Emergency Action Plans.
This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51.

426

Staff

Staff

107.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall employ a minimum of three
Full Time Performance Analysts.

108.

Each Club which operates a Category 2 Academy shall employ a minimum of two
Performance Analysts, one on a Full Time basis, and the other at least Part Time.

111.5.	hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning andSkills (QTLS) and have relevant experience (in the case of Category 1 and 2
Academies) or, as a minimum, possess a teaching qualification or further
education teaching qualification (in the case of Category 3 and Category
4 Academies);

Guidance111.6.

be Full Time (in the case of Category 1 and Category 2 Academies); andFor Category 2 Academies, the Performance Analysts could be, for example, a student undertaking a
Masters degree in a sports science related field who is on a placement as part of their Masters course.

111.7.

undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

109.

The Performance Analysts shall undertake Performance Analysis of Academy
Players registered with the Club.

110.

The Performance Analysts must undertake Continued Professional Development
organised by the Club.

112.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall, in addition to the Head of
Education, employ one Person Full Time to support the delivery of the Academy’s
education programme.

Head of Recruitment
113.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ a Head of Recruitment who shall:

Guidance

113.1.

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51.

113.2.	have responsibility for the organisation, management and delivery of theClub’s policies and procedures for the recruitment of Academy Players;

Head of Education
111.

report to the Academy Manager;

111.1.

report to the Academy Manager;

113.3.	have responsibility for the recruitment and training of the Club’s Scouts(including taking all reasonable steps to ensure that they comply with therequirements regarding qualifications, registration and Continued
Professional Development set out at Rule 241);111.2.

have responsibility for:113.4.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint a Head of Education who shall:be in possession of (or be actively working towards):111.2.1.	
the organisation, management and delivery of the Club’s
Education Programme as set out in Rules 190 to 206;113.4.1.	the FA Leadership of Talent Identification & Development in
Football for a Club operating a Category 1 Academy;

111.2.2.	pursuant to Rule 191.5, the oversight of the Scholar education
programmes including attendance at educational programmemeetings, ensuring adherence to such programmes and, whererequired, taking appropriate action in the event that targets
are not met;	
113.4.2.	
the FA Advanced Principles of Talent Identification &Development in Football for a Club operating a Category 2
Academy; and111.2.3.	
ensuring that Scholars are appropriately managed andsupported in respect of the ‘End Point Assessment’ on the
sporting excellence professional apprenticeship ("SEP");

113.5.

111.2.4.	the educational progression of all Academy Players registeredwith the Club (subject to the duties of any educational
establishment at which an Academy Player’s education istaking place);

113.7.	be Full Time in the case of Category 1 and Category 2 Academies, and at
least Part Time in the case of Category 3 and 4 Academies.

111.2.5.	ensuring that the education of an Academy Player engaged on
the Hybrid or Full Time Training Model is not prejudiced as aresult of his being so engaged; and111.2.6.	ensuring all documents and records relating to the educationof Academy Players required by these Rules are in place and up
to date;111.3.	
undertake benchmarking of the educational progression of each year
group of Academy Players engaged on the Hybrid and Full Time Training
Models against national data, and make the result of that benchmarking
available to the League;

427

111.4.	ensure that the Academy’s educational provision reflects the strategy andperformance targets set out in the Club’s Academy Performance Plan;

Youth Development Rules

Performance Analysts

113.4.3.	the FA National Talent Identification & Scouting in Football for a
Club operating a Category 3 or a Category 4 Academy;
undertake at least five hours of in-service training each year;

113.6.	undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club;
andGuidanceIdeally a Club’s strategy for talent identification and recruitment should flow from its Vision Statement
and Playing Philosophy and be fully integrated into its Academy Performance Plan and the multidisciplinary approach to youth development envisaged by the Elite Player Performance Plan. Clubs may
wish to document a recruitment strategy which sets out:•	the profile of the players it seeks to recruit in each age group, having regard to the desired
technical, tactical, maturation, social and psychological characteristics required at each age;•	its target groups (e.g. local v national recruitment, players attending Development Centres or
local schools/boys’ clubs etc.);

428

StaffStaff•	
a strategy for late developers (including the Academy’s own Academy Players whosematuration rates are slow but who eventually catch up with their peers); and•ensuring accurate scouting records are maintained.

Clubs may then wish to develop an activity plan to implement the recruitment strategy.
 ith regard to Rule 113.4, above, it is envisaged that a new qualification for Scouts will be developed inW
due course.
This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 51.

Academy Psychologist
117.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall employ one or more Academy
Psychologist(s), who shall:
117.1.	be Full Time (however more than one Person may be employed for thispurpose to ensure that overall working hours are commensurate with one
Full Time employee) for each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy;
and117.2.	be on the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) Register of Health andCare Professionals or on one of the approved training routes/pathways
towards HCPC registration.

Youth Development Rules•	synchronisation between coaches and recruiters to ensure that, for example, assessment
procedures match those by which the Academy’s existing Academy Players are assessed, andthat new recruits transit easily into the Academy environment;Interns114.

The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine must ensure that the Club
records and, if requested, makes available to the League, the following details of
every intern working within the Academy:
114.1.	name, date of birth and contact details (phone number, address andemail address);
114.2.	
qualifications (bothqualifications);

academicandsportingsuchascoaching

114.3.	where the intern is a student, details of the intern’s current course, including
the institution at which he is enrolled, the name of the course, and thename and contact details of his tutor; and114.4.	the contact details of a member of Academy Staff who is responsible forsupervising the intern whilst he is at the Academy.
Guidance

Clubs’ attention is also drawn to Section S (Safeguarding and Mental Health) of the Premier League
Rules. Clubs must ensure that these Rules are complied with in respect of any intern to whom they areapplicable. Clubs must also ensure that they comply with all applicable legislation, including thatconcerning the national minimum wage.

Player Care
115.

Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy shall
employ an individual with the necessary skills and expertise on a Full Time basis who
shall be responsible for the management and delivery of the Personal Development
and Life Skills Plan for Academy Players and the Induction and Transition Strategy, in
addition to the other aspects of the Club’s Duty of Care, including mental andemotional wellbeing of Academy Players.

Guidance

Clubs should give consideration to extending safeguarding supervision arrangements to include
Player Care staff.
116.

429

Each Club which operates a Category 4 Academy shall nominate an existing memberof Academy Staff to carry out the responsibilities referred to in Rule 115, above, in
addition to their other duties.

430

Youth Development Rules
Coaching

Coaching

118.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall prepare (and make available to the
League and the ISO on request) a Coaching Curriculum which shall have regard to:118.1.

the Club’s Vision Statement, Coaching Philosophy and Playing Philosophy;

118.2.

the Club’s Academy Performance Plan;

118.3.	the minimum hours of coaching delivered; and118.4.
119.

120.

these Rules.

Part TimePart Time, Hybrid,
Full Time

Full Time, Hybrid

Category 2

Coaching
hours perweek

4 rising to 6 forolder Academy
Players

7 rising to 12 forolder Academy
Players

14 reducing to 12 for
Academy Players who
have commitments tothe professional squadduring the Professional
Development Phase

Permitted
Training
ModelPart TimePart Time,
HybridFull Time

Coaching
hours perweek

4

5 rising to 7 forolder Academy
Players

12

The Club’s Technical Board shall approve the Club’s Coaching Curriculum.
Category 3(See Guidance
below)

It is recommended that the Coaching Curriculum gives particular consideration to desired outcomes andthe coaching strategies needed to achieve them at each Development Phase.
See also Rule 62.6 (role of Academy Manager in the Coaching Curriculum) and Rule 70.2 (role of the Headof Academy Coaching).
Category 4

Coaching Hours
The coaching of age groups Under 15 and older in Category 1 and Category 2
Academies shall take place over 46 weeks of each year, such weeks to be determinedby reference to the Games Programme Schedule (including the two periods set out
therein during which no matches in the Foundation Phase and Youth Development
Phase Games Programmes shall take place).

122.

All other coaching in Academies shall take place over 40 weeks of each year.

123.

Save as otherwise permitted by the PGB, the minimum hours of coaching to bedelivered by Academies each week to each Academy Player (subject to his fitness,
welfare and academic status) and the permitted Training Model per Category andper Development Phase are as follows:

Category 1

431

Coaching
hours perweek

Foundation
Phase

Youth
Development
Phase

Professional
Development Phase

4 rising to 8 forolder Academy
Players

8 rising to 12 forolder Academy
Players

14 reducing to 12 for
Academy Players who
have commitments tothe professionalsquad during theProfessional
Development Phase

Professional
Development Phase

Permitted
Training
Model

Reference is made in the Rules to sections 6.6 to 6.8 of the Elite Player Performance Plan, which set out
further detail about the Coaching Curriculum in each Development Phase.

121.

Youth
Development
Phase

Category 1

The Club’s Coaching Curriculum shall be drawn up by the Academy Manager (or, inthe circumstances set out in Rule 64, the Head of Academy Coaching) who shallconsult with all appropriate Club Officials (which may include the Manager, the Chief
Executive, coaching staff, the Academy Management Team and the Technical
Director if the Club has appointed one).

Guidance

Foundation
Phase

Youth Development Rules

Coaching Curriculum

Permitted
Training
ModelPart TimePart Time

Full Time

Coaching
hours per
week

N/A

N/A

14 reducing to 12 for
Academy Players who
have commitments tothe professional squadduring the Professional
Development Phase
Games Programmes

Permitted
Training
Model

N/A

N/A

Full Time

Guidance
The above hours of coaching are the minimum the Rules require per week, subject to the Academy Player’s
fitness. It is acknowledged, however, that Academies can alter these hours as they see fit, provided thatthe above stated hours are achieved on average over each six or 12 week Multi-disciplinary Review period(as relevant). As regards “subject to fitness”, this includes not only where an Academy Player is recuperatingfrom injury, but also where in the opinion of the coaching staff and/or the medical and sports science staff,
his coaching hours need to be reduced for him to receive adequate rest and recovery and/or avoid
overuse injuries.
Coaching in the above tables refers to on-the-pitch coaching and in matches. It is expected that Clubs
will need to spend additional time in other environments off the pitch in order to work with Academy
Players to assist them in developing the key technical, tactical, physical and psychological and social
skills.
Where an Academy falls short of providing its Academy Players with the above hours of coaching, theAcademy will need to demonstrate that despite this, its Academy Players are being provided with aproper Coaching Curriculum. This can be demonstrated by the progression of the Academy Player at
each stage of the development process.

432

Coaching or Category 3 Clubs in the Youth Development Phase, the hours stated above should be applied asFfollows:

Guidance•

U12 and U13:

5 hours•

U14:

6 hours•

U15 and U16:

7 hours Club may be permitted to operate a Training Model in a particular Development Phase other than asA
set out in the table in Rule 123 above. This would need to be approved in advance by the League (whomay take advice from the Educational Advisor).

124.

125.

125.3.	all coaching is recorded on the Academy Player’s Performance Clock/
Development Journey.

128.

131.

Each Club shall ensure that a coach to Academy Players and Trialists ratio of 1:10 ismaintained for all coaching sessions (save that the ratio for Category 1 Academies
using the Full Time Training Model shall be 1:8).

131.3.

Clubs which operate Development Centres shall keep an attendance record, proofof home address and date of birth of all Players who participate in coaching sessions
thereat, which it shall provide to the League and/or The Football Association onrequest.

133.

Each Development Centre operated by a Club may be inspected from time to timeby the League and by the ISO.

134.

Without prejudice to the generality of Rule 133, the inspection referred to in that Rule
may include:
134.1.

inspection of the facilities provided; and134.2.	assessment of whether the coaching provided at the Development Centre
is in accordance with the Club’s coaching syllabus.

Each Club shall ensure that each Academy Player in age groups Under 9 and older
participates at least once a year in a Festival (or other coaching event such as aTraining Camp or a Tournament).

135.

Each Club shall ensure that each of its coaches plans each coaching session by
setting out the learning objectives which the session is designed to achieve and thecoaching which will be given in order to achieve them.

No Club shall cause or permit a Child whose registration is held by another Club (orclub) or with whom another Club (or club) has entered into a pre-registrationagreement which remains current to attend its Development Centre.

136.

Subject to Rules 142 to 144, below, no Club shall cause or permit a team representing
its Development Centre to play football against a team representing another Club(or a Football League club).

137.

Prior to a Child attending a Development Centre for the first time, the Club operatingthat Development Centre must:

Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2, Category 3 or Category 4
Academy may, with the consent of the League and subject to Rules 140 to 142,
operate one or more Development Centres, to be located within:

137.1.	provide details to the Child’s Parent(s) of the status and purpose of theDevelopment Centre, the fact that attendance by the Child at theDevelopment Centre does not preclude the Child from playing for ortraining with any other Development Centre or (subject to Rule 131) any
other Club or team and confirmation that his attendance confers norights on the Club in relation to his registration, and obtain a signed
notification from the Parent(s) that they have received and accept suchdetails; and129.2.	90 minutes travelling time of the location of its principal venue for theprovision of coaching and education to Academy Players, where theDevelopment Centre will be attended by players in the Youth Development
Phase age group (and not by players in the Foundation Phase age groups
or lower).

433

will be free to play for other teams.

132.

129.1.	one hour’s travelling time of the location of its principal venue for theprovision of coaching and education to Academy Players, where theDevelopment Centre will be attended by players in the Foundation Phaseage groups or lower; and130.

may not be registered for that Club;131.2.	may not play in matches for that Club and/or participate in training withthat Club’s Academy unless registered as a Trialist; andDevelopment Centres
129.

A Child being coached at a Club’s Development Centre:
131.1.

Each Club shall ensure that:125.2.	each Academy Player is made aware of his individual coaching plan (andany changes thereto) as soon as reasonably practicable in advance of his
being coached in accordance with it; and127.

Any question or dispute concerning the travel time requirements in this Rule, and whether the Child isentitled to attend a Development Centre, shall be determined by the Board. When making adetermination, the Board will consider applicable travel times based on the likely time of day andmode of transport to be used by the player when attending the Development Centre.

The maximum time in which Academy Players in the Foundation Phase can be
engaged in a single coaching session is 120 minutes and there will be appropriate
rest periods between each such session.

125.1.	each Academy Player has access to an individual coaching plan tailored tohis specific needs;

126.

There are no time/distance restrictions for Development Centres to be attended by Players in the
Under 17 age group or above.

A Club may only permit a Child to attend its Development Centre where they residewithin the following travel times from the Club’s principal venue for the provision ofcoaching and education:
130.1.

for Children in the Under 11 age group or below, one hour; and130.2.

for Children in the Under 12 to Under 16 age groups inclusive, 1.5 hours.

Youth Development Rules

Coaching

137.2.	provide to the Child's Parent(s) a copy of any guidance on Development
Centres produced by the League.
138.

No Club shall induce or attempt to induce a Child to attend its Development Centre
by offering him, or any Person connected with him, whether directly or indirectly, abenefit or payment of any description whether in cash or in kind.
434

Coaching

Coaching

When considering whether or not a benefit constitutes an inducement, the League will refer to any
guidance that it has issued to Clubs in relation to this matter.
139.

No Club is permitted to make payment of any kind to a Child attending a
Development Centre or his Parent(s) (whether directly or indirectly).

140.

Whereas team travel arrangements will be permitted, no Club is permitted toprovide or otherwise arrange for individual transport for a Child attending a
Development Centre to travel to or from their home or school and any training or
match venue.

141.

Clubs that operate Development Centres must comply with the provisions of thePremier League Safeguarding Standards in respect of each Development Centre
they operate.

143.1.3.	matches comply with The FA’s Laws of the Game (for example,
in relation to pitch size and number of players on the pitch); and143.1.4.	such Junior Training Centres may be located on the same site as
the location of its principal venue for the provisions of coachingand education to Academy Players and incorporate coachingfrom coaches employed by the Academy, provided that any
individuals delivering such coaching comply with such minimum
qualification levels as stipulated by the League from time totime; and
143.2.	no Club may provide training, coaching, or matches at a Junior Training
Centre for any player not in between their Under 9 year and their Under 16
year (inclusive).

Pre-Academy Training Centres
142.

Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy may
operate one or more Pre-Academy Training Centres, provided that:142.1.

teams representing the Pre-Academy Training Centre:
142.1.1.	may participate in matches against teams so long as they are
not associated with a Club’s Academy, a Football League club’s
academy, or a Pre-Academy Training Centre (save that matches
may be played against other Pre-Academy Training Centre
teams from 1 January of the Under 8 Season with prior approvalof the League, to be requested at least seven days prior to the
proposed match);

Guidance
In order to ensure that a 'shadow Academy system' is not operational in the Junior Training Centre
environment, the number of matches involving Junior Training Centres playing against other JuniorTraining Centres, a Club’s Academy or a Football League club’s academy for which dispensation will be
granted by the League will be limited.

Senior Training Centres
144.

142.1.2.	may not take part in matches or attend tours that require an
overnight stay; and142.1.3.

may not wear the Club’s first team match kit in any match;

for Children in the Under 7 year or below, two per week; and142.2.2.

for Children in the Under 8 year, three per week; and144.2.	no Club may provide training, coaching, or matches at a Senior Training
Centre for any player below the Under 17 age group;
144.3.	matches must comply with The FA’s Laws of the Game (for example, in
relation to pitch size and number of players on the pitch); and142.3.	matches must comply with The FA’s Laws of the Game for Small-Sided
Football; and such Pre-Academy Training Centres may be located on thesame site as the location of its principal venue for the provision ofcoaching and education to Academy Players and incorporate coachingfrom coaches employed by the Academy, provided that any individuals
delivering such coaching comply with such minimum qualification levels as
stipulated by the League from time to time.

144.4.	such Senior Training Centres may not be located on the same site as thelocation of the Club’s principal venue for the provision of coaching andeducation to Academy Players and should not incorporate coaching fromcoaches employed by the Academy and other Academy Staff unless it has
been approved by the League and provided that any individuals
delivering such coaching comply with such minimum qualification levels
as stipulated by the League from time to time.

Junior Training Centres
143.

Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy may
operate one or more Junior Training Centres, provided that:143.1.

teams representing the Junior Training Centre:
143.1.1.	may, subject to Rule 143.1.2, below, participate in matches
against any teams that are not associated with a Club, Football
League club or Development Centre;

435

Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2, Category 3 or Category 4
Academy may operate one or more Senior Training Centres, provided that:144.1. 	teams representing the Senior Training Centre may participate in matches
against teams that are not associated with a Club’s Academy or a Football
League club’s academy. For the avoidance of doubt, teams representing
the Senior Training Centre may participate in matches against other
Senior Training Centres;

142.2.	contact sessions for each Child attending a Pre-Academy Training Centre
does not exceed:
142.2.1.

Youth Development Rules

143.1.2.	may only participate in matches against teams representing
other Junior Training Centres, a Club’s Academy or a Football
League club’s academy with the prior approval of the League,
to be requested at least seven days prior to the proposed
match;

Guidance

Guidance

For the avoidance of doubt, Senior Training Centres will not include operations undertaken as or in
conjunction with college-based education programmes, as such programmes should be educationled and not elite player development focused and should market themselves accordingly.

436Youth Development Rules
Games ProgrammeGames Programme

145.

146.

147.
148.

152.3.	may be played in Festivals organised on a local, regional or national basis
and each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall organise andhost a minimum of three Festivals per Season;

Save as permitted by the Board, Clubs shall not affiliate to any other youth leagues
or enter any cup competitions except The Football Association Youth Challenge
Cup.

152.4.

An Academy Player whose registration is held by a Club which operates an Academy
shall play football only in a Games Programme or in Authorised Games, subject toRule 155, and in coaching and training games (participation in which is limited toregistered Academy Players and Trialists) organised by and played at an Academy.

152.6.

152.6.2.	
Clubs operating Category 3 Academies when, during thesecond half of December and the whole of both January andFebruary, they may be played indoors; andEach Club which operates an Academy shall record in each Academy Player’s
Performance Clock/Development Journey:each match in which he has played; and148.2.

his playing time in each match.

shall be played outdoors, save in respect of:
152.6.1.	Clubs operating Category 1 or 2 Academies when, during thesecond half of December and the whole of both January andFebruary, they shall be played indoors; andA Club which operates an Academy shall not require, cause or allow an Academy
Player whose registration it holds to play football except as permitted by Rule 146.

148.1.

shall take place during the Games Programme Schedule;

152.5.	
may include matches against representative county schoolboy sides(being sides selected by the English Schools’ Football Association);

152.7.	shall consist of matches played in accordance with the following formats(save that some matches played indoors may be played as Futsal games):
Age group

Team size

Pitch size (yards)

Goal size (feet)

Ball size

Under 94v4, 5v5,6v6 or7v7

30x20 to 40x30(4v4 and 5v5)

12x6

3

4v4, 5v5,6v6 and7v7

30x20 to 40x30(4v4 and 5v5)

Guidance
With regard to Rule 148.1, the matches which are to be recorded on an Academy Player’s Performance
Clock/Development Journey include all Authorised Games in which he plays.

The Performance Clock may be used to record other playing information about the Academy Player,e.g. substitutions, cautions, position played in. It forms part of the Performance Management
Application/Intelligence Platform.
149.

Under 10In all matches that form part of the Games Programme, each Club is required toensure that all participating Academy Players wear a shirt bearing a clearly visible
number on the back, which corresponds to the number allocated to the relevant
Academy Player on any teamsheet submitted in accordance with these Rules orotherwise.

The League will organise a Games Programme for teams in each of the Under 9 to
Under 11 age groups of Clubs operating Category 1 and 2 Academies (and for the
avoidance of doubt teams from both Categories shall participate together in thisGames Programme).

151.

The Football League will organise a Games Programme for teams in each of theUnder 9 to Under 11 age groups of Clubs operating Category 3 Academies.

152.

The Games Programmes referred to in Rules 150 and 151 shall consist of matches
which:
152.1.	shall be competitive but whose results (except in the case of Tournaments)
shall not give any particular competitive significance between Academies(for example, no league table or the like shall be produced);152.2.	subject to Rule 152.3, shall be organised on a local basis so that, as far as
reasonably possible, no team has to travel more than one hour to an away
match (save that longer travel times may be necessary in order that eachClub can participate meaningfully in the Games Programme);

437(or 4 attheHome
Club’soption)50x30 to 60x40 (7v7)12x6 (4v4 and 5v5)

4

12x6 to 16x7 (7v7)50x30 to 60x40 (7v7)Under 11

Foundation Phase Games Programme
150.

Youth Development Rules

General7v7 or9v950x30 to 60x40 (7v7)12x6 to 16x7 (7v7)70x40 to 80x50 (9v9)16x7 (9v9)4

The participating Clubs shall endeavour to agree which of the above formats shallbe utilised, but in default of agreement the home Club shall decide.
Guidance
The League will organise a regional indoor programme during the second half of December, and theentirety of January and February. In particular, a programme of Futsal will be delivered for Category 1 andCategory 2 Academies. Clubs will be free to apply to organise Authorised Games outside pursuant to Rule153.2.
The League will organise Tournaments (lasting more than one day) for each of the Under 9, Under 10 and
Under 11 age groups in the May or June of each year (and in scheduling them it will be borne in mind that
June is often the month when Academy “downtime” occurs). The Tournaments so arranged for the Under
11 age group will include teams from clubs in countries other than England and Wales.
In order to deliver the Foundation Phase Games Programme to all Clubs, the target travel time of one
hour may be exceeded from time to time, in particular in order to accommodate those Clubs whose home'locality' is small.
Both Leagues will co-operate to create cross-Category Festivals from time to time which shall include all
Categories of Academy and be regionally based.

438

Games Programme

A six-week programme of Festivals of Futsal and other small-sided indoor football for each age range inthe Foundation Phase will be staged. This programme will run from November to February and beorganised on a basis of five regions (North East, North West, Midlands, London and South West, andLondon and South East). A Futsal tournament involving a regional qualification process culminating in anational finals event will be organised for each of the Under 9, Under 10 and Under 11 age groups.

Youth Development Phase Games Programme

153.

156.

The League will organise a Games Programme for teams in each of the Under 12 toUnder 14 age groups of Clubs operating Category 1 and 2 Academies (and for the
avoidance of doubt teams from both Categories shall participate together in thisGames Programme). The League will also organise a Games Programme for teamsin the Under 15 age group of Clubs operating Category 1 Academies and of thoseCategory 2 Academies wishing to participate.

157.

The Football League will organise a Games Programme for teams in each of theUnder 12 to Under 14 age groups of Clubs operating Category 3 Academies.

158.

The Games Programme for Category 1 Clubs referred to in Rule 156 shall include theUnder 13, Under 14 and Under 15 Premier League National Cups, participation inwhich shall not be mandatory.

159.

Each Club must inform the League by 30 April in each year whether it wishes tocompete in the Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 Premier League National Cups thefollowing Season.

160.

The Games Programmes referred to in Rules 156 and 157 shall consist of matches
which shall:

Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy:
153.1.

must participate fully in the Foundation Phase Games Programme; and153.2.	may organise and participate in additional Authorised Games of thetypes listed in paragraphs (c), (d), (f) and (h) of that definition only (whichshall be notified to the League (if the Club operates a Category 1 orCategory 2 Academy) no later than 72 hours before they are scheduled totake place).

Youth Development Rules

Games Programme

Guidance
The Games Programme Schedule will incorporate free weeks (in addition to those referred to in Rule 189)
during which no fixtures will be arranged by the Leagues. This will allow Clubs to organise additional
fixtures pursuant to Rule 153.2. In addition, Clubs will be able to rearrange fixtures in the Foundation
Phase Games Programme in order to attend tournaments and Festivals provided suitable notice is given,
the integrity of the Games Programme is maintained, and a suitable date for the rearrangement of the
fixture is agreed.

154.

Each Club shall ensure that each of its Academy Players in the Foundation Phase
shall, subject to fitness, participate in at least half the playing time in any one Seasonof matches in the Foundation Phase Games Programme and any other matchesorganised by the Club pursuant to Rule 153.2 such playing time to be reasonably
spread out over the season.

Guidance160.2.	(in the case of the Games Programme referred to in Rule 156) be organised
on a regional basis so that as far as reasonably possible no team has totravel more than two hours to an away match save that longer travel
times may be necessary:

An Academy Player in the Foundation Phase may still play for his school team or school representative
county side.

160.2.1.	in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in the
Games Programme; andWhen assessing whether Rule 154 has been complied with, each Academy Player’s playing time over thecourse of the Season will be assessed and an average calculated (i.e. the Academy Player need not playin half the time of every match). In addition, Rule 154 requires that the playing time is spread relatively
evenly over the course of the fixture programme. This is to ensure Clubs do not try to backload playing
time at the end of the Season simply to ensure the average is met.

160.2.2.	for matches in the Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 Premier
League National Cups;

For the avoidance of doubt, where a Club permits an Academy Player in the Foundation Phase toparticipate in matches for a team at grassroots level (see Rule 1.18(g)), such matches shall not counttowards the playing time calculation pursuant to Rule 154.

155.

Academy Players in the Foundation Phase, with the prior approval of their Club, may
train and play for teams at grassroots level, outside the Academy system.

Guidance
Approval for training and playing with teams at grassroots level will be given by each Club on an annual
basis, having considered player-by-player circumstances, development plans, club philosophy and any
conditions implemented by The Football Association. From the Youth Development Phase, registered
Academy Players shall not be permitted to train and play grassroots football.

439

160.1.	be competitive but whose results (save for matches in the Under 13, Under
14 and Under 15 Premier League National Cups) shall not be given any
particular competitive significance between Academies (for example, noleague table or the like shall be produced);160.3.	(in the case of the Games Programme referred to in Rule 157) be organised
on a local basis so that as far as reasonably possible no team has to travel
more than one hour to an away match and/or regional basis so that as far
as reasonably possible no team has to travel more than two hours to anaway match (save that in both cases longer travel times may be necessary
in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in the Games
Programme);
160.4.	shall include one or more Festivals or Tournaments for each Club organised
on a regional, national or international basis (which may include matchesorganised pursuant to Rule 165), with the number of such Festivals andTournaments increasing for the older age groups in the Youth Development
Phase;
160.5.

take place during the Games Programme Schedule;

160.6.	be played outdoors, except for matches for age groups Under 12 to Under
15 during the second half of December and the whole of both January andFebruary involving teams of Category 1 and Category 2 Academies, whichshall be played indoors; and440

Games ProgrammeGames Programme

Age group

Team size

Pitch size (yards)

Goal size (feet)

Ball size

Under 12

11v11

90x60
(11v11)21x7 (11v11)

4(or 9v9 if both
Clubs soagree)

166.

The Football League shall organise a Games Programme for teams consisting ofplayers in the Under 15 and Under 16 age groups of Clubs operating Category 3
Academies, to be played on a regional basis so that as far as reasonably possible noteam has to travel more than two hours to an away match (save that longer travel
times may be necessary in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in the
Games Programme).

167.

Matches played pursuant to Rules 161 to 166 shall, when played outdoors, be playedin accordance with the following format:

16x7 (9v9)70x40 to 80x50(9v9)Under 13

11v11

90x60

21x7

4

Under 1411v1190x60 to 100x60

21x7 to 24x8

5Under 1511v11110x70

24x8

5

168.
Guidance

The League shall organise a Games Programme for teams consisting of Academy
Players in the Under 16 age group of Clubs operating Category 1 Academies, andanother for teams of Academy Players in these age groups of Clubs operating
Category 2 Academies.

162.

Save for any matches played abroad pursuant to Rule 165, the Games Programme
for Category 1 Clubs referred to in Rule 161 shall:
162.1.	be constituted either on a national basis or, if a majority of those Clubs(and Football League clubs) which operate Category 1 Academies sodetermined by no later than 31 March in the preceding Season, on aregional basis (as that term is defined in Rule 163); and441

Ball size

24x8

5Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy:

Guidance

The Games Programme Schedule will incorporate free weeks (in addition to those referred to in Rule
189) during which no matches will be arranged by the leagues. This will allow Clubs to organise
additional matches pursuant to Rule 168.2.
169.

Each Club shall ensure that each of its Academy Players in the Under 12 to Under 14
age groups shall, subject to fitness, participate in half the playing time of matches in
the Youth Development Phase Games Programme and any other matches organisedby his Club pursuant to Rule 168.2, the Academy Player’s playing time to bereasonably spread over the season.
Each Club shall ensure that each of its Academy Players in the Under 15 to Under 16
age groups shall, subject to fitness, participate in at least 20 matches per season(being matches in the Youth Development Phase Games Programme or any othermatches organised by his Club pursuant to Rule 168.2). Participation in a match shallfor the purposes of this Rule mean playing at least 50% of the game time.

163.

The Games Programme for Category 2 Clubs referred to in Rule 161 shall beorganised on a regional basis, that is to say so that as far as reasonably possible noteam has to travel more than two hours to an away match (save that longer travel
times may be necessary in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in the
Games Programme).

170.

164.

Matches in the Games Programme for Category 1 and Category 2 Clubs referred toin Rule 161 shall, unless the Board otherwise permits, be played on Saturdays andarranged so that as far as possible a Club’s fixtures in it mirror those of its teams in
the Professional Development Phase Games Programme.

Guidance

As part of the Youth Development Phase Games Programme, the League shallorganise matches (which may be organised as Tournaments) against teams fromclubs in membership of a national association other than The Football Associationor the Football Association of Wales. Such matches shall be organised regularly for
Clubs operating Category 1 Academies and from time to time for Clubs operating
Category 2 Academies.

Goal size (feet)

110x70168.2.	may organise and participate in additional Authorised Games of thetypes listed in paragraphs (c), (d), (f) and (h) of that definition only (whichshall be notified to the League (in the case of a Club operating a Category
1 or Category 2 Academy) no later than 72 hours before they are scheduled
to take place).

162.2.	
be competitive but whose results shall not be given any particularcompetitive significance between Academies (for example, no league
table or the like shall be produced).

165.

Pitch size (yards)

11v11

168.1.	must participate fully in the Youth Development Phase Games Programme(save that participation in the Under 13 and Under 14 Premier League
National Cups is voluntary); andIn order to deliver the Youth Development Phase Games Programme to all Clubs, the target travel time of
two hours may be exceeded from time to time, particularly in order to accommodate those Clubs whose
home geographical 'region' is small.

161.

Team size

Youth Development Rules

160.7.	consist of matches played in accordance with the following formats (savethat some matches played indoors may be played as Futsal games):

An Academy Player in the Youth Development Phase may still play for his school team or school
representative county side.

When assessing whether Rule 169 has been complied with, each Academy Player’s playing time overthe course of the Season will be assessed and an average calculated (i.e. the Academy Player need
not play in half the time of every match). In addition, Rule 169 requires that the playing time is spread
relatively evenly over the course of the fixture programme. This is to ensure clubs do not try tobackload playing time at the end of the Season simply to ensure the average is met.

442

Games ProgrammeGames Programme

171.

The League will organise two Games Programmes, one for teams of Clubs operating
Category 1 Academies and one for teams of Clubs operating Category 2 Academies.

172.

The Football League will organise a Games Programme for teams of Clubs operating
Category 3 and Category 4 Academies, and following such consultation determinewith those Clubs in its absolute discretion what games programme(s) should be
developed for those Clubs, Rules relating to the games programme and (subject toRule 173.3) how that games programme should be delivered.

173.

The Games Programmes organised by The League and The Football League
pursuant to Rules 171 and 172 will be constituted on the following geographicalbases:

174.4.

Guidance
For the purposes of Rule 174.3, if all three substitutes have entered the field of play and the IFAB Protocol
is subsequently activated then the remaining two substitutes and, if necessary, two Players alreadysubstituted may be utilised as ‘concussion substitutes’ and/or ‘additional substitutes’.

175.

175.2.	shall be for Players in the Under 18 age group (and younger) only, save thatup to three Players in the Under 19 age group may be named on the teamsheet for a match;

173.1.1.	a national league and a regional league (depending on age
group) with some matches played on a national basis andsome international matches against teams representing clubs
in membership of national associations other than The Football
Association or the Football Association of Wales (and such
matches may be played either in England or abroad);

175.3.	shall only have five substitutes named on the team sheet (and for the
avoidance of doubt all five substitutes may enter the field of play);
175.4.

Category 2:
173.2.1.	in two leagues, each of which shall be constituted on ageographical basis (for example one league of northern based
teams and one of southern based teams), the exact constitutionof each league to be determined by the Board in its absolute
discretion having regard to those Clubs (and Football League
clubs) which operate Category 2 Academies;

176.

Further provisions binding on Clubs competing in the leagues referred to in Rule
174.4 shall be set out in the rules of those leagues.

177.

Each Club which operates an Academy:174.

177.1.	must participate fully in the Professional Development Phase Games
Programme; and177.2.	may organise and participate in additional Authorised Games (whichshall be notified to the relevant League no later than 72 hours before they
are scheduled to take place).

Categories 3 and 4:
173.3.1.	in two or more leagues, each of which shall be constituted on ageographical basis (for example one league of northern based
teams and one of southern based teams), the exact number of
leagues and their geographical constitution to be determinedby The Football League in its absolute discretion and having
regard to those Football League clubs (and Clubs) which
operate Category 3 and 4 Academies.

Premier League 2 and Professional Development League
178.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall compete in Premier League 2 aspart of the Professional Development Phase Games Programme.

179.

Each Club which operates a Category 2 Academy shall compete in the Professional
Development League as part of the Professional Development Phase Games
Programme, unless it is able to demonstrate to the League that its starting 11 in its
first team matches during the preceding Season in those competitions set in Premier
League Rules L.9.1 to L.9.5 included on average at least five Players in the Under 21
age group or younger.

180.

Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy may compete in thedevelopment league to be organised by The Football League as part of theProfessional Development Phase Games Programme.

181.

The League will organise Premier League 2, which shall consist of a national league
competition played on a competitive basis.

Matches in the Professional Development Phase Games Programme organised
under Rule 171:174.1.	shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game (and for the
avoidance of doubt shall be in the 11v11 format);174.2.	shall be for Players in the Under 18 age group (and younger) only, save thata Club may name in its team sheet a goalkeeper in the Under 19 age group;
174.3.	shall only have five substitutes named on the team sheet (for the avoidanceof doubt up to three substitutes may enter the field of play and, in
accordance with the IFAB Protocol, up to two ‘concussion substitutes’ and/or two ‘additional substitutes’ (as appropriate) from those substitutes
listed on the team sheet);443

shall consist of competitive leagues and/or Tournaments; and175.5.	may include an optional Futsal programme organised by the League in themonths of December, January and February.

173.2.2.	
where practical, international matches against teams
representing clubs in membership of a national association
other than The Football Association or the Football Associationof Wales (and such matches may be played either in England or
abroad); and173.3.

Matches in the Professional Development Phase Games Programme organised
under Rule 172:175.1.	shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game (and for the
avoidance of doubt shall be in the 11 v 11 format);173.1.	Category 1:

173.2.

shall consist of competitive leagues and Tournaments; and174.5.	may include an optional Futsal programme organised by the League (forClubs operating Category 1 and Category 2 Academies) in the months ofDecember, January and February.

Youth Development Rules

Professional Development Phase Games Programme444

Games Programme

183.

The League will organise the Professional Development League, which shall consistof a league or leagues played on a competitive basis organised on a regional basis,the composition of such regional league(s) to be at the absolute discretion of theBoard who shall so far as reasonably possible determine the composition of eachsuch league to ensure that each Club has to travel no more than three hours to eachmatch (save that longer travel times may be necessary in order that each Club (orclub) can participate meaningfully in the Professional Development League).

Education
190.

190.1.

The Football League will, if required, organise (or procure the organisation of, forexample, through the Football Combination or Central League) Professional
Development League 3, which shall consist of a league or leagues played on acompetitive basis and organised on a regional basis, the composition of suchregional league(s) and the minimum number of matches to be played by each Club
to be at the absolute discretion of The Football League who shall so far as reasonably
possible determine the composition of each such league to ensure that each Club(or club) has to travel no more than three hours to each match (save that longer
travel times may be necessary in order that each Club (or club) can participate
meaningfully in Professional Development League 3). For the avoidance of doubt
teams of Clubs operating Category 3 and Category 4 Academies shall compete
together in Professional Development League 3.

184.

Further provisions binding on Clubs competing in Premier League 2 and theProfessional Development League shall be set out in the rules of those Leagues.

185.

The League will in addition organise international matches (which may take place
by way of Tournaments) for teams competing in Premier League 2 and theProfessional Development League.

445

A match in the Games Programme between Academy teams in age groups Under 9
to Under 16 inclusive shall not be cancelled, postponed or abandoned except withthe written consent of the Board or on the instructions of the officiating referee (or if
the officiating referee is a minor, the official of the county FA who has accompanied
them to the match) who shall be empowered to instruct that such match becancelled, postponed or abandoned only if they consider that the pitch is unfit for, or
if adverse weather conditions preclude, the playing of the match in which event theClub at whose ground the match should have been played shall within seven days
give to the Board notice in writing to that effect.

187.

Except in the case of an Under 9 to Under 16 Games Programme match which,without either participating Club being at fault, is cancelled, postponed or
abandoned under the provisions of Rule 186, any Club which causes the cancellation,
postponement or abandonment of such a match will be in breach of these Rules.

188.

The Board shall have power to specify the equipment and facilities to be provided byClubs for the playing of matches between Academies.

189.

In consultation with The Football Association, a minimum of four weekends each
Season will be identified by the League upon which there will be no fixtures for
Academy teams, such weekends being devoted to international development,
selected players’ courses and in-service training of coaches and staff.

is appropriate to the Category of its Academy;

190.2.	complies with all applicable requirements set out in this section of theRules; and190.3.	is evaluated by the Club within each Training Model and/or Development
Phase to ensure it is meeting its objectives as set out therein.
191.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that each of its Academy Players
receives a formal Education Programme which:191.1.

is appropriate to his age and Training Model;

191.2.

meets his specific academic needs;

191.3.

complies with all legal requirements;

191.4.	is structured to ensure that his academic development is not compromised
as a result of his being coached by the Club’s Academy;
191.5.	in the case of an Academy Player who is entered into a Scholarship
Agreement with the Club, consists of the SEP and an educational
programme approved by the League (which must include an academic or
vocational qualification approved by the League and be subject toongoing quality assurance by the League); and191.6.	
shall continue notwithstanding that the Academy Player signs a
professional contract and which shall comply with the requirements of the
Education and Skills Act 2008 with regard to education and training.

Games Programme: Postponement etc. of Matches
186.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish an Education Programme
which shall set out the activities to be undertaken by the Club to ensure that theeducation of its Academy Players and Players up to the Under 21 age group who are
not regular members of the Club’s first team squad is supported effectively andwhich:

Youth Development Rules

182.

Youth Development Rules
Duty of Care

Guidance

In respect of the approval required from the League in Rule 191.5:•

 hould a Club wish one of its Academy Players to engage in an apprenticeship or education
S
programme outside the SEP framework, it must first obtain the League’s permission to do so andagree appropriate measures for monitoring and quality assurance.

•

 hould a Club wish to enter into an agreement with a training provider that is not the League thisSmust be pre-approved and will be subject to annual monitoring by the League.

•

 ny other programme of education approved in writing by The Football League will be in conjunction
Awith the PFA.

192.

Each Academy Player’s educational progression under his Education Programmeshall be recorded electronically and be made available to the League.

193.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall nominate a member of staff who shallbe responsible for:193.1.

liaising with the school at which Academy Players are being educated;

193.2.	
ensuring that any issues concerning an Academy Player’s education
arising from that liaison are addressed to the satisfaction of the school;446

Duty of Care

Duty of Care

197.

193.4.

198.

co-ordinating and delivering the SEP.

Each Club which operates the Hybrid Training Model must appoint a sufficientnumber of appropriately qualified teaching staff to provide the educational support
referred to in Rule 198.2.

Reports on Educational Progression
194.

195.

198.2.	provide to the Academy Player such additional educational support (to bedetailed in the written agreement referred to in Rule 198.5) as shall benecessary to compensate for teaching he has missed, and to ensure that
his education is not adversely affected, as a result of being released fromschool to undertake coaching during the Core Coaching Time;

The progress reports shall:detail the educational progression of the Academy Player; and195.2.	be provided as and when necessary, but as a minimum at least once every
12 weeks.

198.3.	obtain from the Academy Player’s school his school reports and, where
possible, educational attainment data;
198.4.	monitor the Academy Player’s academic progression (including by use of
the information obtained from the Academy Player’s school pursuant toRule 198.3) and record the information obtained pursuant to Rule 198.3
electronically in a timely fashion and at least every 12 weeks (to coincidewith dates of his Multi-disciplinary Reviews);

Guidance
With regard to Rule 195.2, Rule 41.2 states that Academy Players in the Under 12 to Under 18 age groups
shall receive a Multi-disciplinary Review every six weeks. The educational progress report need only beundertaken once every 12 weeks (i.e. not for each Multi-disciplinary Review) but must be undertaken as
part of a Multi-disciplinary Review.

198.5.	enter into a written agreement with the Academy Player’s school andParent(s) which sets out details of the delivery of the Hybrid Training Modelto the Academy Player, including weekly timetables, the likely impact on
the Academy Player’s education, and outline the compensatory education
which will be provided by the Club;

Delivery of the Education Programme
196.

Part Time Training Model ach Club which operates an Academy shall, in respect of each of its Academy
E
Players being trained under the Part Time Training Model, make contact in writing
with the Academy Player’s school on a minimum of three occasions in each academic
year to:196.1.

198.6.	ensure that the Academy Player follows a curriculum which reflects the‘Progress 8’ measurement of educational assessment and attainment(save that where there are educational reasons why an Academy Player
requires an amended curriculum to be followed, the League may grantdispensation from this requirement, subject to the approval of an
Educational Advisor); andinform the Academy Player’s school that he is being so trained;

196.2.	if the League so requests, obtain from the Academy Player’s school his
school reports and, where possible, educational attainment data;

198.7.	liaise with the school at least every 12 weeks in order to discuss andaddress any issues concerning the Academy Player’s education which may
arise or have arisen as a consequence of his being so trained.

196.3.	use the information obtained (if any) to monitor the Academy Player’s
academic progression by reference to his school reports and, where
possible, educational attainment data, and record it electronically; and196.4.	liaise with the school on two occasions in each academic year basis inorder to discuss and address any issues concerning the Academy Player’s
education which have risen or may arise as a consequence of his being
trained at the Club’s Academy.
Guidance
The Part Time Training Model may be used by Category 1, 2 and 3 Academies in the Foundation Phase
and Youth Development Phase: see further Rule 123.
The Part Time Training Model envisages that coaching will take place outside the Core Coaching Time,
but Clubs should nevertheless establish good communication with each Academy Player’s school.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall, in respect of each of its Academy
Players being trained under the Hybrid Training Model:
198.1.	
undertake all necessary liaison and co-operation with the Academy
Player’s school to ensure that the required element of coaching can takeplace within the Core Coaching Time;

Each Club which operates an Academy shall provide progress reports to the
Parent(s) of each Academy Player in the Youth Development Phase to whom it
provides a Full Time Education Programme.

195.1.

Hybrid Training Model

Youth Development Rules

193.3.	ensuring that for Academy Players on the Full Time and Hybrid Training
Models (and where the League requests, for Academy Players on the PartTime Training Model) each Academy Player’s school performance andeducational data are obtained from his school, recorded electronicallyand be made available to the League; andGuidance
The Hybrid Training Model may be used by Category 1 and Category 2 Academies in the Youth
Development Phase: see further Rule 123.

Compensatory education should meet the requirements of each individual Academy Player’s specificeducational needs, as well as replacing the lessons being missed whilst away from their school. It is
not expected that this is matched hour for hour, but it is expected that the content missed is able tobe covered effectively in the compensated delivery time. In the case of practical subjects or thoserequiring specific resourcing (e.g. Sciences / Design and Technology) alternative plans should bemade and be evident. A teacher to learner ratio of 1:10 is optimal for compensatory education.

The written communication referred to in Rule 196 should be used by Clubs to obtain reports andeducational attainment data (in accordance with Rule 196.2) and/or address any issues (including any
conflict between the demands of coaching and education) which have arisen or may arise as aconsequence of the Academy Player being trained at the Academy (in accordance with Rule 196.4).

447

448

Duty of Care

Full Time Training Model

Guidance

Each Club which operates an Academy shall, in respect of each of its Academy
Players in the Youth Development Phase being trained under the Full Time Training
Model, ensure that it provides the Academy Player with coaching and education inaccordance with a programme which complies with Rules 200 to 205 and which isapproved in advance by the League.

With regard to Rule 201.9, and pursuant to Rule 41.2, Academy Players in the Under 12 to Under 18 age
groups must receive a Multi-disciplinary Review every six weeks. The requirement in Rule 201.9 must be
undertaken at every second such Multi-disciplinary Review.

200.

The education element of the Full Time Training Model must comply with these Rules
and be structured in accordance with one of the three options set out below or inaccordance with such other proposals as the League may approve.

201.

Each Club which operates the Full Time Training Model must:
201.1.	unless otherwise approved by the League, only enable Academy Players in
the Under 12 and Under 13 age groups to participate in the Full Time
Training Model where they reside within 90 minutes of the Club’s principal
training venue;
201.2.	enter into an agreement with any school at which its Academy Players arebeing educated setting out the obligations of the Club and the school inrespect of the education of those Academy Players;
201.3.	ensure that Academy Players in the Under 12, Under 13 and Under 14 age
groups being educated at schools are fully integrated with other pupils of
their age, which obligation shall include (without limitation) attending
lessons with such other pupils according to the school’s normal timetable(save where the Academy Players are being coached in the Core Coaching
Time in accordance with these Rules);

202.

202.1.	not do so unless the League has pre-approved and annually certified its
proposed delivery of the Training Model;
202.2.	permit the League to monitor and assess its delivery of the Training Model,
including in respect of an individual Academy Player, in order to ensurethat it complies with these Rules; and202.3.	forthwith implement any changes to its delivery of the Training Model that
the League may require.
Guidance
The League may take advice from its Educational Advisers in connection with the assessment pursuant toRule 202.
In the case of concerns over a Training Model which has been previously approved, it is anticipated that in
the first instance an action plan to address any issues would be drafted, and the Club Support Manager
or Educational Adviser would work with the Club over a specific period to put the recommendations inplace. Accordingly, Rule 203, below, would be regarded as a last resort.

203.

201.4.	ensure that there is in place a written agreement between the Club, each
Academy Player engaged on the Full Time Training Model, his Parent(s)and his school which sets out full details of his education and Coaching
Curriculum;
201.5.	
ensure that the Education Programme of each such Academy Player
provides him with a minimum of 20 hours’ education during each week ofthe school term;

201.8.	obtain from the Academy Player’s school his school reports and, where
possible, educational attainment data;
201.9.	monitor the Academy Player’s academic progression (including by use of
the information obtained from the Academy Player’s school pursuant toRule 201.8) and record the information obtained pursuant to Rule 201.8
electronically in a timely fashion and at least every 12 weeks (to coincidewith dates of his Multi-disciplinary Reviews);
201.10.	permit the League to conduct reviews with Academy Players in the Under
12 to Under 18 age groups, as required; andIf the League is not satisfied that a Club’s delivery of the Hybrid or Full Time Training
Model complies with these Rules:
203.1.

it may refuse to an application to register an Academy Player on it; and203.2.

the Board may exercise its powers set out in Rule 291.

204.

If a Club wishes to engage an Academy Player on the Full Time Training or Hybrid
Model (whether or not the Academy Player is already registered with the Club), it
shall complete either PLYD Form 5A or PLYD Form 5B (as appropriate) signed onbehalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory and submit a copy to the Board within
five days of it being entered into.

205.

If the registration of an Academy Player on the Full Time Training Model is terminatedby the Club or by the Board of its own volition, or if he changes to another Training
Model, the Club shall, unless his Parent(s) agrees otherwise, continue to provide to
him until the end of the academic year in which he reaches the age of 16 education
and accommodation in accordance with the arrangements made at the time of he
was first engaged on the Full Time Training Model.

201.6.	ensure that appropriate staff/student ratios are utilised for all educational
activity in which the Academy Player is engaged;
201.7.	ensure that each Academy Player follows a curriculum which reflects the‘Progress 8’ measurement of educational assessment and attainment(save where there are educational reasons why an Academy Player
requires an amended curriculum to be followed, the League may grantdispensation from this requirement, subject to the approval of an
Educational Advisor); ithout prejudice to the generality of Rule 36, each Club which operates the HybridWor Full Time Training Model must in respect of each such Training Model:

Youth Development Rules

199.

Duty of Care

Guidance
The Full Time Training Model may be used by Category 1 Academies in the Youth Development Phase, andmust be used by all Academies in the Professional Development Phase: see further Rule 123.
PLYD Form 5A must be used for all Academy Players whom the Club wishes to engage on the Full Time
Training Model. If the Academy Player is not already registered with the Club, PLYD Form 5 (Academy Player
Registration Application) must also be completed and submitted to the League (see Rule 274). If the
Academy Player is already registered with the Club, PLYD Form 5 need not also be submitted. Clubs’
attention is drawn to the undertakings that they must give under PLYD Form 5.

201.11.	pursuant to Rule 191.5, ensure that Scholars are provided with sufficient
time and support to prepare for the ‘End Point Assessment’.
449

450

Duty of Care

The three options referred to in Rule 200 are set out below. This list of options is not exhaustive, and Clubs
are free to develop other models which deliver the same results as the options set out in the Elite Player
Performance Plan.

Personal Development and Life Skills Plans

Each Club’s proposals for how it will deliver the Full Time Training Model must be approved in advance by
the League. The League may also check each Club’s delivery of the Full Time Training Model in order to verify
that it is in accordance with these Rules and with the pre-approved proposals, and in order to verify that no
Academy Player’s education is being prejudiced as a result of his being engaged on the Full Time Training
Model. Clubs’ attention is drawn to Rules 290 and 291 in this regard.

207.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish a Personal Development andLife Skills Plan to support the holistic development of each of its Academy Players
and Players up to the age of the Under 21 age group.

208.

The programme referred to in Rule 207 shall ensure that each Academy Player andPlayers up to the age of the Under 21 age group trained under the Full Time Training
Model and/or in the Professional Development Phase has the opportunity to engage
in activities outside the Academy which will encourage him to take an active part inthe community and develop an understanding of good citizenship.

209.

Each Academy Player shall engage in the activities referred to in Rule 208 unless he
has good cause not to do so and each Club shall take all reasonable steps to ensurethat each of its Academy Players does so engage.

210.

Each Club shall nominate an Official to be responsible for the welfare and supervisionof Academy Players engaged on the Part Time Training Model or Hybrid Training
Model, while they are present at the Club’s facilities.

Option 1
Clubs may enter into a contractual relationship with an identified school (with the option of an alternative
school if approved by the League) at which Academy Players receive their education.
The relationship will need to be flexed in terms of the amount of time that Academies would require
Academy Players to be available for daily coaching. The school day will need to be flexed to accommodate
the Coaching Curriculum whilst ensuring that boy’s educational development does not suffer.
Specific tutor support for the Education Programme will be required for all Academy Players engaged in
the Full Time Training Model over and above the normal curriculum. Additional tutor support will need to
be individually tailored to the Academy Players’ needs.
Clubs will need to decide how and where Academy Players will be coached. The optimum environment is
at the Club’s dedicated training facilities, but this will require a school in Education Option 1 to be in close
proximity to the Club’s training facility so that the Academy Players can move easily between the school
and the Club. With the Full Time Training Model, the school will need to be in close proximity to the training
ground or else the training will need to be accommodated at the school.
The other major consideration for Clubs which operate Category 1 Academies will be the need to provide
dedicated housing, house parents and a secure environment in which to live and work whilst staying with
the Club. This will need to apply to all Academy Players who live outside a short commute from their Club’s
training ground.

211.

Each Club shall arrange a pre-season induction event for Academy Players and their
Parent(s) and there shall be at least one such induction event per Development
Phase and on every occasion that a new Academy Player joins the Club.

Guidance

A Club’s Induction and Transition Strategy should include, as a minimum, provision for:Academy Players joining the Club;•

Academy Players leaving the Club; andOption 2•

Academy Players transitioning between Development Phases at the end of season.

In this option, Clubs may choose to develop and extend their own educational facilities at the training
ground and, in effect, develop an onsite school facility. For Clubs which operate a Category 1 Academy,
accommodation would still be required on or near the training ground to house the Academy Players andthe associated social and welfare support would need to be factored into the delivery of this approach.
Clubs may continue to contract an educational partner/provider but the schooling would take place at
the Club.

Provisions for Academy Players leaving the Club (or club) should be tailored to reflect the age of the
Academy Player and the time spent in the Academy. The provisions should comprise, but not belimited to:Clubs may wish to establish their own schools. These schools may be general in their recruitment withspecialist classes or groups of classes catering for the Academy Players’ specialist needs. In this Education
Option the same issues regarding the location of the school on or near the training ground remain
relevant as does the need to provide appropriate housing and care.

206.

451

Inductions and Transitions•

Option 3

Each Club which operates an Academy shall notify the League, in such a manner as
the League shall from time to time specify, of the Training Model on which each of its
Academy Players is engaged and, if there is a proposed change in circumstances foran Academy Player (for instance, changing to/from the Full Time Training Model orHybrid Training Model or Part Time Training Model), forthwith inform the League ofthe change in PLYD Form 5C and provide such evidence as the League may require
to show that the Academy Player and his Parent(s) consented to the change.

Youth Development Rules

Duty of Care•

access to mental and emotional wellbeing support;•

access to careers advice and information on education pathways;•

provision of record of Academy performance/achievement and support in identifying and accessing
further playing pathways; and•provision of Club ‘Academy Alumni’ events and/or community platforms.

All Clubs which operate an Academy should demonstrate support for a minimum of three years fromthe point of departure for all Academy Players from the Club (or club) in the Professional Development
Phase. Provisions should cover the above areas, with a focus on mental and emotional wellbeing andfacilitating new opportunities in football, education and wider career pathways.
212.

The induction meeting referred to in Rule 211 shall provide such information to the
Academy Players and their Parent(s) as is necessary in order for them to understandthe coaching and, if relevant, education that the Academy Player will receive fromthe Club.

452

Duty of Care

Duty of Care

Each Club which operates an Academy shall permit a representative of the League
to attend such induction meetings on request.

223.

214.

The Code of Conduct set out in Appendix 14 shall be binding on all Academy Players
registered on a PLYD Form 5 (and their Parent(s)) and on Clubs and Officials and any
breach thereof by such Academy Players or by Clubs or Officials shall be treated as abreach of these Rules.

Inclusion, Diversity and Equality

215.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall devise and implement an Induction andTransition Strategy.

Academy Player and Parent Voice216.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall devise and implement one or moremechanisms to invite and receive feedback from Academy Players and their
Parent(s).

217.

Clubs shall establish, maintain and, when necessary, implement a complaints
procedure for Academy Players and Parent(s), a copy of which shall be submitted to
the League.

224.

Each Club which operates an Academy and is in membership of the Premier League
must comply with Premier League Rule J.4. Each other Club bound by these Rules
must comply with the EFL Code of Practice regarding equality and diversity.

225.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall deliver training for its Academy Players
and Academy Staff on equality, diversity and inclusion each Season.

Injury and Medical
226.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that each of its Academy Players
undergoes the following tests to measure physical and physiological fitness (inaccordance with any guidance issued by the League from time to time):
226.1.

age-appropriate medical and physical screening;

226.2.

anthropometric assessments;

226.3.

physiological/fitness testing;

Guidance226.4.

movement and posture/functional screening;

The League may conduct surveys and questionnaires from time to time to ascertain the views of
Academy Players and their Parent(s).

226.5.	predictive testing of size and shape/maturation measurement (save thata Club operating a Category 4 Academy shall not be obliged to conduct
such tests);

Safeguarding and Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
218.

219.

226.6.

226.8.	medical examinations on all its Academy Players registered on Scholarship
Agreements in accordance with the requirements laid down in Appendix 6
to the Rules; andEach Club which operates an Academy shall devise a mental and emotional
wellbeing action plan, to include details of support available and a referral process
for concerns, in accordance with such guidance issued by the League from time to
time.

220.

The provisions of Section S (Safeguarding and Mental Health) of the Premier League
Rules apply to Academies and Development Centres.

221.

Without prejudice to the generality of Rule 220 each Club shall appoint an Academy
safeguarding officer who shall:

221.2.

226.9.

222.

Clubs and Academy Staff shall observe and comply with any guidance issued by the
League in respect of of health and safety management and any breach thereof shallbe treated as a breach of these Rules.

monitoring of physical exertion (Category 1 Academies only),and shall submit to the League such information as it may from time to time requirein order to establish a national database of athletic development.
227.

Subject to a Club complying with Rule 226, the Premier League will make available toit (on an anonymised basis) benchmarked data derived from the information
provided to it by all Clubs.

228.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that each of its registered
Academy Players on the Full Time Training Model is registered with an NHS generalpractitioner for the provision of general medical services, using the address at which
he resides.

229.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that details of all injuries sufferedby its Academy Players and of all rehabilitation are recorded and provided to thePremier League and The Football Association in order that a national audit of injury
and rehabilitation may be maintained.

230.

Subject to a Club complying with Rule 229, the Premier League will make available toit benchmarked data derived from the national audit of injury and rehabilitation.

liaise with the Club’s Head of Safeguarding.

Health and Safety

psychological profiling (Category 1 Academies only);

226.7.	cardiac screening for Academy Players in the Under 15 age group andabove;

Each Club shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that it protects the welfare ofeach of its Academy Players and Players up to the Under 21 age group who continue
to train with the Academy on a regular basis by offering support for his wellbeing
and pastoral care generally.

221.1.	undertake the functions set out in Premier League Rule S.5.8 specificallywith regard to the Academy; and453

Clubs shall ensure that their Academy Players are insured in accordance with advice
circulated by the League from time to time.

Youth Development Rules

213.

454

Duty of Care

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that it has in place an Emergency
Action Plan, and that all relevant Academy Staff are aware of its contents, and thatit provides a copy of it in advance of all its home matches in the Games Programmes
to its opponents.

AcademyCategory

Guidance
For the avoidance off doubt, the Emergency Action Plan should be produced in addition to the Club’s
Medical and Safety Action Plan (see Premier League Rule O.16). All members of the Academy’s medical
staff should be made aware of the contents of the Club’s Medical and Safety Action Plan.
See Rule 106.6: the Academy Doctor shall be responsible for the preparation of their Club’s Emergency
Action Plan. The League will assist with the sharing of Emergency Action Plans.

232.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that there is available at all
games involving Academy teams appropriate first aid or primary care provision and,without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing or to any Rules applicable to an
Authorised Game, that:
232.1.	in respect of each match in the Professional Development Phase Games
Programme, the following qualified individuals must be present at thematch venue:
AcademyCategory
Category 1

Individuals who must be present•	
a doctor who holds a current ATMMiF or an equivalent or higher
qualification approved by the Board;• a paramedic and ambulance; and•	a physiotherapist (or Sports Therapist) who holds a current ATMMiF or
an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board

Category 2

Category 3

Category 4•	a doctor who holds a current ATMMiF or an equivalent or higher
qualification approved by the Board or a paramedic and (for Premier
League Clubs) an ambulance; andIndividuals who must be present

Category 1

a doctor, physiotherapist or Sports Therapist who holds a current ATMMiF
or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board

Category 2

a doctor, physiotherapist or Sports Therapist who holds a current ITMMiF
or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board

Category 3

a doctor, physiotherapist or Sports Therapist who holds a current ITMMiF
or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board

Youth Development Rules

231.

Duty of Care

232.3.	a defibrillator and trauma equipment are maintained at each venue atwhich matches are played and at which coaching takes place.
Guidance
Rule 82 requires each coach to hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification, current EFAiF or anequivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board. Thus, all coaches attending matches in all of
the Development Phases should hold this qualification. Knowledge of how to use a defibrillator is arequirement of the Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification / EFAiF. Accordingly, the net effect of these Rules
is that there must be somebody present at all games who knows how to use a defibrillator.
Each Club’s Emergency Action Plan should include details of the members of Academy Staff required by
Rules 232.1 and 232.2.
A list of the trauma equipment required by Clubs will be provided prior to the commencement of the
Season.

233.

Without prejudice to the requirements of Rule 232, the following qualified individuals
shall be present at all venues at which coaching is taking place:
AcademyCategory

Individuals who must be present

Category 1a physiotherapist or a Sports Therapist with a current ITMMiF or anequivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board•	a physiotherapist (or Sports Therapist) who holds a current ATMMiF or
an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board

Category 2

a physiotherapist or a Sports Therapist with a current ITMMiF or anequivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board•	a doctor who holds a current ATMMiF or an equivalent or higher
qualification approved by the Board; orCategory 3

a member of staff who holds a current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher
qualification approved by the Board•	a physiotherapist (or Sports Therapist) who holds a current ITMMiF or
an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board

Category 4

a member of staff who holds a current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher
qualification approved by the Board•	a doctor who holds a current ATMMiF or an equivalent or higher
qualification approved by the Board; or•	a physiotherapist (or Sports Therapist) who holds a current ITMMiF or
an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board

232.2.	in respect of each match in the Foundation Phase and Youth Development
Phase, the following qualified individuals shall be present at the matchvenue:

455

456

Youth Development Rules
Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support

234.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish a Sports Science and Medicine/
Performance Support Programme (in accordance with the criteria set out in theseRules which apply to the Category of its Academy) for the benefit of its Academy
Players.

235.

Each Club’s Sport Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme shall be
managed by its Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine (in the case of a Club
which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy) or by an appropriately
qualified Official (in the case of the Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4
Academy).

236.

240.

Subject to a Club complying with Rule 238 or 239 (as appropriate depending on theCategory of its Academy), and to a sufficient number of Clubs (and Football League
clubs) likewise complying, the Premier League may make available to it benchmarked
data derived from comparing the Performance Analysis data it has submitted to the
League with that submitted by other Clubs (on an anonymised basis).

Guidance
The League will produce further detail of the proposed national programme of Performance Analysis forthe older Academy age groups. The proposals in this regard will be presented to Clubs in due course. If
Clubs approve these proposals, then (subject to Club approval) a requirement will be inserted in the Rules
for Clubs to contribute information to this national programme.

Youth Development Rules

Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support ProgrammeSports Science and Medicine/Performance Support

The Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme of each Clubshould detail the planned provision to each of its Academy Players of at least thefollowing areas:236.1.

physical development;

236.2.	medical services;237.

236.3.

diet and nutrition;

236.4.

Performance Analysis; and236.5.

psychology.

The progress and development of each Academy Player under the Sports Scienceand Medicine/Performance Support Programme (including without limitation the
results of the tests set out in Rule 226, and full details of any injuries, the treatment
thereof, and the length of any period of rehabilitation) shall be noted in his Multidisciplinary Review and recorded in his Performance Clock/Development Journey.

Performance Analysis
238.

Each Club operating a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy shall:
238.1.	
have such technical facilities as are necessary to undertake the
Performance Analysis required of it by Rule 238.2;
238.2.	undertake Performance Analysis (including, in the case of a Club which
operates a Category 1 Academy, by undertaking GPS evaluation in theProfessional Development Phase and in the Youth Development Phase if
the Full Time Training Model is utilised) of training activity and matches in
the Youth Development Phase Games Programme, the Professional
Development Phase Games Programme and the Professional Development
League;238.3.	
use the results of such Performance Analysis in its monitoring of thecoaching and development of Academy Players in the Youth Development
Phase and the Professional Development Phase; and238.4.	
make available to the League such Performance Analysis data as it
reasonably shall require to undertake the benchmarking of data for that
Academy against national trends.

239.

457

Each Club operating a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy shall comply with Rule 238
but only in respect of players in the Under 17 to Under 18 age groups.

458

Youth Development Rules
Talent Identification and Recruitment

241.

247.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that each of its Scouts whose
duties include the identification of Academy Players whose registration the Club may
wish to secure (in addition to complying with the provisions of Section Q (Scouts) of
the Premier League Rules):247.1.	seven days have elapsed from the date the League receives theapplication referred to above; and247.2.	during that time, the League has not been contacted by the Academy
Player or his Parent(s) to inform the League that he no longer wishes to beregistered as an Academy Player for that Club,

241.1.	is in possession of such qualification as the League may require from time
to time;and in such circumstances, the Academy Player may be coached by and play for theClub during the period of seven days referred to in Rule 247.1. The provisions of Rules
315 to 318 shall apply during the period referred to in Rule 247.1.

241.2.	understands and complies in full with the Premier League Rules, theseRules and the Code of Conduct for Scouts; and241.3.

undertakes Continued Professional Development each year.
248.

Guidance
Clubs should take steps to provide opportunities for their registered Scouts to undertake relevant
qualifications, such as the FA National Talent Identification & Scouting in Football badge.

242.

Each Club shall ensure that, where the relevant Scout’s duties include those referred
to in Rule 241, in addition to complying with the Scout registration requirements ofSection Q (Scouts) of the Premier League Rules, it provides evidence to the League
within five days of employing or engaging the Scout that the Scout holds thequalification required by Rule 241.1, and the League shall register the Scout where itis satisfied that the registration requirements of Section Q (Scouts) have been
complied with and the Scout holds the qualification required by Rule 241.1.

248.2.	such Persons or any Club (or club) to produce documents,
in each case, to ensure that there has been no breach of Rules 314 to 317.
249.

Where a request is made by the League in accordance with Rule 248, the League
may, in its absolute discretion, stay the registration of the Academy Player until it issatisfied that there has been no breach of Rules 314 to 317 (and, in such circumstances,
the Academy Player may not be coached by or play for the Club seeking to registerhim until the League notifies the Academy Player and the Club that the registration
has been undertaken).

250.

If the Academy Player directly or indirectly contacts another Club, and such contact
results in the Academy Player becoming registered with that other Club without theconsent of the Club referred to in Rule 246, the other Club shall be presumed to havebreached Rule 314.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall permit the Scouts of other Clubs toattend matches played in the Games Programmes provided that:
243.1.	the Club which has employed or engaged the Scout notifies both Clubs
involved in the match of the Scout’s proposed attendance by no later than
12 noon on the last Working Day before the published date of the match;and243.2.	the Scout is able to produce on demand to the home Club the identification
card issued to him by his Club in accordance with the Premier League Rules.

244.

Each Scout shall inform the home Club of his arrival at a match.

245.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall prepare and produce a document
setting out the process of how Scouts employed by that Club should approach
Academy Players (and other players) and the process thereafter. Such process
should comply in full with the Premier League Rules, these Rules and the Code of
Conduct for Scouts and should build upon the training that the Scout received whileobtaining the relevant scouting qualification referred to in Rule 241.1.

Registrations and Provision of Information by the League
246.

459

Upon receiving an application by a Club to register an Academy Player, the League
shall immediately provide to the Academy Player’s Parent(s) a copy of these Rules
and the Parent’s Charter.

Without prejudice to its powers of inquiry under Section W (Disciplinary) of thePremier League Rules, prior to undertaking any registration of an Academy Player,
the League may, in its absolute discretion, request:
248.1.	any Official of the Club seeking to register the Academy Player, any Officialof a Club with which the Academy Player has previously been registered,
the Academy Player himself and/or his Parent(s) to appear before it toanswer questions; andScouts: Attendance at Matches
243.

Subject to Rule 248, the League will undertake the registration (which shall bebackdated to the date of application) of the Academy Player if:

Youth Development Rules

Scouts: Qualifications

Talent Identification and Recruitment

Guidance
Rule 246
The League will where possible send the Rules and Charter to Parent(s) by email with a read-receipt, orby recorded delivery if no email address is provided.
Rule 250
The presumption set out in this Rule is rebuttable if the new Club can establish to the satisfaction of theBoard that it did not in fact breach Rule 314.

Time/Distance Rules
251.

Subject to Rule 281, each Club which operates an Academy shall be permitted toregister Academy Players who reside within the travel times measured from thelocation of the Club’s principal venue for the provision of coaching and education set
out in the following table.

460

Talent Identification and Recruitment

Talent Identification and Recruitment

Category 1

Foundation
Phase

Youth Development
Phase

Professional
Development Phase

1 hourno limit for
Academy Players
engaged in the Full
Time Training
Model between the
Under 14 andUnder 16 age
groups;no limit

254.

An application to extend a trial period must be:
254.1.	made by the Club at least one week before the Trialist’s trial period is due
to expire;

254.3.

Category 2

1 hour1½

no limit

Category 3

1 hour1½

no limit

Category 4

N/A

N/A

no limit

Any question or dispute concerning the travelling time requirements in this Rule, andwhether permission should be granted to register the relevant Academy Player, shallbe determined by the Board.
Guidance
When making a determination, the Board will consider applicable travel times based on the likely time of
day and mode of transport used by the Player when attending the Academy.

TrialsSubject to the conditions set out in Rules 253 and 259, a Trialist may attend an
Academy for up to eight consecutive weeks in any one Season without being
registered provided that:252.1.	at least seven days’ prior written notice to that effect shall be given to any
junior club of which such Trialist is a member and the Trialist’s school; and252.2.	before the trial commences his particulars shall be notified forthwith tothe League by sending to the Board: (a) PLYD Form 2 duly completed; (b)proof of his home address and date of birth in such form as is required by
the Board; and (c) a photographic image of the Trialist in such format as isrequired by the Board.
Guidance
The trial provisions in Rules 252 to 263 refer to a domestic trialist only which means an Academy Player (a)registered with a club in England and/or (b) domiciled in England. The position in respect of aninternational trialist (who will be registered on PLYD Form 2A) is governed by the FIFA Regulations on the
Status and Transfer of Players.

461

In the case of the Trialist in one of the age groups Under 9 to Under 16, a Club may
apply to the Board for permission to extend the period of eight weeks referred to inRule 252 for an additional period of four weeks.

254.2.	accompanied by such information and assurances as the League may
require; and1 ½ hours for allother Academy
Players in the Youth
Development
Phase

252.

253.

consented to by the Trialist and his Parent(s).

255.

An application to extend a trial period shall only be granted by the League if it issatisfied as to arrangements put in place by the Club for the welfare and educationof the Trialist.

256.

A Trialist may not register with another Club (or club) during the first seven weeks of
the initial eight week trial period but may at any time terminate an extended trial
period to which he is subject.

257.

Rule 40 (Performance Clock/Development Journey) and Rule 41 (Multi-disciplinary
Reviews) shall apply with regard to Trialists.

258.

Each Club shall give the League all such access to information and Persons as it may
require in order to monitor the welfare and progression of Trialists and to determine
whether to grant an application to extend a trial period.

259.

The conditions referred to in Rule 252 are as follows:

Youth Development Rules

Permitted recruitment time/distance259.1.	a trial may be offered or given by a Club to anyone in age groups Under 9
to Under 11 (inclusive) who has his permanent residence within one hour’s
travelling time of the Club’s Academy;
259.2.	a trial may be offered or given by any Club to anyone in age groups Under
12 and Under 13 who has his permanent residence within one and a half
hours’ travelling time of the Club’s Academy or for a player that a Club
proposes to register under Rule 281;
259.3.	a trial may be offered or given by a Club to anyone in age groups Under 14
to Under 16 inclusive;
259.4.	subject to Rule 259.5.2, a trial may be offered or given by one or more Clubs
to an Academy Player in age group Under 16 who has been informed by theClub holding his registration that it will not offer to enter into a Scholarship
Agreement with him, any such trial or series of trials may not in theaggregate exceed eight weeks; and259.5.

a trial may not be offered or given to anyone:
259.5.1.

who is on trial at another Academy; or

259.5.2.	whose registration is held by another Club (or club) except withthe written consent of such Club (or club) or in the case of an
Academy Player who is exercising his entitlement under either
Rules 285, 287 or 288 to seek registration as an Academy Player
at the Academy of another Club (or club).
Any question or dispute concerning the travelling time requirements in this Rule shallbe determined by the Board in its absolute discretion.

462

Talent Identification and Recruitment

If a Trialist attending an Academy is injured so that he cannot be coached or play
football or if the period of his trial is interrupted by any other occurrence, application
may be made to the Board in writing (at least one week before the Trialist’s trial
period is due to expire) to extend the period of his trial, giving full reasons therefor,
and the Board shall have power to extend such period in such terms as it may think
fit.

261.

If before the date upon which a Trialist’s trial period is due to end his trial isterminated, notice to that effect shall be given to the League by sending to theBoard PLYD Form 3 duly completed.

262.

Upon a Trialist commencing a trial, the League may provide to him and his Parent(s)a copy of these Rules and such other information as the League considers relevant.

263.

Where a Club makes an application to the League in PLYD Form 5 that an Academy
Player who is a Trialist with that Club at the time of the application be registered as
an Academy Player with that Club, the relevant trial will be immediately deemed
cancelled by the League and the provisions of Rules 246 to 250 shall apply.

Pre-Registration Agreements
264.

Subject to the provisions of Art. 19 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer
of Players, on or after 1st January in any season a Club may enter into a preregistration agreement with a player who does not reside within one and a half
hours’ travelling time of its Academy provided that such a player is then:
264.1.

in his Under 16, Under 17 or Under 18 year;

264.2.

in Full Time Education; and264.3.	
not registered with another Club or Football League club (except incircumstances where the Board grants approval for the player to remain
registered at his current Club until the agreement takes effect).
265.

267.

Registrations
268.

This provision refers to a domestic trialist only which means an Academy Player (a) registered with a clubin England and/or (b) domiciled in England. The position in respect of an international trialist is governedby the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

269.

Each Club must ensure that every player who represents it in a match, Festival,
Tournament or any other event that forms part of the Games Programme is able toproduce at that event, on request by the League, a valid registration card issued by
the League.

270.

Subject to Rule 271, players in age groups Under 9, Under 10, Under 11, Under 12,
Under 14 and Under 16 shall be registered for one year and those in age groups
Under 13 and Under 15 for two years.

271.

The registration of an Academy Player shall endure until the last Friday in June in theacademic year in which he reaches the age of 16 if:
271.1.

A pre-registration agreement shall be in PLYD Form 4 and shall include anundertaking by the Club to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with the player upon
the Club having acquired the player’s registration and:he is engaged in the Full Time Training Model; or271.2.	the Club has made an application to the Board to this end, having offered
to engage the Academy player on the Full Time Training Model and theAcademy Player having rejected this offer for sound educational reasons.
In such a case the Board shall enquire into the circumstances and satisfy
itself as to the bona fides of the application, and if so satisfied shall havethe power to determine that the Academy Player’s registration should soendure.

265.2.	in the case of a player in his Under 17 or Under 18 year, upon his ceasing Full
Time Education.

463

Each Club shall ensure that only Academy Players registered with that Club, Trialists
attending Trials in accordance with Rule 252 and players with whom the Club hasentered into a pre-registration agreement in accordance with Rule 264 shall becoached by or at that Club’s Academy or participate in matches, tours, Festivals,
Training Camps or Tournaments in which the Club operating that Academy isinvolved.

Guidance

265.1.	in the case of a player in his Under 16 year, on or after the last Friday in Junein the academic year in which the Academy Player reaches the age of 16;
or

266.

A written Coaching Curriculum shall be annexed to each pre-registration agreement
and the player shall not be coached by or at the Club’s Academy or participate in its
matches, tours, Festivals, Training Camps or Tournaments until the programme has
been approved in writing by the Board and then only to the extent set out in the
programme.

Youth Development Rules

260.

Talent Identification and Recruitment

Unless authorised in writing by the Board, a breach of such an undertaking will
constitute a breach of these Rules.

272.

The registration of Academy Players will be undertaken by the League and all
registrations are subject to the approval of the Board.

Clubs shall submit to the Board copies of all pre-registration agreements within fivedays of their being entered into, which must include: (a) PLYD Form 4 signed onbehalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory; (b) proof of both the player’s homeaddress and date of birth in such form as is required by the Board (with any
subsequent change(s) of address to be submitted by the Club to the League); and (c)a photographic image of the player in such format as is required by the Board.

273.

Registrations of Academy Players undertaken by The Football League which areheld by Clubs promoted to the League shall be treated as having been undertakenby the League provided all circumstances surrounding that registration comply withthese Rules, failing which the League shall be at liberty to reject that registration
unless otherwise determined by the Board.

464

Talent Identification and Recruitment

Talent Identification and Recruitment

An application for the registration of an Academy Player at an Academy shall bemade by completing and submitting to the Board: (a) PLYD Form 5 signed on behalfof the Club by an Authorised Signatory; (b) a copy of the Code of Conduct referred
to in Rule 214; (c) proof of both the Academy Player’s home address and date of birthin such form as is required by the Board (with any subsequent change(s) of address
to be submitted by the Club to the League); and (d) a photographic image of the
Academy Player in such format as is required by the Board. The completed PLYD
Form 5 must be submitted to the Board by the Club within five days of signature by
the Academy Player.

275.

A Club shall request each Academy Player (or if he is a minor his Parent(s)) tocomplete PLYD Form 6 at the same time that he completes PLYD Form 5. If he does
so the Club shall submit the completed PLYD Form 6 to the Board at the same timethat it submits PLYD Form 5. If the Academy Player or his Parent(s) (as applicable)
elects not to complete PLYD Form 6, he should nevertheless submit PLYD Form 5 to
the Board forthwith.

276.

An application in PLYD Form 5 shall be refused if it is made in respect of a Player withwhom a Club (or club), other than the applicant Club, has entered into a preregistration agreement which remains current.

277.

Except in the case of a Scholar, a player shall not be registered as an Academy Player
unless he is in Full Time Education.

278.

279.

281.4.	
unless any other travelling arrangements have been submitted to andapproved in writing by or on behalf of the Board, on the occasion of each
visit by the Academy Player to the Academy at which he is registered he shallbe accompanied on both the outward and the return journey by his
Parent(s).
Guidance
The League has issued specific guidance as to the application of this Rule in respect of English national
youth players based off the mainland.

282.

30 in each age groupAge groups Under 15 and Under 16 inclusive:

20 in each age groupAge groups Under 17 and Under 18 inclusive:

30 across both age groups

Age groups Under 19 to Under 21 inclusive:

15 in each age group280.

No application to register any Academy Player in the Under 9 age group may besigned by the Academy Player before the third Saturday in May immediately
preceding his Under 9 year.

281.

A player in age groups Under 12 to Under 16 (inclusive) who resides more than one
and a half hours’ travelling time from the nearest Academy may be registered as an
Academy Player at the nearest Club which operates an Academy of the appropriate
Category subject to the following conditions:281.2.	the Coaching Curriculum shall be designed so as to ensure that it does notcause the Academy Player to be absent from school;

the Academy Player is in age groups Under 10, Under 11 or Under 12;282.2.	the registration of that Academy Player was held by another Club or
Football League club (“the former Club”) within the period of 12 months
prior to the making of the application;
282.3.	the former Club had given notice to that Academy Player under theprovisions of Rules 284.1 or 284.2 that it intended to retain his registration;
andThe maximum numbers of Academy Players registrable by a Club at any one time
are as follows:
Age groups Under 9 to Under 14 inclusive:

An application to register an Academy Player shall be refused if:
282.1.

The Board may from time to time direct the minimum number of Academy Players to
be registered by each Club in each age group, and each Club shall comply with any
such direction.

281.1.	an application for registration of an Academy Player under the provisionsof this Rule shall be accompanied by a written Coaching Curriculum whichshall include full particulars of any coaching the Academy Player will
receive at or in the locality of his place of residence;465

281.3.	in the case of an Academy Player registered under the provisions of thisRule at an Academy, the Head of Education shall make enquiries of the
Academy Player’s school at least four times each Season during thecurrency of his registration so as to satisfy himself/herself that the
Academy Player’s best interests are being served by the Coaching
Curriculum and that it is not adversely affecting his education; the result ofeach enquiry shall be reported in writing to the Academy Manager who inthe event of an adverse report shall apply to the Board for the cancellationof the Academy Player’s registration; andYouth Development Rules

274.

282.4.	the Club making the application had within the said period of 12 months
registered two Academy Players in age groups Under 10, Under 11 or
Under 12 whose registrations had been held by the former Club,
unless the Club making the application and the former Club agree otherwise.
283.

On or before the third Saturday in May in every year each Club shall send to the Boarda list in PLYD Form 7 containing the names of each of the Academy Players whose
registration it then holds (other than those who have entered into a Scholarship
Agreement whose names are included in the list required by Premier League RuleU.32), indicating:283.1.

which it retains;

283.2.

which it intends to retain; and283.3.	which it intends to terminate (with effect from the first Saturday in June).

End of Season Procedure284.

Except in the case of an Academy Player who has been offered and has accepted a
Scholarship Agreement in accordance with Rule 295:
284.1.	on or before the third Saturday in May in every year in which his registrationis held, each Club shall give or send to each of its Academy Players in age
groups Under 9 to Under 11 PLYD Form 8 notifying him whether it intends
to retain or to terminate his registration with effect from the first Saturday
in June; and466

Talent Identification and Recruitment

285.

An Academy Player who receives notification under Rule 284.1 or Rule 284.2 of his
Club’s intention to terminate his registration shall be at liberty following receipt ofsuch notification to seek registration as an Academy Player at the Academy of any
other Club (or club).

286.

An Academy Player who receives notification under Rule 284.1 or Rule 284.2 of his
Club’s intention to retain his registration shall likewise be at liberty after the first
Saturday in June to seek registration as an Academy Player at the Academy of any
other Club (or club) provided that:

289.

Where a club is relegated to the National League (a “Former Football League
club”), the club shall be entitled to retain the registration of any Academy Players
registered at the date of relegation, and such registrations shall automaticallyterminate upon the happening of the earliest of the following events:
289.1.

290.

The Board shall have power at any time to cancel the registration of an Academy Player:
290.1.

upon the written application of either:
290.1.1.	the Academy Player or, if the Academy Player is a Child, his
Parent(s) on his behalf (and one of the grounds, but not the only
ground, on which such an application may be made is that thecategorisation of the Club’s Academy has been lowered
pursuant to Rule 23.3); or

286.1.	by the first Saturday in June he has given written notice to his Club and theBoard terminating his registration; and286.2.

the club ceases to operate an Academy in accordance with these Rules; or289.2.	
on 30 June immediately after the second Season following relegation(unless by that date the club has been promoted back to the Football
League).

he has received the Board’s written acknowledgement of the same.

290.1.2.
287.

An Academy Player in age group Under 16 who has not received an offer to enter intoa Scholarship Agreement by 31 December or who has been notified in writing by his
Club that such an offer will not be forthcoming shall thereafter be at liberty to seekregistration as an Academy Player at the Academy of any other Club (or club) and, insuch circumstances (save where the Academy Player concerned remains in Full Time
Education beyond his Under 16 year), the Club that holds his registration shall not be
entitled to receive compensation from any Club (or club) that subsequently registers
the Academy Player for its training and development of that Academy Player, in
accordance with Rule 345.

290.2.
291.

If the Board is not satisfied that a Club is complying with any one or more of the Rules
concerning the Hybrid or Full Time Training Model, or if it is of the view that theeducation of an Academy Player engaged on the Hybrid or Full Time Training Modelis being prejudiced as a result of his engagement thereon (regardless of whether theClub is in compliance with these Rules) it may, either of its own volition or on thewritten application of an Academy Player who is affected thereby (or of his Parent(s)on his behalf if he is a Child):
291.1.

In the circumstances outlined in Rule 287, where a different Club or club signifies its intent to register the
Academy Player beyond his Under 16 year, the two Clubs/clubs concerned, the Academy Player (throughhis Parent(s)) and the League shall enter into discussions, where appropriate, to consider means by which
he might begin training with his new Club or club before the end of his Under 16 year, provided always that
his education is not negatively affected in any way.

291.2.	order that the Academy Player be deemed to be engaged on one of theother Training Models.

288.

The Board will not exercise its powers set out in Rule 290 without having first given
the Club, the Academy Player and his Parent(s) the opportunity to makerepresentations to it.

293.

The Board shall determine such an application in such manner as it shall think fit and,in particular, shall have power to appoint one or more suitably qualified Persons toenquire into all the circumstances of the application (adopting such procedures as
are considered appropriate) and to report to the Board, recommending whether theapplication should be granted or refused. If the application is granted, the Board
may impose conditions (e.g. as to compensation) on the cancellation of theregistration. For the avoidance of doubt, the ability to determine any application,
and any conditions relating thereto, shall continue notwithstanding any expiry of theregistration after the date of the original application.

294.

Upon an Academy Player’s registration terminating by virtue of the provisions ofRule 288.2, the Board shall provide him with a copy of PLYD Form 10 as evidence
thereof.

Subject to Rule 290, the registration of an Academy Player who has not entered intoa Scholarship Agreement with a Club shall terminate upon the happening of theearliest of the following events:
288.1.

the Academy Player completing his Full Time Education;

288.3.	the receipt by the Board of the Academy Player’s notice duly given inaccordance with the provisions of Rule 286.1;

cancel the registration of the Academy Player; or292.

288.2.	the receipt by the Board at any time of a mutual cancellation notificationin PLYD Form 10 duly completed and signed by the Academy Player and his
Parent(s) and on behalf of the Club holding his registration;467

the Club holding his registration; orof its own volition in the circumstances set out in Rule 291.

Guidance

Termination of Registration

Youth Development Rules

284.2.	on or before the third Saturday in May, each Club shall give or send to eachof its Academy Players in age groups Under 12 and Under 14 PLYD Form 9
notifying him whether it intends to retain his registration for the next two
seasons or to terminate it with effect from the first Saturday in June.

Talent Identification and Recruitment

288.4.	the first Saturday in June following the receipt by the Board of PLYD Form
7 upon which his Club has indicated its intention to terminate the Academy
Player’s registration; orScholarships

288.5.	the expiry, surrender, suspension or revocation of the Academy licence of
the Club holding the registration.

295.

From 1 July between his Under 13 and Under 14 year and in any event on or before 31
December in his Under 16 year, a Club may offer to enter into a Scholarship
Agreement with an Academy Player whose registration it holds.
468

Talent Identification and Recruitment

Failure by a Club to honour any offer of a scholarship notified to the League inaccordance with Rule 299, without reasonable cause shall render that Club liable todisciplinary action pursuant to Section W of the Premier League Rules.

297.

A Club may likewise offer to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with an Academy
Player in age group Under 16 who is seeking registration under the provisions of Rule
287.

298.

A club which operates a Category 4 Academy may only offer to enter into a
Scholarship Agreement with:
298.1.

anyone who is not an Academy Player; or

298.2.	an Academy Player in age group Under 16 who is seeking registration
under the provisions of Rule 287, but only on or after 1 January in his Under
16 Year.
299.

300.

301.
302.

Any offer made under the provisions of Rules 295 or 297 shall be in PLYD Form 11, a
copy of which shall be sent to the Board by the Club making the offer within five daysof it being made. In addition, any offer of scholarship to a player registered with aclub not in membership of the Premier League or Football League shall be sent to
the Board by the Club within five days of such offer being made.

305.

If the parties to a Scholarship Agreement have agreed in writing that they will enter
into a contract of employment in Form 14 prior to or immediately upon thetermination of the Scholarship Agreement, and provided that the written agreement
between them specifies the length of the contract and full details of all the
remuneration and benefits payable under it, the Club shall not be obliged tocomplete and sign a mutual cancellation notification upon the Academy Player’s
application for cancellation of his registration pursuant to clause 13.1 of the
Scholarship Agreement. If the Club chooses not to cancel the Academy Player’s
registration, the Academy Player shall remain registered with the Club and the
Scholarship Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

306.

Appeal against Termination
An appeal by an Academy Player under the provisions of clause 10.3 or by a Club
under the provisions of clause 12.3 of PLYD Form 1 shall be commenced by notice inwriting addressed to the other party to the agreement and to the Board.

307.

An Academy Player receiving an offer in PLYD Form 11 shall respond thereto within 28
days by completing and submitting to the Club making the offer PLYD Form 12, a copyof which shall be sent to the Board by the Club within five days of receipt. An Academy
Player who does not accept the offer shall be at liberty after the first Saturday in Junefollowing his Under 16 year to seek registration at any other Club (or club).

308.

Appeals pursuant to Rule 306 or Rule 307 shall be conducted in such manner as theBoard may determine.

309.

The Board may allow or dismiss any such appeal and make such other order as it
thinks fit.

An Academy Player who fails to respond as required by Rule 300 shall be deemed tohave not accepted the offer.

310.

Order for Costs
The Board shall have power to make an order for costs:

A Club may enter into a Scholarship Agreement with an Academy Player if:

310.1.

in determining appeals under Rule 306 or Rule 307; and302.1.

it holds his registration; or

310.2.

if any such appeal, having been commenced, is withdrawn.

302.2.

his registration is not held by another Club (or club); and311.

The Board shall have power to determine the amount of any such costs which may
include, without limitation, those incurred by the League in the conduct of theappeal.

302.4.	the Scholarship Agreement commences no earlier than the last Friday inJune in the academic year in which the Academy Player reaches the age of
16.

312.

Costs ordered to be paid as aforesaid shall be recoverable:

An Academy Player who enters into a Scholarship Agreement with a Club shall be:313.

303.1.	entitled to receive such remuneration as shall be determined by the Board
from time to time; and303.2.	required to complete his Education Programme (as defined in PLYD Form 1).
304.

469

Appeal against Disciplinary Decision
An appeal by an Academy Player under the provisions of paragraph 3.3.2 of the
Schedule to PLYD Form 1 shall be commenced by notice in writing addressed to theClub and to the Board.

302.3.	(except in the case of an Academy Player who has entered into a
Scholarship Agreement with another Club (or club) which has beencancelled by mutual agreement) he is under the age of 18 years; and303.

The registration of an Academy Player who enters into a Scholarship Agreementwith a Club shall be effected by completion of and submission to the Board ofFootball Association Form G(4), signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised
Signatory, together with copies of the Academy Player’s Scholarship Agreement, theinitial duration of which must not exceed two years, and by such evidence as the
League may require to demonstrate that the Academy Player may take up
employment in the United Kingdom.

Youth Development Rules

296.

Talent Identification and Recruitment

312.1.

in the case of a Club, under the provisions of Rule E.29; or

312.2.

in the case of an Academy Player, as a civil debt.

Within 14 days of a decision of the Board given under the provisions of Rule 309 either
party may by notice in writing appeal against such decision to the Premier League
Appeals Committee whose decision shall be final.

Approaches by and to Clubs and Inducements
314.

A Club shall not, either directly or indirectly, make any approach to or communicate
with:
314.1.

an Academy Player registered with another Club (or club); or

314.2.	a player with whom another Club (or club) has entered into a preregistration agreement which remains current.

470

Talent Identification and Recruitment

A public statement made by an Official of or Intermediary for a Club expressing
interest in an Academy Player whose registration is held by another Club (or club) or
a player with whom another Club (or club) has entered into a pre-registrationagreement which remains current shall be deemed for the purpose of Rule 314 to be
an indirect approach in breach of that Rule.

316.

Except as permitted by Rules 285, 286, 287 and 300, an Academy Player whose
registration is held by a Club shall not, either directly or indirectly, make any approachto another Club (or club).

317.

Except that a Club may, not earlier than 1 November following the commencementof his Under 16 year, offer an Academy Player a contract as a Contract Player upon
his attaining the age of 17 years and subject to Rules 264 and 295:
317.1.	no Club shall induce or attempt to induce a player to become registeredas an Academy Player by that Club by offering him, or any Person
connected with him, either directly or indirectly, a benefit or payment ofany description whether in cash or in kind;317.2.

Facilities
318.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that:318.1.	it provides as a minimum the facilities and accommodation set out in Rules
320 to 334; and318.2.	if it operates a Category 1 Academy, such facilities and accommodation
are available for the exclusive use of its Academy at all times when it
requires access to them in order to comply with these Rules.

319.

Save where otherwise indicated, or with the permission of the Board, the facilities
and accommodation set out in Rules 320 to 334 shall be provided at the Club’s
principal venue for the coaching and education of Academy Players.

320.

Grass pitches
Category 1

 o Club shall likewise induce or attempt to induce an Academy Player tonenter into a Scholarship Agreement and in particular no Club shall pay oroffer to pay to an Academy Player upon his entering into a Scholarship
Agreement remuneration in excess of the remuneration referred to in Rule
303.1; andYouth Development Rules

315.

Youth Development Rules
Facilities(a)	a sufficient number of grass pitches of the appropriate
sizes (as required by the Rules relating to Games
Programmes and with goals sized as required by the Rules
relating to Games Programmes) to enable the Club to play
all its matches in the Games Programmes and fulfil its
commitments under these Rules as regards coaching;(b)	one floodlit grass pitch enclosed with perimeter fencing
and with designated areas for spectator attendance (savethat if a Club is unable to obtain planning permission forfloodlighting then the requirement for floodlighting shallbe waived); and317.3.	no Academy Player shall, either directly or indirectly, accept any such
inducement.

(c) 	
a designated area (on grass) for the coaching of
goalkeepers.
Category 2 and 3(a)	a sufficient number of grass pitches of the appropriate
sizes (as required by the Rules relating to Games
Programmes and with goals sized as required by the Rules
relating to Games Programmes) to enable the Club to play
all its matches in the Games Programmes and fulfil its
commitments under these Rules as regards coaching; andCategory 4(a) 	a sufficient number of grass pitches of the appropriate
sizes (as required by the Rules relating to Games
Programmes and with goals sized as required by the Rules
relating to Games Programmes) to enable the Club to play
all its matches in the Games Programmes and fulfil its
commitments under these Rules as regards coaching; and(b)a designated area for the coaching of goalkeepers.

(b)	a designated area (on grass) for the coaching of
goalkeepers.

471

321.

Each Club shall take all reasonable steps to maintain each grass pitch used by its
Academy at all times when such pitches are required by the Academy for matches orcoaching.

322.

The League shall inspect the Academy grass pitches of each Club which operates a
Category 1 or Category 2 Academy at least twice a year, and of each Club which
operates a Category 3 Academy from time to time.

472

Facilities

Facilities

Each Club shall take such steps as the Board may require if the Board is not satisfied
that a pitch is being maintained to an adequate standard.

324.

Without prejudice to the generality of Rule 321, each Club shall ensure that thequality of its pitches used for matches in the Games Programme is not adversely
affected by coaching taking place on them.

Changing rooms and washing facilities

327.

Categories
1 to 4(b)	a sufficient number of washing and toilet facilities, of a suitable
quality, for the exclusive use of all registered Academy Players;

Guidance(c)	a sufficient number of separate washing and toilet facilities, of asuitable quality, for the use of visiting teams;

As a result of Rule 324, Clubs may need to have a greater number of pitches than the bare minimum
necessary to fulfil matches in the Games Programme.

(d)	a sufficient number of separate changing rooms and washing andtoilet facilities, of a suitable quality, for the exclusive use of Match
Officials (with separate male and female facilities in the case of
Category 1 and Category 2 Academies only, with appropriatearrangements made at Category 3 and Category 4 Academies tofacilitate the changing requirements of both male and female Match
Officials); andClubs which operate a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy who have in place an artificial pitch which does
not meet the requirements of such a pitch as defined in Rule 1.17 may continue to use such a pitch until theend of its natural life. Thereafter, however, they must use a pitch which complies with the definition.

325.

326.

Artificial Surface Pitch
Categories 1 and 2

One floodlit outdoor Artificial Surface pitch (save that if a Club is unable
to obtain planning permission for floodlighting then the requirement forfloodlighting shall be waived). It is recommended and mandatory witheffect from 1 July 2016 that this pitch complies with Premier League Rule
K.15.

Categories 3 and 4

Access to one floodlit outdoor Artificial Surface pitch (which need not
be at the principal venue).

Indoor area for training and the playing of matches
Note: ideally a Club’s indoor facility should be located at its principal venue for thecoaching of Academy Players and any new facility must be located at the principal
venue. It is accepted, however, that a number of Clubs have existing indoor facilities
which are located elsewhere, or that it may be impossible for a Club’s indoor facility to
be located at its principal venue for planning reasons. In such cases, where the Board
is satisfied that the Club’s indoor facility may be located other than at its principal
venue, there shall also be a requirement that the Rules relating to the maximum travel
time from an Academy Player’s residence to the coaching venue are complied with.
Categories
1 and 2Categories 3 and4One indoor Artificial Surface pitch measuring a minimum of 60 yards by
40 yards which shall be owned by the Club (or alternatively the Club musthave a legally enforceable agreement with the owner of the facility for
its use by the Club, expiring not earlier than the end of the current
Season) and which shall be for the exclusive use of the Academy at all
times. (Note: an indoor pitch which complies with the size requirements
set out in in Premier League Rule K.15 is recommended).
Access to one indoor pitch measuring 60 yards by 40 yards during themonths of November to April. Alternatively, the pitch may measure 30
yards by 20 yards but if so the Club shall only be permitted to coach thefollowing maximum numbers of Academy Players at any one time:
Age groups Under 9 to Under 14 inclusive:

18 in each age groupAge groups Under 15 and Under 16 inclusive:

15 in each age groupAge groups Under 17 to Under 21 inclusive:

12 in each age group(a)	suitably-sized changing rooms equal in number to the number ofteams (including visiting teams) playing at the Academy at any one
time so that each such team has exclusive use of a changing room;

Youth Development Rules

323.

(e)	(in the case of Category 1 and Category 2 Academies only) a sufficientnumber of changing rooms and washing and toilet facilities, of asuitable quality, for the exclusive use of therapists and coaches
employed at the Academy and other relevant Academy Staff.

Guidance
Sufficient and suitable facilities must be provided at all venues. Thus, if a Category 3 or Category 4
Academy utilises an Artificial Surface pitch or an indoor pitch which is located away from its principal
venue, it must ensure that there is substantial compliance with this Rule 327 with regard to changing room
and washing facilities.
A changing room may not be used as any of the other rooms (e.g. team meeting room) required by theseRules.

Team meeting room

328.

Categories
1 to 4A dedicated room large enough to hold 20 people and equipped withindividual desks (one per Person), audio/visual projection equipment anda large screen, internet access and computers.

Guidance
In Category 3 and 4 Academies, this room:1.

need not be located at the principal venue; but

2.	if it is so located (but not otherwise), may also be used as the guest lounge described in Rule 329.

329.

Guest lounge
Categories
1 to 4

A guest lounge for the use of Parents at each training session and matchthat is open to Parents. The guest lounge shall be large enough to hold 50
people and have access to refreshments and toilet facilities.
Note: in Category 3 and 4 Academies, this room may also be used as theteam meeting room described in Rule 328 provided that it is large
enough.

Guidance
The Premier League and Football League are consulting on the requirements for Category 3 Clubs’ indoor
facilities to have an Artificial Surface.

473

474

Facilities

Facilities

For Category 3 and Category 4 Academies, these can be provided at a place other than the principal
venue (e.g. at the Club’s Stadium).

Categories
1 and 2A room large enough to hold 20 people and equipped with suchappropriate video and IT technology as is necessary to undertake, andpresent the results of, Performance Analysis.

333.

Categories 1 to 4

If the facility is shared with the professional squad, access for the Academy
sufficient for its purposes needs to be clearly demonstrated.
Category 3

Academy Player accommodation

A match analysis suite is recommended but not mandatory.

Medical facilities

331.

Such accommodation shall be located in as close proximity as isreasonably practicable to the Club’s principal venue for thecoaching and education of Academy Players and to the place atwhich Academy Players undertake their education (if this is not the
principal venue).

Such medical facilities as the Club requires to deliver its Sports Science andMedicine/Performance Support Programme.
Guidance
Each club should carefully consider provision of facilities suitable for the medical practice undertaken ateach venue. In general, a medical consulting room should be not less than 16m² and should be larger if it
includes a separate area for the examination couch.
There should be provision for:•Privacy sufficient to ensure confidentiality of consultation;•

Desk, examination couch and equipment to facilitate medical examinations to include:• Thermometer;

Guidance
Clubs may provide such accommodation by lodging students with private households (subject tocompliance with all applicable legal requirements including DBS checks) or by operating their own
dedicated facilities (such as hostels).

334.

Classrooms
Category 1• Sphygmomanometer;

A minimum of three classrooms which shall each:• Otoscope and ophthalmoscope; and•contain sufficient desks for 20 students;• Stethoscope;•

contain 20 electronic devices with access to the internet; and•Electronic or paper medical records in secure format;•

Secure/lockable filing system;•	conform in all respects with any requirements for classrooms
issued by the Department for Education.

•

Secure/lockable storage for any medicines;•

Sufficient provisions for all aspects of medical treatment to be undertaken including:Category 2• Protocols and equipment for the provision of Basic Life Support and if not provided elsewhere; and•Basin with hot and cold water, provision of hand cleansers, clinical taps, hand drying facilities and allnecessary provision for effective infection control procedures;•

Provision of space and seating for any person accompanying examinee;•

Flooring and fittings of materials which can be cleaned to meet infection control standards;
and•Telephone.

332.

•

contain sufficient desks for 20 students; and•contain 20 electronic devices with internet access.

Categories 3 and 4

Access for Academy Players and Trialists to a study area large
enough to hold 20 people and which contains at least 20 electronic
devices with internet access.

Guidance

Administration office space
Categories 1 to 4

A minimum of two classrooms which shall each:

At least one of the classrooms must conform in all respects with any
requirements for classrooms issued by the Department for
Education.

• Protocols and equipment sufficient for Advanced Trauma and Life Support;a) 	such office space and access to IT, email and the internet as
each member of Academy Staff requires in order to performthe responsibilities set out in their job description; andb)

475

Sufficient and adequate accommodation for all registered Academy
Players and Trialists under the age of 18 not residing with their
Parents. Clubs shall comply with any guidelines about Academy
Player accommodation published by the League from time to time
and with all applicable legal requirements in relation to the provisionof such accommodation.

Youth Development Rules

Guidance

Match analysis suite

330.

In Category 3 and 4 Academies, this may also be used as the team meeting room provided that the
timetabling of lessons in the classrooms allows.
Flexibility will be accorded to a Club’s provision of classrooms depending on the number of Academy
Players that are engaged in each Training Model.

a private meeting room.

476

Youth Development Rules
Finance and Expenses

335.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall by 1 July in each year submit to the
League its budgeted Academy Financial Information for its Academy for thefollowing season.

336.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall by 1 September in each year submit to
the League its actual Academy Financial Information for its Academy for theprevious season together with the budgeted Academy Financial Information forthat season.

337.

The Academy Financial Information required by Rule 335 shall be submitted in theformat required by the League.

338.

The League may, at its discretion, require (and the Club shall deliver) such further
information and explanations as it deems fit in connection with the Academy
Financial Information submitted by the Club pursuant to Rules 335 and 337.

339.

The League shall have the power to obtain an independent audit of a Club’s
Academy Financial Information submitted pursuant to these Rules.

340.

Each Club’s Academy Financial Information shall be assessed by the Board in orderto determine whether to award to the Club a grant from the Professional YouthGame Fund.

341.

Each Club which operates an Academy must comply with the minimum funding
requirements as communicated by the League from time to time.

343.

Without prejudice to Rules 314 to 317, no payment of any kind may be made by a Club
to an Academy Player or his Parent(s) (whether directly or indirectly) outside theterms of the guidance issued by the Board in accordance with Rule 342, without theexpress prior consent of the Board.

344.

Each Club that operates an Academy shall submit to the League:
344.1.	by 1 July in each year, its Academy Expenses Policy for the upcoming
season; and344.2.

by 1 September in each year, its Academy Expenses Information.

Youth Development Rules

FinanceFinance and Expenses

Guidance
The League will produce benchmarked Club by Club information (on an anonymised basis) with regards
to expenditure on youth development on an annual basis.
The League will keep the Academy Financial Information provided to it pursuant to Rules 336 and 338
confidential save that:1.	the League may disclose the Information if properly required to do so by law or by any regulatory
authority;
2.	the League may disclose the Information to the ISO or the PGB (and if it does so, the League shall use
all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the ISO or the PGB keeps the Information confidential);
3.	the League may disclose the Information to any Person or entity retained to undertake an audit ofa Club’s Academy Financial Information pursuant to Rule 339 (and if it does so, the League shall use
all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the Person or entity so retained keeps the Information
confidential); and4.	the League may use the Information to develop and publish benchmarked information on an
anonymised basis.

Expenses342.

477

Without prejudice to Rules 314 to 317, each Club that operates an Academy shall bepermitted to reimburse Academy Players and their Parent(s) for actual expenses
legitimately incurred as a direct result of the Academy Player’s participation in theactivities of the Academy, in accordance with such guidance as is issued by the
Board to Clubs from time to time.

478

Youth Development Rules
Compensation

Compensation

345.

The registration of an Academy Player at an Academy shall impose an obligation on
the applicant Club or Football League club (“the Applicant Club”) to pay
compensation for the training and development of that Academy Player to any Club,
Football League club or Former Football League club (in respect of such period asthat club were a member of the Football League) which previously held his
registration (“the Training Club”) provided that:348.

345.1.	the Training Club had indicated in PLYD Form 7 (or, in the case of a Football
League club, the equivalent Football League form) its intention to retain
the Academy Player’s registration;
345.2.	
the Training Club had offered to enter into a Scholarship Agreement
pursuant to Rule 295 with the Academy Player;
345.3.	the Academy Player sought registration at the Applicant Club because hehad moved residence outside the permitted travelling time from his lastTraining Club;

Guidance

345.4.	
save where Rule 287 applies, the Training Club and Academy Player
mutually agreed to terminate the Academy Player’s registration pursuant
to Rule 288.2 and agreed that the Training Club should retain the right toreceive compensation should the Academy Player sign for another Club(or club); or

349.

In such a scenario, nothing in Rules 347 and 348 shall affect any obligation (as otherwise set out in theseRules) upon the Further Club to pay compensation to the Applicant Club.

345.6.	in all the above cases, the Training Club held a valid licence to operate an
Academy in accordance with these Rules (or to operate a Football
Academy or Centre of Excellence in accordance with the Rules pertaining
to youth development which these Rules replaced).

350.

Rules 352 to 363 govern the compensation due in respect of an Academy Player who
is in, or about to enter, any age group between Under 9 and Under 16 at the time
when he is first registered with the Applicant Club save for an Academy Player towhom Rule 351.2 applies.

The obligation in Rule 345 to pay compensation to a Former Football League clubshall not apply in the following circumstances:351.

346.1.	the registration of an Academy Player is released from a Former Football
League club in accordance with Rule 289.2; orIn default of agreement between the Applicant Club and the Academy Player’s mostrecent Training Club, the Professional Football Compensation Committee shall (inaccordance with the provisions of Appendix 13) determine the compensation
payable to the latter in respect of an Academy Player:

346.2.	the Former Football League club ceases to operate an Academy inaccordance with these Rules.

351.1.	who is in any age group between Under 17 and Under 21 when he isregistered for the Applicant Club; or351.2.	to whom the Training Club made an offer of a Scholarship Agreement
pursuant to Rule 295.

For clarity, until 30 June immediately after the second Season following relegation to the National
League, the Former Football League club shall be entitled to compensation for its registered Academy
Players if it continues to operate an Academy in accordance with these Rules.

Subject to Rule 348, where the Applicant Club is in both a lower division and has an
Academy of lower Category than the Training Club as at the time that the Academy
Player joins it, the obligation in Rule 345 to pay compensation shall be varied asfollows:
347.1.	where the Academy Player is registered with the Applicant Club within 12
months of his being registered to the Training Club, the Applicant Club
shall be obliged to pay the contingent compensation (referred to in Rule352) but not any initial training costs fee (as referred to in Rule 352); or

479

such sum as shall be due pursuant to this section of the Rules; or349.2.	as regards the compensation payable by the Applicant Club to the mostrecent Training Club, such sum as shall have been agreed between them.

Guidance347.

The amount of compensation referred to in Rule 345 shall be:
349.1.

345.5.	the Board has made a determination to that effect pursuant to Rule 293;
and

346.

Where Rule 347 applies and the Academy Player subsequently ends his registration
with the Applicant Club and registers as an Academy Player at another Academy
which is either operated by a Club in the same or a higher division or is an Academyof the same or higher Category than the original Training Club (the “Further Club”),
the Further Club shall be obliged to pay compensation (both to the initial training
costs fee and contingent compensation) to the original Training Club in respect of
the Academy Player’s time at that Club, in accordance with the provisions of Rules
347 and 348.

Youth Development Rules

347.2.	
where the Academy Player is registered with the Applicant Club incircumstances where at least 12 months have elapsed since he wasregistered as an Academy Player with any Club or club, there shall be no
obligation on the Applicant Club to pay any compensation (whether by
way of initial training costs fee or contingent compensation).

Compensation

352.

The compensation due in respect of an Academy Player to whom Rule 350 applies
shall consist of an initial training costs fee payable to the most recent Training Club
(and to be paid within seven days of the Academy Player being registered for the
Applicant Club) and contingent compensation as is payable to all qualifying Training
Clubs in accordance with these Rules.

353.

The initial training costs fee referred to in Rule 352 shall be calculated by:353.1.	
multiplying the applicable annual fixed training costs calculated inaccordance with Rule 354 by the applicable number of years; and353.2.	adding thereto any initial fee (capped at such sum as would have been
payable when calculated in accordance with this section of the Rules)
paid by the most recent Training Club when it acquired the registration of
the Academy Player.

480

Compensation

In Rule 353:

356.

354.1.	the “applicable annual fixed training costs” means the sums set out in thetable in Rule 355 referable to:356.1.	appearance fees calculated by reference to the number of First Team
Appearances (up to a maximum of 100) made by the Academy Player for
the Applicant Club or any other Club or Football League club for whom theAcademy Player subsequently becomes registered (including by way of a
Temporary Transfer or other loan) and to the divisional status of therelevant Club as set out in the table in Rule 358;

354.1.1.	the age group of the Academy Player during any year that he
was registered with the Training Club; and354.1.2.	the Category of the Training Club’s Academy during that year;
and356.2.	subject to Rule 357, appearance fees shall be calculated up to a maximumof 100 First Team Appearances;354.2.	the “applicable number of years” means the number of years for which the
Academy Player was registered for the Training Club (subject to Rule 362).
355.

356.3.	if the Academy Player’s registration is transferred prior to his 23rd birthday
to a club affiliated to a national association other than The Football
Association (save for any Welsh club which is a member of the League, The
Football League or the National League), 20% of any Compensation Fee,
Loan Fee and Contingent Sum that the Applicant Club receives which is inexcess of:

The applicable annual fixed training costs by reference to the age group of the
Academy Player and the Category of Academy are as follows:
Age group of the
Academy Player

Category 1

Category 2

Category 3

Under 9£5,000£5,000£5,000Under 10

£10,000£8,750£7,500Under 11

£15,000£12,500£10,000

Under 12£45,000£30,000£15,000

Under 13£60,000£40,000£20,000

Under 14 to Under 16£80,000 (per year)£50,000 (per year)£25,000 (per year)

The contingent compensation referred to in Rule 352 shall consist of:

356.3.1.	
any amounts of training compensation and/or solidarity
payment paid to the Applicant Club and the Training Club
pursuant to the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer ofPlayers; and356.3.2.	
the actual sum (if any) paid by the Applicant Club to theTraining Club to acquire the Academy Player’s registration;

Guidance

356.4.	5% of all Compensation Fees (and transfer fees, where applicable), Loan
Fees and Contingent Sums paid in respect of all future transfers of the
Academy Player’s registration (whether permanent of temporary) to Clubs(or clubs) in membership of the League, The Football League or the
National League; andIn order to give effect to the compensation Rules under the Elite Player Performance Plan ("EPPP"),
Clubs’ previous Football Academies and Centres of Excellence will have a 'deemed' retrospective
categorisation to give effect to the provisions for fixed training costs fee compensation in respect of theyears up until the coming into force of the Rules. The following applies:

356.5.	5% of all Loan Fees and Contingent Sums paid in respect of all futuretransfers on loan to a club affiliated to a national association other thanthe Football Association (save for any Welsh club which is a member of the
League, The Football League or the National League).

StatusDeemed retrospective Category for the purposes ofcalculating compensation (in respec t of the period
up until the end of Season 2011/12)

Club operated a licensed Football Academy whichis placed into Category 1 under the new Rules (allCategory 1 Clubs will be the subject of an ISO audit
by no later than 31 May 2012)

Category 1

Club operated a licensed Football Academy which
is not placed into Category 1 under the new Rules

Category 2

Club operated a licensed Centre of Excellence

Category 3

Youth Development Rules

354.

Compensation

357.

For the purposes of calculating the contingent compensation referred to in Rule 352,
First Team Appearances made in excess of 100 and up to a maximum of 200 (the“Additional Appearances”) will result in contingent compensation being payable
in circumstances where one or more of a Player’s Additional Appearances are played
for a Club (or clubs) in a higher division than one of more of the Player’s first 100 First
Team Appearances. In such circumstances the Additional Appearances will betreated as if they had formed part of the Player’s first 100 First Team Appearances,with the result that an additional compensation fee will be due which is equal to any
difference in the compensation paid in respect of the Player’s first 100 First Team
Appearances and any Additional Appearances of a higher value (starting with thelowest compensated appearance).

The annual fixed training costs set out in table at Rule 355, above, shall apply to all registrations ofAcademy Players with Applicant Clubs that are approved following the coming into force of the Season
2022/23 edition of these Rules (i.e. for registrations approved from that date, the annual fixed training
costs shall be calculated by reference to the figures herein).

481

482

Compensation

Compensation

Example 1:
A Player makes 100 First Team Appearances in the Championship, followed by 10 First Team Appearancesin the Premier League.
The 100 Championship appearances would result in contingent compensation of £250,000 (£2,500 x 100)
being payable to training clubs.
The 10 subsequent appearances in the Premier League would be worth £300,000 (£30,000 x 10) being
payable to training clubs.
The contingent compensation payable to the training club(s) would be ’topped up’ to the contingent
compensation for 10 Premier League appearances, less the contingent compensation of the Player’s
lowest-compensated 10 appearances in his first 100 appearances:• 10 Premier League appearances = £30,000 x 10 = £300,000• 10 Championship appearances = £2,500 x 10 = £25,000
Total ’top up’ fee payable: £300,000 - £25,000 = £275,000
Example 2:
A Player’s first 100 First Team Appearances are broken down as follows: (i) 1-25 at EFL League 2 level; (ii)26-75 at EFL League 1 level; and (iii) 76-100 at EFL Championship level. The Player goes on to make afurther 25 First Team Appearances at EFL Championship level (matches 101-125) and 50 First Team
Appearances at Premier League level (matches 126-175).
These first 100 appearances would result in contingent compensation of £93,750 (£250 x 25; £500 x 50;£2,500 x 25) being payable to training clubs.
The contingent compensation payable to the training club(s) would be ’topped up’ to the contingent feefor:• 25 EFL Championship appearances (£2,500 x 25), less the contingent compensation of thePlayer’s lowest-compensated 25 appearances in his first 100 appearances (being at EFL League
2 level: £250 x 25). ‘Top up’ fee payable in respect of these matches: £62,500 – £6,250 = £56,250;
and• 50 Premier League appearances (£30,000 x 50), less the contingent compensation of the Player’s
remaining lowest-compensated 50 appearances in his first 100 appearances (being at EFL
League 1 level: £500 x 50). ‘Top up’ fee payable in respect of these matches: £1,500,000 - £25,000= £1,475,000.
Total ’top up’ fee payable: £1,531,250.

358.

The appearance fees referred to in Rule 356.1 are as follows:
358.1.

Premier League: £30,000;

358.2.

EFL Championship: £2,500;

358.3.

EFL League 1: £500; and358.4.

EFL League 2: £250.

Guidance
The contingent fees set out above come into force with effect from the coming into force of the Season
2022/23 edition of these Rules and are forward-looking from that date. In order to calculate the contingent
fees applicable for registrations approved before the coming into force of the Season 2022/23 edition ofthese Rules, reference should be made to the following figures:

483

Number ofFirst Team
Appearances

Premier League Club

Football League
Championship Club

Football League 1
Club

Football League 2
Club

10

£150,000£25,000£10,000£5,00020£150,000£25,000£10,000£5,00030£150,000£25,000£10,000£5,00040£150,000£25,000£10,000£5,00050£150,000£25,000£10,000£5,00060£150,000£25,000£10,000£5,00070£100,000£25,000£10,000£5,00080£100,000£25,000£10,000£5,00090£100,000£25,000£10,000£5,000100£100,000£25,000£10,000£5,000Youth Development Rules

Divisional Status of the Club

Guidance

For the avoidance of doubt, in such circumstances:• Rule 357 will not apply, such that only First Team Appearances up to a maximum of 100 will apply
for the purposes of calculating contingent compensation; and• Rule 359.1.2 will not apply, such that matches played for a foreign club where a player is the subjectof a Temporary Transfer will not apply for the purposes of calculating contingent compensation.

359.

In Rule 356:
359.1.	“First Team Appearance” means:359.1.1.	
an appearance either in the starting 11 or as a playing
substitute in a first team fixture in the Premier League, theFootball League Championship and Football Leagues 1 and 2(including play-offs), the Football League Cup, the FA Cup, theFootball League Trophy, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA
Europa Conference League, the UEFA Europa League or theUEFA Champions League; and359.1.2.	where a player is subject to a Temporary Transfer or other loan
from a Club or Football League club to a foreign club, an
appearance for a foreign club in league or domestic cup
competition, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Europa
Conference League, UEFA European League or the UEFAChampions League;
359.2.	the contingent compensation shall be payable upon the earlier of: (a)every 10 First Team Appearances played by the Player; (b) the end of each
Season; or (c) the termination (whether by effluxion of time, cancellation,transfer or otherwise) of the Academy Player’s registration at a Club (orFootball League club). For the avoidance of doubt, in the event of atermination of an Academy Player’s registration, the obligation to pay
future sums pursuant to that Rule shall transfer to any new Club (orFootball League club) for whom the Academy Player subsequently
becomes registered; and359.3.	“Compensation Fee”, “Loan Fee” and “Contingent Sum” shall be interpreted
to exclude compensation payable pursuant to Rule 345.

484

Compensation

Guidance

2.	where the Academy Player has been registered for more than one Training Club during the period.

For the purposes of Rule 359.1.2, the banding of the relevant competitions will be based on alignment offoreign competitions with the domestic governing body endorsement competition banding (with eachBand to be as defined in the ‘Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players’ document)
whereby:

In either case, the Training Club(s) receive(s) contingent compensation pro rata to the period that it/theyheld the Academy Player’s registration.

364.

The compensation set by the Professional Football Compensation Committee inrespect of an Academy Player to whom Rule 351 applies shall be determined inaccordance with the Committee’s Regulations (set out at Appendix 13).

365.

The new registration of a Contract Player under Premier League Rule U.17 shall
impose an obligation on the Club next holding his registration to pay to the former
Club (or club) compensation for the training and development of that Player if theClub (or club):• appearances in the UEFA Champions League carry the same appearance-based contingencies
as appearances for a Premier League Club;• appearances in foreign Band 1 domestic competitions, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA
Conference League carry the same appearance-based contingencies as appearances for aChampionship club;• appearances in foreign Band 2 domestic competitions carry the same appearance based
contingencies as appearances for a League One club; and365.1.

365.3.	had entered into a Scholarship Agreement with him, and either

The relevant banding shall be determined with reference to the banding of that club at the time of therelevant appearance.

Reference in Rules 356 and 359 to the transfer or termination of an Academy Player’s
registration shall be interpreted to include transfers or terminations of his
registration after he has ceased to be an Academy Player and Clubs who
subsequently sign the Academy Player shall be bound to comply with Rules 356.1
and 356.4 and for the avoidance of doubt the original Applicant Club shall not beliable to the Training Club in respect of:

365.3.1.	
the Scholarship Agreement had been terminated at thePlayer’s request; or
365.3.2.	in accordance with the terms thereof, the former Club (or club)
had offered him a contract as a Contract Player which offer hehad not accepted.
366.

The amount of compensation payable pursuant to Rule 365 shall be:
366.1.	such sum as shall have been agreed between the applicant Club (or club)and the former Club; or360.1.	any appearance fees payable pursuant to Rule 356.1 and due in respectof appearances made by the Academy Player after he has ceased to bepermanently registered for the Applicant Club; or360.2.	sums payable pursuant to Rules 356.3 and 356.4 arising from transfers in
respect of which the Applicant Club was not the Transferor Club.
361.

362.

363.

Any agreement between a Club and another Club (or club) as to the compensation
payable on the transfer of a registration, whether pursuant to Rule 349.2 or otherwise,
may not take effect so as to vary the contingent compensation payable pursuant tothis section of the Rules to any other Club (or Football League club).
If an Academy Player has spent part only of any year at the Training Club, the amountof compensation in respect of that year shall be calculated pro rata (taking into
account whether or not the Training Club’s Academy was operational or not during
the Close Season or any part of it).
If the Academy Player has been registered for a Training Club for part only of theperiod between the start of his Under 9 year to the conclusion of his Under 16 year,
the amount of contingent compensation payable to that Training Club calculated inaccordance with these Rules shall be paid pro rata to the Training Club.

had held that Player’s registration as an Academy Player;

365.2.	had offered to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with him which offer hehad not accepted; or• appearances in foreign Band 3, Band 4 or Band 5 domestic competitions carry the same
appearance-based contingencies as appearances for a League Two club.

360.

Youth Development Rules

Compensation

366.2.	such sum as the Professional Football Compensation Committee on theapplication of either Club (or club) shall determine pursuant to Rule 364.
367.

Any agreement between Clubs or between a Club and a Football League club as tothe amount of compensation payable shall be in writing, and a copy provided to the
League within five days of being entered into.

368.

All compensation (including instalments thereof and contingent sums) payable to a
Club or Football League club shall be paid by the Applicant Club into theCompensation Fee Account.

Guidance
The fees set out in Rules 355 and 358 are to be revised annually by the PGB.
The Regulations of the Professional Football Compensation Committee referred to in Rule 364 are in
Appendix 13 of the Premier League Rules. They remain unchanged as regards the calculation ofcompensation for:• Academy Players in the Under 18 and older age groups;

Guidance• an Academy Player with whom the Training Club had agreed to enter into a Scholarship
Agreement; andRule 363 covers the following situations:• an Academy Player with whom the Applicant Club enters into a Scholarship Agreement.

1.	where an Academy Player has been registered for only one Training Club but not for the entirety ofthe period from the start of his Under 9 year to the conclusion of his Under 16 year; and

485

486

YouthDevelopment
Forms

Premier League and The Football League

PLYD Form 1

Scholarship Agreement

PLYD Form 1

Scholarship Agreement

WHEREBY it is agreed as follows:1.

Definitions and Interpretation
1.1	The words and phrases below shall have the following meanings:

		 “Authorised Games” shall have the meaning set out in the League Rules;		 “the Board” shall mean the board of directors of the Club for the time beingor any duly authorised committee of such board of directors;		“the Club Rules” shall mean the rules or regulations affecting the Scholarfrom time to time in force and published by the Club;		 “Contract Player” shall mean any player (other than an Academy Playeror Scholar or Youth Player) who has entered into a written contract of
employment with a Club as defined by the League Rules;		“Education Programme” shall mean the programme of education provided
by the Club being either the Level 3 Apprenticeship, Sporting ExcellenceProfessional or any other programme of education approved in writing by
the League in conjunction with the PFA;

		
		

(c)
use or possession of or trafficking in a Prohibited Substance;(d)	incapacity through alcohol affecting the Scholar’s performance asa player;		(e)breach of or failure to comply with any of the terms of this agreement,		or such other similar or equivalent serious or persistent conduct, behaviour,
activity or omission by the Scholar which the Board reasonably considers toamount to gross misconduct;		 “the League” shall mean the football league of which the Club is a member
from time to time;		“the League Rules” shall mean the rules or regulations from time to time inforce of the League;		 “National Minimum Wage” means the National Minimum Wage as
determined by the Low Pay Commission from time to time;		 “Parent” means a person who has parental responsibility for the Scholar;
		 “PFA” shall mean the Professional Footballers Association;
		 “Player” shall have the meaning set out in the League Rules;
		 “Prohibited Substance” shall have the meaning set out in the FA Rules; and		 “the Rules” shall mean the FA Rules, the League Rules and the Club Rules.
1.2	For the purpose of this agreement and provided the context so permits, thesingular shall include the plural and vice versa and any gender includes anyother gender.
2.

		 “the FA” shall mean The Football Association Limited;		 “Gross Misconduct” shall mean serious or persistent conduct, behaviour,
activity or omission by the Scholar involving one or more of the following:		(a)theft or fraud;		(b)deliberate and serious damage to the Club’s property;
489

Purpose2.1	The purpose of this agreement is to provide the Scholar with a periodof work-based learning in preparation for a possible future career as aprofessional association football player.

		“the FA Rules” shall mean the rules and regulations from time to time in force of
the FA;		 “Football Development Programme” shall mean the programme offootball training provided by the Club including the Scholar’s participationin Authorised Games;

Youth Development Forms

AN AGREEMENT made the (day) ............................. day of (month and year) .............................
Between (club company name) ........................................................................... whose registeredoffice is at (address) .......................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................
(hereinafter called “the Club”) of the one part and (Scholar’s full name)......................................................................... of (address) ...............................................................................
(hereinafter called “the Scholar”) of the other part.

3.

Duration
3.1	Subject as hereinafter provided, this agreement shall remain in force fromthe date set out in Schedule One for two years.
3.2	If during the currency of this agreement the Club wishes to offer the Scholara contract as a Contract Player it may only do so on the condition that the
Scholar continues his Education Programme.

490

Scholarship Agreement

Extension of Agreement
4.1	If by reason of illness or injury the Scholar is prevented from participating in
the Football Development Programme for a period in excess of five weeks(hereafter “the excess period”):				

4.1.1	the duration of this agreement shall be extended by the lengthof the excess period or, if earlier, until the Scholar’s nineteenthbirthday; and4.1.2	within fourteen days of the end of the excess period the Club shallgive written notice to the League and to the FA indicating the date
to which the duration of the agreement is extended.

4.2	The Club shall be entitled to extend the duration of this agreement by one
year by giving to the Scholar written notice to that effect on or before thethird Saturday in May in the second year of the agreement and a copy of
any such notice shall be sent to the League and to the FA within 14 days ofthe date on which it was given.
5.

Scholarship Agreement

		

		

		

		
		

		
		

The Scholar agrees:
5.1.1	to participate in the Football Development Programme and the
Education Programme;
5.1.2	when directed by an authorised official of the Club to:

			
			
			
		
		
		
		

5.1.2.1	attend at any reasonable place for the purposes of and toparticipate in training and match preparation;
5.1.2.2	play in any Authorised Games in which he is selected to playfor the Club; and5.1.2.3 attend other matches in which the Club is engaged;

5.1.3
to train and play to the best of his skill and ability at all times;
5.1.4	except to the extent prevented by injury or illness, to maintain ahigh standard of physical fitness at all times;
5.1.5
to observe the Laws of the Game when playing football;
5.1.6	to observe the Rules, but in the case of the Club Rules to the extent
only that they do not conflict with or seek to vary the express termsof this agreement;

5.1.7	that he has given all necessary authorities for the release to theClub of his medical records and will continue to make the same
available as requested by the Club from time to time during thecontinuance of this agreement;
5.1.8	to submit promptly to such medical and dental examinations as theClub may reasonably require and undergo such treatment as may
be prescribed by the medical or dental advisers of the Club and/or
the Club’s insurers;
5.1.9	to permit the Club to photograph him individually or as a memberof a squad of players and staff of the Club provided that suchphotographs are for use as the official photographs of the Club;
5.1.10	to comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of
any authorised official of the Club; and5.1.11	to sign the declaration set out at Schedule Three to this Agreement
and to procure that his Parent signs the same.

5.2	Subject to Clause 5.3.4 below, the Scholar may contribute to the media in a
responsible manner but whenever circumstances permit the Scholar shallgive to the Club reasonable notice of his intention to make any contribution
to the public media in order to allow representations to be made to him on
behalf of the Club if it so desires.

Obligations of the Scholar
5.1

PLYD Form 1

Youth Development Forms

4.

PLYD Form 1

5.3

The Scholar shall not:		5.3.1	reside at any place which the Club reasonably deems unsuitable forthe performance of his obligations under this agreement;		
5.3.2	undertake or be engaged in any employment or be engaged or
involved in any trade, business or occupation;
		
5.3.3	indulge in any activity or practice which might endanger his fitness
or inhibit his mental or physical ability to train or play or whichmight cause to be void or voidable any policy of insurance provided
for the Scholar by the Club in compliance with the Rules; or		
5.3.4	knowingly or recklessly do, write or say anything which is likely tobring the Club or the game of football into disrepute.
6.

Obligations of the ClubThe Club shall:
6.1	
provide the Football Development Programme and the Education
Programme;

491

492

Scholarship Agreement

PLYD Form 1

7.

Illness and Injury
7.1	Any injury to or illness of the Scholar shall be reported by him or on his behalf to
the Club immediately and the Club shall keep a record of such illness or injury.

8.

Permanent Incapacity
8.1	In the event that the Scholar shall be permanently incapacitated theClub shall be entitled to serve a notice upon the Scholar terminating thisagreement.
8.2
The minimum length of such notice shall be three months.
8.3
The notice may be served at any time after:

PLYD Form 1

		8.3.2	an appropriately qualified independent medical consultant (theidentity of whom shall be agreed between the Club and the Scholar,
each acting reasonably, save that in the event that the parties
are unable to agree, such individual as shall be appointed by the
President or next available officer of the Royal College of Surgeons)certifies that the Scholar has suffered permanent incapacity.
9.

Disciplinary Procedure

Youth Development Forms

6.2	observe the Rules, save that the FA Rules and League Rules shall takeprecedence over the Club Rules;
6.3	pay to the Scholar throughout the duration of this agreement (and duringagreed holiday periods) the remuneration which by virtue of the League Rules
he is entitled to receive as more particularly set out in Schedule One. Such
remuneration shall not be less than the National Minimum Wage and shall not
exceed any maximum amount specified pursuant to the League Rules;
6.4	provide the Scholar each year with copies of all the Rules which affect the
Scholar and the terms and conditions of the policy of insurance referred toin clause 5.3.3;
6.5	arrange promptly such medical and dental examinations and treatment
as may be prescribed by the medical or dental advisors of the Club inrespect of any injury to or illness of the Scholar and shall ensure that any
such treatment for any football related injury is undertaken and completed
without expense to the Scholar notwithstanding that this agreement
expires after such treatment is prescribed;
6.6	comply with all relevant statutory provisions relating to industrial injury andany regulations made pursuant thereto; and6.7	on or before the third Saturday in May in the final year of this agreement
give written notice to the Scholar indicating whether or not upon the expiryof this agreement it intends offering to the Scholar a professional contract
as a Contract Player and if so setting out the terms thereof, which offer shallremain open and capable of acceptance by the Scholar for a period of one
month from the date upon which the Club gave it to him.

Scholarship Agreement

9.1	The Club shall operate the disciplinary procedure set out in Schedule Twohereto in relation to any allegation that there has been a breach of or
failure to observe the terms of this agreement or the Rules.
10.

Termination by the Club
10.1	The Club shall be entitled to terminate this agreement by 14 days’ notice inwriting to the Scholar if after due investigation and enquiry it is reasonably
satisfied that he:				

10.1.1	shall be guilty of Gross Misconduct;
10.1.2	
has failed to heed any final written warning given under theprovisions of Schedule Two hereto; or		
10.1.3	is convicted of any criminal offence where the punishment consistsof an immediate custodial sentence of or exceeding three months.
10.2	There shall be included in any such notice full particulars of the Club’s
reasons for terminating the agreement and a copy of it shall be sent to the
League, the FA and the PFA.
10.3	Within seven days of receiving a termination notice the Scholar by written
notice served on the Club and the League may appeal against the decisionof the Club to the League in accordance with the League Rules and theparties shall seek to ensure that such appeal shall be heard within a further
28 days.
10.4	If the Scholar exercises his right of appeal the termination of this agreement
shall not become effective unless and until it shall have been determinedthat the Club was entitled to terminate the agreement pursuant to clause
10.1. Pending such determination the Club may suspend the Scholar.
10.5	Any such termination shall be subject to the rights of the parties provided
for in the League Rules.

		8.3.1	the Scholar is declared to suffer from Permanent Total Disablement
as defined in the League’s personal accident insurance scheme; or
493

494

Scholarship Agreement

		

		

		

11.1.1	the grievance shall in the first instance be brought informally to thenotice of such person as the Club identifies as the person dealing
with grievances, failing which to any member of the Club’s youth
management;
11.1.2	if the grievance is not settled to the Scholar’s satisfaction within
14 days thereafter formal notice of the grievance may be given inwriting to the Secretary of the Club requiring it to be considered by
the Board. The matter shall thereupon be dealt with by the Board
at its next convenient meeting and in any event within four weeks
of receipt of the notice; and11.1.3	if the grievance is not settled by the Club to the Scholar’s satisfaction
the Scholar shall have a right of appeal to the League exercisable
within seven days of receipt by the Scholar of written notice ofthe decision of the Board by notice in writing to the Club and the
League and such appeal shall be determined in accordance with
the League Rules.

Termination by the Scholar
12.1	The Scholar shall be entitled to terminate this agreement by 14 days’ noticein writing to the Club if the Club shall be guilty of serious or persistent breachof the terms and conditions of this agreement.
12.2 	There shall be included in any such notice full particulars of the Scholar’sreasons for terminating the agreement and a copy of it shall be sent to the
League, the FA and the PFA.
12.3	Within seven days of receiving a termination notice the Club by written
notice served on the Scholar and the League may appeal against thetermination and the appeal shall be determined in accordance with the
League Rules and the parties shall seek to ensure that such appeal shall beheard within a further 28 days.
12.4	If the Club exercises its right of appeal the termination of this agreement
shall not become effective unless and until it shall have been determinedthat the Scholar was entitled to terminate the agreement pursuant toclause 12.1.

495

PLYD Form 1

12.5	Any such termination shall be subject to the rights of the parties provided
for in the League Rules.

Grievance Procedure
11.1	In the event of any grievance in connection with his education under thisagreement and/or its operation the following procedures shall be available
to the Scholar in the order set out:

12.

Scholarship Agreement

13.

Cancellation of Registration
13.1	At any time during the currency of this agreement the Scholar may, by giving
14 days’ notice in writing to the Club and League, apply for cancellation of
his registration, whereupon:

Youth Development Forms

11.

PLYD Form 1		

13.1.1	the Club may complete and sign a mutual cancellation notificationin accordance with the League Rules whereupon this agreement
shall terminate (and clause 13.2 shall apply); or		
13.1.2	within 14 days of receipt of any notice of cancellation, the Club
may apply for the application to be determined by the League inaccordance with Youth Development Rule 290.
13.2	In consequence of such a termination, the Scholar shall not be permitted by
the League to be registered as a Player until the expiry of two years from its
effective date unless either:
		
		

14.

13.2.1 the Club gives its written consent; or
13.2.2	the Club and the club seeking to register the Player have agreed
that compensation for the training and development of the Scholar
shall be payable in accordance with the League Rules.

Holidays
14.1	The Scholar shall be entitled to five weeks holiday a year, to be taken at atime or times as shall be determined by the Club.

15.

Entire Agreement
15.1	This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Club and the
Scholar and supersedes any and all preceding agreements between theClub and the Scholar.

16.

Jurisdiction and Law
16.1	This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance withEnglish law and the parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the
English courts.

496

Scholarship Agreement

PLYD Form 1

Schedule One

PLYD Form 1

Scholarship Allowance
Privacy Notice17.1	For the purposes of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data
Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) the Scholar acknowledges that theClub, the League, The FA, the PFA and any relevant training body arecollecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data which may
include Special Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in the GDPR)
about the Scholar including such data in this contract and using it for
all relevant administrative and statistical purposes connected with the
Scholar’s education and potential future in professional football and anyother purpose as set out in their data protection notices and policies. The
League’s, the PFA’s and The FA’s Player Privacy Notice will be provided to the
Scholar directly during the registration process and/or will be available on
their respective websites. The Club’s Data Protection Policy can be found in
the Club’s employee handbook.

Supplemental Provisions and Employment Rights Act 1996
1.

This Scholarship Agreement commences on ……….......... and terminates on ………..........

2.	The Scholar’s employment with the Club began on the date set out in paragraph 1[replace the words in italics with the appropriate date if it began earlier].
3.	No employment with a previous employer shall count as part of the Scholar’scontinuous period of employment hereunder.

Youth Development Forms

17.

4.	The Scholar’s hours of work are such as the Club may from time to time reasonably
require of him to carry out his duties and the Scholar shall not be entitled to any
additional remuneration for work done outside normal working hours.
5.	The place of employment shall be at the Club’s ground and training ground but
the Club shall be entitled to require the Scholar to play and to undertake his duties
hereunder at any other place throughout the world.
6.	The terms and conditions of this contract form part of a number of collective
agreements between the Club (through the League) and the Scholar (through thePFA) affecting the Scholar’s employment.
7.	No contracting out certificate pursuant to the Pensions Scheme Act 1993 is in force
in respect of the Scholar’s employment under this contract.
8.	There is no entitlement to pensions benefit in relation to the Scholar’s employment.
However, the Club shall provide access to a designated stakeholder pension
scheme as required by law. For the avoidance of doubt, the Club will not make any
contributions to such stakeholder scheme.
9.	The wage payable by virtue of Clause 6.3 of this agreement is calculated as follows
and shall be paid monthly in arrears:£ ………... per month from ………... to ………...
£ ………... per month from ………... to ………...
	If the agreement is extended pursuant to the exercise by the Club of the option set
out in Clause 4.2, the rate of wage will be as follows:£ ………... per month from ………... to ………...
Any other provisions:………………………………………………………………….........................................................................................................
………………………………………………………………….........................................................................................................

497

498

Schedule Two

PLYD Form 1

Disciplinary Procedure and Penalties

PLYD Form 1

Disciplinary Procedure and Penalties

Introduction	The disciplinary procedure aims to ensure that the Club behaves fairly ininvestigating and dealing with allegations of unacceptable conduct with a viewto helping and encouraging all Scholars to achieve and maintain appropriate
standards of conduct and performance. The Club nevertheless reserves the rightto depart from the precise requirements of its disciplinary procedure where theClub considers it expedient to do so and where the Scholar’s resulting treatment is
no less fair.

		

		

3.3
		

2.

Records	All cases of disciplinary action under this procedure will be recorded and placedin the Club’s records until deleted in accordance with paragraph 4.2. A copy of theClub’s disciplinary records concerning the Scholar will be supplied to the Scholar at
his request.
3.

The Procedure
The following steps will be taken as appropriate in all cases of disciplinary action:
3.1

Investigation

		No action will be taken before a proper investigation has been undertakenby the Club into the matter complained of. If the Club determines the same
to be appropriate the Club may by written notice suspend the Scholar for up
to 14 days while the investigation takes place. If the Scholar is so suspended
this agreement will continue together with all the Scholar’s rights under it
except that during the period of suspension the Scholar will not be entitledto access to any of the Club’s premises except at the prior request or withthe prior consent of the Club and subject to such conditions as the Club may
impose. The decision to suspend the Scholar will be notified in writing to the
Scholar by the Club.
3.2
		

499

Disciplinary Hearing
3.2.1	If the Club decides to hold a disciplinary hearing about the mattercomplained of the Scholar will be given full details in writing of
the complaint against him and reasonable notice of the date
and time of the hearing. At the hearing the Scholar will be given
an opportunity to state his case either personally, through his
representative or the PFA.

		

		

4.

3.2.2 	Subject as provided in paragraph 3.2.3, no disciplinary penalty will
be imposed without first giving the Scholar the opportunity to state
his case.
3.2.3 	A disciplinary hearing may proceed in the Scholar’s absence and adisciplinary penalty may be imposed if the Scholar fails to appear
at such hearing after having received proper notice thereof.
Appeals

Youth Development Forms

1.

3.3.1 	The Scholar shall have a right of appeal to the Board against any
disciplinary decision. The Scholar should inform the Board in writingof his wish to appeal within seven days of the date of notification
to him of the decision which forms the subject of such appeal. The
Board will conduct an appeal hearing as soon as possible thereafter
at which the Scholar will be given a further opportunity to state hiscase either personally or through his representative. The decision of
the Board will be notified to the Scholar in writing within seven days
and, subject to paragraph 3.3.2, will be final and binding under thisprocedure.
3.3.2 	In the event of any sanction being imposed or confirmed in excess
of an oral warning the Scholar may by notice in writing served on
the Club and the League within seven days of receipt by the Scholarof written notification of the decision of the Board appeal against it
to the League and such appeal shall be determined in accordancewith the League Rules.
3.3.3 	If the Scholar exercises any right of appeal as aforesaid any
sanction imposed by the Club upon the Scholar shall not take effectuntil the appeal has been determined and the sanction confirmed,
varied or revoked as the case may be.

Disciplinary Penalties and Termination
4.1	At a disciplinary hearing or on an appeal to the Board against a disciplinary
decision the Club may dismiss the allegation or if it is proved to the Club’s
satisfaction may:				

4.1.1 	give an oral warning, a formal written warning or after a previous
warning or warnings a final written warning to the Scholar;
4.1.2 	impose a fine not exceeding the amount of 50% of his monthly
salary;500

Disciplinary Procedure and Penalties

PLYD Form 1

Schedule Three

PLYD Form 1

Declaration by Scholar and Parents*		

4.1.3	order the Scholar not to attend at any of the Club’s premises forsuch period as the Club thinks fit not exceeding two weeks; or4.1.4	where the circumstances set out in Clause 10.1 of this agreement
apply, terminate this agreement.

4.2	Any warning or sanction given under this disciplinary procedure will bedeleted in the Club’s records after 12 months.

SIGNED by the Scholar .………………………………………………………………
in the presence of his Parent:[Signature] ……………………………………………………...................................
[Address] ……………………………………………………...................................
		
		 ……………………………………………………...................................
[Occupation] ……………………………………………………................................

To be signed by the Scholar:I, (full name) ................................................................................. of (address) ...............................................
......................................................................................................... Post Code ........................................... and(email address) ........................................... certify that the Club has not made any approach
to me or engaged in any communication with me or any person connected with me,either directly or indirectly, whilst I was registered with another club in membership of
the Premier League or EFL (a “League Club”) save as permitted by the League Rules,
nor have I approached or engaged in communication with the Club, either directly
or indirectly, whilst registered with another League Club, nor has the Club induced or
attempted to induce me to enter into the scholarship agreement dated ..............................
(the “Scholarship Agreement”) by offering me or any person connected with me, either
directly or indirectly, a benefit or payment of any description whether in cash or in
kind, nor have I accepted any such inducement from anybody in connection with the
Scholarship Agreement. I agree to be bound by the League Rules.

Youth Development Forms

		

Signed …………………………………………………..........…………...............
Date ………………………………………………….............…………...............
To be signed by the Parents*:

SIGNED by [insert name] .………………………………………………………….
Authorised signatory for and on behalf of the Clubin the presence of:I, (full name) ................................................................................. of (address) ..........................................
............................................................................................................. Post Code ..........................................
and (email address) ...................................................................................... being a person having
parental responsibility for the above-named Academy Player, and[Signature] ……………………………………………………...................................
[Address] ……………………………………………………...................................
		
		 ……………………………………………………...................................

I, (full name) ................................................................................. of (address) .............................................
.......................................................................................................... Post Code .......................................... and(email address) ...................................................................................... being each a person having
parental responsibility for the above-named Academy Player, and each certify that theabove details are correct and that:[Occupation] ……………………………………………………................................
(a)	the Club has not made any approach to or engaged in any communication withme, my son or any person connected with me or my son, either directly or indirectly,
whilst my son was registered with another League Club, save as permitted by
League Rules;

501

502

Declaration by Scholar and Parent

PLYD Form 1

Premier League

PLYD Form 2

Notification of Trialist’s Particulars (Youth Development Rule 252.2)(c)	the Club has not induced or attempted to induce me or anyone connected withme, either directly or indirectly, through any benefit or payment of any description
whether in cash or in kind, to persuade or encourage my son to enter into the
Scholarship Agreement; or(d)	so far as I am aware, the Club has not induced or attempted to induce my sonor anyone connected with him, either directly or indirectly, through any benefit or
payment of any description whether in cash or in kind, to enter into the Scholarship
Agreement.
I acknowledge that the acceptance of any inducement referred to at points (c) and (d),above, and/or engaging in any approach or communication referred to at points (a) and(b), above, constitutes a breach of the League Rules by my son. I further acknowledge
and agree that:(e)	the League may request that I attend a meeting in person to answer questions
relating to the Scholarship Agreement and the payment of any such inducement
and/or the engagement in any such approach/communication and/or to
produce relevant documents (including, for example, financial records and/or
telecommunications records) within a reasonable deadline; and(f)	should I refuse or fail to comply with any request by the League in accordance withpoint (e), above, the League may refuse to register my son as a Scholar with theClub or suspend or cancel any such registration already in place and any tribunal
appointed to consider an alleged breach of League Rules by my son will be entitledto draw an adverse inference against him in those proceedings.

Signed (1) ………………………………………………….......... Signed (2) …………………………………………………..........
Date …………………………………….…………….............…………….…………….............

To:

The Board
The Premier League
We hereby give notice that the Trialist whose particulars appear below is attending theAcademy of ............................................................................................................................ Football Club:
Surname ..................................................................... Other name(s) ..........................................................
Address ..................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................... Post Code ......................................
Parents’ email address ....................................................................................................................................
Travelling time from this address to the Academy # ...........................................................................
Date of birth ....................... Place of birth ...................................... Nationality .....................................
Countries for which eligible to play (if known) .......................................................................................
Date of commencement of trial period ..................................................................................................
Date trial period is due to end § ................................................................................................................
Other clubs (if any) at whose Academy the Trialist has attended for a trial during thecurrent Season ....................................................................................................................................................
Other clubs (if any) at which the Trialist has been registered:Club ..................................................................... From ........................................ To ........................................
Club ..................................................................... From ........................................ To ........................................
(Continue separately if more than three such Clubs)
Details of the Trialist’s School: .....................................................................

Youth Development Forms(b)	I have not approached or engaged in communication with the Club, either directly
or indirectly, whilst my son was registered with another League Club, save as
permitted by League Rules;

Certificate by Player
I hereby certify that the above particulars are correct and consent to this application,
and, where I am over the age of 16, I:• further consent to the conduct of drug testing on me in accordance with The FA’s
Memorandum on Drug Testing and to me receiving medication as instructed andany emergency dental, medical or surgical treatment, including anaesthetic or bloodtransfusion, as considered necessary by the medical authority present;• acknowledge that for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General
Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) the Football Association Premier League
Limited shall be collecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data which
may include Special Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in the GDPR) about
me including such data contained within this Form for the purpose of discharging its
function as a regulatory, administrative and governing body of football and otherwisein accordance with the Premier League Player Privacy Notice available at www.
premierleague.com/player-privacy-policy.

* A declaration in this form must be signed by every Parent (as defined) of the Academy Player

503

504

Notification of Trialist’s Particulars

PLYD Form 2

Premier League

PLYD Form 2A

Notification of International Trialist’s Particulars

Endorsement by Parent+I, (full name) ...................................................................... of (address) .......................................................
................................................................................................................ Post Code ...........................................
being the Parent (as defined in Premier League Rules) of the above-named Trialist,
hereby certify that the above particulars are correct and consent to this application,
to the conduct of drug testing on him in accordance with The FA’s Memorandum
on Drug Testing and to his receiving medication as instructed and any emergency
dental, medical or surgical treatment, including anaesthetic or blood transfusion, as
considered necessary by the medical authorities present. I further acknowledge thatfor the purposes of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the GDPR the Premier League
shall be collecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data which may include
Special Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in the GDPR) about the Player
including such data contained within this Form for the purpose of discharging its
function as a regulatory, administrative and governing body of football and otherwisein accordance with the Premier League Player Privacy Notice. I further certify that I
have provided to the above-named Club full written particulars of any medical
condition from which the above-named Trialist suffers and I undertake to inform theClub forthwith in writing if any such medical condition arises during the trial period.
Signed by the Parent ………………….….………………………………………………

Date ................................

Countersigned by the Trialist ………………………………………………………

Date ................................

Signed for and on behalf of the Club ……………………………………………………….......
Authorised signatory

Position …………………………………………………………………………………….........
Date …………………………………………………………………………………….................
§ not more than eight consecutive weeks from the date of commencement+ to be completed if the Trialist is a minor

505

To:

The Board
The Premier League

	
To be submitted to the League at least ten days prior to the commencement of
the trial
We hereby give notice that the Trialist whose particulars appear below is attending theAcademy of ............................................................................................................................ Football Club:
Surname ..................................................................... Other name(s) ..........................................................
Address ..................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................... Post Code .......................................
Player/Parents’ email address .....................................................................................................................
Date of birth ....................... Place of birth ...................................... Nationality .....................................
Date of commencement of trial period ....................................................................................................
Date trial period is due to end § ..................................................................................................................
Other clubs (if any) at whose Academy the Trialist has attended for an International trial
during the current calendar year ...............................................................................................................
Club..................................................................... From ........................................ To ..........................................
Current clubs (if any) at which the Trialist is currently registered:...................................................................................................................................................................................

Youth Development Forms

I further certify that I have provided to the Club giving this notice full written particularsof any medical condition from which I suffer and I undertake to inform the Club forthwith
in writing if any such medical condition arises during the trial period. Finally, I confirm
that I have read and agree to be bound by and comply with the Rules of the Premier
League and the Youth Development Rules (copies of which can be found on the Premier
League website – www.premierleague.com).

Certificate by Player
I hereby certify that the above particulars are correct and consent to this application,
and, where I am over the age of 16, I:• further consent to the conduct of drug testing on me in accordance with The FA’s
Memorandum on Drug Testing and to me receiving medication as instructed andany emergency dental, medical or surgical treatment, including anaesthetic or bloodtransfusion, as considered necessary by the medical authority present;• acknowledge that for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General
Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) the Football Association Premier League
Limited shall be collecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data which
may include Special Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in the GDPR) about
me including such data contained within this Form for the purpose of discharging its
function as a regulatory, administrative and governing body of football and otherwisein accordance with the Premier League Player Privacy Notice available at www.
premierleague.com/player-privacy-policy.
I further certify that I have provided to the Club giving this notice full written particularsof any medical condition from which I suffer and I undertake to inform the Club forthwith506

Notification of International Trialist’s Particulars

PLYD Form 2A

Premier League

PLYD Form 3

Notice of Ending of Trial Period (Youth Development Rule 261)

Endorsement by Parent+I, (full name) ...................................................................... of (address) .......................................................
................................................................................................................ Post Code ...........................................
being the Parent (as defined in Premier League Rules) of the above-named Trialist,
hereby certify that the above particulars are correct and consent to this application,
to the conduct of drug testing on him in accordance with The FA’s Memorandum
on Drug Testing and to his receiving medication as instructed and any emergency
dental, medical or surgical treatment, including anaesthetic or blood transfusion, as
considered necessary by the medical authorities present. I further acknowledge thatfor the purposes of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the GDPR the Premier League
shall be collecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data which may include
Special Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in the GDPR) about the Player
including such data contained within this Form for the purpose of discharging its
function as a regulatory, administrative and governing body of football and otherwisein accordance with the Premier League Player Privacy Notice. I further certify that I
have provided to the above-named Club full written particulars of any medical
condition from which the above-named Trialist suffers and I undertake to inform theClub forthwith in writing if any such medical condition arises during the trial period.
Signed by the Parent ………………….….………………………………………………

Date ................................

Countersigned by the Trialist ………………………………………………………

Date ................................

To:

The Board
The Premier League
We hereby give notice that the trial period of [name of Trialist]……………………………………………………………………… who has been attending the Academy of……………………………………………………………………… Football Club on trial ended on [date]…………………………………………………………...............

Youth Development Forms

in writing if any such medical condition arises during the trial period. Finally, I confirm
that I have read and agree to be bound by and comply with the Rules of the Premier
League and the Youth Development Rules (copies of which can be found on the Premier
League website – www.premierleague.com).

Signed ………………………………………………….........…………….........
Authorised signatory for and on behalf of the Club

Position ……………………………………………............…………….........
Date ………………………………………………….............…………….........

Signed for and on behalf of the Club ……………………………………………………….......
Authorised signatory

Position …………………………………………………………………………………….........
Date …………………………………………………………………………………….................
§ not more than eight accumulative weeks from the date of commencement+ to be completed if the Trialist is a minor

507

508

Premier League

PLYD Form 4

Pre-Registration Agreement

PLYD Form 4

Pre-Registration Agreement (Youth Development Rule 265)

Parties(1) .................................................................. Football Club of ................................................(“the Club”)(2) .................................................................. of .........................................................................(“the player”)

I acknowledge further to the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection
Regulation (“GDPR”) that the Football Association Premier League Limited shall becollecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data which may include Special
Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in the GDPR) about me including such datain this Pre-Registration Agreement and in the annexed player’s Coaching Curriculum forthe purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing body of footballand otherwise in accordance with the Premier League Player Privacy Notice available atwww.premierleague.com/player-privacy-policy.

Youth Development Forms

Date ............................................................

whose date of birth is ............................................................
Place of birth .............................................................................. Nationality ..............................................
Countries for which eligible to play (if known) ....................................................................................
Email address of his player’s Parent .......................................................................................................
Undertakings by the Club
Pursuant to Rule 265 of the Premier League Youth Development Rules (“the Rules”), theClub hereby undertakes that:1.	upon the player reaching the statutory school leaving age applicable in England/ceasing Full Time Education* it will apply to register the player as an Academy
Player at its Academy and having acquired the registration will enter into a
Scholarship Agreement with the player in the form annexed to the Rules; and2.	upon the player’s Coaching Curriculum (of which a copy is annexed hereto) or
any variation of it being approved under the provisions of Rule 267 of the Rules, tocoach the player in accordance therewith until the said Scholarship Agreement isentered into.
Undertakings by the Player
The player hereby undertakes that:1.	save for the exception in Rule 264.3, he is not registered with nor during the currencyof this agreement will he consent to becoming registered with any Premier League
or Football League club other than the Club; andUndertakings by the Player’s Parent
The player’s parent hereby certifies that:1.	the Club has not made any approach to or engaged in any communication withme, my son or any person connected with me or my son, either directly or indirectly,
whilst my son was registered with another League Club, save as permitted by the
League Rules;
2.	I have not approached or engaged in communication with the Club, either directly
or indirectly, whilst my son was registered with another League Club, save as
permitted by the League Rules;
3.	the Club has not induced or attempted to induce me or anyone connected withme, either directly or indirectly, through any benefit or payment of any description
whether in cash or in kind, to register my son as an Academy Player with the Clubor to encourage or facilitate that registration; or4.	so far as I am aware, the Club has not induced or attempted to induce my sonor anyone connected with him, either directly or indirectly, through any benefit or
payment of any description whether in cash or in kind, to register with the Club asan Academy Player.
I acknowledge that the acceptance of any inducement referred to at points (3) and (4),above, and/or engaging in any approach or communication referred to at points (1) and(2), above, constitutes a breach of the Youth Development Rules by my son.
I further acknowledge and agree that:2.	upon his Coaching Curriculum or any variation of it being approved as aforesaid,
he will participate in the same to the very best of his ability.
509

510

Pre-Registration Agreement

PLYD Form 4

Premier League

PLYD Form 5

Academy Player Registration Application (Youth Development Rule 274)

6.	should I refuse or fail to comply with any request by the Premier League inaccordance with point (5), above, the Premier League may refuse to register myson as an Academy Player with the Club or suspend or cancel any such registration
already in place and any Commission appointed to consider an alleged breachof Youth Development Rule 317.3 by my son, in accordance with Section W(Disciplinary) of the Premier League Rules, will be entitled to draw an adverse
inference against him in those proceedings.

Signed ................................................................................................................................
Authorised signatory for and on behalf of the Club

Position ..............................................................................................................................
Signed on behalf of the player

Signed by his Parent .....................................................................................................
*delete as appropriate

Academy Player’s Particulars
Surname ………………………………………………………. Other name(s) .................................................................
Address ..................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................... Post code ....................
Parent’s email address ....................................................................................................................................
Travelling time from the above address to the principal venues§ ................................................
Date of birth ........................................................................... Place of birth ............……………………………….
Nationality† ...................................................................
Countries for which eligible to play (if known) .......................................................................................
Other clubs (if any) at which the Academy Player has been registered:Club ............................................................................ From ........................................... To ...............................
Club ........................................................................... From ........................................... To ................................
School .....................................................................................................................................................................

Youth Development Forms

5.	the Premier League may request that I attend a meeting in person to answer
questions relating to my son’s proposed registration and the payment of any such
inducement and/or the engagement in any such approach/communication and/or to produce relevant documents (including, for example, financial records and/or
telecommunications records) within a reasonable deadline; andTraining Model on which the Academy Player is to be engaged:...................................................................................................................................+
Length of registration: .................................. year(s) [complete as appropriate]
Last day of registration: ............................... 20...............
[Note : Youth Development Rules 288 to 294 set out the circumstances in which an
Academy Player’s registration can be terminated earlier than the date set out above,and the consequences of early termination. Further guidance can be obtained fromthe Premier League or from the PFA Independent Registration Advisory Service, both ofwhose contact details are set out in the Charter for Academy Players and Parents which
the Premier League will send to the Academy Player’s parent when it receives this form. ]Application to Register
We, ....................................................................... Football Club (“the Club”), apply for the Academy
Player to be registered at our Academy for the period set out above. We confirm thatthe first contact with the Academy Player directly or indirectly was on ............................
............... by ........................................... to ............................................ We certify that we have not,either directly or indirectly, made an improper approach to him nor have we induced or
attempted to induce him to become registered as an Academy Player with the Club byoffering him, or any person connected with him, a benefit or payment of any description
whether in cash or in kind.

511

512

Academy Player Registration Application

PLYD Form 5

Authorised Signatory for and on behalf of the Club

Date …………………………………………………………………………………….......
Endorsement by Academy Player
I consent to the above application and for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 2018
and the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) acknowledge that The Football
Association Premier League Limited shall be collecting, sharing and otherwise processing
Personal Data which may include Special Categories of Personal Data (both as definedin the GDPR) about me including such data in this Registration Application for the
purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing body of football andotherwise in accordance with the Premier League Player Privacy Notice available at www.
premierleague.com/player-privacy-policy. I certify that the above particulars are correct.
I confirm that my first contact with the Club directly or indirectly was on ..............................
by ........................................... to ............................................ I further certify that the Club has notmade an approach to me or engaged in any communication with me or any person
connected with me, save as permitted by League Rules, nor have I approached or
engaged in any communication with the Club, either directly or indirectly, whilst
registered with another club in membership of the Premier League or EFL (a “League
Club”), nor has the Club induced or attempted to induce me to become registered withit by offering me or any person connected with me, either directly or indirectly, a benefit
or payment of any description whether in cash or in kind, nor have I accepted any such
inducement from anybody in connection with my registration at the Club. I agree to bebound by the Rules of the Premier League.
Signed ……………………………………………………………………………………..
Date …………………………………………………………………………………….......

513

PLYD Form 5Endorsement by Parents*
I, (full name) ................................................................................. of (address) .............................................
..................................................................................................................... Post Code ........................................
(and of the above email address)I, (full name) ................................................................................. of (address) .............................................
..................................................................................................................... Post Code ........................................
(and of the above email address) being each a person having parental responsibility forthe above-named Academy Player, and each certify that the above details are correctand consent to:Youth Development Forms

Signed ……………………………………………………………………………………..

Academy Player Registration Application(a)	this application;(b)	the conduct of drug testing on the Academy Player in accordance with the Football
Association’s Anti-Doping Regulations;(c)	his receiving medication as instructed and any emergency dental, medical or
surgical treatment, including anaesthetic or blood transfusion, as considerednecessary by the medical authorities present; and(d)	the Club having access to the Academy Player’s school reports and educational
attainment data (including Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 outcomes).
Furthermore, I certify that:(e)	my/our first contact with the Club directly or indirectly was on ........................................
by ........................................... to ...........................................
(f) 	the Club has not made any approach to or engaged in any communication withme, my son or any person connected with me or my son, either directly or indirectly,
whilst my son was registered with another League Club, save as permitted by the
League Rules;(g)	I have not approached or engaged in communication with the Club, either directly
or indirectly, whilst my son was registered with another League Club, save as
permitted by the League Rules;(h)	the Club has not induced or attempted to induce me or anyone connected withme, either directly or indirectly, through any benefit or payment of any description
whether in cash or in kind, to register my son as an Academy Player with the Clubor to encourage or facilitate that registration; or(i)		so far as I am aware, the Club has not induced or attempted to induce my sonor anyone connected with him, either directly or indirectly, through any benefit or
payment of any description whether in cash or in kind, to register with the Club asan Academy Player.

514

Academy Player Registration Application

PLYD Form 5

Premier League

PLYD Form 5A

Full Time Training Model (Youth Development Rule 204)
Academy Player’s Particulars
Surname ……………………………................... Other name(s) ............................................................................
Address ..................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................. Post Code ..........................
Date of birth .............................................. Place of birth ……………………………….…………………………..........

I further acknowledge and agree that:
Application to Register the Academy Player on the Full Time Training Model(j)	the Premier League may request that I attend a meeting in person to answer
questions relating to my son’s proposed registration and the payment of any such
inducement and/or the engagement in any such approach/communication and/or to produce relevant documents (including, for example, financial records and/or telecommunications records) within a reasonable deadline; and(k)	should I refuse or fail to comply with any request by the Premier League inaccordance with point (j), above, the Premier League may refuse to register
my son as an Academy Player with the Club or (suspend or cancel any suchregistration already in place) and any Commission appointed to consider analleged breach of Youth Development Rule 317.3 by my son, in accordance with
Section W (Disciplinary) of the Premier League Rules, will be entitled to draw anadverse inference against him in those proceedings.

1.	We, ………………………………………………………………………….....……….....……….....………... Football Club,
apply to register the above-named Academy Player on the Full Time Training Model
until ……………………………. 20…........., being the day that he will finish full time education.
2.	The residence arrangements for the Academy Player will be as follows (pleaseprovide details of his proposed home address and confirm whether this is his homeaddress or whether it is proposed that he resides with a host family, at onsite Club
accommodation or at a boarding school):………………………………………………………………………………………………….........................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………………….........................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………………….........................................................
3.

Signed ……………………………………………………………………………………..
Date …………………………………………………………………………………….......
Signed ……………………………………………………………………………………..
Date …………………………………………………………………………………….......

§ 	to be completed if the Academy Player is in age groups Under 9 to Under 16 inclusive and time restrictions apply to
the Club’s registration of Academy Players (see Youth Development Rule 251)
† if the Academy Player last played for a club affiliated to a national association other than the Football Association,
unless the Academy Player is aged under 10 years, this Form must be accompanied by written confirmation fromthe Football Association that an international registration transfer certificate has been issued in respect of the
Academy Player* to be completed if the Academy Player is a minor. In such case, a declaration in this form must be signed by every
Parent (as defined in the Premier League Rules) of the Academy Player+ complete PLYD Form 5A if the Academy Player is to be registered on the Full Time Training Model or PLYD Form 5B
if the Academy Player is to be registered on the Hybrid Training Model

Youth Development Forms

I acknowledge that the acceptance of any inducement referred to at points (h) and(i), above, and/or engaging in any approach or communication referred to at points(f) and (g), above, constitutes a breach of the Youth Development Rules by my son.

We undertake to:

3.1	ensure the Academy Player’s coaching and education are scheduled inaccordance with the requirements of the Full Time Training Model as set
out in the Youth Development Rules;
3.2	
provide the Academy Player with education until the date set out inparagraph 1 (even if the Academy Player’s registration is terminated by usor his training is switched to a different Training Model) as follows (being
either one of the three options set out in the guidance to Youth Development
Rule 205 or another model which has been approved by the League):		 ……………………………………………………………………………………….......................................................
		 ………………………………………………………………………………………......................................................;
3.3	
ensure that the Academy Player has the opportunity to engage incommunity and citizenship activities as set out in Youth Development Rule208; and3.4	advise the Academy Player’s Parent(s), school and the League immediately
if the Club changes or proposes to change any of the above arrangements.
Signed ………………………………………………………............................... Date ………………………...............................
Authorised Signatory for and on behalf of the Club

515

516

Full time Training Model

PLYD Form 5A

Premier League

PLYD Form 5B

Hybrid Training Model (Youth Development Rule 204)

I acknowledge further to the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection
Regulation (“GDPR”) that the Football Association Premier League Limited shall becollecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data which may include Special
Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in the GDPR) about me including suchdata in this Registration Form for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatoryand governing body of football and otherwise in accordance with the Premier League
Player Privacy Notice available at www.premierleague.com/player-privacy-policy.
Signed …………………………………………………………………..
Date ………………………………………………………….…………..

Consent by Parent to be completed if the Academy Player is a minorI, (full name) ................................................................................. of (address) ...............................................
................................................................................................................... Post Code ..................................andemail address .............................................being the person having parental responsibility forthe above-named Academy Player, hereby certify that the above particulars are correctand consent to this application, to the access of Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 outcomes,
to the conduct of drug testing on him in accordance with the Football Association’s AntiDoping Regulations and to his receiving medication as instructed and any emergency
dental, medical or surgical treatment, including anaesthetic or blood transfusion, as
considered necessary by the medical authorities present.
Signed …………………………………………………………………..

Academy Player’s Particulars
Surname ……………………………................... Other name(s) ............................................................................
Address ..................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................. Post Code ..........................
Date of birth .............................................. Place of birth ……………………………….…………………………..........
Application to Register the Academy Player on the Hybrid Training Model

Youth Development Forms

Consent by Academy Player

1.	We, ......……………………………………………......... Football Club, apply to register the abovenamed Academy Player on the Hybrid Training Model until ……………………………. 20 …...
2.

We undertake to:
2.1	ensure the Academy Player’s coaching and education are scheduled inaccordance with the requirements of the Hybrid Training Model as set
out in the Youth Development Rules and in accordance with the writtenagreement with his school and Parent(s) entered into pursuant to Rule198.5, a copy of which is annexed hereto;
2.2	
ensure that the Academy Player has the opportunity to engage incommunity and citizenship activities as set out in Youth Development Rule208; and2.3	advise the Academy Player’s Parent(s), school and the League immediately
if the Club changes or proposes to change any of the above arrangements.

Signed ……………………………………………………….........
Authorised Signatory for and on behalf of the Club

Date …………………………………………………………..........

Date ………………………………………………………….…………..

517

518

Hybrid Training Model

PLYD Form 5B

Premier League

PLYD Form 5C

Change In Circumstances (Youth Development Rule 206)

I acknowledge further to the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection
Regulation (“GDPR”) that the Football Association Premier League Limited shall becollecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data which may include Special
Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in the GDPR) about me including suchdata in this Registration Form for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatoryand governing body of football and otherwise in accordance with the Premier League
Player Privacy Notice available at www.premierleague.com/player-privacy-policy.
Signed …………………………………………………………………..

Academy Player’s Particulars
Surname ……………………………................... Other name(s) ............................................................................
Address ..................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................. Post Code ..........................
Date of birth .............................................. Place of birth ……………………………….…………………………..........
Application for Change in Circumstances

Youth Development Forms

Consent by Academy Player

1.	
The reason for the change in circumstances, with reference to any enclosed
evidence, is as follows:........................................................................................................................................................................

Date ………………………………………………………….…………..

........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................

Consent by Parent to be completed if the Academy Player is a minor........................................................................................................................................................................
I, (full name) ................................................................................. of (address) ..........................................
............................................................................................................................ Post Code ...............................
and email address .................................................... (and of the above email address) being
the person having parental responsibility for the above-named Academy Player,
hereby certify that the above particulars are correct and consent to this application,
to the access of Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 outcomes, to the conduct of drug testingon him in accordance with the Football Association’s Anti-Doping Regulations and to
his receiving medication as instructed and any emergency dental, medical or surgicaltreatment, including anaesthetic or blood transfusion, as considered necessary by the
medical authorities present.
Signed …………………………………………………………………..
Date ………………………………………………………….…………..

........................................................................................................................................................................
2.

We undertake to:
2.1	ensure the Academy Player’s coaching and education are scheduled inaccordance with the requirements of the Youth Development Rules and inaccordance with the written agreement with his school and Parent(s), a
copy of which is annexed hereto; and2.2	advise the Academy Player’s Parent(s), school and the League immediately
if the Club changes or proposes to change any of the above arrangements.

Signed ……………………………………………………….........
Authorised Signatory for and on behalf of the Club

Date …………………………………………………………..........
Consent by Academy Player
I acknowledge further to the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection
Regulation (“GDPR”) that the Football Association Premier League Limited shall becollecting, sharing and otherwise processing Personal Data which may include Special
Categories of Personal Data (both as defined in the GDPR) about me including such
519

520

Change In Circumstances

PLYD Form 5C

Premier League

PLYD Form 6

Academy Ethnicity Monitoring Questionnaire(Youth Development Rule 275)

Signed ……………………………………………………….........
Date …………………………………………………………..........

Consent by Parent to be completed if the Academy Player is a minorI, (full name) ................................................................................. of (address) ..........................................
............................................................................................................................ Post Code ...............................
and email address……………………………….………………………………………………………..… being the person
having parental responsibility for the above-named Academy Player, hereby certifythat the above particulars are correct and consent to this application to change thecircumstances of my son.
Signed …………………………………………………………………..
Date ………………………………………………………….…………..

USE OF INFORMATION
Completion of this questionnaire is voluntary. If you provide the information it will
be used as set out below and will not be used for selection or any other purposes.
The information provided on this ethnicity questionnaire will be recorded on a computer system shared by
the Football Association Premier League Limited (“Premier League”) (and The Football League Limited
should the Player ever compete in the Football League) against the Academy Player’s record and will
be used:• to help the Premier League gain insight as to who is playing the game at this level;• to help ensure compliance with the Premier League’s Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Policy (a copy ofwhich is in Appendix 3 of the Premier League’s Rules); and• to compile aggregate statistics and reports:- on a club by club basis which we may wish to share with the relevant club only and The Football
Association Limited; and- on a league basis which we may wish to publish for public interest and to share with otherbodies that have a legitimate interest in equal opportunities such as the Professional Footballers
Association and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Youth Development Forms

data in this Registration Form for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatoryand governing body of football and otherwise in accordance with the Premier League
Player Privacy Notice available at www.premierleague.com/player-privacy-policy.

What is your ethnic group?
(Choose ONE section from A to F, then tick the appropriate box to indicate the ethnicity that you identify withfrom the list below)

A Asian or Asian British
IndianPakistani
Bangladeshi
ChineseAny other Asianbackground
B	Black, African,
Caribbean or Black
BritishCaribbean
AfricanAny other Black, Black
British or Caribbean
backgroundC	Mixed or Multiple
ethnic groups

E White nglish, Welsh,
E
Scottish, Northern
Irish or British
Irish
Gypsy or Irish Traveller
Roma
Eastern European
Any other White
background hite and BlackW
CaribbeanWhite and Black
AfricanWhite and AsianAny other Mixedor Multiple ethnic
background
D Other ethnic groups
Arab
Any other ethnic group

F UndeclaredPrefer not to disclose
my ethnic origin

Name of Academy Player......................................................................................................................
Signed.......................................................................

Date.............................................

(Parent / Guardian to sign if Player is a minor)

521

522

Premier League

PLYD Form 7

Premier League

PLYD Form 8

Retention/Termination Notification (Youth Development Rule 284.1)

To:

For Academy Players entering into age groups under 10, under 11 and under 12

The Board
The Premier League

To:
The registrations of the following Academy Players (other than those who have signeda Scholarship Agreement) are held by ....................................................................................................
Football Club as at the third Saturday in May (year) .........................................................................
Full Name........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................

Current Age Group........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................

Category.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................

[name and address of Academy Player] .....................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
	We, ………………………………………………………………………………………... Football Club, hereby give
you notice that it is our intention to retain/terminate* your registration with effectfrom the first Saturday in June.

Youth Development Forms

List of Academy Players (Youth Development Rule 283)

Signed …………………………….........................................................
Authorised Signatory for and on behalf of the Club

Position ……………………………………………....…..............................
Date ………………………...................................................................

* delete as appropriate. If the registration is retained, it is for a period of 1 year pursuant to Rule 270(subject to Rule 271)

Signed ……………………………......................................................................
Authorised Signatory for and on behalf of the Club

Position …………………………………………….. Date ………………………........
 ote: The categories of Academy Players are:N
1. Academy Players whose registration has been retained (indicate “1F” if on Full Time Training Model).
2. Academy Players whose registration it is intended to retain (indicate “2F” if on Full Time Training Model).
3. Academy Players whose registration it is intended to terminate.

523

524

Premier League

PLYD Form 9

Retention/Termination Notification (Youth Development Rule 284.2)

Premier League

PLYD Form 10

Academy Player’s Registration: Mutual Cancellation Notification(Youth Development Rule 288.2)

To:	[name and address of Academy Player] .....................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
	We, ………………………………………………………………………………………... Football Club, hereby give
you notice that it is our intention to retain/terminate* your registration with effectfrom the first Saturday in June. [Your registration will be retained on the Full Time
Training Model+.]Signed …………………………….........................................................
Authorised Signatory for and on behalf of the Club

Position ……………………………………………....…..............................

To:

The Board
The Premier League

	The registration of [name of Academy Player] .........................................................................
	
held by ...................................................................................................................... Football Clubhas today been cancelled by mutual agreement. Unless otherwise set out below
the Club will retain rights to compensation in respect of the Academy Player
where provided for in the Premier League Youth Development Rules and theFIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Player, which (under the Youth
Development Rules) includes a right to receive an initial fee of £............................,
together with additional contingent fees as may be payable in accordance with
the Youth Development Rules, in the event that the Academy Player subsequently
registers with another Premier League or Football League club.

Youth Development Forms

For Academy Players entering into age groups under 13 and under 15

Date ………………………...................................................................
Signed by the Academy Player ……………………………………………....…......................
* delete as appropriate. If the registration is retained, it is for a period of two years pursuant to Youth
Development Rule 270 (subject to Rule 271)

Date ....................................................................................................................................

+ delete if inapplicable

Signed by the Parent* ……………………………………………....….......................................
Date ....................................................................................................................................

Signed ……………………………………………....…......................................................................
Authorised Signatory for and on behalf of the Club

Position ..............................................................................................................................
Date ....................................................................................................................................

* if the Academy Player is aged under 18 years

525

526

Premier League

PLYD Form 11

Premier League

PLYD Form 12

Response to Scholarship Offer (Youth Development Rule 300)

To :To: ..................................................................................................................... Football Club (“the Club”).
I, [name of Academy Player] .....................................................................................................................
hereby accept/refuse* your offer in PLYD Form 11 dated ...........................

[name and address of Academy Player]...........................................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................................

Signed by the Academy Player ………………………………………............…..............
Date of birth ..............................................
Signed by his Parent ……………………………………………………...................…..............
Other clubs (if any) at which the Academy Player has been registered:Club ................................................................ From ........................................... To ............................................

* delete as appropriate

Youth Development Forms

Scholarship Offer (Youth Development Rule 299)

Where the offer in PLYD Form 11 has been accepted by the Academy Player, the following
declarations must also be signed:

Club ................................................................ From ........................................... To ............................................
Endorsement by Academy Player	We, ..................................................................................................................................... Football Club,
hereby offer to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with you upon your reaching thestatutory school leaving age applicable in England.

Authorised Signatory for and on behalf of the ClubI certify that the Club has not made an approach to me or engaged in any communication
with me or any person connected with me, save as permitted by League Rules, norhave I approached or engaged in any communication with the Club, either directly or
indirectly, whilst registered with another club in membership of the Premier League or
EFL (a “League Club”), nor has the Club induced or attempted to induce me to accept
its offer in PLYD Form 11 by offering me or any person connected with me, either directly
or indirectly, a benefit or payment of any description whether in cash or in kind, nor haveI accepted any such inducement from anybody in connection with my acceptance of theoffer. I agree to be bound by the Rules of the Premier League.

Position ……………………………………………....…..............................

Signed ……………………………………………………………….................................. Date ............................................

Date ………………………...................................................................

To be signed by the Parents*:

The Scholarship Agreement will be in PLYD Form 1.

Signed …………………………….........................................................

I, (full name) ................................................................................. of (address) .............................................
..................................................................................................................... Post Code ............................... and(email address).........................................................................................................................................., andI, (full name) ................................................................................. of (address) ..............................................
.................................................................................................................... Post Code ............................... and(email address) ...................................................................................................................................................
being a person having parental responsibility for the above-named Scholar, certify that:
527

528

Response to Scholarship Offer

PLYD Form 12Youth Development Forms(a)	the Club has not made any approach to or engaged in any communication with me, myson or any person connected with me or my son, either directly or indirectly, whilst myson was registered with another League Club, save as permitted by the League Rules;(b)	I have not approached or engaged in communication with the Club, either directly
or indirectly, whilst my son was registered with another League Club, save as
permitted by the League Rules;(c)	the Club has not induced or attempted to induce me or anyone connected withme, either directly or indirectly, through any benefit or payment of any description
whether in cash or in kind, to persuade or encourage my son to facilitate theacceptance of this PLYD Form 12; or(d)	so far as I am aware, the Club has not induced or attempted to induce my sonor anyone connected with him, either directly or indirectly, through any benefit or
payment of any description whether in cash or in kind, to accept that offer.
I acknowledge that the acceptance of any inducement referred to at points (c) and (d),above, and/or engaging in any approach or communication referred to at points (a) and(b), above, constitutes a breach of the League Rules by my son. I further acknowledge
and agree that:(e)	the League may request that I attend a meeting in person to answer questions
relating to the Scholarship Agreement and the payment of any such inducement
and/or the engagement in any such approach/communication and/or to
produce relevant documents (including, for example, financial records and/or
telecommunications records) within a reasonable deadline; and(f)	should I refuse or fail to comply with any request by the League in accordance withpoint (e), above, the League may refuse to register my son as a Scholar with theClub (or suspend or cancel any such registration already in place) and any tribunal
appointed to consider an alleged breach of League Rules by my son will be entitledto draw an adverse inference against him in those proceedings.
Signed (1) ………………………………………………………………............................. Date ............................................
Signed (2) ………………………………………………………………............................ Date .............................................
* A declaration in this form must be signed by every Parent (as defined) of the Academy Player

529

530

Appendicesto the Rules

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Profitability and Sustainability Rules - Standard Directions

Power to vary

1.	
These Standard Directions have been agreed by Clubs to ensure that any
complaint regarding a breach of the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (Rules
E.47 to E.52) (a “PSR Complaint”) can be resolved, including any appeal to an
Appeal Board, as expeditiously as possible and, absent exceptional circumstances,prior to the 1 June following the submission of the relevant Club’s Annual Accounts(the “Backstop Date”).

6.	Where these Standard Directions apply, the procedural steps within them may
only be varied (including to add or remove a procedural step) by the Chair of
the Commission or on appeal the Chair of the Appeal Board (or the Chair of the
Judicial Panel, if a Commission or Appeal Board has not yet been appointed),whether following an application by either party, agreement by both parties or of
the Chair’s own volition. However, such variation of the procedural steps within theStandard Directions will only be permitted where both:

2.	The League and Clubs recognise and agree that, given the possibility of theimposition of a sporting sanction in the form of a points deduction on any Club
found to be in breach of Rules E.47 to E.52 and the desirability (so as to protect theinterests of other Clubs) of any such points deduction taking effect in the Season
in which the relevant Club’s Annual Accounts are submitted, it is important thatclarity is reached regarding any such sanction prior to the subsequent Annual
General Meeting. This provides certainty for the League, its Member Clubs andother stakeholders as to the membership of the League in the subsequent Season.
3.	It is for this reason that the League and Clubs have agreed to bring forward thedate for the submission of Annual Accounts to 31 December (pursuant to RuleE.48.2) and have agreed these Standard Directions.
4.	The League and the Clubs recognise and agree that this degree of expedition set
out in these Standard Directions is reasonable and procedurally fair in all but themost exceptional cases.
Application
5.	These Standard Directions apply in respect of any PSR Complaint. They vary theprovisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of the Rules (and where necessary Section X(Arbitration) of the Rules), to the extent that is necessary to give them effect. They
apply in all cases other than where the Chair of the Commission or on appeal the
Chair of the Appeal Board (or the Chair of the Judicial Panel, if a Commission or
Appeal Board has not yet been appointed), whether following an application byeither party, agreement by both parties or of the Chair’s own volition, concludes
that exceptional circumstances exist that justify their disapplication. This may
include, for example, where multiple PSR breaches over multiple years and otherbreaches of the Rules are alleged.

533

Appendices to the Rules

Introduction

a. there are specific circumstances warranting the variation; andb.	in any event the variation does not defeat the purpose of these Standard
Directions by endangering the possibility of concluding the Commission
proceedings, and any subsequent appeal, by the Backstop Date.
7.	Where a deadline referred to in these Standard Directions falls on a day that is
not a Working Day, it shall be varied so as to fall on the subsequent Working Day.
Capitalised terms not otherwise defined herein bear the meaning given to them in
the Rules.
Standard Directions - Commission
8.	Any PSR Complaint must be served by the Board on the Respondent in accordancewith Rules W.23 to W.25 (including any documents relied upon in support), by
no later than two weeks (14 days) following provision by the Club of its Annual
Accounts pursuant to Rule E.48.2.
9.	As soon as reasonably practicable after service of the PSR Complaint, a Commission
will be appointed in accordance with Rules W.26.
10.	The Respondent must provide its answer to the PSR Complaint (“Answer”) to theBoard and the Commission pursuant to Rule W.29 (including any documents relied
upon in support), no later than two weeks (14 days) following receipt of the PSR
Complaint.
11.	By no later than one week (seven days) following receipt of the Answer, the Chairof the Commission will hold a directions hearing at which the Chair will:a.	consider and decide any application for the disapplication of the Standard
Directions as a whole;534

Appendix 1c.	set down the single hearing date (to conclude no later than 12 weeks (84 days)
after the filing of the PSR Complaint);
d. set down the dates for all remaining procedural steps leading up to it;e. consider and decide any application for specific disclosure of documents; andf.

consider and decide any other procedural application.

12.	All and any procedural applications must be served by the Respondent at thesame time as its Answer, and by the Board at the same time as the PSR Complaint,
or if arising out of the Answer, within three days of its receipt, so that they can beconsidered at the hearing referred to at paragraph 11, above.
13.	Any exercise of the power under Rule W.27 to indicate that if the PSR Complaint is
upheld the Commission may wish to exercise its power under Rule W.51 to award
compensation, and any exercise of the power under Rules W.38.9, W.52 or W.53 to set
directions for the assessment of the entitlement to and amount of compensation,
shall not allow involvement of the other Club(s) (club(s)) or Person(s) prior to the
Backstop Date, and any assessment of compensation shall take place after the fullprocess provided for by these Standard Directions.
14.	By no later than four weeks (28 days) following receipt of the Answer, the parties
must exchange (and provide to the Commission) any written evidence of fact orexpert evidence on which they intend to rely at the hearing, together with anyother documents or other material ordered to be provided at the directions
hearing (unless such other documents or other material are directed to beprovided earlier).
15.	Any PSR Complaint referred to a Commission by the Board must be determined by
the Commission at a single hearing, at which the parties shall make submissions
and adduce evidence both in relation to breach and to sanction, to be listed for
between one and five days, so as to conclude the Commission proceedings (by theCommission’s decision, together with written reasons) within 12 weeks (84 days)of the serving of the PSR Complaint on the Respondents by the Board pursuant
to Rules W.23 to W.25, within which period the procedural steps below must takeplace.

16.	By no later than five days prior to the hearing of any PSR Complaint, the parties
must exchange skeleton arguments.
17.	The Commission must provide its decision, together with written reasons, within
one week (seven days) of the conclusion of the hearing (the “Commission
Decision”).
Standard Directions – Appeal Board
18.

Any appeal will be on an expedited basis.

Appendices to the Rulesb.	consider and decide any application for the variation or augmentation of theprocedural steps within the Standard Directions;

Appendix 1

19.	Where a party wishes to appeal a Commission Decision, it must serve its Form 24
on the Chair of the Judicial Panel in accordance with Rule W.67 (the “PSR Appeal”)(including any argument and documents relied upon in support), by no later than
one week (seven days) following receipt of the Commission Decision in accordancewith paragraph 17, above.
20.	As soon as reasonably practicable after service of the PSR Appeal, an Appeal
Board will be appointed in accordance with Rule W.68. The Chair of the Judicial
Panel shall take steps in advance to identify members of the Appeal Board, orothers pursuant to Rule W.84, who would be available to consider and decide anappeal at short notice should one be made, and to ask them to hold dates.
21.	The respondent to the PSR Appeal shall provide its response to the PSR Appeal(“Response”) to the appellant and to the Appeal Board (including any argument
and documents relied upon in support), no later than one week (seven days)
following receipt of the PSR Appeal.
22.	By no later than one week (seven days) following receipt of the Response to the
PSR Appeal, the Chair of the Appeal Board will hold a directions hearing at which
the Chair will:	a.	consider and decide any application for the disapplication of the Standard
Directions as a whole;b.	consider and decide any application for the variation or augmentation of theprocedural steps within the Standard Directions;c.	set down the single appeal hearing date (to conclude no later than and if
possible some time before 24 May);d. set down the dates for all remaining procedural steps leading up to it; ande. consider and decide any other procedural application.

535

536

Appendix 1

24.	Any PSR Appeal must be determined at a single hearing before an Appeal Board,at which the parties shall make submissions and adduce evidence both in relation
to breach and to sanction, to be listed for between one and three days, so as toconclude the appeal (by the Appeal Board decision, together with written reasons)no later than the Backstop Date, within which period the procedural steps below
must take place.

and documents relied upon in support). The stay application shall be heard on one
or both of the following two days on the basis of the Request and Answer and oral
submissions, and decided by the provision of the single arbitrator of their decision
with written reasons to follow, prior to 6 June.

Appendices to the Rules

23.	All and any procedural applications must be served by the respondent to theappeal at the same time as its response to the PSR Appeal, and by the appellant
at the same time as the PSR Appeal, or if arising out of the response to the PSR
Appeal, within three days of its receipt, so that they can be considered at thehearing referred to at paragraph 22, above.

Appendix 1

25.	By no later than three days prior to the hearing of any PSR Appeal, the parties
must exchange skeleton arguments.
26.	The Appeal Board must provide its decision, together with written reasons, (the“Appeal Decision”) prior to and if possible some time before the Backstop Date.
Further challenge
27.	The League and Clubs recognise and agree that, given the desirability (so as toprotect the interests of other Clubs) of any points deduction taking effect in the
Season in which the relevant Club’s Annual Accounts are submitted, and the needfor certainty for the League, its Member Clubs and other stakeholders as to themembership of the League in the subsequent Season, any Appeal Decision will savein exceptional circumstances remain in full force and effect pending resolution of
any attempt to challenge it in arbitration under Rule X.4.
28.	Any attempt to establish exceptional circumstances so as to seek a stay of theeffect of the Appeal Decision must be brought before a single arbitrator appointed
in accordance with Rule X.13, and for this purpose Clubs and the League agree tosuch appointment. Any such stay application shall be heard and decided by theprovision of the single arbitrator of their decision, with written reasons to follow,
prior to 8 June, within which period the procedural steps below must take place.
29.	The Request for Arbitration in Form 25 limited to the stay application (including
any argument and documents relied upon in support), shall be served within
two days after the Appeal Decision, the arbitrator shall be appointed as soon asreasonably practicable thereafter, and two days after the request for Arbitration,
the respondent to the arbitration shall serve their Answer (including any argument
537

538

Appendix 3

Schedule of Offences

Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Policy(Rule F.1.8.3)(Rule J.4)
Offence

Contrary to

Dishonestly receiving a programme broadcast
from within the UK with intent to avoid
payment

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988,
s.297

Admitting spectators to watch a footballmatch at unlicensed premises

Football Spectators Act 1989, s.9

Persons subject to a banning order (as defined)

Football Spectators Act 1989, Schedule 1

Ticket touting – football tickets

Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994,
s.166

1.	The Premier League and Clubs, to support their commitment to diversity andinclusion and to removing discrimination by reason of any protected characteristic
under the Equality Act 2010, will:• be an equal opportunities employer;• encourage and promote similar commitment from every other organisation orindividual acting within the game;

Appendices to the Rules

Appendix 2• not tolerate discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and takeappropriate disciplinary or other action; and• participate fully in the Premier League Equality Diversity and Inclusion Standard(“PLEDIS”), as detailed in Rule J.4.
2.	In relation to the PLEDIS each Club shall:• actively engage with the process by continually working towards a level of the
PLEDIS and make submissions within the stated timelines; and• as a Promoted Club, make a preliminary submission at the end of their first
Season in the Premier League if engaging with the PLEDIS for the first time, or,
if on return to the Premier League, the previous PLES/PLEDIS certification has
expired.
3.

Validity of PLEDIS certification from the point of Premier League notification:• Preliminary: two seasons• Intermediate: three seasons• Advanced: three seasons (retained for a further three seasons following a
successful Advanced Health Check)

4.	Breaches in relation to the PLEDIS will be considered on a case-by-case basis by
the Premier League Board.
The relevant themes, outcomes and key indicators for PLEDIS awards are agreed byClubs and published by the Premier League in ‘The Premier League Equality, Diversity
and Inclusion Standard, championing equality, diversity and inclusion in the Premier
League’ (April 2021).

539

540

Appendix 4

Appendix 4

Camera Positions(Rule K.62)
Each Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium positions for
television cameras in accordance with the requirements of this Appendix 4, and eachsuch position shall be Hardwired.
1.

 ursuant to Rule K.62, and subject to paragraph 2 below, Clubs must provide
P
Hardwired camera positions in the locations shown on the Master Camera Plan, at
all League Matches.

2.

 ny camera positions that are not required for use by Broadcasters, may be usedAby the Club, subject to the Club obtaining the necessary League approvals no lessthan 10 days prior to the League Match.

3.	The Stadium lay-out shown in the Master Camera Plan is indicative only. It is notintended to be an exact representation of a Stadium; rather they are intended to
show:
3.1
3.2

where cameras should be placed in relation to the pitch; andthe relative height above the pitch of each camera.

4.	The League will work with each Club to identify and agree the location of eachcamera illustrated on the Master Camera Plan at the Club’s Stadium. This will thenbe recorded on the Club’s agreed Technical Specification.

CAMERA PLANS: KEY
Numbers in brackets refer to the designated Camera Number.
All camera positions must provide a full and clear view of the whole pitch, including
in circumstances where supporters are standing with their arms raised and when
supporters are moving in any of the Stadium’s stairwells and/or stands. All camera
positions should be allocated a two metre by two metre working space that is clearof any structure or obstacle and which cannot be accessed by fans, unless otherwise
agreed with the League.

The Clubs are responsible for providing the camera positions for cameras 1 to 41 andall equipment (such as pods, hoists and camseats) as are necessary to ensure that allcamera equipment can be installed in those camera positions in accordance with Rules
K.62 and K.63.1.
The Clubs shall make camera positions for the Ad Hoc Cameras available. However, theinstallation of the infrastructure and equipment required to install the Ad Hoc Cameras
will be undertaken and paid for by the Broadcasters, the League and/or the League’s
Appointed Production Partner. The Clubs shall assist the Broadcasters and/or the
League with the installation of the Ad Hoc Cameras wherever reasonably practicable.

Appendices to the Rules

All camera positions are manned, with the exception of camera 15 and cameras 18 to 23,
which are remotely operated cameras.

Main Camera (1)• Positioned on television gantry exactly on the halfway line facing away from thesun. The television gantry should be compliant with Rules K.48 to K.50 and theassociated guidance• Ideal angle is 12 to 14 degrees from the gantry to the centre spot and 22 to 24
degrees from the gantry to the near-side touchline• This camera will be used to provide the main wide-shot coverage of the game
Close-Up Camera (2)• Positioned on television gantry. Normally located next to the camera 1, it is used
to provide closer coverage of the action and player/referee close-ups• A large lens must be used
Pitch-Side Halfway Camera (3)• A fixed camera on the half-way line at pitch level on the same side as camera 1• The position should enable an unobstructed view of the field of play andsubstitutes’ benches for the fourth official, and a clear view of the pitch for theClub representatives• If this camera position is on the same side of the pitch as the technical areas, thecamera position may be outside of the technical areas so to prevent obstructing
the view from the trainers’ benches. However, any alternative camera position
must enable an unobstructed view of both goals when Officials are standing at
the front corners of the technical areas• A large lens must be used

The Clubs are responsible for adopting best practice camera mounting, hoisting andsafety procedures for the use of, access to and egress from all camera positions.

541

542

Appendix 4

Close-Up Camera (4)• Positioned on television gantry. Normally located next to cameras 1 and 2, it isused to provide closer coverage of the action and player/referee close-ups• A large lens must be used

Reverse Angle Cameras (16 and 17)• Two cameras located opposite camera 1 for ‘reverse-angle’ coverage andusually for coverage of the trainers’ benches• On or close to the centre line
• One of these cameras covers close up shots of the Managers, therefore if yourgantry is opposite the trainers’ benches, camera 14 should be included as partof the TV gantry requirement• Large lenses may be used

Steadicams (5 and 6)• Up to two hand held portable ‘steadicams’, each positioned either side of thehalf-way line on the same side as main camera may work the length of each half
but concentrating on a zone extending between the goal-line and 18 yard line
• The cameras should not cause any viewing obstructions to the trainers’ benches
and sufficient space must be allowed for Players to warm up• Host Broadcasters are permitted to use their ‘steadicams’ on the pitch during
the pre-match warm up for a short period of time, up until 30 seconds before
kick-off and after the final whistle• Resting positions to be agreed with each Club at the start of each Season
18 Yard Cameras (7 and 8)• Two cameras installed on the same side as camera 1 at the same level or higher
than the main camera positions, facing each of the 18 yard lines. Often used tocover play in a wide angle, but also used for close up coverage• Large lenses may be used
High-Behind Goal Camera (9 and 10)• Two cameras installed in the stands behind either goal, at a height which
permits an unobstructed view of the penalty spot from above the crossbar. Bothcameras need to be able to see the far side goal in its entirety and all four corner
flags. Large lenses may be used
Low-Behind Goal Cameras (11, 12, 13 and 14)• Four cameras, two at each end, at pitch level in fixed positions behind eachgoal-line. The area for all such pitch level cameras located behind each goalline should start at the six yard line (where it meets the goal-line) and extend
towards the touchline (as shown on the Master Camera Plan)• These may be positioned in front of the advertising boards if there is not
sufficient or safe space to operate the cameras from behind the LED Boards.
The location of these cameras will be agreed between the Club and the League
Beauty-Shot Camera (15)
• A fixed camera mounted high in the stadium to give a panoramic static shot of
the pitch• This camera is remotely operated

543

Pole Cameras (18 and 19)• A camera on a pole mount may be used behind goals in front of the advertisingboards. They will be rigged at full height, up to the top of the goals. Thesecameras may be static or mounted on a jib arm. Where a jib style pole cam isin use, Broadcasters will lower the jib arm as low as possible if play is at the
opposite end of the pitch. Where facilities for disabled supporters are locateddirectly behind these cameras, Clubs are permitted to rig them at a lower level,
subject to obtaining prior approval from the League

Appendices to the Rules

Appendix 4

Goal-Line Cameras (22 and 23)• Two cameras located on the same side as the main camera, level with the goalline and with an unobstructed view of the whole goal and the goal-line inside
the penalty area
Mini-Cameras (20 and 21)• Mini-cameras may be placed directly behind the goal net but cannot be
attached to the net or the actual posts and crossbar. It can be as close to the
net as desired as long as it does not touch the net. A mini-camera may therefore
be attached to the poles which support the net or the cable connecting the backof the net to the vertical stanchions directly behind the goal
Corner Cameras (24, 25, 26 and 27)• Options for cameras to be placed in all four corners approximately five metresabove the pitch• Large lenses may be used
Small Lens or Electronic Newsgathering (ENG) Cameras (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35)• Eight portable ENG cameras at pitch level, behind each goal-line• These cameras must be positioned outside (nearer the touchline) the cabled
Host Broadcaster cameras and would be required to be fixed during each half
• There may be a requirement for these cameras to change ends at half-time• Clubs shall allow ENG Cameras to be replaced by small lens cabled cameras or
permit the ENG cameras to be connected by a cable544

Appendix 4

Hi Motion or Big Lens Close Up Cameras (36, 37, 38 and 39)• Up to four big lens cameras, at pitch level, between the six yard and 18 yard line,
but as close to the six yard line as reasonably possible• In addition to the camera operator, Clubs must permit two producers who areaccredited representatives of the Host Broadcaster, or two other individuals
accredited by the League or the League’s Appointed Production Partner
to accompany two of these camera positions (one producer/individual
accompanying one camera position) if requested by the Host Broadcaster, theLeague or the League’s Appointed Production Partner
ISO and Analysis Cameras (40 and 41)• Two cameras positioned on the television gantry. If space is not available on themain gantry then suitable positions must be made available near to, and at asimilar level to, the main gantry and not more than 20 metres from the half-way line
• Large lenses may be used
• This will be the location of 180 degree Stadium wide angle filming, where such
filming is required
Remote Flight Cameras (Ad-Hoc Cameras)• These cameras are commonly referred to as drones. They shall not fly over oracross any part of the Stadium. They shall be operated by providers approved by
the Civil Aviation Authority who will allocate safe fly zones on either land ownedby the Club where reasonably possible and safe to do so, or at an alternative
safe location• The Clubs must permit Civil Aviation Authority approved providers to fly abroadcast flight camera when requested to do so by the Broadcasters and/or
the League. Flights shall take place pre-match, at half time and post-match,and at agreed times during the League Match. Camera flight times must be
listed on the Countdown to Kick-Off to ensure that all relevant personnel at theClub and PGMOL are aware that the flight is an approved flight

545

Aerial Cabled Wire Cameras (Ad-Hoc Cameras)• These cameras include:– four point aerial cabled camera systems used for camera flight above
the field of play (being a moving camera system with two- or threedimensional movements); and– wirecams located on a single wire system suspended in the air that movehorizontally along the length of the pitch, and generally sit at the sameheight as camera 1; or– railcams located on a fitted track fitted to the front of a Stadium tier oradvertising board that move horizontally along the length of the pitch• Clubs shall ensure that their Stadium can facilitate the installation of a four point
aerial cabled camera system and at least one of a wirecam or a railcam where
reasonably possible and safe to do so, unless otherwise agreed with the League• These cameras shall be operated from one of the UK or International TV
Commentary Positions provided for at Rules K.51 and K.53 respectively, as
determined by the Broadcasters

Appendices to the Rules• In addition to the camera operator, Clubs must permit two producers who areaccredited representatives of the Host Broadcaster, or two other individuals
accredited by the League or the League’s Appointed Production Partner
to accompany two of these camera positions (one producer/individual
accompanying one camera position) if requested by the Host Broadcaster, theLeague or the League’s Appointed Production Partner

Appendix 4

Technical Area Cameras (Ad-Hoc Cameras)• Two remotely operated cameras (one fixed in each technical area) to bepermitted when requested by the Host Broadcaster, the League or League’s
Appointed Production Partner• These cameras shall not be permitted to record or transmit audio, in accordancewith Rule K.131
Tunnel Camera• One remotely operated camera to be permanently to be installed by the Leagueor the League’s Appointed Production Partner at the camera position referred
to at Rule K.62
Club Cameras• Two camera positions at pitch level (one at each end of the pitch) to be used forcameras belonging to the Home and Visiting Clubs• These camera positions should be located outside of the Host Broadcaster’scameras (closer to the touchline) as shown on the Master Camera Plan
• Whilst Clubs shall make these camera positions available at each League
Match played at its Stadium, the use of Club cameras will be subject to the Club
obtaining the necessary League approvals no less than 10 days prior to the
League Match546

Appendix 5

Appendix 4

Head Injury Protocol

MASTER CAMERA PLANA.

INTRODUCTION

Background
1.	The International Football Association Board’s (“IFAB”) protocol in respect ofadditional permanent concussion substitutions (“APCS”) (“IFAB Protocol B”)
was first introduced as a trial in Premier League Matches on 6 February 2021(“Match(es)”).

Appendices to the Rules

Premier League Social Media Filming• Two camera positions at pitch level (one at each end of the pitch) for an
accredited representative of the League’s Appointed Production Partner, tocapture video content with a mobile phone• These positions shall be fixed to enable the accredited representative of the
League’s Appointed Production Partner, to connect the WiFi as prescribed at
Rule K.45• Access for this filming will also be provided in the tunnel and the tunnel interview
positions as provided for at Rule K.126

2.	IFAB Protocol B is binding upon Clubs pursuant to Rule L.30 and the relevant rules
applicable to the Premier League’s youth competitions. Clubs are permitted, in
addition to five substitutions, to utilise up to two APCS’s and/or two ‘additional
substitutes’ (as appropriate) from those substitutes listed on the team sheet in a
Match.
3.

In addition, Rule O.20 provides that:‘Where a Player, whether engaged in a League Match, any other match or intraining, has sustained, or is suspected of having sustained, a concussive injury:
O.20.1 	the Club must comply with the Head Injury Protocol, any other concussion
protocol and guidance issued by the League in respect of the treatmentof that Player and any review of that treatment; andO.20.2. 	
notwithstanding Rule O.20.1, above, the Player shall not, under any
circumstances, be allowed to resume playing or training (as the casemay be) that same day. Furthermore, he shall not be allowed to return toplaying in matches or participating in training thereafter unless he has
been examined and declared fit to do so by his Team Doctor or, if they
are unavailable, by another medical practitioner. In such circumstances,
the welfare of the Player is paramount and the decision of the Team
Doctor or other medical practitioner as to whether the Player is fit toresume playing or training shall be final.’

4.	Following consultation with a range of stakeholders including the Premier League’s
medical groups1 and Clubs, this Head Injury Protocol (“Protocol”) will provide
direction to Clubs (including medical staff), Players and the Premier League inrespect of the assessment and treatment of head injuries including concussive
injuries (whether actual or suspected) as defined at Annex 1 in Matches. It is
1 Premier League Heads of Medical group, the Football Medical Governance Group and the Head Injuries Advisory
Group.

547

548

Appendix 5

Appendix 5

Medical Coordinator and a minimum of two other medical staff from each Club
have successfully completed the Premier League’s Video Replay training module.
Each Club has a continuing obligation to ensure that any new Team Doctors,
Medical Coordinators and Club medical staff complete the Premier League’s
Video Replay training module before they are involved in a training session and/ora Match.

Scope
5.	This Protocol sets out a series of uniform operating procedures, applicable to all
Clubs in Matches (save where expressly excluded).
6.

This Protocol is divided into:a.	obligations binding on Clubs and incorporated into the Rules, a breach of which
will be dealt with under Section W (Disciplinary) of the Rules. These obligations
are set out in numbered paragraphs 9-13, 15-17, 21, 22.b, 23, 25-30, 31(b), 33-37,
40-42 and apply principally to the following individuals:

		 i.

Players;		

ii.	Club medical teams (including but not limited to doctors, physiotherapists,therapists, sport scientists and other members of the team); and		

iii. Managers and members of the coaching staff listed in Rule L.23.3.

b.	any non-binding guidance issued by the Premier League from time to time toassist Clubs and facilitate compliance with their obligations under the Rules.
7.	For the avoidance of doubt, in line with Rule O.1, nothing in this Protocol replaces,
reduces or affects in any way the obligations imposed on Clubs by statute and/or common law in the fields of medicine, occupational health and/or health andsafety. Capitalised terms not otherwise defined in this document bear the meaning
given to them in the Rules (including the Youth Development Rules).
B.

PROTOCOL

8.

The Protocol is structured as follows:
A General Club obligations
B

Identification of requirement for a head injury medical assessment (“HIMA”)

10.	
Each Club must ensure that all Team Doctors, Club medical staff, Medical
Coordinators, Players and Managers attend mandatory education / review
session(s) on HIMAs facilitated by the Premier League and, if requested, provide
feedback to support the development of this Protocol. As a minimum, all attendees
will be educated on how to identify – in addition to the signs and symptoms ofconcussive injuries – significant mechanisms of injury2 and direct head impacts(with no display of any immediately observable signs and symptoms of concussion).
Each Club has a continuing obligation to educate and inform all Team Doctors,
Club medical staff, Medical Coordinators, Players and Managers of any changes
to the Protocol.

Appendices to the Rules

designed to improve Player welfare in the acute stages of head injury management
and preserve the long-term well-being of the Players.

11.	
At each Match, at least one member of each Club’s Medical Staff must be
nominated by the Club as the designated Medical Video Operator (“MVO”)
identified to the Premier League on Form 9. The nominated person(s) must havesuccessfully completed the Premier League’s Video Replay training module within
the previous 12 months.
12.	Each Club (including members of its medical team and Players) must, subject toany legal and/or regulatory restrictions preventing disclosure, provide the Premier
League with such information as is necessary to ensure compliance with the Rules,
this Protocol and the IFAB Protocol B.
B.

Identification

13.	The Club’s Team Doctor, physiotherapist, therapist and Medical Coordinator are
required to carry, at a Match, the Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool (at Annex 2),
which, provides a list of (1) visible clues of suspected concussion and (2) signs andsymptoms of suspected concussion.

C HIMA (Stages 1 – 4)
D Review by the Premier League
A.

General Club obligations

9.	Prior to the first Match of each Season, Clubs will ensure that the Team Doctor,
549

2 A significant mechanism of injury in the context of sustaining a head injury is (1) any instance where a high velocity
object and/or force is applied directly to the head resulting in a head impact or (2) any instance where a highvelocity object and/or force is applied to another body part resulting in an indirect transmission of forces to thehead. A significant mechanism of injury can be varied in terms of their type and location of impact, should beconsidered on an individual Player basis and clinical discretion should be applied.

550

Appendix 5

Appendix 5

be removed from the field of play. In such circumstances, it is mandatory that
the Team Doctor removes the Player from the field of play.
b.	Code Amber: This means that the video review does not demonstrateconclusive evidence that the Player has sustained or is suspected of having
sustained a concussive injury but the mechanism of injury and visible signs
are of concern. In such cases, the Team Doctor must perform an immediate
HIMA and rely on their clinical judgement to inform the decision regarding theremoval of the Player from the field of play.

a. Direct observation of the head injury event by the Club’s medical teamb.	Alerts by the Match Official(s), Players, Managers and coaching staff, other
Club’s medical team and/or the Medical Coordinatorc. Review of the video replay on the medical tabletsd.	Direction and alerts from other sources as implemented by the Premier League
from time to time.
15.	To support the diagnosis and clinical decision-making process, Clubs must utilise
the medical tablets (if available) to review head injury events in compliance with
the Premier League’s Video Replay training module and in conjunction with anyother means of identification set out in paragraph 14, above. Clubs should beaware of the following signs and symptoms – as further particularised at Annex
3 - present upon review of the video footage:a. Motor incoordination/ataxia
b. No protective action (hypotonic or tonic)c. Evidence of seizure/convulsion
d. Tonic posturing
e. Lying motionlessf.

Clearly dazed or blank/vacant look.

16.	As a minimum, Clubs must conduct a HIMA on Players who are suspected to havesustained (a) a significant mechanism of injury and/or (b) significant direct head
impact with no display of any immediately observable signs and symptoms ofconcussion.
17.	The Team Doctor, Medical Coordinator and MVO must be located in close proximity
to Club medical teams during a Match. The Team Doctor, the Medical Coordinatorand MVO must (i) adhere to the communication framework during the Matchin paragraphs 17(a)-(c), below (as amended from time to time by the Premier
League) and (ii) record all communications on the Premier League’s electronicsystem (in place from time to time) within 24 hours of the conclusion of the Match:a. Code Red: This means that there is evidence on the video review that the Player
has sustained or is suspected of having sustained a concussive injury and must
551

Appendices to the Rules

14.	Clubs should be aware of the following non-exhaustive means of identifying a
Player who requires a HIMA:c.	
Code Green: This means that the video review does not show any evidence ofan actual or suspected concussive injury that warrants further consideration by
the Team Doctor.
18.	If a head injury event is subsequently identified (that may not have been identified
during the Match), the Premier League will store the video footage for such
purpose as deemed necessary to discharge its legal and/or regulatory obligations.
C.

HIMA (STAGES 1 – 4)

19.

The HIMA is split into the following stages:
a. Stage 1 – baseline assessment of Players
b. Stage 2 – on-field assessmentc. Stage 3 – post Match assessment and follow-up
d. Stage 4 – long term follow-up.

20.	Clubs should ensure that, in addition to the stages set out above, Players who
have sustained a head injury should be regularly monitored for evolving signs andsymptoms of concussion in between these stages. The exact frequency of these
additional reviews should be determined by the Team Doctor.
Stage 1 – baseline assessment of Players
21.	Clubs must ensure that every Player that is registered in the Club’s Squad List has
a baseline Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (“SCAT”) – either the 5th Edition(“SCAT5”)3 or the latest version of the SCAT – and Immediate Post-Concussion
Assessment and Cognitive Testing (“ImPACT”) performed (“Baseline Assessment”)
either (i) when recruited or (ii) at intervals no greater than two years apart. Thisshould be recorded and if the Player has experienced a recent concussion the
3 See the International Consensus Statement on concussion in Sport (5th edition; 2017).

552

Appendix 5

Baseline Assessment should be delayed until they have been asymptomatic andreturned to unrestricted training and/or participation in Matches for one month.

k. Significant scalp or facial swelling or deformity

Baseline Assessments and any subsequent SCAT or ImPACT assessments:

m. Uncharacteristic behavioura.	should be performed by Clubs in the Player’s first language if they do not havea good understanding of English

n. Headache or pressure in headb.	must be uploaded by Clubs to the Premier League’s electronic system (in placefrom time to time) within seven days of completion and results must be madeavailable on match day to assist the interpretation of the HIMA.
Stage 2 – on-field assessmentl.

Nausea and/or vomitingo. Neck pain due to trauma
p. Vertigo, dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness

Appendices to the Rules

22.

Appendix 5

q. Blurred or double vision, sensitivity to lightr.

Tinnitus, deafness, or hyperacusis (noise sensitivity)

s. Feeling as though slowing down
23.	Clubs must ensure that all trauma situations are (a) considered by a doctor who
holds a current Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (“ATMMiF”)(as required by Rule O.5.1) and (b) addressed in compliance with the ATTMMiF
guidelines. Clubs (and their medical teams) must follow the on-field HIMA process
set out below and in the flowchart at Annex 4.
24.	Clubs should adhere to the principle of ‘if in doubt, sit them out’. If it is not possible
to entirely and confidently exclude a concussive injury, the Player should be
removed from the field of play and take no further part in the Match.
25.	Clubs must immediately permanently remove from the field of play Players who
display one or more of the following list of acute signs and symptoms:
a. Confirmed loss of consciousness
b. Suspected loss of consciousness
c. Tonic posturing
d. No protective action – floppy

t. Feeling as if ‘in a fog’u. Feeling unwell.
26.	If none of the signs or symptoms set out in paragraph 25, above, are present thenthe rest of the on-field HIMA set out below and in the flowchart at Annex 4 must becompleted.
27.	Clubs must adhere to the on-field component of the SCAT and, as a minimum
requirement, Clubs must perform the following assessments for the on-field HIMA:a.	Application of ATMMiF protocol, including assessment of the cervical spine/neckb. Assessment of amnesia
c. Completion of Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool at Annex 2
d. Assessment of oculomotor and pupillary function
e. Communication of outcome of the review of the video footage.

e. Convulsion or impact seizuref.

Balance disturbance/ataxia

g. Clearly dazed or blank/vacant lookh. Apparent confusioni.

Amnesiaj.	Oculomotor signs and/or pupillary abnormalities (e.g. spontaneous nystagmus
or involuntary eye movement)553

28.	Clubs must compare findings in paragraph 27, above, with the relevant aspectsof the Player’s Baseline Assessment and if there is any evidence of significant
deviation or clinical suspicion of a possible concussive injury, the Player must be
permanently removed from the field of play and evaluated off the field of play.
29.	In conjunction with the on-field HIMA, Clubs must review the video footage on
the medical tablets, referenced in paragraphs 9 and 15, above. Any review of the
medical tablet video footage should not delay a HIMA if clear signs and symptoms
554

Appendix 530.	The Team Doctor has ultimate responsibility for the Player’s welfare and, therefore,save for the circumstances set out in paragraph 17(a), above, they will make thefinal decision on the withdrawal of the Player from the field of play. Players,
Managers and Match Official(s) cannot interfere and/or obstruct the assessment
and decision of the Team Doctor.
31.

If the Player returns to the field of play, Clubs:a.	should ensure that there is continued observation with a SCAT re-assessmentof the Player at half-time (if relevant) and at the end of the Match to ensure nosigns or symptoms have evolvedb.	must immediately remove the Player from the field of play if any of the acutesigns or symptoms become apparent.

32.	An additional permanent concussion substitution (as defined above as “APCS”)
can be used:
a. immediately after a concussive injury occurs or is suspectedStage 3 - post Match assessment and follow-up
36.	Clubs must adhere to the FA’s return to play guidelines4 in place from time to time(“FA RTP Guidelines”) and the additional assessments set out in paragraph 37,
below.
37.	Clubs must ensure that, irrespective of whether the Player was removed from thefield of play, Team Doctors follow-up with every Player that has undergone an onfield HIMA as set out below:
PurposeTimeframe

Head Injury
Follow-Up 1

Early
identificationof a concussion
diagnosis

To be completed for every
Player within 24 hours of theon-field HIMA or within threehours if the Player has been
removed from the field of
play

SCAT

Late
identificationof concussion
diagnosis

To be completed for every
Player 36-72 hours after the
on-field HIMASCAT

To be completed once Players
have successfully completed
Stage 4 of the Enhanced Care
Setting RTP guidelines

SCAT(HIFU 3)Detection ofcontinuing
neurocognitive
deficits andmedicalclearance

Return toplay (RTP)

Case closure:
Return to fulltraining andcompetition

Head Injury
Follow-Up 2(HIFU 2)
Head Injury
Follow-Up 3

b. after an on-field and/or off-field assessmentc.	at any other time when a concussive injury occurs or is suspected, including
when a Player has been previously assessed and returned to the field of play.
33.	Should a normal substitution be utilised, Clubs must ensure that all follow-up
assessment protocols set out in paragraphs 36 and 37, below, and the reporting of
the event are completed and recorded on the Premier League’s electronic system(in place from time to time).
34.	Following an APCS, a Home Club must ensure that an announcement is madein the Stadium with the following messaging: ‘Concussion Substitute for [Club] –[Number/Player], replaced by [Number/Player]’.
35.	Clubs must ensure that all assessments in Stage 2 when completed are documented
on the Premier League’s electronic system (in place from time to time) within sevendays (of completion) with any requested PDF documents uploaded.

Assessment(s)to be completed

Follow up(HIFU 1)

When the Player is deemed fit
to return to full training andcompetition

Appendices to the Rules

are present. A Player must not return to the field of play unless and until the MVO,
the Medical Coordinator and any other individual (as agreed by the Premier
League and Clubs from time to time) have reviewed the video footage.

Appendix 5

ImPACTImPACT

Final clinicalassessment

38.	An abnormal assessment in HIFU 1 and/or HIFU 2 (i.e. the score significantly differsfrom the Player’s Baseline Assessment or from normative results if a Baseline
Assessment is not available) confirms a concussion diagnosis. A Club should
not exclude a concussion diagnosis until (i) both HIFU1 and HIFU 2 have been
completed with normal results and (ii) none of the signs and symptoms set out inparagraph 25, above, are present.
39.	Clubs should provide all relevant information in respect of concussion management
to a Player with a concussive injury (suspected or actual) including, but not limited
to, the requirement to not (a) consume alcohol and/or be left alone and/or drivea motor-powered vehicle/machinery for 24 hours after the on-field HIMA and (b)travel overseas until medical clearance is provided.
4 https://www.englandfootball.com/concussion.

555

556

Appendix 5

40.	Players presenting with delayed signs or symptoms of a concussive injury, but who
were not identified at the time of the head injury event, can enter the process set
out in paragraph 36, above, at the relevant stage and Clubs must ensure that,for such Players, the video footage referenced in paragraphs 9 and 15, above, isreviewed.

46.	The Reviewer will identify the individual(s) who will be able to provide relevant
information. This may include (but not be limited to) the Player, Club medical staff,
Match Officials, and other Club Officials and representatives of the Premier League
present at the Match. The Review may also include the collection of video and/or
photographic evidence.

41.	All assessments in Stage 3 when completed must be documented on the Premier
League’s electronic system (in place from time to time) within seven days (ofcompletion) with any requested PDF documents uploaded.

47.	The Reviewer will contact the individuals identified in paragraph 46, above, andprovide them with a short timeframe (i.e. as expeditiously as practicable) toschedule a meeting to discuss the Review. Any meetings, in person or by videoconferencing, shall be recorded.

Appendices to the Rules

Appendix 5

Stage 4 - long term follow-up
42.	Clubs, working with the Premier League, must send a Player for an independent
medical review if they have had:a.	two confirmed concussions in any 12-month periodb.	more than five confirmed concussions across their football career including
academy footballc.	signs and/or symptoms that persist for more than six days following the eventin which he sustained a concussive injury
d. concussion diagnosed after an apparent low impact trauma, and/ore.	significant decline in their annual Baseline Assessment from the preceding
Season.

D.

REVIEW BY THE PREMIER LEAGUE

43.	A Review may be instigated in the event that there is evidence of an alleged breachof the Rules and/or the Protocol (the “Incident”).
44.	In addition to ascertaining whether any Rules may have been breached, the purposeof the Review is to investigate and identify learning points and recommendations
with the aim of enhancing safety in the Premier League and improving outcome(s)in subsequent incidents.
45.	The Premier League’s Chief Medical Officer, in conjunction with the Chief Football
Officer and the Director of Governance (or their nominee, if applicable), will
authorise and determine the scope of a Review and appoint an individual toundertake it (“Reviewer”).

557

48.	
In the event that confidential medical information is to be shared with thePremier League and/or third parties, it is incumbent on the Premier League, theClub and the Player to ensure the Player’s consent to disclosure is obtained (anddocumentary confirmation is provided to the Premier League) and that there are
no legal and/or regulatory restrictions preventing or restricting disclosure.
49.	
The Reviewer will seek oral and/or written evidence from the individual(s)identified in paragraph 46, above, and, if deemed necessary, request informationfrom external individuals to the Club and/or the Premier League. Following acomprehensive review, a report will be prepared, as expeditiously as practicablefollowing the Incident, and, in the first instance, be sent in draft to the Club for
observations. Thereafter, the report should be sent to the Chief Medical Officer,
the Chief Football Officer and the Director of Governance (or their nominee, if
applicable) for their review and consideration of next steps (“Report”).
50.

As a minimum, the Report will cover the following broad areas:a. a summary of the background leading up to the Incident
b. a description of the Incident itself
c. a timeline of subsequent events and actions identified
d. a summary of the statements and comments of those involvede.	a summary of the recommendations and/or learning points (such as further
education and training). This should include positive reinforcement and, if
necessary, identification of areas in which work is required by the Club and/or
the Premier League to enhance safety and improve outcome(s) for subsequent
incidents.

558

Appendix 5a. a deliberate or reckless failure to comply with the Rules and/or the Protocol
b. a failure to utilise the medical tablets (as directed)
c. evidence of obstruction of the Rules and/or the Protocol and/or the Reviewerd.	any act or omission jeopardising player welfare in relation to the Rules and/or
the Protocol
e. repeated errors and/or mistakes.
52.	
The Chief Medical Officer, the Chief Football Officer and the Director ofGovernance (or their nominee, if applicable), remaining at all times aware of issuesof disclosure of the Player’s confidential medical information, will determine therecipients (if any) in respect of further dissemination of the Report (including any
evidence arising from the Review), whether in its entirety or following redaction(s)of confidential medical information.

Annex 1 - Definition of Sport-related concussion
For the purposes of this Protocol, the term concussion is defined as (adapted from
McCrory et al., 20175):
Sport-related concussion (‘SRC’) is a traumatic brain injury induced by biomechanicalforces. Several common features that may be utilised in clinically defining the nature ofa concussive head injury include the following:
1.	SRC may be caused either by a direct blow to the head, face, neck or elsewhere on
the body with an impulsive force transmitted to the head.

Appendices to the Rules

51.	The Report may also include a recommendation for the matter to be consideredby the Premier League’s Legal team for the following non-exhaustive reasons:

Appendix 5

2.	SRC typically results in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurological
function that resolves spontaneously. However, in some cases, signs and symptoms
evolve over a number of minutes to hours.
3.	SRC may result in neuropathological changes, but the acute clinical signs andsymptoms largely reflect a functional disturbance rather than a structural injury
and, as such, no abnormality is seen on standard structural neuroimaging studies.
4.	SRC results in a range of clinical signs and symptoms that may or may not involve
loss of consciousness. Resolution of the clinical and cognitive features typicallyfollows a sequential course. However, in some cases symptoms may be prolonged.
5.	
The clinical signs and symptoms cannot be explained by drug, alcohol, or
medication use, other injuries (such as cervical injuries, peripheral vestibular
dysfunction, etc.) or other comorbidities (e.g. psychological factors or coexisting
medical conditions).

5 https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/11/877.

559

560

Appendix 5

Appendix 5

Copyright Article author (or their employer) 2017. Produced by BMJ Publishing Group Ltd under licence

Annex 2 - the Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool•

Supported by

Supported by•Balance problems••

Nausea orvomiting•

RECOGNISE & REMOVE
RECOGNISE & REMOVE•

Drowsiness•Dizziness

Head impacts can be associated withHead
seriousand potentiallyfatal brain
injuries.
The
Concussion
Tool
impacts
can be associatedwithseriousandpotentiallyRecognition
fatal brain injuries.
The Concussion Recognition Tool
5 (CRT5) is to be used for the identification
ofissuspected
It is not designed
to diagnose
concussion.
5 (CRT5)
to be usedconcussion.
for the identificationof suspectedconcussion.
It is not designed to diagnose concussion.

•• Headache
BlurredvisionBlurred vision• Difficulty• More emotional• More• emotional
concentrating• More• Irritable
Sensitivity
to lightin head”• “Pressure
Sensitivity to light • More Irritable• Difficulty
Sensitivity• Sadness• Balance problems• Sadness• Sensitivity
remembering
to noise
to noise•
Nervousor• Nausea or• Nervous• Feelingslowed oranxious
Fatiguevomitingor• Fatigue or
down anxious
low energy
low energy• Drowsiness • Neck Pain
• Neck• Feeling
like Pain“Don’t feel right”• “Don’t feel right”“in a fog“
• Dizziness•

Difficulty
concentrating•

Difficulty
remembering•

Feeling slowed
down•

Feeling like“in a fog“

STEP 4: MEMORY ASSESSMENT
STEP 4: MEMORY ASSESSMENT(IN ATHLETES OLDER THAN 12 YEARS)(IN ATHLETES OLDER THAN 12 YEARS)STEP 1: RED FLAGS — CALL
AN1:
AMBULANCESTEPRED FLAGS — CALL AN AMBULANCE© Concussion in Sport Group 2017

Failure to answer any of• “Whatare•• “What
Failureto venue
answerany of“What teamvenuedidareyou play
If there is concern after an injury
includingwhetherof theincluding
followingwhether
signs areIf thereis concern
afterANY
an injury
ANY of the following signs arequestions (modified
we questionsat today?” (modified
lastweek/game?”
observed or complaints are reported
then
the player should
be safely
andtheimmediately
these
we at
today?”
observed
or complaints
are reported
thenplayer should be safely andthese
immediately
removed from play/game/activity.
If nofromlicensed
healthcare professional
is available,
appropriately for eachremovedplay/game/activity.
If no licensed
healthcare professionalappropriately
is available, for each• “Which half is it now?”•• “Did
yourhalf
team
call an ambulance for urgent medical
assessment:
sport) correctly may“Whichis itwinnow?”
call an ambulance
for urgent medical assessment:
sport) correctly may
the last game?”suggest a concussion:suggestascoredconcussion:•
Deterioratingor
increasing• Neck pain or tenderness •• Severe
•
“Who
last
• Deteriorating
Neck pain or tenderness • Severe or increasing• “Who scored lastconscious
headacheconscious stateheadache statein this game?”• Double visionin this game?”• Double vision•
Vomiting•
Seizureor
convulsion• Vomiting• Seizure or convulsion• Weakness or tingling/• Weakness or tingling/
restless,of consciousness
burning in arms or legs • Loss
• Increasingly restless,
Loss of consciousness
burningin arms or legs •• Increasingly
agitated or combative
Athletes with suspectedAthletes
concussion
agitated or combativewith should:
suspected concussion should:

Remember:•In all cases, the basic principles •Remember:of first aid (danger, response,
airway, breathing, circulation)
should be followed.

•

Assessment for a spinal
cord injury is critical.

•• cases,
Do notthe
attempt
move the player•
In allbasic toprinciples
than required
for airwayof first(otheraid (danger,
response,
support) unless trained to so do.
airway, breathing, circulation)
shouldbenot
followed.
• Do
remove a helmet or•
any other equipment unless
Assessment for a spinal
trained to do so safely.
cord injury is critical.

•

Not be left alone initially (at least
forbethefirst
1-2 initially
hours). (at least for the first 1-2 hours).
• Not
left
alone

•

Not drink alcohol.

••“What team did you playlast week/game?”•“Did your team win
the last game?”

Not drink alcohol.

Do not attempt to move the player(other than required for• airway
Not use recreational/ prescription• Notdrugs.
use recreational/ prescription drugs.
support) unless trained to so do.

• Notneedhome
to bebywitha responsible
adult.
Do not remove a helmet
or be sent home by themselves.
• NotTheybe sent
themselves.
Theyneed to be with a responsible adult.
any other equipment unless• Not drive a motor vehicle until
cleared
to
do
so
by
a
healthcare
professional.
trained to do so safely.
• Not drive a motor vehicle until cleared to do so by a healthcare professional.

The CRT5 may be freely copied The
in itsCRT5
currentform
for distribution
teams,
groups to individuals, teams, groups
If there are no Red Flags, identification of possible concussion should proceed to the following steps:
may
be freely
copied in to
itsindividuals,
current form
for distribution
If there are no Red Flags, identification of possible concussion should proceed to theandfollowing
steps:
organisations.
Any revision and any reproduction in a digital form requires approval by

and organisations. Any revision and any reproduction in a digital form requires approval by
the Concussion in Sport Group. It should not be altered in any way, rebranded or sold for
the Concussion in Sport Group. It should not be altered in any way, rebranded or sold forcommercial gain.
commercial gain.

STEP 2: OBSERVABLESTEP
SIGNS
2: OBSERVABLE SIGNSVisual clues that suggest Visualpossible
concussion
include:clues
that suggest
possible concussion include:•

Lying motionless on
the playing surface•

Slow to get up aftera direct or indirect
hit to the head

•

•

•
•

Disorientation or
Lying motionless on
confusion, or an inability
the playing surface
to respond appropriately
to questions
Slow
to get up aftera direct or indirect
Blank or vacant look
hit to the head

© Concussion in Sport Group 2017

•

•

•

Balance, gait difficulties,
Disorientation or
motor incoordination,
confusion, or an inability
stumbling, slow
to respond appropriately
laboured movements
to questions•

Facial injury after
Blank or vacant lookhead trauma© Concussion in Sport Group 2017

ANY ATHLETE WITH A SUSPECTED CONCUSSION SHOULD BE•

Balance, gait difficulties,
ANY ATHLETE WITH A SUSPECTED CONCUSSION SHOULD BE
IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PRACTICE OR PLAY AND SHOULD
motor incoordination,
IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PRACTICE OR PLAY AND SHOULD
UNTIL ASSESSED MEDICALLY, EVEN
stumbling, slow NOT RETURN TO ACTIVITYNOT RETURN TO ACTIVITY UNTIL ASSESSED MEDICALLY, EVEN
laboured movements
IF THE SYMPTOMS RESOLVE•

Facial injury afterhead trauma

IF THE SYMPTOMS RESOLVE© Concussion in Sport Group 2017

© Concussion in Sport Group 2017

Appendices to the Rules•“Pressure in head”

To download a clean version of the SCAT tools please visit the journal online (http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097508CRT5)

Headache•

BJSM Online First, published on April 26, 2017 as 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097508CRT5•

To help identify concussion
in identify
children,concussion
adolescents
adultsadolescents and adults
To help
inand
children,Davis GA, et al. Br J Sports Med 2017;0:1. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-097508CRT5561

STEP 3: ©
RECOGNITIONTOOL
5 SYMPTOMS STEP 3: SYMPTOMSCONCUSSIONCONCUSSION
RECOGNITIONTOOL 5 ©

562

Appendix 5

Appendix 5

Annex 3 - Definitions

Annex 4 - HIMA Flowchart
Appendices to the Rules

International consensus definitions (Davis et al, 20196) for visible signs suggestive ofconcussion on video review are set out in the table below.
Sign/Symptom

Definition

Lying motionless

Lying without purposeful movement on the playing
surface, for >2 seconds. Does not appear to move or react
purposefully, respond or reply appropriately to the gamesituation (including teammates, opponents, umpires ormedical staff).

Motor incoordination

Impact seizure

Tonic posturing

Appears unsteady on feet (including losing balance,
staggering/stumbling, struggling to get up, falling), or in
the upper limbs (including fumbling). May occur in risingfrom the playing surface, or in the motion of walking/running/skating.

Identification of player requiring HIMA
Possible sources of identification include;
Observation by Club Medical Staff, medical tablets,
Medical Coordinator, other Club’s medical team,Match Officials, Players
Pathway to facilitate HIMA
Game stopped for possible concussion by the Match Official• Medical Staff enter field of play & MVO reviews video footage on tablet device• Player on-field assessment by Team Doctor• Match Official allows as much time as needed for assessment
Recognition of acute signs and symptoms of possible concussion
Detailed list of signs and symptoms can be found in HIMA. They can beobserved pitch-side, elicited on assessment or seen on video replay.
Is one or more present?
Yes

Involuntary clonic movements that comprise periods ofasymmetric and irregular rhythmic jerking of axial or limb
muscles.

No

Rest of on-field assessment as detailed in HIMA completed.
Comparison with relevant aspects of the Player's Baseline
Assessment. Is there any evidence of significant deviation or clinicalsuspicion of a possible concussive injury? Any video evidence?

Involuntary sustained contraction of one or more limbs(typically upper limbs), so that the limb is held stiff despite
the influence of gravity or the position of the player. The
tonic posturing could involve other muscles such as thecervical, axial, and lower limb muscles. Tonic posturing
may be observed while the athlete is on the playing
surface, or in the motion of falling, where the player may
also demonstrate no protective action.

Yes

No immediate signs of concussion.
Continued observation during play by Club Medical Staff
Clear concussion signs or
symptoms evolve.

No clear signs or
symptoms develop.

Player permanently removed from play and APCS is used

No protective action – floppy

Blank/vacant look

Falls to the playing surface in an unprotected manner (i.e.
without stretching out hands or arms to lessen or minimise
the fall) after direct or indirect contact to the head. The
player demonstrates loss of motor tone (which may beobserved in the limbs and/or neck) before landing on theplaying surface.
The player exhibits no facial expression or apparent
emotion in response to the environment. It may include alack of focus/attention of vision. Blank/vacant look is best
appreciated in reference to the athlete’s normal or
expected facial expression.

Off-field assessment completed

Formal clinical assessment
at half time & end of play

Documentation and follow-up
•
•
•
•
•

HIMA and MVO review documented by the responsible Club Medical Staff on the Premier League’s electronic system
Medical Coordinator video review documented on the Premier League’s electronic system
All players to complete HIFU 1 and HIFU 2, if concussion is diagnosed HIFU 3 and HIFU 4 must also be completed
Follow-up documented on the Premier League’s electronic system
If a concussion diagnosis is made, The FA concussion guidelines for an Enhanced Care Setting must be followed to guide return to play

Insert > Header & Footer > Apply to All - To show presentation title here
6 https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/53/20/1264.

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564

Appendix 6

Appendix 6

Medical Examinations and Information to be Conducted / Collected
Annually on all Contract Players and Academy Players Registered on
Scholarship Agreements

Requirement

Mandatory or
Comment
Recommended

Personal details
Mandatory

Name
Date of birth
Details of next of kin or guardian

Necessary minimum
dataset required inemergencies

Home address• in addition, any further cardiac
investigations or follow-up should be
performed, as advised by expert opinion

Languages spoken and understood

Mandatory

To include family history
and personal medical
history

Immunisation
Mandatory

See FA guidelines onblood borne viruses

Meningitis ACWY immunisation

Mandatory

Now administered by
GPs to scholars

Other immunisations and medicines necessary
for foreign travel

Mandatory

To reflect work related
travel plans for the
age-group

Immunisation history and status
Allergies

Mandatory

Asthma or other potentially life threatening
conditions

Mandatory

Medications and supplements being taken by
the Player

Mandatory

Current therapeutic use exemptions held by thePlayerMandatory

Hepatitis B carrier/immune status to be checked
and immunisation offered to all

Testing
Mandatory• conduct SCAT and computerised
neurocognitive
baseline
test
atrecruitment; and• repeat at intervals no greater than two
years
Cardiac testing:• a physical examination, cardiac history
and standard 12-lead ECG andechocardiography must be performedon all Player on signing their first
professional contract;

565

Mandatory

These
examinations
should comply with therequirements set out in
guidelines published by
The FA

Doctors may see fit to
conduct otherinvestigations
These stipulated tests
are considered theminimum necessary forplayers on aprofessional contract• a single test, where appropriate, forhaemoglobinopathies

Medical history

Concussion history and baseline testing:

Mandatory• annual full blood count, liver and kidney
function and a urine dip-test for blood,
sugar, and protein; andFaith or religion

Medical history and examination• a physical examination, cardiac history
and standard 12-lead ECG should be
conducted when the Player is aged 18
and again when he is aged 20; andBlood and urine testing:Name and address of GP

Appendices to the Rules(Rule O.21)

Collection of the above information is considered necessary for the safety of the Player to ensure that
medical emergencies can be managed appropriately. For tournaments and foreign trips, it isrecommended that the responsible clinician has access to these details in case of emergency.
Beyond this, no further tests are mandated. However, it is recognised that Clubs will collect more
personal information and may justify and undertake more tests; in particular, those Clubs competingin UEFA competitions will be subject to additional obligations under UEFA’s rules.

These examinations tocomply with The FA andPFA Complete Standard
Operating Procedures
for Cardiac Screening
Scholarship Programme566

Appendix 7

Appendix 7

Code of Conduct for Managers

1.	A Manager shall strictly observe the terms of their contract with their Club andshall not (either by themselves or through any third party) enter into negotiations
with another Club (or club) relating to their employment without having firstobtained the permission of their Club to do so.
2.	
A Manager shall not, either directly or indirectly (including by making any
statement to the media):
2.1 	make an approach to a Contract Player with a view to the Manager’s Club
negotiating a contract with such Player except as permitted by either RuleT.1 or Rule T.2;
2.2	make an approach to an Academy Player registered at the Academy ofanother Club (or club) or a player with whom another Club (or club) has
entered into a pre-registration agreement which remains current; or2.3 	make an approach to any other employee of another Club (or club) witha view to inducing or attempting to induce such employee to terminate acontract of employment with that Club (or club), whether or not by breachof that contract, except with the written consent of the Club (or club) bywhich they are employed.
3.	A Manager shall comply with the Laws of the Game, the Rules and Regulations of
The Football Association (including, without limitation, The Football Association
Regulations on Working with Intermediaries), the Rules of the Premier League,
the rules of any competition in which their Club participates and their Club Rules(collectively “the Rules”) and they shall not encourage or invite any person(including Players and other employees of their Club) to act in breach of the samebut shall take all possible steps to ensure that they comply with them.
4.	A Manager shall use their best endeavours to ensure that there is in force attheir Club a fair and effective disciplinary policy applicable to Players and other
employees under their control and that it is applied consistently.
5.	A Manager shall not use racist or other discriminatory language. A Manager’s
behaviour should demonstrate to Players and other employees under their control
that discrimination in any form is unacceptable. A Manager shall use all possible
steps to ensure that others in their control adopt the same standards of behaviourin this regard.

567

7.	A Manager shall not make public any unfair criticism of any Match Official or any
other Manager or any Player, Official or employee of theirs or another Club.
8.	A Manager shall ensure that they understand and acts in accordance with theirClub’s written transfer policy (see Rule H.4).

Appendices to the Rules(Rule P.1)

6.	
A Manager shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that Players and other
employees under their control accept and observe the authority and decisions ofMatch Officials and to promote the highest standards on the field of play generally.

9.	In all discussions, negotiations, transactions and arrangements relating to theemployment of Players by their Club (“Player Transactions”) including, without
limitation, the renewal or renegotiation of existing contracts or any related
contracts or arrangements involving their Club and a Player and/or third party (forexample, involving their Club’s or a Player’s intellectual property rights, including
the exploitation of name or image), a Manager shall, in addition to their duty to act
in accordance with the Club’s written transfer policy, act with the utmost good faithand in accordance with their primary duty to act in the best interests of their Club.
10.	A Manager shall at all times observe the principles of honesty, transparency,
accountability and personal impartiality (whether financial or otherwise) in theirdealings involving Player Transactions.
11.	A Manager shall forthwith disclose to their Club the nature and extent of any direct
or indirect interest or any conflict or potential conflict of interest they may have inany transaction or arrangement involving their Club (including, without limitation,
any Player Transaction), they shall not be involved in the same without the writtenconsent of their Club, and, if such consent is granted, they shall account to theirClub for any benefit which either directly or indirectly they derive therefrom.
12.	If a Manager is in any doubt as to whether there exists any interest or conflict(actual or potential) to be disclosed as required by paragraph 11, above, they may
consult with the League Managers Association for guidance and advice.
13.	Upon becoming aware of any breach of the Rules, including by way of example
only, any financial or other benefit or inducement offered in connection with aPlayer Transaction in breach of the Rules, a Manager shall immediately report suchbreach in writing to the League.

568

Appendix 7

Appendix 8
Code of Conduct for Clubs

14.	A Manager shall conduct themselves at all times in an ethical and professionalmanner and shall observe the highest standards of integrity and fair dealing.
15.	A Manager shall take all possible steps to promote the reputation of the game ofassociation football and to prevent it being brought into disrepute.

1.	In all discussions, negotiations and transactions relating to the employment ofManagers, each Club shall behave towards each other Club with the utmost goodfaith.
2.	A Club shall not (either directly or through any third party) enter into negotiations
relating to the employment of another Club’s Manager without the prior permissionof that Club.

Appendices to the Rules(Rule P.2)

3.	A Club shall not take any steps (including the making of statements to the media)
to induce another Club’s Manager to act in breach of the terms of their contract
with their Club.
4.	A Club shall strictly observe the terms of its contract with its Manager and, inparticular, if on the determination of the contract any sum is payable by the Clubto the Manager, the Club shall ensure that prompt settlement is made.

569

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Appendix 10Standard Clauses for Inclusion in Managers’ Contracts of Employment

Code of Conduct for Scouts(Rule P.8.1)(Rule Q.7)

1.	The Manager shall observe and comply with the rules and regulations for thetime being in force of any organisation or body the rules and regulations of which
the Club is bound to observe including those of The Football Association and the
League and in particular he shall at all times act in accordance with the League’s
Code of Conduct for Managers.

1.	The function of a Scout is to identify to his Club players with whom his Club may
wish to enter into negotiations with a view to securing their registration. Scouts
are not themselves entitled to enter into any such negotiations nor are they able
to make promises to or offer inducements to any players whom they approach.

2.

The Manager shall comply with all reasonable instructions and requests(a)(b)

given to Club Managers by the League; or
given to the Manager by the Club,	which arise in the first case out of any commercial contract entered into by the
League for the benefit of its members or in the second case out of any suchcontract entered into by the Club for its own benefit and the Manager shall nothimself enter into any such contract which conflicts or competes or is reasonably
likely to conflict or compete with those entered into by the League or by the Club
as aforesaid.
3.	Any dispute or difference arising between the parties hereto as to the constructionof this Agreement or the rights duties or obligations of either party hereunder or
any matter arising out of or concerning the same or the Manager’s employment
hereunder shall be referred to the Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal in accordancewith the Rules of the League for the time being in force. Notwithstanding theforegoing provisions of this clause [3] and without prejudice thereto, the parties
shall use and until the conclusion of the arbitration shall continue to use their best
endeavours to attempt to reach a settlement of their dispute by mediation.
	[Note: The names and addresses of organisations offering an appropriate
mediation service are available upon application to the League.]

2.	Scouts are employed by and represent their Clubs and are Officials within themeaning of the Rules of the Premier League (“the Rules”) by which they are bound.

Appendices to the Rules

Appendix 9

3.	Scouts must therefore be familiar with the Rules and in particular those relating to
Academy Players set out in the Youth Development Rules. They must maintain anawareness of and at all times comply with the Rules setting out the circumstancesin which their Club may make an approach to a Player or Academy Player (asdefined in the Rules) whose registration is held by another Club. In addition, those
Scouts that come into contact with and/or have access to Children as part of theirduties must familiarise themselves with (and abide by) their Club’s safeguarding
policies and procedures and the League’s ‘Guidance for Safer Working Practice’.
4.	When acting in the course of his duties a Scout shall at all times carry the formalmeans of identification issued to him by his Club and/or the League and shallproduce the same upon demand.
5.	Scouts are responsible for the conduct of their contacts and shall be liable for any
act or omission by a contact which constitutes a breach of the Rules.
6.	Scouts shall conduct themselves in a manner befitting their role as Officials of theirClubs and shall take all possible steps to promote the reputation of the game ofassociation football and to prevent it being brought into disrepute.
7.	A Scout shall forthwith disclose to his Club the nature and extent of any direct orindirect interest he may have in any transaction or arrangement involving his Cluband he shall account to his Club for any benefit which either directly or indirectly hederives therefrom.
8.	A Scout shall conduct himself at all times in an ethical and professional mannerand shall observe the highest standards of integrity and fair dealing.

571

572

Appendix 11

Appendix 11

Standard Clauses for Inclusion in replica Strip manufacturers’ contracts

1.	[The manufacturer’s name] (“the Company”) will not itself or through any officerof the Company or any person authorised to act on behalf of the Company:
1.1	include in a contract for sale or agreement relating to the sale of replica
football kit a term or condition which purports to establish or provide forthe establishment of minimum prices to be charged on the resale of replica
football kit in the United Kingdom;
1.2	require, as a condition of supplying replica football kit to a dealer, theinclusion in a contract or agreement of any such term or condition, or thegiving of any undertaking to the like effect;
1.3	notify to dealers, or otherwise publish on or in relation to replica football kit,a price stated or calculated to be understood as the minimum price which
may be charged on the resale of those goods the replica football kit in the
United Kingdom; or
1.4	withhold supplies of replica football kit from a dealer seeking to obtainthem for resale in the United Kingdom on the ground that the dealer:
		

		

2.	
For the avoidance of doubt, nothing shall prevent the Company fromrecommending resale prices to dealers provided no impression is given that, indoing so, the Company is notifying a minimum price.
3.	The Company may, notwithstanding any of the foregoing, withhold supplies froma dealer, or cause or procure a supplier to do so, if it has reasonable cause tobelieve that within the previous 12 months the dealer, or any other dealer to whom
the dealer supplies goods, has been using as a loss-leader any replica football kit
whether or not obtained from the Club.

Appendices to the Rules(Rule R.17)

1.4.1	has sold in the United Kingdom at a price below the resale pricereplica football kit obtained, either directly or indirectly, from theCompany, or has supplied such replica football kit, either directly or
indirectly, to a third party who had done so; or
1.4.2	is likely, if the replica football kit is supplied to him, to sell it in the
United Kingdom at a price below that price, or supply it, either
directly or indirectly, to a third party who would be likely to do so.

	In subclause 1.4, ‘resale price’ in relation to a sale of any description, means any
price notified to the dealer or otherwise published by or on behalf of the Company
as the price or minimum price which is to be charged on or is recommended as
appropriate for a sale of that description, or any price prescribed or purporting
to be prescribed for that purpose by a contract or agreement between the dealer
and the Company.

573

574

Appendix 13

Notice to Manufacturer Licensed to Manufacture
and Distribute Club Replica Strip

Regulations of the Professional Football Compensation Committee(Rule R.18)

Definitions

1.

You will not:1.

1.1	include in a contract for sale or agreement relating to the sale of replica
football kit a term or condition which purports to establish or provide forthe establishment of minimum prices to be charged on the resale of replica
football kit in the United Kingdom;
1.2	require, as a condition of supplying replica football kit to a dealer, theinclusion in a contract or agreement of any such term or condition, or thegiving of any undertaking to the like effect;
1.3	notify to dealers, or otherwise publish on or in relation to replica football kit, aprice stated or calculated to be understood as the minimum price which may
be charged on the resale of replica football kit in the United Kingdom; or
1.4	withhold supplies of replica football kit from a dealer seeking to obtainthem for resale in the United Kingdom on the ground that the dealer:				

1.4.1	has sold in the United Kingdom at a price below the resale price*
replica football kit obtained, either directly or indirectly, from you,or has supplied such replica football kit, either directly or indirectly,
to a third party who had done so; or
1.4.2	is likely, if the replica football kit is supplied to him, to sell it in the
United Kingdom at a price below that price, or supply it, either
directly or indirectly, to a third party who would be likely to do so.

2.	You shall not be prevented from recommending resale prices to dealers provided
no impression is given that, in doing so, you are notifying a minimum price.
3.	You may, notwithstanding any of the foregoing, withhold supplies from a dealer,or cause or procure a supplier to do so, if it has reasonable cause to believe thatwithin the previous 12 months the dealer, or any other dealer to whom the dealer
supplies goods, has been using as a loss-leader any replica football kit whether or
not obtained from the Club.
*In paragraph 1.4.1 ‘resale price’ in relation to a sale of any description means any price notified to the dealer orotherwise published by you as the price or minimum price which is to be charged on or is recommended as appropriate
for a sale of that description, or any price prescribed or purporting to be prescribed for that purpose by a contract oragreement between the dealer and you

575

In these Regulations:1.1 	“Club” means a football club in membership of the Premier League or the
Football League;
1.2	“Compensation Fee” means any sum of money (exclusive of value addedtax) payable by a Transferee Club to a Transferor Club upon the transfer ofthe registration of a Player;
1.3“the Football League” means The Football League Limited;
1.4	“PFNCC” means the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative
Committee;
1.5	
“Player” means a player who is the subject of an application to theProfessional Football Compensation Committee (“the Committee”)
pursuant to Regulation 2 of these Regulations;
1.6	“the Premier League” means The Football Association Premier League
Limited;1.7	“Secretary” means the person or body appointed by the PFNCC toadminister these Regulations;
1.8	“ Transferee Club” means a Club to which the registration of a Player has
been transferred; and1.9	“ Transferor Club” means a Club from which the registration of a Player has
been transferred.

Appendices to the Rules

Appendix 12

Jurisdiction
2.

The Committee shall determine applications made pursuant to:
2.1	Premier League Rules T.38, V.27.2 and Youth Development Rules 345 and 364;
2.2	Football League Regulations 63.20, 63.21, 63.22, 67.5 and Football League
Youth Development Rules 349 and 344.2; and2.3	appeals from a decision of the Board of the Football League made pursuant
to Football League Regulation 66.1.

3. 	In making a determination as aforesaid, the Committee shall take into account thecosts set out in Regulation 4 and any of the following criteria:
3.1
the status of each of the Transferor Club and the Transferee Club;3.2
the age of the Player;
3.3	the Training Model(s) (as that term is defined in Youth Development Rule
1.93) on which the Player was engaged with the Transferor Club;576

Appendix 13

Appendix 13

4.

The costs to be taken into account under Regulation 3 shall be:
4.1	
any cost incurred by either Club in operating an Academy, a Football
Academy or Centre of Excellence including (without limitation) the cost ofproviding for players attending thereat:

		
		
		
		
		
		
		

4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.1.5
4.1.6
4.1.7

living accommodation;
training and playing facilities;
scouting, coaching, administrative and other staff;
education and welfare requirements;
playing and training strip and other clothing;
medical and first aid facilities; andfriendly and competitive matches and overseas tours; and4.2	any other cost incurred by either Club directly or indirectly attributable tothe training and development of players including any fee referred to in
Regulation 3.3.
Composition of the Committee
5.

7.	If following their appointment any other member of the Committee is unable toact or to continue acting, his appointor may appoint a replacement so that thecomposition of the Committee is maintained as provided in Regulation 5.
8.	If the members of the Committee fail to agree, they shall decide by a majority
provided that, if the Committee is composed of an even number of members, thechair shall have a second or casting vote.
Committee Procedures
9.	The parties to proceedings before the Committee shall be the Transferor Club andthe Transferee Club.
10.	Proceedings shall be commenced by either party making a written application to
the Secretary:
10.1 identifying the respondent Club and the Player;
10.2	
setting out the facts surrounding the application including the criteria
referred to in Regulation 3;
10.3	identifying any documents relied upon, copies of which shall be annexed;
and10.4	in the case of an application made by a Transferor Club, giving full particularsof the costs set out in Regulation 4.
11.	Each Club which is a party in proceedings shall pay an administration fee to theSecretary the amount of which will be determined by the PFNCC from time to time.

The Committee shall be composed of:
5.1	an independent chair with an appropriate legal background who, subject
to the prior written approval of the Premier League, the Football League
and The Professional Footballers’ Association, shall be appointed by the
PFNCC in such terms as it thinks fit;
5.2	an appointee of each of the leagues of which the Transferor Club and theTransferee Club are members or, if the Transferor Club and the Transferee
Club are both members of the same league, an appointee of that league;
5.3
an appointee of The Professional Footballers’ Association; and5.4
an appointee of The League Managers’ Association.

577

6.	If the chair of the Committee is unable to act or to continue acting as such in thedetermination of any application, the PFNCC shall appoint in their stead a personwith an appropriate legal background.

Appendices to the Rules

3.4	the amount of any fee paid by the Transferor Club upon acquiring theregistration of the Player;
3.5	the length of time during which the Transferor Club held the registration of
the Player;
3.6	the terms of the new contract offered to the Player by both the Transferor
Club and the Transferee Club;
3.7
the Player’s playing record including any international appearances; and3.8	substantiated interest shown by other clubs in acquiring the registration of
the Player.

12.	Upon receipt of an application the Secretary shall:
12.1	procure that for the purpose of determining the application the Committee
is composed in accordance with Regulation 5;
12.2	send a copy of the application and any documents annexed to it to thechair; and12.3 send a copy of the same by recorded delivery post to the respondent.
13.	Within 14 days of receipt of the copy application the respondent shall send to theSecretary by recorded delivery post a written response to the application, annexing
thereto copies of any documents relied upon, and, in the case of a response by aTransferor Club, giving full particulars of the costs set out in Regulation 4.
578

Appendix 13

14.	Upon receipt of the response the Secretary shall send a copy thereof together witha copy of any document annexed to:24.

The Committee shall give reasons for its decision.

25.

The decision of the Committee shall be final and binding.

14.1
14.2

the chair; andthe party making the application.

Fees and Expenses

15.	The chair of the Committee shall give directions as they think fit for the future
conduct of the proceedings addressed in writing to the parties with which theparties shall comply without delay.

26.	The chair and members of the Committee shall be entitled to receive fees andexpenses in such sum or sums as shall be determined by the PFNCC from time totime.

16.	The Committee by its chair shall have power to summon any person to attend thehearing of the proceedings to give evidence and to produce documents and any
person who is bound by these Regulations and who, having been summoned, fails
to attend or to give evidence or to produce documents shall be in breach of theseRegulations.

Committee’s Powers

17.	Upon the chair’s directions having been complied with or time for compliancehaving passed the Secretary shall make all necessary arrangements for the hearingof the proceedings (including supplying a full copy of all documents necessary forthe hearing to each member of the Committee) and shall give written notice of thedate, time and place thereof to the parties.

Appendices to the Rules

Appendix 13

27.	Upon determining an application made in accordance with the provisions of theseRegulations, the Committee may make an order with regard to the amount andpayment of a Compensation Fee and any other order as it thinks fit.
Amendments
28.	No amendment to these Regulations shall be proposed or made without
the prior written approval of the Premier League, the Football League and theProfessional Footballers’ Association.

18.	If a party to the proceedings fails to attend the hearing the Committee may either
adjourn it or proceed in their absence.
19.	The chair of the Committee shall have an overriding discretion as to the manner inwhich the hearing of the proceedings shall be conducted.
20.	The Committee shall not be bound by any enactment or rule of law relating to theadmissibility of evidence in proceedings before a court of law.
21.

The hearing shall be conducted in private.

22.	Each party shall be entitled to be represented at the hearing by a solicitor orcounsel provided that they shall have given to the other party and to the chair of
the Committee 14 days’ prior written notice to that effect.
23.	The Committee’s decision shall be announced as soon as practicable and if possibleat the end of the hearing and shall be confirmed in writing by the Secretary to theparties.

579

580

Appendix 14

Appendix 14

Code of Conduct for Clubs, Academy Players Registeredon PLYD Form 5 and their Parent(s) (the ‘Code’)

The following Code applies to each Club, Academy Player registered on PLYD Form 5
and their Parent(s) and sets out the standards expected of each party. By signing thisCode, each party agrees to abide by it, and any breach of this Code (as determined by
the Premier League Board) may be deemed a breach of Youth Development Rule 214.
1. The Club agrees to:(a)	provide a safe and inclusive environment in which the Academy Player can learn
and develop free from abuse, bullying, mistreatment and discrimination in any
form;(b)	ensure all Staff receive regular safeguarding training approved by the Club’s Headof Safeguarding and have been subject to safer recruitment procedures;(c)	protect the welfare of the Academy Player, including their mental and emotional
wellbeing;(d) ensure medical screening, monitoring and support for the Academy Player;(e)	provide a structured football learning programme, appropriate to the age, ability
and growth of the Academy Player;(f)	provide participation in football matches arranged or approved by the Premier
League as part of the Games Programme;(g)	provide trained and qualified coaching and other staff and facilities as determinedby the Youth Development Rules;(h)	provide guidelines to the Academy Player and Parent(s) on the best ways for themto contribute to the Academy Player’s football and personal development;(i)	provide compensatory education and support (in consultation with the Academy
Player’s Parent(s) and school) for the continued academic and personal
development of the Academy Player which is appropriate to their educational
needs and training model;(j)	provide regular communication and reports to the Academy Player and Parent(s)on their progress; and(k)provide any additional code of conduct and/or rules for its Academy.

2. The Academy Player agrees to:(a)	attend the Academy regularly and punctually, behave with self-discipline and givenotice of and reasons for any absence;(b)	practise the techniques and skills taught by the Academy and attempt to apply
them in matches;(c)maintain their academic progression and attainment;(d)	follow a lifestyle appropriate to development – spending leisure time positively,
eating, drinking, relaxing and sleeping sensibly;(e)	communicate with the Academy staff, keeping them informed about any mattersaffecting them;(f)	never engage in abusive, bullying, violent or discriminatory behaviour in any form,
including whilst online; and(g)	adhere to any code of conduct issued by the Club and/or any rules for its Academy.

Appendices to the Rules(Youth Development Rule 214)

3. The Parent(s) agree to:(a)	support the Academy Player to meet targets, including this Code and any code of
conduct issued separately by the Club and/or any rules for its Academy;(b)	support the Academy Player without pressure, praise good work and refrain fromcriticising lapses;(c)	set a good example to the Academy Player;(d)	not approach or engage in communication, either directly or indirectly, withanother Academy whilst the Academy Player is registered with an Academy, saveas permitted by the Youth Development Rules;(e)	communicate with the Academy staff to resolve any issues of concern and to keepthem informed about any matters affecting the Academy Player; and(f)	adhere to any code of conduct issued by the Club and/or any rules for its Academy.
We, the undersigned, agree to the CodeName ................................................................................................

..........................................................................
Football Club

Signature.........................................................................................
Name ................................................................................................

581..........................................................................

582

Appendix 15

Appendix 14

Terms of Reference for the Judicial Panel

Name ................................................................................................

..........................................................................
Parents

Signature.........................................................................................

Note: This Code should be signed in quadruplicate, one copy being provided to the
Academy Player, one to his Parent(s), one being submitted to the League in accordancewith Youth Development Rule 274 and the fourth being retained by the Club.

A.

Introduction

1.	At their 6 February 2020 Shareholders’ Meeting, the Premier League’s Member
Clubs resolved to establish a Judicial Panel in accordance with the provisionsof these Terms of Reference, from which individuals will be appointed to assist
with disciplinary, arbitral and regulatory issues arising under the Premier League
Rules (“Rules”), including (without limitation) the following sections: Section W(Disciplinary); Section Y (Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal); Section Z (Premier
League Appeals Committee) and the Youth Development Rules (“YDRs”).
B.

Appendices to the Rules

Academy Player

Signature.........................................................................................

Chair of the Judicial Panel

Appointment
2.	The Chair of the Judicial Panel shall be appointed by Resolution of Clubs at a
Shareholders’ Meeting for a term of five years (with no reappointment). Where theterm is curtailed by the resignation of the Chair, the Board shall be empowered toappoint an interim Chair of the Judicial Panel from those individuals appointed to
the Judicial Panel until such time as a permanent replacement is appointed by aresolution of Clubs.
Experience and expertise
3.	The individual appointed to the role of Chair of the Judicial Panel shall ordinarily
meet the following criteria:
3.1	be a barrister or solicitor of at least 15 years’ post-qualification experience;
3.2	hold recent, relevant experience of involvement in sports disciplinary
matters;
3.3
hold extensive knowledge of:		
3.3.1	best practice in conducting sports disciplinary matters andarbitrations; and		
3.3.2	ancillary relevant legal subjects, such as competition law andcommercial law and arbitration; and3.4
have a working knowledge and awareness of the Rules.

583

584

Appendix 15

Duties and responsibilities

Disciplinary Panel

4.

7.

The Chair of the Judicial Panel shall be responsible for:4.1	
appointing suitable individuals to the Disciplinary Panel and Appeals
Panel, through an open recruitment process (which may include seeking
nominations or suggestions from various stakeholder groups within
English football, which the Chair may or may not accept), ensuring where
reasonably practicable that the appointees and their respective skills at all
times comply with the provisions of paragraph 7, below;
4.2	appointing individual members of the Judicial Panel to sit on Commissions,Appeal Boards, tribunals and otherwise, as provided for in the Rules;
4.3	where appropriate, and pursuant to paragraph 20, below, appointing onan ad-hoc basis individuals who are not members of the Judicial Panel, butwhom he considers would be suitable for the particular appointment, to sit
on Commissions, Appeal Boards, tribunals and otherwise, as provided for in
the Rules;
4.4	where appropriate, sitting as a member of an Appeal Board (whether aschair or otherwise);
4.5	where appropriate, considering and adjudicating on preliminary issues thatarise under the Rules;
4.6	attending a meeting of the Legal Advisory Group on an annual basis topresent on the work of the Judicial Panel over the preceding year; and4.7	carrying out such other functions as reasonably requested by the Board
from time to time, including the organisation of training for members of the
Judicial Panel.

5.	The Chair of the Judicial Panel shall, at their discretion, appoint a deputy chair fromthe membership of the Judicial Panel to assist with such tasks as they think fit. They
may also delegate any administrative and/or secretarial function required by theirrole to any other member or employee of their chambers or firm, as appropriate.
C.

7.1	legally qualified individuals, each of greater than 10 years’ post-qualification
experience (whether as a barrister or solicitor);
7.2
authorised insolvency practitioners;
7.3	individuals who hold nationally recognised qualifications as accountants or
auditors; and7.4	
individuals with extensive and demonstrable experience in footballadministration and/or youth development.
8.	Each member of the Disciplinary Panel shall (unless proscribed under the Rules) beeligible to:
8.1	sit as a member of a Commission, appointed under Section W (Disciplinary)of the Rules;
8.2	sit as a member of an appeal tribunal appointed under Rule E.36 or Rule F.17;
8.3	in the case of an arbitration under Rule P.12 and Section Y (Managers’
Arbitration Tribunal) of the Rules, sit as a member of a Managers’ Arbitration
Tribunal or as a single arbitrator;
8.4	sit as a member of the Premier League Appeals Committee, in accordancewith Section Z (Premier League Appeals Committee) of the Rules; and8.5	assist with such other matters as are referred to the member by the Chairof the Judicial Panel and arising from the Rules including, for example, anapplication by an Academy Player to have his registration terminated inaccordance with YDR 290.
Appeals Panel
9.	The Appeals Panel shall ordinarily comprise individuals who: (a) are barristers orsolicitors of no fewer than fifteen years’ post-qualification experience; and/or (b)hold or have held judicial office.

Composition of the Judicial Panel

6.	The Judicial Panel shall comprise a Disciplinary Panel and an Appeals Panel,
appointments to which shall be the responsibility (and at the discretion) of the
Chair of the Judicial Panel, save that no member of the Judicial Panel shall:
6.1
be a representative or employee of the League;
6.2
be an Official or Director of a Club (or club in membership of the EFL);
6.3	accept any instruction, whether appearing as advocate or otherwise, froma party to any proceedings or process under the Premier League Rules; or
6.4
subject to any of the matters set out in Rule F.1.
585

The Disciplinary Panel shall ordinarily comprise:

Appendices to the Rules

Appendix 15

10.	Each member of the Appeals Panel (and the Chair of the Judicial Panel) shall be eligible
to sit as a member of an Appeal Board appointed under Section W (Disciplinary)(as well as any of the entities referred to in paragraphs 8.3 and 8.4, above).

D.

Term and termination

11.	Subject to paragraph 13, below, the term of each member of the Judicial Panelshall be 10 years. At the end of that term, the member may be reappointed for afurther term by the Chair of the Judicial Panel, at their absolute discretion.
586

Appendix 15

12.	A member of the Judicial Panel appointed for any purpose provided for by theRules may continue to act on the matter for which they were so appointed
notwithstanding that their term of office has expired, with the permission of the
Chair of the Judicial Panel. Where the Chair of the Judicial Panel does not grantsuch permission, any questions as to the future progress of the matter shall be
determined by the Chair of the Judicial Panel at his absolute discretion.

16.	
Liability for payment of the sums referred to at paragraph 15, above, shallbe determined in accordance with the Rules and, in particular, the provisions
empowering Commissions, Tribunals and Appeal Boards to impose cost orders.
Where the Rules are silent as to liability for payment of the sums referred to atparagraph 15, above, the matter shall be referred to the Chair of the Judicial Panelto determine in such manner as they think fit.

13.	The appointment of any member of the Judicial Panel (including the Chair) shallcease before the conclusion of the applicable term if:

17.	No amendment to these Terms of Reference shall be made without the approval ofClubs at a General Meeting. Any amendment made pursuant to this paragraph 17
shall be effective immediately and shall be binding on all members of the Judicial
Panel, including the Chair, all Clubs and the League.

13.1	by notice in writing to the Chair of the Judicial Panel, the member resigns
from the Judicial Panel;
13.2	the member accepts a position that would render the member ineligible
from appointment to the Judicial Panel, in accordance with paragraph 6,
above;
13.3 the member becomes subject to any of the matters set out in Rule F.1; and13.4 in the opinion of the Chair of the Judicial Panel:		
13.4.1	the member becomes physically or mentally incapable of discharging
their duties as a member of the Judicial Panel; and/or		
13.4.2	the member has refused or failed to conduct proceedings properly
and/or efficiently and expeditiously and in either case substantial
injustice has as a result been caused to a party to such proceedings.
E.

Miscellaneous

14.	The Chair of the Judicial Panel shall be remunerated for their role as Chair by wayof an annual fee or salary, payable by the League (with the level of fee agreed forthe entire term at the start of the term). The terms of their appointment shall, atthe start of the term, be subject to the approval of the Premier League’s Audit andRemuneration Committee.
15.	Each member of the Judicial Panel will be paid a daily rate for their work on
matters covered in these Terms of Reference, the level of which shall be agreed
by the League and the Chair of the Judicial Panel and subject to the approval of
the Premier League’s Audit and Remuneration Committee. In addition, members of
the Judicial Panel may be reimbursed for any reasonable out of pocket expenses
incurred during the course of their work.

587

Appendices to the Rules

Appendix 15

18.	Any hearings, appeals, deliberations or proceedings of any description held
pursuant to or arising from the Rules which are in progress as of 6 February 2020
shall continue in full force and effect, without variation, with any individuals validly
appointed to conduct such matters under any iterations of the Rules previously inforce fully empowered to conclude those matters, whether or not those individuals
are (or become) members of the Judicial Panel.
19.	Save where specifically defined in these Terms of Reference, capitalised terms
bear the meaning given to them in the Premier League’s Articles of Associations
and/or the Rules (including the YDRs).
20. 	Notwithstanding all of the above, the Chair of the Judicial Panel may, in theirabsolute discretion, when appointing Commissions, Appeal Boards, tribunals andotherwise, as provided for in the Rules, appoint on an ad hoc basis individuals
who are not members of the Judicial Panel but whom they consider would besuitable for the particular appointment (and for the period of their temporary
appointment each such person will be considered a member of the Judicial Panel).
It is anticipated that the Chair of the Judicial Panel will exercise this power only
in exceptional circumstances (for example, where specific and/or unforeseenknowledge or expertise is required). Those individuals appointed on an ad hoc
basis will be subject to the same daily rates and the same approach to expenses
reimbursement as members of the Judicial Panel.

588

Appendix 16

Appendix 16

COVID-19 Emergency Protocol

1.

In the event of:a.	a Club experiencing an Outbreak (as defined in any Outbreak Protocol
issued by the League);b.	the imposition of new Government restrictions (whether imposed at a local
or national level) in response to an escalation in the public health risks posed
by COVID-19 (whether due to the emergence of a new variant of COVID-19,
an increase in the COVID-19 infection rate or otherwise); orc.	the Board determining that a worsening of the COVID-19 outlook at either alocal or national level poses a material risk to the staging of multiple League
Matches (whether or not Government imposes new restrictions in response),	the League may implement such emergency measures (either on one Club, agroup of Clubs or all Clubs) as it considers necessary to enhance the bio-securityof any venue at which Players or Academy Players are trained or coached and/or
any League Matches are staged, protect the safety of Players, Academy Players
and Officials, minimise the spread of COVID-19 among those groups so far as
possible and maintain Government and stakeholder support for the continuationof training and League Matches involving the Club (“Emergency Measures”).

k.	additional monitoring measures to ensure compliance with the Emergency
Measures (including the presence of Premier League representatives at theTraining Ground/Academy Training Ground to monitor compliance).
Guidance	While any decision as to the imposition and nature of Emergency Measures will
be at the discretion of the League, prior to taking any such decision it will procure
advice from the Premier League Football Medical Governance Group and, where
possible within time constraints, consult with the relevant Club(s).
3.

Appendices to the Rules(Rule O.24)

Where the League implements Emergency Measures:a.	they will be time-limited and subject to regular review by the League toensure that they continue to be necessary and proportionate; andb.	any Club subject to the Emergency Measures must comply with them in all
respects. Failure to do so will constitute a breach of the Rules.

2.	While the specifics of any Emergency Measures will be for the League to determine,for the avoidance of doubt, they may include some or all of the following:a.	a mandatory regime for COVID-19 surveillance testing of the Club’s Players
and Officials;b.	accreditation and/or screening requirements to access training and League
Match venues;c.	restrictions on the use of indoor spaces at training and League Match venues(including limitations on numbers and modification of areas to enable social
distancing);d.	restrictions on manual therapy of Players, Academy Players and Officials;e.	restrictions on the use of showering or bathing facilities, ice baths and/or
cryogenic chambers;f.
restrictions on training methods;g.	requirements in respect of personal protective equipment (including facecoverings);
h.
limitation or suspension of Academy activities;i.
restrictions on team travel;j.	restrictions on the preparation and service of food and beverages within
training and League Match venues; or
589

590

Appendix 17

Appendix 17

Competition Interruption - Squad Management Protocol

Introduction

1.	This document details a range of measures that Clubs have agreed, pursuant toRule C.18, may be implemented by the Board in the event that it considers themnecessary to ensure the completion of a Competition. In accordance with Rule C.19,
they may be implemented by written notice to Clubs (“Implementation Notice”).

Player who has made a first team appearance for:		i.

the Club;		

ii.

another Premier League or EFL club; and

		

iii.

an overseas club; and2.	Any of the below, though more particularly elements of Section B, may be subject
to future overriding FIFA regulations and be updated accordingly as a result.
B.

Postponement of League Matches

Guidance
3.	Following the issue of an Implementation Notice, the Board will only permit therearrangement or postponement of a League Match in exceptional circumstances,which will be judged on a case-by-case basis.
4.

However, by way of guidance to Clubs:b.	the relevant position(s) of the Squad List Player(s) who is/are unavailable (forexample, the availability of appropriately experienced goalkeepers).
6.	For the avoidance of doubt, the Board believes that it would be extremely difficult
to realistically apply and enforce any sort of subjective weighting against the levelof a Player who may become unavailable for whatever reason.
Process
7.	Any application by a Club for the Board to exercise its discretion to rearrange or
postpone a League Match must be:a.	made as far in advance of the relevant League Match as reasonably practicable;
anda.	permission will not be granted to postpone a League Match where theapplicant Club has 14 or more Players listed on its Squad List available;b.	where the Club has fewer than 14 such Players available to participate in therelevant League Match, the Board may permit the application, save where one
or more of the following scenarios applies:
		i. 	one or more of the Club’s Squad List Players’ inability to participate is
attributable to a failure by the Club or the Player concerned to comply
with any medical (or other) protocol issued by the Board in accordancewith Rule C.18 (“Protocol”);b.	accompanied by all evidence that the Club wishes the Board to consider insupport of its application.
8.	If the Club’s application is turned down by the Board, the Club must complete thefixture.
9. 	In the event that the Club refuses to complete the fixture, and the Board determinesthat a Club has:a.	failed to use its best endeavours to ensure that a League Match takes place on
the scheduled time and date; and/or

		ii. 	one or more of the Club’s Squad List Players’ inability to participate is asa result of the Player being subject to Government-mandated isolation
following a return from overseas; and		iii.	the Club was able to utilise a Replacement Player (as defined atparagraph 11, below) but, for whatever reason, failed to do so.
5.	Further, in respect of any application by a Club to reschedule or postpone a League
Match due to concerns regarding insufficient Squad List Players, the Board will also
give consideration to:a.	the number of registered Under 21 Players (and their relevant experience)
available to the Club at the relevant time. Clubs will be expected to utilise
appropriately experienced Under 21 Players. This will include any Under 21
591

Appendices to the RulesA.

b. causes the postponement of a League Match,	the matter will be dealt with in accordance with Section W (Disciplinary) of thePremier League Rules. In the event that the matter is referred to the Chair of the
Judicial Panel, who appoints a Commission to hear the complaint, that Commission
will have the sanctioning powers set out at Rule W.51.4 (including the power todeduct points to be scored in a League Match).
C.

Squad management

10.	Following the issue of an Implementation Notice, the provisions of this Section C
will apply, subject to the rules and regulations of FIFA and The FA.
592

Appendix 17

Appendix 17e. 	whether the Player had previously been on the Club’s Squad List during therelevant season.

a. 	the Player’s contract expiring and the Club and Player being unable to agree a
new contract or an appropriate extension;

13. 	Clubs retain the ability under Rule U.1 to field Under 21 Players without restriction.

b. 	the Player being on loan and the two Clubs/clubs and Player being unable toagree an appropriate extension;c. 	the Player refusing to train or play due to concerns over COVID-19 or equivalent;d. 	the Player self-isolating because they have been in close contact with someone
showing symptoms of COVID-19 or equivalent; ande.	the Player becoming infected with COVID-19 or equivalent or becoming injured
due to the increased volume of League Matches,	the Board will only consent to the replacement of the lost Player(s) in its Squad List
with:f.	any player who was registered with (and eligible to play for) the Club prior to
the suspension but who was not included in the Squad List; orD.

Full Strength Teams

14.

Rule L.21 requires Clubs to field a full-strength team in every League Match.

15. 	The League’s Squad Limits Guidance Note provides that ‘where a team is drawn
exclusively from its Squad List as submitted to the Premier League, then such teamwill be classed as “full strength” for the purposes of this Rule.’
16. 	The Rule requiring full strength teams should remain unamended to protect the
integrity of the competition and ensure fairness to all.
17. 	The Board will not consider the Rule to have been breached where a team fieldedby a Club (i.e. its starting 11) is comprised solely of Players from its Squad List.
However, while all cases will be considered on their merits, where a team fieldedby a Club features Players who are not on its Squad List, when other Players fromits Squad List are available to play, it may elect to take disciplinary action inaccordance with Section W (Disciplinary) of the Rules.

g. 	a Player who is returning to the Club following an expired loan with anotherclub and then only in the circumstances detailed at paragraph 12.a, below,E.

(in either case, a “Replacement Player”).

18. 	Following the issue of an Implementation Notice, the following disciplinary andprocedural provisions shall apply in respect of breaches of any Protocol.

12. 	Further, in considering whether to grant consent for the Replacement Player to be
added to the Squad List outside of a Transfer Window, the Board will be mindful ofthe following factors:a.	in accordance with FIFA Regulations, the Player must have been on loan to aclub in a league which has been curtailed. If subsequent FIFA Guidance relaxes
this restriction that will be reflected accordingly;b.	where a Player previously available to the Club has become unavailable
due to the expiry of his contract or a loan, what steps the Club has taken toagree an appropriate extension with that Player (and his parent Club/club, as
appropriate);c.	the availability of ‘appropriately experienced Under 21 Players’ (as referred toat paragraph 5.a, above) registered to the Club;

Appendices to the Rules

11.	In the event that a Club loses one or more Players from its Squad List in place prior
to the interruption of the Competition, whether due to:

Disciplinary approach19.	As with all disciplinary matters, ultimately any allegation of a breach of a protocol
will be dealt with on its facts, on a case-by-case basis. However, given the criticalimportance of adherence to Protocols in place following an interruption to aCompetition and the unanimous view of Clubs that breaches should be dealt
with swiftly and with significant consequences, the Board envisages adopting thefollowing approach:a.	where an alleged breach of a protocol is reported the Board will consider arange of factors, including those set out in the following non-exhaustive list:		

i.	the extent to which the breach has compromised the safety of one ormore other Relevant Persons;		

ii.	the extent to which the breach was intended to secure (and/or did
secure) a competitive advantage;d.	the guidance in respect of goalkeepers set out in the League’s Squad Limits
Guidance Note; and
593

594

Appendix 17

Appendix 17

iii.	the state of mind of those committing the breach (e.g. inadvertent,
negligent or intentional);

		

iv.

		

v.	whether the breach represents a repeated breach of the Protocol by theClub; andthe number of individuals involved in the breach; andb.	having considered these factors, the Board will determine which of thefollowing three categories the breach falls into, and take the disciplinary action
set out in the adjacent column:
Nature of breach

Board approach

Minor breach

Warning and reprimand, which are retained on fileStandard breachFine of up to £100,000 (in line with its summary jurisdiction)

Significant breach

Refer the matter to a Commissiond.	the presumption will be that all cases should be dealt with within seven days,
save that:		

i.	either the Board or an affected Club can apply to the Commission
at the directions hearing for an extended timetable in exceptional
circumstances; and/or		

ii.	where the Board considers that urgent provisional measures are required(for example, where ongoing conduct of a Club is demonstrably risking
the safety of one or more individuals), it may apply to the Chair of the
Judicial Panel for these timelines to be abridged further.

Appendices to the Rules		

20.	Where the Board refers a breach to a Commission, Section W (Disciplinary) of
the Rules provides that a prescribed timetable is ordinarily followed, resulting ina period of at least a month before a hearing is convened and an award issued(Clubs have 14 days to respond to a complaint, with the Board having a further
14 days to reply, before a directions hearing is convened to set out a further
timetable, again with the parties able to agree abridged timetables). However, allof the relevant timeframes can be abridged either with the consent of the Chair of
the Judicial Panel/Commission or the agreement of the parties (see Rule W.31).
21.	The Board considers it essential that allegations of breaches of a Protocol are dealt
with as expeditiously as possible, given the condensed timeframes in which theremainder of the relevant season will be completed. To that end, it proposes that,in every case where an alleged breach of a Protocol is referred to a Commission:a.	the complaint should be issued by email (rather than recorded delivery post)
and is deemed to be received on the same day (rather than three days after
posting);b.	the Chair of the Judicial Panel should be required to appoint a Commission
within 24 hours of the matter being referred to them;c.	within 24 hours of their appointment, the Commission must convene a directions
hearing to determine a timeline for resolving the case and to consider thematters set out at Rule W.38 (rather than such a hearing being convened after
submissions have been exchanged); and
595

596

Appendix 18

Appendix 18

Fair Market Value Assessment Protocol Commercial Rights Agreements
Application		

1.	This Fair Market Value Assessment Protocol – Commercial Rights Agreements(“CRA Protocol“) sets out the process by which the Board will conduct the Fair
Market Value Assessment required by the Rules in relation to the following types of
Associated Party Transactions and Threshold Transactions:(b)	comply with any protocols agreed by Clubs for that purpose (including theFair Market Value Assessment Protocol – Commercial Rights Agreements). For
the avoidance of doubt, where there is no such protocol in place applicable
to a particular type of Transaction, the Board will conduct the Fair Market
Value Assessment as it sees fit, in compliance with paragraph (a), above;a.	sponsorship or licensing agreements or agreements pursuant to which thecounterparty is granted a right of association with the Club, any Player, itsManager or any Senior Official of the Club; andb.	agreements pursuant to which the counterparty advertises its brand,
products or services in any way with the Club, whether in its Stadium, Training
Ground, website or otherwise.
2.	Capitalised terms not otherwise defined in this Protocol bear the meaning given tothem in the Premier League Rules (“Rules“).
B.

Rules

3.

Fair Market Value is defined as follows:“ Fair Market Value” means the amount for which an asset could be sold, licensed
or exchanged, a liability settled or a service provided, between knowledgeable,
willing parties in an arm’s length transaction;

4.

Fair Market Value Assessment is defined as follows:“ Fair Market Value Assessment” means an assessment as to whether theconsideration either paid or received or to be paid or received by the Club, Player,
Manager or Senior Official (as applicable) pursuant to a Transaction represents
Fair Market Value. In conducting a Fair Market Value Assessment, the Board isrequired to:
(a)

		

		

597

consider:(i)	an assessment of the value of the Transaction produced by anindependent expert procured by the Board (save that the Board mayelect not to obtain an assessment by an independent expert where theTransaction in question involves no consideration paid or to be paid to
the Club, Player, Manager or Senior Official or involves the sale or loan of
a Player’s registration);(ii)	any relevant information provided by the Club (including any assessmentof the value of the Transaction produced or procured by the Club); and(iii)	such comparable evidence of the values of similar Transactions as
is appropriate, relevant and readily available to it at the time of theassessment; andC.

Appendices to the Rules

A.

Process

5.	Where a Club is required to submit a Transaction to the League pursuant to
Section E of the Rules, it must submit the following to the League, via the Databankreferred to at Rule E.70:
a.	
all relevant information required to accurately complete the Databanksubmission form;b.	a copy of the documents recording in full the terms and conditions of theTransaction;c.	where the Transaction is an Associated Party Transaction any relevant
information, evidence or submissions that the Club wishes to be consideredby the Board as to the Fair Market Value of the Transaction, bearing in mind
the FMV Assessment Factors set out below; andd.	where the Transaction is a Threshold Transaction that the Club does notconsider to be an Associated Party Transaction, any information, evidenceor submissions that the Club wishes to be considered by the Board as towhether the Transaction is at Arm’s Length.
6.	Where a Fair Market Value Assessment of the Transaction is required, the Board
will procure an assessment by an independent assessor with suitable experienceand expertise (“Independent FMV Assessor“). For that purpose, the Independent
FMV Assessor will be:a.
		

provided with, to the extent applicable:i.	a copy of the documents recording in full the terms and conditions of
the Transaction and information provided in the Databank submission
form, with all references to any specific fees or other consideration
payable to the Club, Player, Manager or Senior Official redacted (withsuch redactions the responsibility of the Club);598

Appendix 18

ii.	a summary of the fee structure (without any specific reference to thevalue of fees paid or payable), including payment schedule, the structureof any bonuses, royalties or contingent payments;

		iii.	a summary of any associated fees paid or payable by the Club (as apercentage of revenue to be derived from the Transaction); and		

iv.	a summary of other elements of value provision, including ‘value-in-kind’
and any services to be provided; and• Scarcity of assets (including the number of partners that the Club, Player,
Manager or Senior Official already has and the extent to which relevant
commercial rights have already been sold)• Evidence of the existence or absence of other offers to engage in the Transaction,
at a similar level for similar assets and rights• Market trends• In respect of Clubs:– Fan base of the Club (including social media following, global audienceand media footprint)– Brand value of the Club– Geographic spread of fanbase, including elements which may beof particular appeal to particular partners (such as demographic
information)– Club commercial strategy– Playing success of the Club (both in domestic and international clubcompetitions)– The relevant Club’s track record of achieving partnership/commercial
deal values and delivering returns on partner investment– Geographical location of Club– Playing or coaching talent currently (or previously) employed by the Club– Developments likely to affect the Club’s performance or fanbase in the
futureb.	required to provide to the Board an assessment of what constitutes Fair
Market Value for the Transaction, based on the FMV Assessment Factors.
7.	Where, at any point in the Fair Market Value Assessment process, the League
considers that further information or documents from the Club is required in orderto reach a conclusive decision as to the Fair Market Value of the Transaction, it may
request such information or documents from the Club, Player, Manager or Senior
Official, who/which must provide complete and prompt assistance in respect ofany such request.
D.

FMV Assessment Factors

8.	In providing its assessment of what constitutes Fair Market Value of a Transaction,
the Independent FMV Assessor must consider all information that is appropriate,
relevant and readily available to it, bearing in mind the following non-exhaustive
list of relevant factors (the “FMV Assessment Factors”):• Fees derived from comparable Transactions in football (and, secondarily,
comparable Transactions in other sports or industries of similar profiles, of which
the Independent FMV Assessor is aware). For the avoidance of doubt it is likelythat comparable football transactions will be most applicable• Fees derived for any preceding Transaction entered into by the Club in the same
category (if applicable)• Term of the Transaction (including, in respect of renewals of existing Transactions,the remaining term of the arrangement)• Industry sector of the counterparty brand and applicable product category• Tier of the partnership• Assets and rights delivered as part of the Transaction• Media exposure of assets• Products, services or value in kind provided by the counterparty• Any renewal provisions or options granted to the relevant counterparty• Any additional obligations to be performed by the Club as part of the Transaction• Obligations on both parties
599

Appendices to the Rules		

Appendix 18

9.	
The weight attached to any individual FMV Assessment Factor shall be at
the discretion of the Independent FMV Assessor, dependent on the particularTransaction being assessed.
10.	Once it has conducted the assessment referred to in paragraph 8, above, theIndependent Assessor will provide a written determination to the League’s
Regulatory Legal department setting out its decision as to what the Fair Market
Value of the Transaction is (whether expressed as a single value or a range ofvalues, as it deems appropriate) and an explanation of that decision.
E.

Board Assessment

11.	Once in receipt of the Independent FMV Assessor’s written determination, theLeague’s Regulatory Legal department will provide to the Board a written report
including the following:a.	the information provided to the League by the Club, pursuant to paragraph
5, above;

600

Appendix 18

Appendix 19
Fair Market Value Assessment Protocol - Player Registrationsc.	such comparable evidence of the values of similar Transactions as isappropriate, relevant and readily available to it at the time of the assessment.
In providing such evidence (whether it is taken from the Databank referred toin Rule E.70 or otherwise) the identity of the Club, Player, Manager or Senior
Official in each case will be redacted.
12.	The Board will take such steps as are necessary to ensure no conflict of interestin respect of any Fair Market Value Assessment and that competitively sensitive
information is kept appropriately confidential including, for example, by ensuringthat no members of the Board involved in the marketing and sale of the League’s
rights in any product or service category are involved in the consideration of a Fair
Market Value Assessment of a Transaction in that same category.
13.	Where, having reviewed the report referred to in paragraph 11, above, the Board
determines, in its reasonable opinion, that the Transaction is evidently not at
Fair Market Value, it will inform the Club, Player, Manager or Senior Official of its
provisional determination in writing. The Club Player, Manager or Senior Official
will then be given seven days in which to respond to this provisional determination.
Where following receipt and consideration of the response, the Board remains of
the view that the Transaction is evidently not at Fair Market Value, it will confirm
that decision in writing and Rule E.63 will apply.
14.	Where, having completed a Fair Market Value Assessment, the Board determines
that, in its reasonable opinion, the relevant Transaction does not fall to be restatedto Fair Market Value, it will confirm the same to the Club and no further action will
be required.

A.

Application

1.	This Fair Market Value Assessment Protocol – Player Registrations (“Player
Registrations Protocol”) sets out the process by which the Board will conduct the
Fair Market Value Assessment required by the Rules in relation to any AssociatedParty Transaction (or any Threshold Transaction that the Board considers should
be subjected to a Fair Market Value Assessment pursuant to Rule E.58) under which
the permanent or temporary registration of a player registration is effected (a“Player Registration”).
2.	Capitalised terms not otherwise defined in this Protocol bear the meaning given tothem in the Premier League Rules (“Rules”).
B.

Rules

3.

Fair Market Value is defined as follows:	“Fair Market Value” means the amount for which an asset could be sold, licensed
or exchanged, a liability settled or a service provided, between knowledgeable,
willing parties in an arm’s length transaction;
4.

Fair Market Value Assessment is defined as follows:	“Fair Market Value Assessment” means an assessment as to whether theconsideration either paid or received or to be paid or received by the Club, Player,
Manager or Senior Official (as applicable) pursuant to a Transaction represents
Fair Market Value. In conducting a Fair Market Value Assessment, the Board isrequired to:
(a)

601

Appendices to the Rulesb.	the Independent FMV Assessor’s written determination; andconsider:

		

(i)	
an assessment of the value of the Transaction produced by anindependent expert procured by the Board (save that the Board mayelect not to obtain an assessment by an independent expert where theTransaction in question involves no consideration paid or to be paid to
the Club, Player, Manager or Senior Official or involves the sale or loan of
a Player’s registration);		(ii)	any relevant information provided by the Club (including any assessmentof the value of the Transaction produced or procured by the Club); and602

Appendix 19

		

7.	Where, at any point in the Fair Market Value Assessment process, the League
considers that further information or documents from the Club is required in orderto reach a conclusive decision as to the Fair Market Value of the Transaction, it
may request such information or documents from the Club, which must provide
complete and prompt assistance in respect of any such request.

(iii)	such comparable evidence of the values of similar Transactions as
is appropriate, relevant and readily available to it at the time of theassessment; and(b)	comply with any protocols agreed by Clubs for that purpose (including theFair Market Value Assessment Protocol – Commercial Rights Agreements). For
the avoidance of doubt, where there is no such protocol in place applicable
to a particular type of Transaction, the Board will conduct the Fair Market
Value Assessment as it sees fit, in compliance with paragraph (a), above.
C.

Process5.	
Where a Club is required to submit a Transaction to the League pursuant to Section
E of the Rules that involves a Player Registration, it must:a.	indicate when uploading the relevant documents to the League’s Football
Administration System (“FAS”), whether the Transaction is a ThresholdTransaction, an Associated Party Transaction or neither, using the tick boxes
included in FAS for that purpose; andb.	where the Transaction is an Associated Party Transaction, also submit via
FAS any relevant information, evidence or submissions that the Club wishes
to be considered by the Board as to the Fair Market Value of the Transaction,
bearing in mind the FMV Assessment Factors set out below.
6.	Where a Fair Market Value Assessment of the Transaction is required, the Board mayelect to procure an assessment of the value of the Transaction by an independent
assessor with suitable experience and expertise (“Independent FMV Assessor”).
Should the Board elect to procure such an assessment, the Independent FMV
Assessor will be:a.

provided with:		

i.	a copy of the transfer agreement and any other document(s) recording
in full the terms and conditions of the Transaction, with all references toany specific fees or other consideration payable redacted; and		

ii.	a summary of the fee structure (without any specific reference to thevalue of fees paid or payable), including payment schedule, the structureof any contingent payments; andb.	required to provide to the Board an assessment of what constitutes Fair
Market Value for the Transaction, based on the FMV Assessment Factors.

603

D.

FMV Assessment Factors

8.	In providing its assessment of what constitutes Fair Market Value of a Transaction,
the Independent FMV Assessor must consider all information that is appropriate,
relevant and readily available to it, bearing in mind the following non-exhaustive
list of relevant factors (the “FMV Assessment Factors”):

Appendices to the Rules

Appendix 19

•
•
•
•
•
		

Term of the contract to be entered into by the Player
Remaining term of the Player’s contract prior to the transfer
The Player’s age
The Player’s position
The Player’s record and experience, including:-	Appearances and the competition in which those appearances havebeen made		
Relevant statistics, including goals, assists and clean sheets		Domestic and international honours		Personal honours and awards•
The Player’s nationality and GBE status•
The Player’s injury history•	The financial state and relative bargaining position of the Transferee andTransferor Club or club•
The Transfer Window in which the Player Transfer is being conducted•
Any compensation fees previously paid for the Player•	The Player’s brand value and fan base (including social media following andother appropriate metrics)•	Scarcity within the market for players with similar characteristics to thePlayer•
The level of interest in competition to obtain the Player’s registration•
Any urgent need for liquidity of the Transferor Club•	Any urgent need to acquire the Player’s registration (e.g. as a result of injury
or lack of availability in a particular position)•
The remuneration payable to the Player

604

Appendix 19

Appendix 20
Fair Market Value Assessment Protocol Agreements for the Supply of Goods or Services

10.	Once it has conducted the assessment referred to in paragraph 8, above, theIndependent FMV Assessor will provide a written determination to the League’s
Regulatory team setting out its decision as to what the Fair Market Value of theTransaction is (whether expressed as a single value or a range of values, as it
deems appropriate) and an explanation of that decision.
E.

Board Assessment

Application

1.	This Fair Market Value Assessment Protocol – Agreements for the Supply ofGoods or Services (“Costs Protocol”) sets out the process by which the Board willconduct the Fair Market Value Assessment required by the Rules in relation to any
Associated Party Transactions and Threshold Transactions pursuant to which a
Club, Player, Manager or Senior Official provides, or is provided with goods and/or
services (whether or not a payment is to be made for such goods and/or services).

b.	
the Independent FMV Assessor’s written determination, where one isprocured; and2.	Where an agreement meets the definition in paragraph 1 of this Costs Protocol
and also meets the definition in paragraph 1 of the CRA Protocol (i.e. where, forexample, pursuant to the same Transaction, the Club or individual receives goods
or services but also grants the counterparty rights of association with it/them),
the CRA Protocol shall take precedence and the Fair Market Value Assessment
shall be conducted in accordance with that document, save that the Independent
FMV Assessor should consider the FMV Assessment factors at paragraph 9, below,
in relation to the goods and services provided, as well as the FMV Assessment
factors at paragraph 8 of the CRA Protocol in respect of the rights granted to thecounterparty.

c.	such comparable evidence of the values of similar Transactions as isappropriate, relevant and readily available to it at the time of the assessment.

3.	Capitalised terms not otherwise defined in this Protocol bear the meaning given tothem in the Rules.

11.	Where the Board is required to conduct a Fair Market Value Assessment, once inreceipt of any written determination by an Independent FMV Assessor that theBoard has elected to procure in respect of the Transaction, the League’s Regulatory
team will provide to the Board a written report including the following:a.	the information provided to the League by the Club, pursuant to paragraphs6(a) and 7, above;

12.	Where, having reviewed the report referred to in paragraph 11, above, the Board
determines, in its reasonable opinion, that the Transaction is evidently not at Fair
Market Value, it will inform the Club of its provisional determination in writing.
The Club will then be given seven days in which to respond to this provisional
determination. Where following receipt and consideration of the response, theBoard remains of the view that the Transaction is evidently not at Fair Market
Value, it will confirm that decision in writing and Rule E.63 will apply.
13.	Where, having completed a Fair Market Value Assessment, the Board determines
that, in its reasonable opinion, the relevant Transaction does not fall to be restatedto Fair Market Value, it will confirm the same to the Club and no further action will
be required.

605

A.

B.

Rules

4.

Fair Market Value is defined as follows:

Appendices to the Rules

9.	
The weight attached to any individual FMV Assessment Factor shall be at
the discretion of the Independent FMV Assessor, dependent on the particularTransaction being assessed.

	“Fair Market Value” means the amount for which an asset could be sold, licensed
or exchanged, a liability settled or a service provided, between knowledgeable,
willing parties in an arm’s length transaction;
5.

Fair Market Value Assessment is defined as follows:	“Fair Market Value Assessment” means an assessment as to whether theconsideration either paid or received or to be paid or received by the Club, Player,
Manager or Senior Official (as applicable) pursuant to a Transaction represents
Fair Market Value. In conducting a Fair Market Value Assessment, the Board isrequired to:606

Appendix 20

		consider:(i)	an assessment of the value of the Transaction produced by anindependent expert procured by the Board (save that the Board mayelect not to obtain an assessment by an independent expert where theTransaction in question involves no consideration paid or to be paid to
the Club, Player, Manager or Senior Official or involves the sale or loan of
a Player’s registration);		(ii)	any relevant information provided by the Club (including any assessmentof the value of the Transaction produced or procured by the Club); and		(iii)	such comparable evidence of the values of similar Transactions as
is appropriate, relevant and readily available to it at the time of theassessment; and(b)	comply with any protocols agreed by Clubs for that purpose (including theFair Market Value Assessment Protocol – Commercial Rights Agreements). For
the avoidance of doubt, where there is no such protocol in place applicable
to a particular type of Transaction, the Board will conduct the Fair Market
Value Assessment as it sees fit, in compliance with paragraph (a), above.
C.

Process

6.	Where a Club is required to submit a Transaction to the League pursuant to
Section E of the Rules, it must submit the following to the League, via the Databankreferred to at Rule E.70:
a.	
all relevant information required to accurately complete the Databanksubmission form;b.	a copy of the documents recording in full the terms and conditions of theTransaction;c.	where the Transaction is an Associated Party Transaction, any relevant
information, evidence or submissions that the Club wishes to be consideredby the Board as to the Fair Market Value of the Transaction, bearing in mind
the FMV Assessment Factors set out below; andd.	where the Transaction is a Threshold Transaction that the Club does notconsider to be an Associated Party Transaction, any information, evidenceor submissions that the Club wishes to be considered by the Board as towhether the Transaction is at Arm’s Length.

607

7.	Where a Fair Market Value Assessment of the Transaction is required, the Board
may procure an assessment by an independent assessor with suitable experienceand expertise (“Independent FMV Assessor”). For that purpose, the Independent
FMV Assessor will be:a.

provided with, to the extent applicable:		

i.	a copy of the documents recording the full terms and conditions of theTransaction and information provided in the Databank submission
form, with all references to any specific payments or other consideration
payable by the Club, Player, Manager or Senior Official redacted (withsuch redactions the responsibility of the Club); and		

ii.	a summary of the payment structure (without any specific reference
to the value of fees paid or payable), including payment schedule, thestructure of any bonuses, royalties or contingent payments; andAppendices to the Rules(a)Appendix 20b.	required to provide to the Board an assessment of what constitutes Fair
Market Value for the Transaction, based on the FMV Assessment Factors.
8.	Where, at any point in the Fair Market Value Assessment process, the League
considers that further information or documents from the Club is required in orderto reach a conclusive decision as to the Fair Market Value of the Transaction, it
may request such information or documents from the Club, Player, Manager orOfficial, who/which must provide complete and prompt assistance in respect ofany such request.
D.

FMV Assessment Factors

9.	In providing its assessment of what constitutes Fair Market Value of a Transaction,
the Independent FMV Assessor must consider all information that is appropriate,
relevant and readily available to it, bearing in mind the following non-exhaustive
list of relevant factors (the “FMV Assessment Factors”):
Goods•
Nature of the goods to be supplied•
Quality of the goods to be supplied•
Scarcity of the goods to be supplied•	Speed at which the goods are to be supplied and urgency with which they
are required by the Club•	Degree to which the goods are bespoke or designed specifically for the Clubor individual•	Interoperability of the goods with other goods or services utilised by the Clubor individual608

Appendix 20

General•	
Fees payable in comparable Transactions in football (and, secondarily,
comparable Transactions in other sports or industries of similar profiles, ofwhich the Independent FMV Assessor is aware). For the avoidance of doubt,
it is likely that comparable football transactions will be most applicable•	
Term of the Transaction (including, in respect of renewals of existing
Transactions, the remaining term of the arrangement)•
Termination provisions in respect of the term of the Transaction•	The risk apportionment and the respective liability exposure between theparties to the Transaction•
Any external factors affecting supply (e.g. COVID-19)•
The competitive landscape in which the agreement has been concludeda.

the information provided to the League by the Club, pursuant to paragraph 6;b.	
the Independent FMV Assessor’s written determination, where one isprocured; andc.	such comparable evidence of the values of similar Transactions as isappropriate, relevant and readily available to it at the time of the assessment.
In providing such evidence the identity of the Club, Player, Manager or Official
in each case will be redacted.

Appendices to the Rules

Services•
Nature of the services to be supplied•
Quality of the services to be supplied•
Scarcity of the services to be supplied•	Speed at which the services are to be supplied and urgency with which they
are required by the Club•	The identity, experience and expertise of the service provider and the staff
tasked with providing the service•	Degree to which the services are bespoke or designed specifically for theClub or individual•	The amount of any capital expenditure required to be made by the Club and/or the service provider to perform the contract and the extent to which suchcosts are shared among the parties

Appendix 20

13.	Where, having reviewed the report referred to in paragraph 12, above, the Board
determines, in its reasonable opinion, that the Transaction is evidently not at Fair
Market Value, it will inform the Club, Player, Manager or Official of its provisional
determination in writing. The Club, Player, Manager or Official will then be given
seven days in which to respond to this provisional determination. Where following
receipt and consideration of the response, the Board remains of the view that theTransaction is evidently not at Fair Market Value, it will confirm that decision inwriting and Rule E.63 will apply.
14.	Where, having completed a Fair Market Value Assessment, the Board determines
that, in its reasonable opinion, the relevant Transaction does not fall to be restatedto Fair Market Value, it will confirm the same to the Club and no further action will
be required.

10.	
The weight attached to any individual FMV Assessment Factor shall be at
the discretion of the Independent FMV Assessor, dependent on the particularTransaction being assessed.
11.	Once it has conducted the assessment referred to in paragraph 7, above, theIndependent FMV Assessor will provide a written determination to the League’s
Regulatory team setting out its decision as to what the Fair Market Value of theTransaction is and an explanation of that decision.
E.

Board Assessment

12.	Where the Board is required to conduct a Fair Market Value Assessment, theLeague’s Regulatory team will provide to the Board a written report including thefollowing:

609

610

Appendix 21

Appendix 21

Terms of Reference – Independent Oversight PanelA.

Introduction

4.3	where appropriate, and pursuant to paragraph 29, below, appointing onan ad-hoc basis individuals who are not members of the Independent
Oversight Panel, but whom they consider would be suitable for the particularappointment, to conduct OADT Decision Reviews, as provided for in the Rules
and these Terms of Reference;

1.	At their 30 March 2023 Shareholders’ Meeting, the Premier League’s Member Clubs
resolved to establish an independent body to review decisions taken by the Board
under Section F (Owners’ and Directors’ Test) of the Premier League Rules (“Rules”),
in accordance with the provisions of these Terms of Reference. That body shall be
named the ‘Independent Oversight Panel’.
B.

Experience and expertise
3.	The individual appointed to the role of Chair of the Independent Oversight Panelshall ordinarily meet the following criteria:
3.1	
be a barrister or solicitor of at least fifteen years’ post-qualification
experience;
3.2	hold recent, relevant experience of involvement in sports regulatory issues; and3.3	have a working knowledge and awareness of the Rules.
Duties and responsibilities
4.

The Chair of the Independent Oversight Panel shall be responsible for:4.1	
appointing suitable individuals to the Independent Oversight Panelthrough an open recruitment process (which will ordinarily include seeking
nominations or suggestions from various stakeholder groups within English
football, which the Chair may or may not accept), ensuring where reasonably
practicable that the appointees and their respective skills at all times comply
with the provisions of paragraph 8, below;

611

4.4	where appropriate, conducting OADT Decision Reviews themselves;

Chair of the Independent Oversight Panel

2.	
Appointments to the Independent Oversight Panel in accordance with theseTerms of Reference shall be made by the Chair of the Independent Oversight
Panel, who shall be appointed by resolution of Clubs at a Shareholders’ Meetingfor a term of three years (with no reappointment). Where that term is curtailed by
the resignation of the Chair, the Board shall be empowered to appoint an interim
Chair of the Independent Oversight Panel from those individuals appointed to
the Independent Oversight Panel until such time as a permanent replacement is
appointed by a resolution of Clubs. Where such an interim Chair is appointed, theyshall have all of the powers and responsibilities conferred on the Chair under theseTerms of Reference.

Appendices to the Rules

4.2	
appointing individual members of the Independent Oversight Panel toconduct the reviews set out in paragraph 12, below (“OADT Decision
Reviews”), as provided for in the Rules and these Terms of Reference;

4.5	providing a written report to Shareholders for the AGM each year, detailingthe work of the Independent Oversight Panel over the preceding Season;
4.6	carrying out such other functions as reasonably requested by the Board
from time to time, including the organisation of training for members of the
Independent Oversight Panel; and	
4.7	where appropriate, terminating the appointment of a member of the
Independent Oversight Panel by notice in writing where they consider thatparagraph 11 applies.
5.	The Chair may, at their discretion, appoint a deputy chair from the membership ofthe Independent Oversight Panel to assist with such tasks as they think fit. They
may also delegate any administrative and/or secretarial function required by theirrole to any other member or employee of their chambers or firm, as appropriate.
C.

Composition of the Independent Oversight Panel

6.	The Independent Oversight Panel shall comprise no fewer than eight and no morethan 15 members, appointed by the Chair at their discretion, save that no memberof the Independent Oversight Panel shall:
6.1

be a representative or employee of the League;

6.2	be an Official or Director of, or have Material Influence over, a Club (or club inmembership of the EFL);
6.3	accept any instruction, whether appearing as advocate or otherwise, from aparty to any proceedings or process under the Rules; or
6.4	be subject to any of the matters set out in Rule F.1.

612

Appendix 21

8.	The Independent Oversight Panel shall ordinarily comprise:
8.1	legally qualified individuals, each of greater than ten years’ post-qualification
experience (whether as a barrister or solicitor) with relevant experience andexpertise, including (for example) in sports regulatory matters;
8.2

individuals who have held judicial office; and/or

8.3	individuals who hold nationally recognised qualifications as accountants or
auditors.
D.

Term and termination

9.	Subject to paragraph 10, below, the term of each member of the Independent
Oversight Panel shall be a maximum of five years. At the end of that term, themember may be reappointed for a further term by the Chair, at their absolute
discretion.
10.	
A member of the Independent Oversight Panel appointed for any purpose
provided for by the Rules may continue to act on the matter for which they wereso appointed notwithstanding that their term of office has expired, with thepermission of the Chair. Where the Chair does not grant such permission, any
questions as to the future progress of the matter shall be determined by the Chairat their absolute discretion.
11.	The appointment of any member of the Independent Oversight Panel (including
the Chair) shall cease before the conclusion of the applicable term if:
11.1	by notice in writing to the Chair (or where the relevant member is the Chair,by notice in writing to the Board), the member resigns from the Independent
Oversight Panel;
11.2	the member accepts a position that would render the member ineligible
for appointment to the Independent Oversight Panel, in accordance withparagraph 6, above;
11.3	the member becomes subject to any of the matters set out in Rule F.1; and/or

613

11.4	in the opinion of the Chair (or where the relevant member is the Chair, in theopinion of the Board):		

11.4.1	the member becomes physically or mentally incapable of discharging
their duties as a member of the Independent Oversight Panel; and/or		

11.4.2	the member has refused or failed to conduct one or more OADT
Decision Reviews properly and/or efficiently and expeditiously and ineither case substantial injustice has a result been caused to a party
involved.

E.

Appendices to the Rules

7.	The Chair of the Independent Oversight Panel will ensure that appointments to
the Independent Oversight Panel are made intermittently, so as to ensure a levelof continuity following the expiration of the term of appointees, provided that the
number of individuals appointed to the Independent Oversight Panel and their
qualifications and expertise at all times complies with paragraph 6 and 8.

Appendix 21

OADT Decision Reviews

Responsibilities
12.	The following determinations of the Board of the Premier League, in each case, shall
fall to be reviewed by members of the Independent Oversight Panel (“Reviewers”)
in accordance with the process as set out in these Terms of Reference:
12.1.	any determination by the Board that a Person proposing to become a
Director is or is not liable to be disqualified as a Director under the provisionsof Rule F.1, in accordance with Rule F.5.3;
12.2.	any determination by the Board that a Director is liable to be disqualified asa Director under the provisions of Rule F.1, in accordance with Rule F.7; and12.3.	any determination by the Board made regarding a proposed change ofControl in accordance with Rule F.30 (including that all Persons that satisfy
the definition of Director have submitted a fully executed Form 4 and/or thatconditions should be applied pursuant to Rule F.29)
Number of Reviewers
13.	In respect of a review of a determination by the Board that a Person is not liable
to be disqualified under the provisions of Rule F.1, in accordance with Rule F.5.3,
the Chair of the Independent Oversight Panel will ordinarily (save in exceptional
circumstances) appoint a single Reviewer to conduct the OADT Decision Review.
In all other cases, the OADT Decision Review will be conducted by three Reviewers
from the Independent Oversight Panel (in which case, decisions will be by majority
and will not require unanimity).
14.	Where more than one OADT Decision Reviews are closely linked (whether because
they all relate to a single proposed change of Control or otherwise) they may beconsidered by the same Reviewers as part of the same OADT Decision Review, atthe discretion of the Chair.

614

Appendix 21

Appendix 21

Scope and standard of review

Process
16.	Once the Board has made a determination of the kind referred to in paragraph
12, above, the Board shall, within one day, provide to the Chair of the Independent
Oversight Panel the material upon which it has based that determination.
17.	The Chair shall then, within one working day (save in exceptional circumstances),
appoint (at their discretion) one or more Reviewer(s) to conduct the OADT Decision
Review.
18.	There shall be no oral hearing. However, the Reviewer(s) may ask questions of theBoard in writing to assist it in conducting the OADT Decision Review.
19.	
The Reviewer(s) shall conduct the OADT Decision Review as expeditiously as
possible and, save in exceptional circumstances, shall conclude the review withinseven days of appointment by the Chair.
Powers20.	The powers of the Reviewer in respect of each OADT Decision Review shall be:
20.1.	to confirm in writing that the Board’s decision is reasonable in all of thecircumstances, based on the material available to the Board at the relevant
time; or20.2.	to remit the matter back to the Board, with written reasons as to why it does
not consider the Board’s decision to be reasonable in all of the circumstances,
based on the material available to the Board at the relevant time (including
where it does not consider that any conditions imposed by the Board pursuant
to Rule F.29 are appropriate, whether because they are not warranted or
because they are insufficient to achieve the aims set out in that Rule).
21.	In either case, the Reviewers must confirm in writing the outcome of the review(with reasons, if applicable) to the Board, the Club and any Director that is the
subject of the decision subject to review.
22.	Where the Reviewer(s) decide(s) to remit the matter back to the Board, the Board
must re-consider the determination in light of the outcome of the review, though it

615

F.

Miscellaneous

23.	The Independent Oversight Panel will act independently of the League.
24.	The Chair shall be remunerated for their role as Chair by way of an annual fee orsalary, payable by the League (with the level of fee agreed for the entire term at thestart of the term). The terms of their appointment shall, at the start of the term, be
subject to the approval of the Premier League’s Audit and Remuneration Committee.

Appendices to the Rules

15.	The role of the Reviewers when conducting an OADT Decision Review shall be toconsider whether the Board’s determination is reasonable in all of the circumstances,
based on the material available to the Board at the relevant time. In that regard,
the Independent Oversight Panel is not intended to be utilised as a judicial process
or an appellate body (such rights being provided elsewhere in the Rules).

will not be bound by that outcome and may proceed with its original decision if itconsiders it appropriate to do so.

25.	Each member of the Independent Oversight Panel will be paid a daily rate for
their work on matters covered in these Terms of Reference, the level of whichshall be agreed by the League and the Chair and subject to the approval of thePremier League’s Audit and Remuneration Committee. In addition, members of the
Independent Oversight Panel may be reimbursed for any reasonable out of pocket
expenses incurred during the course of their work.
26.	Liability for payment of the sums referred to at paragraphs 24 and 25, above, shallbe borne by the League.
27.	No amendment to these Terms of Reference shall be made without the approvalof Clubs at a General Meeting. Any amendment made pursuant to this paragraph
27 shall be effective immediately and shall be binding on all members of the
Independent Oversight Panel, including the Chair, all Clubs and the League.
28.	Save where specifically defined in these Terms of Reference, capitalised terms
bear the meaning given to them in the Premier League’s Articles of Associations
and/or the Rules.
29. 	Notwithstanding all of the above, the Chair of the Independent Oversight Panelmay, in their absolute discretion, when appointing individuals to conduct OADT
Decision Reviews, appoint on an ad hoc basis individuals who are not membersof the Independent Oversight Panel but whom they consider would be suitable
for the particular OADT Decision Review (and for the period of their temporary
appointment each such person will be considered a member of the Independent
Oversight Panel). It is anticipated that the Chair will exercise this power only
in exceptional circumstances (for example, where specific and/or unforeseenknowledge or expertise is required) and will ensure that, in respect of each OADT
Decision Review, there is at least one Reviewer who is a member of the Independent
Oversight Panel. Those individuals appointed on an ad hoc basis will be subject
to the same daily rates and the same approach to expenses reimbursement as
members of the Independent Oversight Panel.

616

Appendix 22

Appendix 22

Acquisition Materials
1.6.	Description of the activities of each entity within the Group;

1.

Pursuant to Rules A.1.9 and F.28.1.2, the Acquisition Materials are:1.1.	
An organisational chart showing proposed corporate structure postacquisition and clearly listing all entities and persons within the overall
structure and their percentage shareholdings of each entity within thegroup, including (but not limited to) all Parent Undertakings and Subsidiary
Undertakings where relevant (the “Group”);

	1.9.	Details of share/loan capital allotted, issued, or agreed to be allotted or
issued by each entity within the Group since the date of the latest annual
accounts of the Club;

1.2.	Copies of all documents relating to changes in the corporate structure ofeach entity within the Group since three years of the date of the submissionof the Acquisition Materials;	1.10.	In respect of each proposed Director and/or any Person who is proposed toacquire Control and/or, where the proposed Director is a corporate entity,that entity’s UBO:

1.3.	Confirmation of the legal identity, jurisdiction of incorporation, jurisdictionof tax residence and status of each entity and person within the Group(for example: private individual, limited company, partnership, fund, listed
or unlisted etc.) and background information about each such entity andperson;		

1.10.1.	name, residential address(es) and date of birth (to be confirmed byprovision of certified copy documents e.g. passport);		

1.10.2.	certified copies of all passports held;		

1.10.3.	nature and extent of the interest, including details of the shares held(or owned); and		

1.10.4.	confirmation that they will not be acting as trustee or nominee (orsimilar arrangement) for any undisclosed third party;

1.4.	For each entity within the Group, verification of the following information (forexample, from the appropriate company registry or copies of deeds whereavailable):		

1.4.1. Incorporation;

		

1.4.2. constitutional documents;		

1.4.3. articles of association / bye-laws;		

1.4.4. registered office;		

1.4.5. trading address(es) if different from registered office;		

1.4.6. names and address of directors; and		

1.4.7. most recent financial statements (if an existing company);

1.5.	Detailed biographies of the directors (or equivalent) of each entity within theGroup, and certified copy passports for each;617

	1.8.	Copies of all shareholder agreements and all other agreements regarding
the shares of each entity within the Group (including pledges, security
interests, options, pre-emption rights, nomineeships, trust agreements, etc.)
or any other arrangements conferring rights (including voting rights) on third
parties which might impair or influence the exercise by any registered holder
or beneficial owner of any right attached to or deriving from the shares;

Appendices to the Rules

The Acquisition Materials identified below are non-exhaustive examples which the Board
considers reasonable to request in the context of a proposed acquisition of Control. The
Board will use its discretion and judgement in relation to the materials it requests andin relation to the scope and application of the items referred to below in the context ofthe particular facts and circumstances of the proposed acquisition of Control of a Club.

	1.7.	List of registered holders (together with details of the current and proposed
ultimate beneficial owners (“UBO”), if different) of the shares of each entity
within the Group (including name and address), with details of the shares
held (or owned) and copies of any share certificates;

1.11. In respect of each proposed Director and/or any Person who is proposed toacquire Control and/or, where the proposed Director is a corporate entity,that entity’s UBO, documentary evidence providing details of the financial
circumstances and sources of wealth;1.12.	Lists of directors and every person generally authorised by any entity within
the Group to represent or bind the Club;
1.13.	Details of the overall management structure of the Group;
1.14.	Detailed information as to the acquisition debt to be incurred and obligors
for such debt and the source of funds to be invested in or otherwise madeavailable to the Club;618

Appendix 22

Appendix 23
Fan Engagement Standard

1.16.	Details of the purchaser’s principal bankers and a letter of reference fromthem, which is to include (i) confirmation of the total value of assets held withthe bank, (ii) its understanding as to the source of funds, and (iii) confirmation
as to the number of years the purchaser has been a client of the bank;
1.17.	Details of the purchaser’s principal lawyers and accountants and confirmationof their appointments from the firms concerned;
1.18.	Details of the purchaser’s lead financial advisors and a letter of confirmation
which confirms (i) their appointment and (ii) whether they consider thatsufficient funds are available for the acquisition of the Club;FOREWORD
Supporters have always been the lifeblood of football and Premier League fans are
known around the world for their passion and enthusiasm. There is no doubt they are
essential to the ongoing success of the game, so I am delighted to introduce the new Fan
Engagement Standard.
It is vital we ensure the voices of supporters are not only heard in the stands, but also
when it comes to having a say on key issues relating to their clubs. The Standard puts
structures in place to establish consistency across the League and improve transparency.

Appendices to the Rules

1.15.	A copy of any financial model used in connection with the proposed
acquisition, which will include profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow
projections relating to the Group and will contain an acquisition debt cash
flow model showing the debt servicing of any Acquisition Debt (for these
purposes assuming completion of the acquisition of Control of the Club);Clubs already carry out a great deal of work in this area, and the Standard is the next
step in enhancing these collective efforts. It builds on existing work and is integral toensuring fan consultation and regular dialogue is embedded across all policies andpractices.

1.19. A copy of the proposed business plan for the Club;
1.20. A copy of any Heads of Terms and Sale and Purchase Agreements;
1.21.	A list of any competition, regulatory or other clearances required for theacquisition;
1.22.	Confirmation that no entity or person referred to in the previous paragraphs
is subject to UK Sanctions or is a UK Sanctions Restricted Person; and1.23.	General description of the Club’s current banking and financing arrangements,
as well as details of the banking and financing arrangements to be enteredinto in connection with the proposed acquisition of Control (including detailsof bank accounts and debt financing facilities).

619

In committing to the Standard, Premier League clubs have agreed to take their fan
engagement work even further. It provides a framework to support clubs in developing
their existing work and introduces a number of core commitments, including the
introduction of Fan Advisory Boards and the requirement for each club to nominate a
Board-level official responsible for fan engagement.
We will continue to work with clubs and our partners across football to set new standards
for meaningful engagement with fans. I look forward to seeing clubs continue thisimportant work during the rest of the season and beyond.
Richard Masters
Premier League Chief Executive

620

Appendix 23

Appendix 23

INTRODUCTION

The commitments of the FES will begin to be implemented by clubs during the remainder
Introductionof the 2022/23 Season.

In November
Premier
League(PL) clubsinapproved
The first full2022,
calendarof activity
will commencethe 2023/24 pre-season, when eachtheclub
introduction
Fan
Engagement
Standard (FES).
will publish of
its a
own
Fan
Engagement Plan.
The commitments of the FES will begin to be implemented
The introduction
the FES reinforces
clubs’Season.
commitment to ensuring long- termby clubs
during theofremainderof the our2022/23

Theme 1
Leadershipand Culture

Theme 2
Listening

meaningful engagement with fans. Building on existing work undertaken by clubs, theThe first full calendar of activity will commence in the
FES framework establishes a clear required standard for fan engagement and promotes
2023/24 pre-season, when each club will publish its own
sharing of goodpractice.
FantheEngagement
Plan.
The introductionof thereinforces
our clubs’commitment
to ensuring
In approving
theFES
FES,
each Premier
Leagueclub hasagreed longto a number of commitments,
term meaningful engagement with fans. Building on existing work undertakenthekeyelements
of
which
are
summarised
on
page
621.
by clubs, the FES framework establishes a clear required standard for fan
engagement and promotes the sharing of good practice.

Theme 3Collaborate andParticipate

The full framework, which includes a detailed series of linked activities and incorporates

In approving the FES, each Premier League club has agreed to a number ofthe publication of key documents, can be viewed from page 622.
commitments, the key elements of which are summarised on page 6.

Theme 4

The full
includesa detailed series of linked activities and
It isframework,
based onwhich
five key
themes:incorporates the publication of key documents, can be viewed from page 8.
It is based on five key themes:

Share

Leadership and CultureThe
importance
Leadershipand Cultureof club leadership in setting
The importance of club leadership instrategy
anda culture of fan engagement andsetting strategy and a culture of fan
engagement and collaboration
collaboration
Listening
Listening
Clubs listening to the views of their fansin a structured
and timely
mannerClubs
listeningto theviews

Theme 5
Learn and Improve

Fan voices should be heard in a structured and timely manner toassist clubs in making informed decisions regarding fan- facing
issues. Clubs should recognise the diversity of their fanbase andendeavour to ensure they engage in a fair and representative
manner.

Appendices to the Rules

In November 2022, Premier League (PL) clubs approved the introduction of a Fan
Engagement Standard (FES).

Embedding impactful approaches to fan engagement requires
effective leadership, accountability and commitment from bothclubs and fans. The actions taken by leaders and what they say
matters. Club leaders have a responsibility to set an appropriate
tone, vision and strategy for fan engagement with their fanbase.
These elements should be underpinned by a culture of fan
engagement throughout the club.

Establishing appropriate structures and forums for constructive
dialogue is key to ensuring a meaningful and transparent relationshipbetween fan groups and club leadership.
Creating forums with good governance and processes provides fanswith the opportunity to discuss key fan-facing issues and tocollaborate on specific topics or projects, as well as any proposals
relating to heritage assets.
In order to embed an effective two-way dialogue between the cluband its fanbase, it is important that both parties are transparent
regarding decisions taken and the rationale for specific viewpoints.
Clubs should share information, subject to commercial and legal
sensitivities, in a timely and accurate manner to build trust with fansand inform conversations.
Each club and its fanbase are on a journey to enhance existing
activities supporting fan engagement. It is important that clubs
continue to learn and develop to enable meaningful and sustainablechange. Clubs should work together to ensure good practice andlearned experiences are shared across the Premier League.

of their fans in a

Collaborate andstructured
andParticipate
timely mannerSupporting collaboration and theintroduction of a Fan Advisory Board to
Collaborate
and Participate
promote meaningful dialogue between
clubs and fans collaboration and the introduction
SupportingofSharea Fan Advisory Board to promote meaningful
Decisions taken by clubs are transparent
dialogue
betweenclubs
and fans
and clubs share
information
in a timely
and accurate manner

Share
Learn and Improve
Decisions
taken
byand
clubs
are transparent andSupporting clubs
to learn
to develop
their approach to fan engagement
clubs
share information in a timely and accurate
mannerPremier League Fan Engagement Standard

4

Learn and Improve
Supporting clubs to learn and to develop theirapproach to fan engagement
621

622

Appendix 23

Summary of core commitments

FAN ENGAGEMENT STANDARD FRAMEWORK

Each of the five FES themes is linked to a series of commitments. Collectively, theseproviding a clear framework that clubs can use to shape their fan engagement strategy
in collaboration with fans.

Club Commitments and Core Activities•	
Premier League Rules - Compliance with all elements ofPremier League Rules relating to fan engagement - contained in
Section R
Theme 1
Leadershipand Culture

Theme 1
Leadership and Culture
The FES is structured around five key themes, the first focusing on the importance of clubleadership in promoting a culture of fan engagement.

•	
Nominated Board-level official - Each club to nominate a
Board- level official to be accountable for the club’s fan
engagement activities

Club Commitments•	
Accessibility - Publication of dedicated club communication
channels for all fan-related queries (e.g. email address, phone
numbers)

Theme 2•	
Heritage Assets - A commitment from each club to consult withfans in a timely manner prior to any significant amendment to aclub heritage asset

Listening•	Supporters’ clubs, representative groups and wider fanbase•	Premier League Rules - Compliance with all elements ofPremier League Rules relating to fan engagement contained
within the Premier League Handbook, as amended and updated
from time to time - Including but not limited to Section R•	Nominated Board-level official - Each club to nominate a
Board- level official to lead the club’s fan engagement activities•	Each season, the Nominated Board-level official will prepare
and present a Fan Engagement Report to the club Board (orequivalent), outlining the engagement activities undertaken
and key issues / concerns raised from fans in that season	- A commitment to continue engaging with supporters’ clubs,
representative groups and the wider fanbase•	
Fan Advisory Board (FAB) - Each club to establish a FAB withthe primary purpose of engaging in two-way dialogue,
exchanging information/ideas and securing feedback from a
fan’s perspective
Theme 3Collaborate andParticipate

Theme 4

•	
Fan Engagement Platforms - Each club to utilise theinformation gathered from existing fan engagement platforms(Fans Forums, Fan Panels, Fan Surveys etc.) to inform and shapediscussion at the FAB

Theme 1
Leadershipand Culture•	The Fan Engagement Report presented to the club Board (orequivalent), prepared by the Nominated Board-level official, will
be made public on the club’s website within 28 days of the Board
presentation•	Appointment of Nominated Board-level official as a member of
the Fan Advisory Board (FAB)•	
Working Group(s) - Clubs to establish Working Group(s) withthe purpose of engaging with fans on specific topics as definedby the FAB•	Accessibility - Each club will publish communication channels
for all fan-related queries (including but not limited to fan
engagement email address, phone numbers)•	
Fan Engagement Plan (FEP) - Each club to publish a FEP
before the start of each season•	Each club to commit to responding to fan queries raised via
official club communication channels in a timely mannerommunication from ownership, Chair or CEO - TheCownership, Chair or CEO of each club is to communicate to its
fanbase at least twice per season, to provide club updates aswell as outline the club’s priorities and plans•	Each club to commit to responding to fan queries raised via the
Independent Football Ombudsman in a timely manner

•

Share

•	
Annual Report - Clubs to include a Fan Engagement Statement
within their Annual Report

Appendices to the Rules

Appendix 23•	Each club to commit to publishing its Fan Engagement Plan(‘FEP’) before the start of each Premier League season•	
Fan Support - A commitment from the club within the FEP toprovide support and resources to supporters’ clubs,
representative groups and the wider fanbase

Theme 5
Learn and Improve•	
Engagement Training - The Nominated Board-level official
and Supporter Liaison Officer will be provided with training
opportunities by the Premier League•	
Fan Advisory Board (FAB) Assessment - Chair of FAB tocomplete an assessment of the effectiveness of the FAB withclub Chairperson or CEO each season•623

Collaboration - Each club to attend a minimum of two Premier
League Fan Engagement Working Groups in order to share bestpractice and collaborate with their peers
624Appendix 23

Theme 2
Listening

Theme 3Collaboration and Participation

It is important that clubs listen to the views of their fans in a structured and timely
manner, particularly on key topics such as heritage assets.

Clubs should ensure collaboration with supporters and introduce a Fan Advisory Board
to promote meaningful dialogue between the club and fans.

Club Commitments

Club Commitments•	
Heritage Assets - A commitment from clubs to consult with fansin a timely manner prior to any material amendment to a club
Heritage Asset subject to contractual, legal and intellectual
property obligations. Such Heritage Assets include, but may not
be limited to:	Fan Advisory Board (FAB) - Each club to establish a FAB with theprimary purpose of engaging in two-way dialogue, exchanging
information/ideas and securing feedback from a fan’s
perspective- Club name•	The FAB will be a consultative body and as such members do nothold any fiduciary duties- Club badges•	Core components of the FAB should include, but not be limited to:- Purpose - The FAB will have a clearly defined mandate androle (advisory body) outlined within a Terms of Reference (ToR)- Home club colours

Theme 2
Listening•	Each club’s Fan Engagement Plan to provide a list of all Heritage
Assets in scope for fan consultation- Ownership - The club Board will hold ultimate responsibility
for the FAB•	
FA Rules of Association - Compliance with all elements of FA
Rules of Association relating to Heritage Assets - Section M (M1M16)- Chairperson - A Chair or Co-Chairs to be elected from the FAB
membership group- Composition - Each FAB to have a minimum of six fan members(plus club representatives)•	
Supporters’ clubs, representative groups and wider fanbase- A commitment to continue engaging with supporters’ clubs,
representative groups and the wider fanbase- Representation - FAB to be representative of the club fanbase
as practicable and have defined profiles aligned to club’s
equality, diversity and inclusion commitments•	Clubs to allocate resources to engage with all official supporters’
clubs
•	
Nominated Board-level official (or club management teamrepresentative) for fan engagement must attend a minimum of
two supporters club meetings per Premier League season

Appendices to the Rules

Appendix 23

Theme 3Collaborate andParticipate- Engagement - Commitment to regular contact andinformation flow from the club Board and senior executive
team- Term - For non-club FAB member(s), mandatory rotation ofmembers on a periodic basis as deemed appropriate by theclub (e.g. three years)- Confidentiality - The proceedings of the FAB and information
it is privy to are to be subject to an NDA / confidentiality
agreement within the FAB Terms of Reference (ToR) or in a
separate agreement- Intellectual Property (IP) - Any IP created in the course of the
FAB’s existence is to be owned by the club- Meeting frequency - FAB to mee a minimum of two times peryear- Club ownership, Chair or CEO attendance - The clubownership, Chair or CEO is to attend a minimum of one FAB
meeting per year
- Nominated Board-level official - Nominated Board-level
official to hold a permanent membership to the FAB- Code of Conduct (CoC) - FAB members to be bound by anagreed CoC as defined within the ToR or separate agreement- CoC Breach - Clubs will hold the right to remove a member of
the FAB in the event of a confidentiality breach or breach of the
CoC

625

626

Appendix 23

Appendix 23

Club Commitments- Cascade of Information - FAB members to Chair relevant Fan’s
Forums or working groups in order to cascade information andcanvass views on specific topics

Theme 3Collaborate andParticipate

The decisions taken by clubs should be as transparent as possible, with information
shared in a timely and accurate manner.
Club Commitments- Reporting - Maintenance of meeting summary and reports bydesignated FAB Secretary•	
Fan Engagement Plan (“FEP’’) - Each club to publish a FEP
before the start of each Premier League season- Publication - Each club to publish a high-level overview of the
FAB via club channels (membership, structure, frequency of
meetings etc.)•- 
Details of key fan engagement activities to be completed
during the season- 
Details of key roles and responsibilities of club officials in
relation to fan engagement

Theme three also focuses on providing regular touch points with club leadership to
discuss performance via structured communication and fan panels or working groups.
Club Commitments•

 an Advisory Board - FABs would be expected to discuss theFfollowing topics during the course of the season (subject tocontractual, legal and intellectual property obligations):- The club’s strategic vision and objectives- Short, medium and long-term strategy- Club business performance updates, priorities and plans- Operational matchday issues of concern to supporters- Any proposals relating to club heritage items- Stadium issues and plans- Club communities strategy

The FEP should include, but not be limited to:Appendices to the Rules	Training and Safeguarding - Annually, FAB members are provided
with training on club operations, social media and mental healthawareness

Theme 4
Collaboration and Participation- 
Details of the Fan Advisory Board such as membership,
frequency of meetings and reporting
Theme 4Share

- Details of all club Heritage Assets requiring fan consultation
prior to a material amendment•	The FEP may be updated during the season to reflect changes in
fan engagement activities (as required)•	Communication from ownership, Chair or CEO - Theownership, Chair or CEO (as determined by the club) of eachclub is to communicate to its fanbase, at least twice per season,
to provide club updates as well as outline the club’s priorities
and plans•	The communication is to include a Q&A section to allow fans to
ask questions and raise points of concern (questions to besubmitted ahead of session)- Equality, diversity and inclusion commitments
Theme 3Collaborate andParticipate- The club’s plan for broader supporter engagement•	
Fan Engagement Platforms - Each club to utilise existing fan
engagement platforms (e.g. Fans’ Forum, Fan Panels, Fan
Surveys etc.) to enable fans to propose key topics for discussion
at the FAB•	Outputs from fan engagement platforms to be discussed at the
FAB as required•	Working Group(s) - Each club to establish Working Group(s)with the purpose of engaging with fans on specific topics asdetermined by the FAB (ticketing, safety, community etc.)•	FAB members to chair Working Group(s) in order to cascade
information and canvass views on specific topics•	
Publication of Working Group summary / results on clubchannels in a timely manner•	
Nominated Board-level official (or club management teamrepresentative) must attend a minimum of two Working Group[or equivalent] meetings per season

627

628

Appendix 23

Appendix 23

Clubs will be supported to learn and develop their approach to fan engagement, which
in turn will help the FES to evolve in step with good practice.
Club Commitments•

Fan Support - A commitment from the club within the FEP toprovide support and resources to supporters’ clubs,
representative groups and the wider fanbase to encourageenhanced organisation and participation

Appendices to the Rules

Theme 5
Learn and Improve•	
Engagement Training - The Nominated Board-level official
NBLO and Supporter Liaison Officer SLO will be provided withtraining opportunities by the Premier League•	Premier League clubs are encouraged to provide relevant
training for NBLOs, SLOs and key fan engagement personnel
Theme 5
Learn and Improve•

 an Advisory Board (FAB) Assessment - Chair of FAB toFcomplete an assessment of the effectiveness of the FAB withClub Chairperson or CEO each season•	Club to publish assessment findings within the Fan Engagement
Statement within their Annual Report•	Collaboration - Each club to be represented (by an appropriate
executive) at two Premier League Fan Engagement Working
Groups in order to share best practice and collaborate with
their peers•	Club to demonstrate that they have engaged with fan-focusedorganisations (e.g. Football Supporters Association / Kick It Out/ Level Playing Field) to collaborate on fan-facing issues

629

630

MatchOfficials

National List of Referees

National List of Assistant Referees

Season 2023/24

Season 2023/24

633

LEWIS, ROBERT Shropshire
LININGTON, JAMES Hampshire
MADLEY, ANDREW West Riding
MADLEY, ROBERT West Riding
MARTIN, STEPHEN Staffordshire
MATHER, SIMON Manchester
MIDDLETON, DANIEL Derbyshire
MILES, JACOB Sussex
NIELD, TOM West Riding
OLDHAM, SCOTT Lancashire
OLIVER, MICHAEL Durham
PARSONS, THOMAS Manchester
PAWSON, CRAIG Sheffield & Hallamshire
POLLARD, CHRIS Suffolk
PURKISS, SAM London
REEVES, TOM Birmingham
ROBINSON, TIM Sussex
ROCK, DAVID Hertfordshire
SALISBURY, MICHAEL Lancashire
SCOTT, GRAHAM Berks & Bucks
SIMPSON, JEREMY Lancashire
SIMPSON, SCOTT Staffordshire
SINGH GILL, SUNNY Berks & Bucks
SMITH, JOSH Lincolnshire
SMITH, LEWIS Lancashire
SPEEDIE, BENJAMIN Liverpool
STOCKBRIDGE, SEBASTIAN Durham
STROUD, KEITH Hampshire
SWABEY, LEE Devon
TALLIS, SCOTT Birmingham
TAYLOR, ANTHONY Cheshire
TIERNEY, PAUL Lancashire
TONER, BEN Lancashire
WARD, GAVIN Surrey
WEBB, DAVID Durham
WELCH, REBECCA Durham
WHITESTONE, DEAN NorthamptonshireWOODS, MARTIN Lancashire
WRIGHT, PETER Liverpool
YATES, OLLIE Staffordshire
YOUNG, ALAN Bedfordshire

AMEY, JUSTIN Dorset
AMPHLETT, MARVYN Worcestershire
ANTROBUS, BLAKE Manchester
ASPINALL, NATALIE LancashireAYLOTT, ANDREW Bedfordshire
BANDARA, DAMITH BedfordshireBARTLETT, RICHARD Cheshire
BENNETT, ANDY Surrey
BENNETT, SIMON Staffordshire
BESWICK, GARY Durham
BETTS, LEE Norfolk
BICKERDIKE, JOHNATHON West Riding
BICKLE, OLIVER Derbyshire
BONNEYWELL, DANIEL Kent
BROWN, CONOR Lancashire
BROWN, STEPHEN Kent
BUCKLEY, KARL Cheshire
BURT, STUART Northamptonshire
BUTLER, STUART Kent
BYRNE, GEORGE Cambridgeshire
CANN, DARREN Norfolk
CHARD, MICHAEL London
CHEOSIAUA, RAVEL Worcestershire
CLAYTON, ALAN Cheshire
CLAYTON, SIMON Durham
CLENCH, JACK Gloucestershire
COOK, DAN Hampshire
COOK, DANIEL Essex
COOPER, IAN Kent
COOPER, NICHOLAS Suffolk
CRESSWELL, ALAN Berks & Bucks
CROWHURST, LEIGH Sussex
CRYSELL, ADAM Berks & Bucks
CUNLIFFE, MARK Liverpool
DA COSTA, Anthony Cambridgeshire
DALLISON, ANDREW Nottinghamshire
DAVIES, NEIL London
DERMOTT, PHILIP Lancashire
DERRIEN, MARK Dorset
DESBOROUGH, MIKE Hampshire
DURNALL, STEVE Birmingham

DWYER, MARK West Riding
EATON, DEREK Gloucestershire
EVANS, PAUL Northamptonshire
RRELL, CONOR London
RRER, SHAUN Surrey
FINCH, STEPHEN Army
FITCH-JACKSON, CARL Suffolk
FLYNN, DANIEL Somerset
FORD, DECLAN Lincolnshire
FORDER, JACK Lincolnshire
FOX, ANDREW Birmingham
FREEMAN, LEE Sheffield & Hallamshire
FUDGE, SAMUEL Gloucestershire
FYVIE, GRAEME Durham
GEORGE, MICHAEL Norfolk
GILROY, HUGH London
GOOCH, PETER Lancashire
GRATTON, DANNY Staffordshire
GRAY, ALEX Manchester
GREENHALGH, NICK Lancashire
GRUNNILL, WAYNE East Riding
HALL, BRADLEY North Riding
HARRISON, DAVID Essex
HARTY, THOMAS Shropshire
HATZIDAKIS, CONSTANTINE Kent
HICKMAN, ANDREW Middlesex
HILTON, GARY Lancashire
HODSKINSON, PAUL Lancashire
HOLMES, ADRIAN West Riding
HOLMES, MARTYN Cambridgeshire
HOPTON, NICK Derbyshire
HOWICK, KEVIN Berks & Bucks
HOWSON, AKIL Leicestershire & Rutland
HUDSON, SHAUN Durham
HUNT, JONATHAN Liverpool
HUSBAND, CHRISTOPHER Worcestershire
HUSSIN, IAN Liverpool
HYDE, ROBERT Essex
ISHERWOOD, CHRIS Lancashire
JAMES, ALEX Hampshire
JARVIS, DANNY Sheffield & Hallamshire

Match Officials

ALLISON, SAM Wiltshire
ATKINSON, BEN London
ATTWELL, STUART Birmingham
BACKHOUSE, ANTHONY Cumberland
BANKES, PETER Liverpool
BARROTT, SAM West Riding
BELL, JAMES Sheffield & Hallamshire
BOND, DARREN Lancashire
BOURNE, DECLAN Nottinghamshire
BRAMALL, THOMAS Sheffield & Hallamshire
BREAKSPEAR, CHARLES Surrey
BROOK, CARL Sussex
BROOKS, JOHN Leicestershire & Rutland
BUSBY, JOHN Oxfordshire
COOTE, DAVID Nottinghamshire
CORLETT, MATT Liverpool
COY, MARTIN Durham
DAVIES, ANDY Hampshire
DONOHUE, MATTHEW Manchester
DOUGHTY, LEIGH Lancashire
DRYSDALE, DARREN RAF
DUCKWORTH, ED Lancashire
EDWARDS, MARC Durham
ELTRINGHAM, GEOFF Durham
ENGLAND, DARREN Sheffield & Hallamshire
FINNIE, WILL Northamptonshire
GILLETT, JARRED Liverpool
HAIR, NEIL Huntingdonshire
HANDLEY, DARREN Lancashire
HARRINGTON, TONY Durham
HERCZEG, ADAM Durham
HICKS, CRAIG Surrey
HOOPER, SIMON Wiltshire
HOWARD, PAUL London
JACKSON, SCOTT Royal NavyJONES, ROBERT CheshireJOYCE, ROSS North Riding
KAVANAGH, CHRISTOPHER Manchester
KIRK, THOMAS Cheshire
KITCHEN, ANDREW Durham
LANGFORD, OLIVER Lancashire

634

National List of Assistant Referees
Season 2023/24

635

RICKETTS, ADAM Gloucestershire
ROBATHAN, DANIEL Norfolk
ROBINSON, DANIEL Birmingham
RUSHTON, STEVEN Staffordshire
RUSSELL, MARK Somerset
SCHOLES, MARK Berks & Bucks
SHAW, SIMON Gloucestershire
SIMPSON, JOE Manchester
SINGH GILL, BHUPINDER Berks & Bucks
SMART, EDWARD Birmingham
SMITH, MATTHEW Leicestershire & Rutland
SMITH, ROB Hertfordshire
SMITH, WADE Manchester
SOWERBY, MATTHEW West Riding
STANKOVIC, IVAN Northumberland
STEVENS, MARK Berks & Bucks
STOKES, JOSEPH Kent
STONIER, PAUL StaffordshireTAYLOR, CRAIG StaffordshireTAYLOR, GRANT Birmingham
TOPP, JAKE Manchester
TRANTER, ADRIAN Kent
TRELEAVEN, DEAN Hampshire
VALLANCE, JAMES Berks & Bucks
VENAMORE, LEE Kent
VICCARS, GARETH Berks & Bucks
WADE, CHRISTOPHER Hampshire
WADE, STEPHEN East Riding
WARD, CHRISTOPHER Sheffield & Hallamshire
WEBB, MICHAEL Surrey
WEST, RICHARD East Riding
WHITAKER, RYAN London
WIGGLESWORTH, RICHARD Sheffield & Hallamshire
WILD, RICHARD Lancashire
WILDING, DARREN Worcestershire
WILKES, MATTHEW Birmingham
WILLIAMS, DARREN Northumberland
WILLIAMS, OLLIE Worcestershire
WILLIAMS, RYAN Birmingham
WILLIAMS, SCOTT London

WILSON, JAMES Manchester
WILSON, MARC Bedfordshire
WOOD, TIMOTHY Gloucestershire
WOODWARD, DANIEL Durham
WOODWARD, RICHARD Cheshire
YATES, PAUL Kent

Match Officials

JONES, CALLUM Liverpool
JONES, MARK Nottinghamshire
JONES, MATTHEW Staffordshire
KANE, GRAHAM Sussex
KANE, STUART Berks & Bucks
KARAIVANOV, HRISTO Nottinghamshire
KELLY, PAUL Kent
KHAN, ABBAS Leicestershire & Rutland
LEACH, DANIEL Oxfordshire
LEDGER, SCOTT Sheffield & Hallamshire
LEHANE, JACOB Leicestershire & Rutland
LENNARD, HARRY Sussex
LEWIS, SAM Bedfordshire
LIDDLE, GEOFFREY Durham
LISTER-FLYNN, PAUL Surrey
LONG, SIMON Cornwall
LUGG, NIGEL Sussex
MAINWARING, JAMES Lancashire
MASKELL, GARRY Essex
MASSEY-ELLIS, SIAN Birmingham
MCGRATH, MATTHEW East Riding
MELLOR, GARETH West Riding
MERCHANT, ROBERT Staffordshire
MEREDITH, STEVEN Nottinghamshire
MOORE, ANTHONY Manchester
MORRIS, KEVIN Herefordshire
MORRIS, RICHARD Gloucestershire
MULRAINE, KEVIN Cumberland
NELSON, ALISTAIR Nottinghamshire
NEWHOUSE, PAUL Durham
NUNN, ADAM Wiltshire
OGLES, SAMUEL HampshireO’SHEA, DECLAN Army
PARRY, MATTHEW Liverpool
PERRY, MARC Birmingham
PLANE, STEVEN Worcestershire
POTTAGE, MARK Dorset
RAPER, LEWIS Liverpool
RASHID, LISA Birmingham
READ, GREG Surrey

National List of Assistant Referees
Season 2023/24

636

Memorandum& Articles of
Association

Memorandum of Association

Memorandum of Association(g)	to carry out any other transactions or things as can be advantageously
carried on in connection with or ancillary to the Premier League or as
may be calculated directly or indirectly to enhance the value of or render
profitable any of the property or rights of the Company;(h)	to invest and deal with the monies of the Company not immediately
required in any manner and hold and deal with any investment so made;(i)	to pay or to provide or to make arrangements for providing gratuities,
pensions, benefits, loans and other matters and to establish, support,
subsidise and subscribe to any institution, association, club, scheme, fundor trust;(j)	to raise or borrow money and to give security over the Company’s assets;(k)	to lend or advance money and to give credit and to enter (whether
gratuitously or otherwise) into guarantees or indemnities of all kinds,
whether secured or unsecured, and whether in respect of its own obligationsor those of some other person or company;(l)	to pay or agree to pay all or any of the promotion, formation and registration
expenses of the Company;(m)	to contribute to or support any charitable, benevolent or useful object
relating to association football, or participants therein; and(n)	to do all other things to further the objects of the Company or as may bedeemed incidental or conducive to the attainment of such objects or anyof them.

THE COMPANIES ACT 1985
COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARESMEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATIONofTHE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE LIMITED

639

1.

 he name of the Company is “THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUET
LIMITED”.

2.

The registered office of the Company will be situated in England.

3.

The objects for which the Company is established are:(a)	to organise and manage under the jurisdiction of The Football Associationa league of association football clubs to be known as “The Football
Association Premier League” or such other name as the Company may fromtime to time adopt (“the Premier League”);(b)	to make, adopt, vary and publish rules, regulations and conditions for the
management of the Premier League and matters relating thereto, and to
take all such steps as shall be deemed necessary or advisable for enforcing
such rules, regulations and conditions;(c)	to promote, provide for, regulate and manage all or any details or
arrangements or other things as may be considered necessary or desirable
for, or ancillary to, the comfort, conduct, convenience or benefit of football
players and of the public or of any other persons concerned or engaged inor associated with the Premier League;(d)	to enter into television, broadcasting, sponsorship, commercial or othertransactions of any kind in connection with the Premier League;(e)	to co-operate with The Football Association and the International Football
Association Board in all matters relating to international competitions or
relating to the laws of the game of association football and generally toadhere to and comply with the applicable rules and regulations of The
Football Association;(f) 	to carry out operations and to produce or deal with goods and to purchaseor otherwise acquire, construct, lease, hold or deal with property, rights or
privileges;

Memorandum & Articles of Association

No. 2719699

	It is hereby declared that (except where the context expressly so requires) noneof the several paragraphs of this clause, or the objects therein specified, or the
powers thereby conferred shall be limited by, or be deemed merely subsidiaryor auxiliary to, any other paragraph of this clause, or the objects in such otherparagraph specified, or the powers thereby conferred.
4.

The liability of the members is limited.

5.	The share capital of the Company is £100 divided into 99 Ordinary Shares of £1each and 1 Special Rights Preference Share of £1.
	We, the several persons whose names, addresses and descriptions are subscribed,
are desirous of being formed into a Company in pursuance of this Memorandum of
Association and we respectively agree to take the number of shares in the capitalof the Company set opposite our respective names.

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Articles of Association

Memorandum of Association

Number and class ofshares taken by each subscriber

Rick N. Parry
Chief Executive – F.A. Premier League
14 Dormer Close
RowtonChester CH3 7SA

22 Ordinary Shares

R.H.G. Kelly
Chief Executive – Football Association
16 Lancaster Gate
London W2 3LW
Dated the 22nd day of May 1992

1 Special Rights Preference ShareNo. 2719699
THE COMPANIES ACT 2006
PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARESARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION of
THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE LIMITED(As amended by Special Resolution passed on 14 June 2023)
Interpretation

Witness to the above signatures:
I.L. Hewitt
Solicitor
65 Fleet Street
London EC4Y 1HS

1.
In these Articles:	“the Act” means the Companies Act 2006 including any statutory modification orre­enactment thereof for the time being in force;

Memorandum & Articles of Association

Names, Addresses and
Descriptions of Subscribers

	“the Articles” means the Articles of Association of the Company and reference to anumber following the word “Article” is a reference to an article so numbered in the
Articles;Graeme E.C. Sloan
Solicitor
65 Fleet Street
London EC4Y 1HS

	“Association Football” means the game of football as played in accordance withthe rules and regulations of, or adopted by, the Football Association;
	“Remuneration Committee” means a committee convened by the Board under
Article 21.1, comprised of three representatives of Clubs and the non-executive
Directors in position from time to time;“the Board” means the board of directors for the time being of the Company;
	“Chair” means the person appointed as the Chair pursuant to Article 19.1 or any
acting Chair appointed pursuant to Article 23.3;“Club” means an Association Football club which is for the time being a Member;“the Company” means The Football Association Premier League Limited;	“Clear Days” in relation to the period of a notice means that period excluding the
day when the notice is given (or on which it is deemed to be given) and the day on
which it is to take effect;“Curtailment Resolution” has the meaning given to it in Section A of the Rules;“Director” means a director of the Company;“the Football Association” means The Football Association Limited;

641

642

Articles of Association“F.A Cup” means the Football Association Challenge Cup competition;“the Special Shareholder” means the holder of the Special Share;	“Successor” means any manager, receiver, administrative receiver or liquidator
appointed in any of the circumstances referred to in Article 7.4;

“the Football League” means The Football League Limited;“Former Companies Acts” has the meaning set out in section 1171 of the Act;	“General Meeting” means any meeting of the Members and shall include forthe purpose of the Articles (except where expressly stated) the annual general
meeting and a separate class meeting of the holders of Ordinary Shares in the
Company;	“the League” means the Association Football league managed by the Company
and consisting of Association Football clubs which are from time to time Members;“League Office” means the registered office for the time being of the Company;
	“Member” means an Association Football club the name of which is entered in theregister of Members as the holder of an Ordinary Share;“the Memorandum” means the Memorandum of Association of the Company;“Ordinary Share” means an ordinary share of £1 in the capital of the Company;
	“Representative” means any director or the secretary of a Club or any person
who has been authorised to act as the representative of a Club as referred to in
Article 16.1;
	“Resolution” means a resolution of the Company which has been or is to be tabledor has been passed at a General Meeting by a majority of Members as specified
in Article 14.10 or a resolution of the Members which has been or is to be tabled or
has been passed pursuant to the provisions of Article 14.11;
	“the Rules” means the rules of the League as made, adopted or amended fromtime to time pursuant to the provisions of Article 11;“the Seal” means the common seal of the Company;
	“Secretary” means the secretary of the Company, their designee or any otherperson appointed to perform the duties of the secretary of the Company, including
a joint, assistant or deputy secretary;	“Special Share” means the one special rights preference share of £1 referred to in
Article 3;643“the United Kingdom” means Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and	“written” or “in writing” means the representation or reproduction of words,
symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of
methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.
	A reference to a person includes a body corporate and an unincorporated body of
persons.
	Unless the context otherwise requires, words or expressions contained in the Articles
bear the same meaning as in the Act but excluding any statutory modification
or re-enactment thereof not in force when the Articles or the relevant parts thereof
are adopted.

Memorandum & Articles of Association

	“the Football Association Rules” means the rules and regulations for the time
being of the Football Association;

Articles of Association

Headings
2. 	The headings in the Articles are for convenience only and shall not affect theinterpretation of the Articles.
Share Capital
3.	The authorised share capital of the Company at the date of adoption of the Articles
is £100 divided into 99 Ordinary Shares and one special rights preference share of £1.
Members
4.1.	Subject to Article 8, an Ordinary Share shall only be issued, allotted or transferred toan Association Football club entitled, pursuant to the Articles and the Rules, to be a
Member and such club shall, on issue, allotment or transfer to it of an Ordinary Share,
become a Member.
4.2.

No person shall be entitled to be a Member unless that person is:
4.2.1. 	a company limited by shares formed and registered in England and Wales
under the Act; or4.2.2.	a company limited by shares formed and registered in England and Wales
under any of the Former Companies Acts; or
4.2.3. 	any other person which the Board may determine, in its discretion, shall beentitled to be a Member.
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Articles of Association

4.3.	No Member shall be entitled to own, or have a beneficial interest in, more than one
Ordinary Share.

5.3. 	The Special Shareholder shall have all the rights of a Member in relation to receiving
notice of, and attending and speaking at, General Meetings and to receiving minutesof General Meetings. The Special Shareholder shall have no right to vote at General
Meetings.

The Special Share and the Special Shareholder
5.1.

The Special Share may only be issued to and held by the Football Association.

5.2.	Notwithstanding any provision in the Articles or the Rules to the contrary, each of thefollowing matters shall be deemed to be a variation of the rights attaching to theSpecial Share and shall accordingly be effective only with the consent in writing of
the Special Shareholder and without such consent shall not be done or caused to bedone:
5.2.1. 	the amendment, or removal, or the alteration of the effect of (which, for the
avoidance of doubt, shall be taken to include the ratification of any breachof) all or any of the following:		(a) the objects of the Company set out in clause 3 of the Memorandum;
		(b) in Article 1 the definition of ”Special Share” or ”the Special Shareholder”;		(c) Article 4 (issue of Ordinary Shares);		(d) this Article 5 (rights attaching to the Special Share);		(e) Article 19.1 (number of Directors);
		(f) Article 19.3 (appointment and re-appointment of Directors);
		(g) Article 33 (adherence to the Football Association Rules); and		(h) Articles 34 and 35 (winding-up);
5.2.2. any change of the name of the Company;
5.2.3. 	the variation of any voting rights attaching to any shares in the Company;
and5.2.4. 	the making and adoption of or any amendment to, removal of or waiver of
any of the provisions of the Rules which relate to:		(a) the name of the League;		(b)	the number of Members and promotion to and relegation from the
League;		(c) the criteria for membership of the League;		(d)	the arranging of fixtures on or prior to specified international matchdates and commitment to support the Football Association in relation
to international matches;		(e) the obligation of each Club to enter the F.A. Cup;		(f) the ownership of more than one club; or		(g) any rules common to the League and the Football League.

645

5.4. 	On any distribution of capital on a winding up of the Company, the Special
Shareholder shall be entitled to repayment of the capital paid up or treated for the
purposes of the Act or the Insolvency Act 1986 as paid up on the Special Share inpriority to any repayment of capital to any Member. The Special Share shall carry noother right to participate in the capital, and no right to participate in the profits, of
the Company.

Memorandum & Articles of Association

Articles of Association

Share Certificates
6.1. 	Every Club, upon being registered as the holder of an Ordinary Share, shall be entitledwithout payment to one certificate for the Ordinary Share so held. Every certificate
shall be executed in accordance with the Act and shall specify the distinguishingnumber of the Ordinary Share to which it relates and the amount paid up thereon.
6.2.	If a share certificate is defaced, worn-out, lost or destroyed, it may be renewed onsuch terms (if any) as to evidence and indemnity and payment of the expenses
reasonably incurred by the Company in investigating such evidence as the Board
may determine but otherwise free of charge, and (in the case of defacement or
wearing-out of the share certificate) subject to delivery up of the old certificate.
Transfer of Shares
7.1. 	The instrument of transfer of an Ordinary Share may be in any usual form or in any
other form which the Board may approve and shall be executed by or on behalf ofthe transferor and, unless the share is fully paid, by or on behalf of the transferee.
7.2. 	The Board shall refuse to register the transfer of an Ordinary Share to a person who
is not entitled, pursuant to the Articles or the Rules, to be a Member.
7.3. 	The Board may also refuse to register the transfer of an Ordinary Share unless:7.3.1. 	the instrument of transfer relating thereto is lodged at the League Office orat such other place as the Board may appoint and is accompanied by thecertificate for the Ordinary Share to which it relates and such other evidence
as the Board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to
make the transfer; and646

Articles of Association

7.4.

647

it is in respect of only one Ordinary Share.

If a Member
7.4.1. 	enters into a Company Voluntary Arrangement pursuant to Part 1 of theInsolvency Act 1986 (“the 1986 Act” which expression shall include any
statutory modification or re-enactment thereof for the time being in force)or a compromise or arrangement with its creditors under Part 26 of the Act,or it enters into any compromise agreement with its creditors as a whole; or
7.4.2. 	lodges, or its shareholders or directors lodge, a Notice of Intention to Appointan Administrator or a Notice of Appointment of an Administrator at the
Court in accordance with paragraphs 26 and 29 of Schedule B1 to the 1986
Act or it or its shareholders or directors make an application to the Court
for an Administration Order under paragraph 12 of Schedule B1 to the 1986
Act or where an Administrator is appointed or an Administration Order ismade in respect of it (“Administrator” and “Administration Order” having
the meanings attributed to them respectively by paragraphs 1 and 10 of
Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act); or
7.4.3. 	has an Administrative Receiver (as defined by section 251 of the 1986 Act)or a Law of Property Act Receiver (appointed under section 109 of the Law
of Property Act 1925) or any Receiver appointed by the Court under the
Senior Courts Act 1981 or any court appointed Receiver or any other Receiverappointed over any of its assets which, in the opinion of the Board, arematerial to the Club’s ability to fulfill its obligations as a Member; or
7.4.4. 	has its shareholders pass a Resolution pursuant to section 84(1) of the 1986
Act to voluntarily wind it up; or
7.4.5. 	has a meeting of its creditors convened pursuant to section 95 or section 98
of the 1986 Act; or
7.4.6.	has a winding up order made against it by the Court under section 122 of the1986 Act or a provisional liquidator is appointed over it under section 135 of
the 1986 Act; or
7.4.7. 	ceases or forms an intention to cease wholly or substantially to carry on its
business save for the purpose of reconstruction or amalgamation otherwisein accordance with a scheme of proposals which have previously been
submitted to and approved in writing by the Board; or
7.4.8. 	enters into or is placed into any insolvency regime in any jurisdiction outside
England and Wales which is analogous with the insolvency regimes detailedin Articles 7.4.1 to Articles7.4.6 hereof,	then the Board may at any time thereafter by notice in writing call upon the relevant
Successor to transfer the Ordinary Share held by such Member to such person as theBoard shall direct at a price of £1 and on receipt of such notice the Member shallthereupon cease to be entitled to be a Member of the League.
7.5.	If any Member shall cease to be entitled to be a member of the League pursuant
to the provisions of the Rules, then that Member, shall, on receiving notice in writingfrom the Board to that effect, transfer its Ordinary Share to such person as the Board
shall direct at a price of £1.
7.6. 	Any Member ceasing to be entitled to be a member of the League as referred toin Article 7.4 or 7.5 shall, as from the date of receiving the notice therein referred to,have no rights in relation to the Ordinary Share held by it save in relation to Article 34.

Memorandum & Articles of Association

7.3.2.

Articles of Association

7.7.	If any Member or its Successor (as the case may be) shall fail to transfer such
Member’s Ordinary Share in accordance with and within seven days of the noticein writing by the Board calling for the transfer of the same, the Board may authorise
any Director to execute a transfer thereof in favour of a person entitled to be amember of the League and a transfer so executed shall be as valid and effective
as if the same had been executed by the Member or its Successor (as the case maybe) and the transferee shall be entered into the register of Members as the holder ofsuch Ordinary Share accordingly.
7.8. 	On registration of the transfer of an Ordinary Share held by a Member, executedby such Member, its Successor or any Director (as the case may be) pursuant to theprovisions of this Article 7, the Member shall cease to be a Member.
7.9. 	No fee shall be charged for the registration of any instrument of transfer or otherdocument relating to or affecting the title to any Ordinary Share.
7.10. 	If the Board refuses to register a transfer of an Ordinary Share, the Board shall, within
two months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged with theCompany, send to the transferee notice of the refusal.
7.11. 	The Company shall be entitled to retain any instrument of transfer which is registered,
but any instrument of transfer which the Board refuses to register shall be returnedto the person lodging it when notice of the refusal is given.

648

Articles of Association

Excess Shares

Rules

8.1. 	In the event that the maximum number of Association Football clubs entitled to bemembers of the League in accordance with the Articles or the Rules is less than thenumber of Ordinary Shares then in issue then, unless the excess of such Ordinary
Shares shall be purchased by the Company or otherwise redeemed in accordancewith the provisions of the Act, such excess Ordinary Shares shall be transferred to andbe registered in the name of the Secretary and, whilst so registered, such Ordinary
Shares shall carry no voting, dividend or other rights, including on any winding up of
the Company.

11.1. 	The Company may by Resolution make and adopt and from time to time amend
the Rules for the purpose of regulating all matters affecting the organisation andmanagement of the League to the extent not provided for in, and so far as the same
do not conflict with, the provisions of the Articles.
11.2. 	Unless otherwise stated in the Articles or the Rules, the provisions of the Articles shallprevail in the event of any conflict with any of the provisions of the Rules.
General Meetings

8.2. 	On any change of the Secretary, any Ordinary Shares so registered in the name of
the Secretary shall forthwith be transferred into the name of the person holding
such office following such change and in the event that such shares shall not be sotransferred within 14 days of the change of the Secretary, the Board may authorise
any Director to execute a transfer of such shares in favour of the Secretary for thetime being of the Company and a transfer so executed shall be as valid and effective
as if the same had been executed by the holder of such shares and the transferee
Secretary shall be entered in the register as the holder of such Ordinary Sharesaccordingly.
Alteration of Share Capital
9.1.	The Company may by Resolution cancel Ordinary Shares which, at the date of thepassing of the Resolution, have not been issued and allotted or agreed to be issued
and allotted to any Association Football club entitled thereto and diminish theamount of its share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled.
9.2.	Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Company may by special Resolution reduce
its share capital, any capital redemption reserve and any share premium account.

12.1. A General Meeting may be convened by the Board at any time.

Memorandum & Articles of Association

Articles of Association

12.2. 	If there are at any time less than two Directors then a continuing Director or the
Secretary may convene a General Meeting for the purposes referred to in Article 23.3.
12.3. 	The Board shall convene each year at regular intervals at least five General Meetings(to include an annual general meeting) to be held at such time and at such place as
the Board shall determine.
12.4. 	The Board (and if there are less than two Directors, a continuing Director or the
Secretary) shall on receipt by the Company of the requisition to that effect from atleast two Members forthwith proceed to convene a General Meeting (other than anannual general meeting) for a date not later than:
12.4.1. 	28 Clear Days after the receipt of such requisition if it is signed by less than
two thirds in number of the Members;
12.4.2. 	14 Clear Days after the receipt of such requisition if it is signed by two thirds
or more in number of the Members; or
12.4.3. 	21 Clear Days after receipt of such requisition if the meeting is for any of the
purposes referred to in Articles 13.2.2, 13.2.3, or 13.2.4.

Purchase of Own Shares10. 	Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Company may purchase its own shares(including any redeemable shares) and make a payment in respect of theredemption or purchase of its own shares otherwise than out of distributable profits
of the Company or the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares.

649

Notice of General Meetings
13.1.	Notice of any General Meeting shall be given to all the Members and the Special
Shareholder in accordance with the notice periods provided for in these Articles.
Any notice given pursuant to the Articles shall be sent by email to the address(es)provided to the Company by each Member. Any notice sent by email shall be deemed
to have been delivered on the date on which it was sent.

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Articles of Association

13.2. At least 21 Clear Days’ notice shall be given for:13.2.1. any annual general meeting;
13.2.2. any meeting at which it is proposed to pass a special Resolution;
13.2.3. 	any meeting at which it is proposed to pass a Resolution appointing a person
as a Director; and13.2.4.	any meeting at which it is proposed to make, adopt or amend the Rules(except in situations where Article 13.3 applies).

13.8.	Where the Board wishes to table a Resolution at a General Meeting without notice,meaning that before the day of the General Meeting itself, either: (a) no indication
has been provided to the Members as to the general nature of the business to which
the Resolution relates; or (b) prior notice has been provided of the general nature of
the business to which the Resolution relates, but the fact that the Resolution is to betabled on that business at the General Meeting has not been notified to Members:
13.8.1. 	all Members who have the right to attend and vote at a meeting must agree
to the tabling of the Resolution; and13.8.2.	if such agreement is reached, the Resolution must be approved by two thirdsof such Members who are present and who vote by their Representativeor proxy (subject to any requirement in the Act that a greater majority isrequired to pass the Resolution).

13.3.	At least five Clear Days’ notice shall be given for any General Meeting at which it is
proposed to make, amend or adopt a Rule that the Board considers necessary oradvisable in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
13.4.	At least two Clear Days’ notice shall be given for any General Meeting at which theBoard intends to table a Curtailment Resolution. For the avoidance of doubt, no
Member (or group of Members) may table a Curtailment Resolution at any time.
13.5. 	At least 14 Clear Days’ notice shall be given for any other General Meeting nototherwise addressed by Articles 13.2, 13.3 or 13.4.
13.6.	A General Meeting may be called by shorter notice than that required by Articles
13.2, 13.3, 13.4 and 13.5 if it is so agreed by a majority of 90 per cent of Members
who have the right to attend and vote at a meeting. If such agreement is reached,
any Resolution tabled at the General Meeting must be approved by two thirds ofMembers who are present and who vote by their Representative or proxy (subject toany requirement in the Act that a greater majority is required to pass the Resolution).
13.7. The notice of a General Meeting shall:
13.7.1. 	specify the time and place of the meeting;
13.7.2. 	outline the general nature of the business to be dealt with and/or discussed
at the meeting. Documents to be considered prior to or at the General
Meeting and (subject to Article 13.8) the detail of any Resolutions to betabled at the General Meeting do not need to be circulated at the time thenotice is given for the notice to be valid;13.7.3. 	include a statement that a Member entitled to attend and vote is entitled toappoint one or two proxies to attend and vote instead of that Member andthat a proxy need not also be a Member; and13.7.4. in the case of an annual general meeting, shall specify the meeting as such.

651

Memorandum & Articles of Association

Articles of Association

13.9.	Notice of any General Meeting shall be given to any Successor of a Member and toeach Director, although such notice is not required to be provided in accordance with
notice periods provided for in these Articles.
13.10.	The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or the non-receipt of noticeof a meeting by, any Member or person entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate
the proceedings at that meeting.
Proceedings at General Meetings
Quorum
14.1.	No business shall be transacted at any General Meeting unless a quorum is present.
Save as otherwise provided in these Articles, two thirds in number of the Members
shall constitute a quorum for all purposes.
14.2.	If such a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the
meeting, or if during a meeting such a quorum ceases to be present, the meetingshall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and placeor to such time and place as the Board may determine. If at the adjourned meeting
a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meetingthe notice of the meeting shall be deemed to be, and the meeting shall be, cancelled.
Chairing a General Meeting
14.3.	The Chair, or, in his or her absence, a Director shall preside as chair of the meeting.
If none is willing to act as chair, or if not present within 15 minutes after the time
appointed for holding the meeting, the Members present shall elect another Director652

Articles of Association

Attending and speaking at a General Meeting
14.4.	Notwithstanding that he is not a Member, a Director shall be entitled to attend andspeak at any General Meeting.
14.5.	Subject to Article 14.6, a maximum of two Representatives or proxies of any Member
shall be entitled to attend General Meetings. In the event that two Representatives
or proxies of any Member attend a General Meeting, both shall be entitled to speakat the meeting, but:
14.5.1. 	where more than one Representative is present, only the Representative who
is senior in the order of priority provided in the notice referred to in Article 16.3
shall be entitled to vote on behalf of the Member at the General Meeting; or14.5.2.	where two proxies are present, only the first named proxy shall be entitled tovote on behalf of the Member at the General Meeting.
14.6. 	Unless otherwise agreed by the Board or by a simple majority of the Memberspresent at any General Meeting, no other Representative or proxy of a Member, in
addition to the two referred to at Article 14.5, or any other person representing a
Member shall be entitled to attend a General Meeting and, in any event, any person
permitted to attend a General Meeting in accordance with this Article shall not be
entitled to speak at the meeting unless invited to do so by the Chair.
Adjournment of a General Meeting
14.7. 	The Chair may, with the consent of a simple majority of the Members present at
a General Meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall, if so directed by themeeting), adjourn the meeting. When adjourning a General Meeting, the Chair shallspecify the time and place at which the meeting shall be reconvened.
14.8.	When a meeting is to be reconvened 30 days or more after it was adjourned, noticeof the reconvened meeting shall be given in accordance with Article 13.7.
14.9.	No business may be transacted at a reconvened General Meeting which could notproperly have been transacted at the meeting had the adjournment not takenplace.

653

Passing Resolutions at a General Meeting
14.10.	Except where the Act specifies that a particular Resolution of the Company requires
a greater majority or in respect of any Resolutions of the Company passed inaccordance with Article 23.2, votes cast by two-thirds of such Members who arepresent and who vote by their Representative or by proxy (i.e. those who are present
and do not abstain from voting) at a General Meeting of which notice has been duly
given shall be required for the passing of all Resolutions of the Company.
Written Resolutions
14.11.	Except where the Act specifies that a particular Resolution of the Company requires
a greater majority or in respect of any Resolutions of the Company passed inaccordance with Article 23.2, a Resolution in writing signed on behalf of two thirdsof the Members entitled to vote at a General Meeting by a Representative of eachof them shall be as valid and effective as if it had been passed at a General Meeting
duly convened by notice appropriate thereto and held. Where the Act specifies thata particular Resolution of the Company requires a greater majority, a Resolution inwriting signed on behalf of such greater majority of the Members entitled to vote at a
General Meeting by a Representative of each of them (and that is compliant with any
requirements provided for in the Act) shall be as valid and effective as if it had been
passed at a General Meeting duly convened by notice appropriate thereto and held.

Memorandum & Articles of Associationor one of the Representatives of a Member who is present to be the chair of themeeting.

Articles of Association

14.12.	Any Resolution passed in writing may consist of several documents (each to besigned by or on behalf of any Members voting in favour of that Resolution).
Poll votes
14.13.	A Resolution put to the vote of a General Meeting shall be decided on a show ofhands unless before, or on the declaration of the result of, the show of hands, a poll isduly demanded. Subject to the provisions of the Act, a poll may be demanded:
14.13.1. by the Chair; or
14.13.2. by at least two Members,	and a demand for a poll by a person as Representative of or proxy for a Member
shall be the same as a demand for a poll by the Member.
14.14.	Unless a poll is duly demanded, a declaration by the Chair that a Resolution has been
carried or carried unanimously or by a particular majority or lost, or not carried by aparticular majority, and an entry to that effect in the minutes of the General Meetingshall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of
the votes recorded in favour of or against the Resolution.
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Articles of Association

14.15.	The demand for a poll may, before the poll is taken, be withdrawn, but only withthe consent of the Chair and a demand so withdrawn shall not be taken to haveinvalidated the result of a show of hands declared before the demand was made.

act as the Representative of the Member at any General Meeting. The Board may
require reasonable evidence of any such authorisation.
16.2. 	A Representative shall be entitled to exercise all the powers of a Member for whom
he acts as Representative.

14.16.	A poll shall be taken as the Chair directs and he or she may fix a time and placefor declaring the result of the poll. The result of the poll shall be deemed to be the
Resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded.
14.17.	A poll demanded on the election of the Chair or on a question of adjournment shallbe taken forthwith. A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken either
forthwith or at such time and place as the Chair directs not being more than 30 days
after the poll is demanded. The demand for a poll shall not prevent the continuanceof a meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which
the poll was demanded. If a poll is demanded before the declaration of the result ofa show of hands and the demand is duly withdrawn, the meeting shall continue as if
the demand had not been made.

16.3. 	Prior to any General Meeting, each Member shall give notice to the Company of thedetails of the Representative(s) that will attend that General Meeting on behalf ofthat Member and, where two or more Representatives of the any Member are toattend a General Meeting in accordance with Articles 14.5 and 14.6, the Member
shall also provide notice as to which Representative shall be entitled to exercise theMember’s right to vote at the General Meeting in accordance with Article 15.1.

Memorandum & Articles of Association

Articles of Association

16.4. 	A Representative shall be entitled to attend and where appropriate vote at a General
Meeting notwithstanding that the Member of which he is the Representative has
appointed a proxy to attend the same.
Proxies

14.18. 	No notice need be given of a poll not taken immediately if the time and place at which
it is to be taken are announced at the meeting at which it is demanded. In any othercase at least seven Clear Days’ notice shall be given specifying the time and place atwhich the poll is to be taken.
Votes of Members
15.1.	Every Member present at a General Meeting by a Representative or proxy shall haveone vote whether on a show of hands or on a poll. For the avoidance of doubt, theChair may direct that votes (whether on a show of hands or on a poll) be cast byelectronic means.
15.2.	No objection shall be raised to the qualification of any Representative or proxy tovote on behalf of a Member except at the General Meeting or adjourned meeting at
which the vote objected to is tendered, and every vote not disallowed at the meetingshall be valid. Any objection made in due time shall be referred to the Chair, whose
decision in respect of the validity of the relevant vote shall be final and conclusive.
Representatives
16.1. 	Any director or the secretary of a Member shall be entitled to act as the Representativeof the Member at, and for all the purposes of business at, any General Meeting. A
Member may separately or additionally, by Resolution of its directors, authorise anyof its employees as it thinks fit (not being a director or the secretary as aforesaid) to655

17.1. 	An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing, signed on behalf of the Member
by one of its directors or its secretary or any of the Member’s employees authorisedby the Member to sign the same and shall be in the usual common form or in suchform as the Board shall approve.
17.2. 	Unless otherwise indicated on the instrument appointing the proxy, the proxy may
vote or abstain from voting as such proxy shall think fit.
17.3.	The instrument appointing a proxy and (where such instrument is not signed bya director or the secretary of a Member) a copy of the authority under which it issigned shall be in writing and shall:
17.3.1. 	be deposited at the League Office or with the Secretary no later than 48
hours prior to the time appointed for the commencement of the General
Meeting which the person or persons named in the instrument propose
to attend unless otherwise specified in the notice convening such General
Meeting; or
17.3.2.	in the case of a poll taken more than 48 hours after it is demanded, bedeposited as aforesaid after the poll has been demanded and before thetime appointed for the taking of the poll; or
17.3.3. 	where the poll is not taken forthwith but is taken not more than 48 hours after
it was demanded, be delivered at the General Meeting at which the poll was
demanded to the Chair or to the Secretary.
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Articles of Association

17.4. 	The Chair may in his or her discretion permit the appointment of a proxy other thanas provided herein if the circumstances arise which prevent a Member attending a
General Meeting.

19.4.	The terms and conditions relating to the appointment or re-appointment of(including the remuneration and other terms and conditions of service of) the Chairor any other Director, shall be determined by the Remuneration Committee.

Termination of the authority afforded to Representatives or proxies

Powers of the Board

18. 	
A vote given or poll demanded by the Representative or proxy of a Member
shall be valid notwithstanding the previous termination of the authority of theRepresentative or proxy to vote or demand a poll on behalf of the Member unlessnotice of such termination was received by the Company at the League Office (orat such other place at which the instrument of proxy was duly deposited) before thecommencement of the General Meeting or adjourned meeting at which the voteis given or the poll demanded or (in the case of a poll taken otherwise than on thesame day as the General Meeting or adjourned meeting) the time appointed fortaking the poll.

20.1. 	Subject to the Memorandum and the Articles the affairs of the Company shall be
managed by the Board subject always to any directions from time to time given andany policy resolved upon by the Members in a General Meeting.

Number and Appointment of Directors
19.1.	The Board shall consist of not less than two Directors one of whom shall be the Chairand one of whom shall be the chief executive.
19.2.	A Director need not hold any shares of the Company to qualify him as a Director but
he shall be entitled to attend and speak at all General Meetings in accordance with
Article 14.4.
19.3.	No person shall be appointed or re-appointed as Chair or as a Director except
pursuant to a Resolution and unless:19.3.1. 	such person is proposed by the Board and notice of intention to propose
such person is included in the notice of the General Meeting at which the
Resolution is to be proposed; or
19.3.2.	where the General Meeting has already been convened, not less than 14 and,
where the General Meeting has not already been convened, not less than
21 and, in any case not more than 35 Clear Days before the date appointed
for a General Meeting, a notice signed by a Member has been given to theCompany of the intention to propose that person for appointment or reappointment; and19.3.3.	in each case, appointment or re-appointment has been or is endorsed by theSpecial Shareholder (such endorsement not to be unreasonably withheld,
refused or delayed).

657

20.2. The Board shall:
20.2.1. 	manage the affairs of the Company including the operation of the League
and the operation and implementation of the Rules;
20.2.2. 	exercise all powers of the Company but subject always to such powers ofsupervision and policy direction as the Members in a General Meeting mayfrom time to time exercise or give;20.2.3. 	take such executive steps as it considers necessary to give effect to any policy
resolved upon by the Members in General Meeting;
20.2.4. 	make such recommendations to the Members on such matters of importanceto the Company as it considers appropriate; and20.2.5. 	subject to the provisions of the Articles and the Act, determine any and all
matters of procedure to be followed by the Company.

Memorandum & Articles of Association

Articles of Association

20.3.	The Board shall not in relation to any dealings relating to television, broadcasting,sponsorship or like transactions or other matters materially affecting the commercial
interests of the Members enter into any contract or agreement or conduct themselvesin any way as would bind the Company to any contract or agreement without theprior authority or approval by Resolution of the Members.
20.4.	No alteration of the Memorandum or the Articles nor any direction of the Members
shall invalidate any prior act of the Board which would have been valid if thatalteration had not been made or that direction had not been given.
Delegation of the Board’s Powers
21.1.	Subject to the Articles, the Directors may delegate any of the powers which areconferred on them under the Articles and which are not specifically reserved to the
Directors only:
21.1.1. to such person or committee;
21.1.2. by such means (including by power of attorney);658

Articles of Association

21.2.	If the Directors so specify, any such delegation may authorise further delegation of
the Directors’ powers by any person to whom they are delegated. The Directors may
revoke any delegation in whole or part or alter its terms and conditions.
21.3.	Committees to which the Directors delegate any of their powers must follow
procedures which are based as far as they are applicable on those provisions of the
Articles which govern decision making by Directors.
21.4. 	Subject always to Article 21.3, the Directors may make rules solely in relation toprocedure for all or any committees, which prevail over rules of procedure derived
from the Articles if they are not consistent with them.
Borrowing Powers
22. 	The Board may with the prior approval or authority of a Resolution exercise all thepowers of the Company to borrow or raise money and to mortgage or charge its
assets and, subject to Section 549 of the Act, to issue debenture stock and other debt
securities as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any
third party.
Disqualification and Removal of Directors
23.1. 	The office of a Director shall be vacated upon the happening of any of the following
events:23.1.1. 	if he resigns his office by notice in writing under his hand to the Secretary sent
to or left at the League Office;23.1.2. 	if he becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his
creditors generally;
23.1.3. 	if he is, or may be, suffering from mental disorder and either:		(a) 	he is admitted to hospital in pursuance of an application for admission
for treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983 or, in Scotland, anapplication for admission under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984;
or

659

		

(b) 	an order is made by a court having jurisdiction (whether in the United
Kingdom or elsewhere) in matters concerning mental disorder for his
detention or for the appointment of a receiver, curator bonis or otherperson to exercise powers with respect to his property or affairs;
23.1.4. if he dies;23.1.5. if he ceases for any cause to hold office as Chair or chief executive; or
23.1.6. 	if he ceases to be a Director by virtue of any provision of the Act or becomesprohibited by law from being a director.

23.2.	Subject to the requirements of the Act, and without prejudice to any claim or rights
in respect of any breach of contract between the Company and such person, theMembers may terminate the appointment of the Chair or of any Director (as thecase may be) by a Resolution voted for by a simple majority of Members entitled tovote at a General Meeting.

Memorandum & Articles of Association

21.1.3. to such an extent;
21.1.4. in relation to such matters or territories; and21.1.5. on such terms and conditions,as they think fit.

Articles of Association

23.3. 	In the event of a vacancy occurring on the Board, the continuing Director(s) shallforthwith convene a General Meeting for the purpose of appointing a Director to fillthat vacancy and may appoint as a Director a person who is willing to act, including
as acting Chair. An acting Director so appointed shall hold office until the General
Meeting convened as aforesaid shall be held and if not reappointed thereat shallvacate office at the conclusion thereof.
23.4. 	Pending such General Meeting an acting Chair or other Director (as the case maybe) appointed as aforesaid shall be treated as and shall have all the powers andduties of the Chair or Director (as the case may be) for all the purposes of the Articles.
Directors’ Expenses
24. 	A Director and any person appointed by the Board under Article 19 may be paid
all reasonable travelling, hotel, and other expenses properly incurred by themin connection with their attendance at meetings of the Board or otherwise inconnection with the discharge of their duties.
Directors’ Interests
25.1.	Subject to the provisions of the Act and provided that he has disclosed to theMembers the nature and extent of any material interest which he has, and obtained
the consent of the Members by Resolution, a Director notwithstanding his office:660

Articles of Association

25.2. For the purpose of Article 25.1:
25.2.1. 	a general notice given to the Members that a Director is to be regarded ashaving an interest of the nature and extent specified in the notice in anytransaction or arrangement in which a specified person or class of persons
is interested shall be deemed to be a disclosure that the Director has aninterest in any such transaction of the nature and extent so specified; and25.2.2. 	an interest of which a Director has no knowledge and of which it isunreasonable to expect him to have knowledge shall not be treated as aninterest of his.
Proceedings of the Board
26.1. 	Subject to the provisions of the Articles and the Rules, the Board may regulate its
proceedings as it thinks fit. A Director may, and the Secretary at the request of a
Director shall, call a meeting of the Board. Any question arising at a meeting of theBoard on which the Directors are not unanimous shall be referred to the Members at
the next General Meeting.

26.6.	A Resolution in writing signed by the Directors shall be as valid and effective as if it
had been passed at a meeting of the Board and may consist of several documentsin the like form each signed by one of the Directors.
26.7.	Without prejudice to Article 26.6, a meeting of the Board may consist of a conference
between the Directors who are not in one place, but where each is able (directly or
by telephonic communication) to speak to the other, and to be heard by the othersimultaneously. A Director taking part in such a conference shall be deemed to bepresent in person at the meeting and shall be entitled to vote or be counted in aquorum accordingly. In relation to any meeting of the Board reference to the word
“meeting” in the Articles shall be construed accordingly.
26.8.	Unless authorised by a Resolution to do so, a Director shall not vote at any meetingof the Board or on any Resolution concerning a matter in which he has, directly or
indirectly, an interest or duty which is material and which conflicts or may conflictwith the interests of the Company but shall nevertheless be counted in the quorumof Directors present at that meeting.
Secretary

26.2. 	The quorum for the transaction of the business of the Board shall be whichever
number is required for a majority of Directors to be in attendance.

27.	Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Secretary shall be appointed by the Board
subject to ratification by the Members in a General Meeting for such term, at such
remuneration and upon such terms and conditions as the Board thinks fit and any
Secretary so appointed may be removed by the Board or by Resolution of the Members.

26.3. 	If the number of Directors is less than two, the continuing Director may act only forthe purpose of calling a General Meeting or for the purposes referred to in Article
23.2.

Minutes

26.4.	The Chair shall be the chair of all meetings of the Board or in his or her absence oneof the Directors present.

661

26.5.	All acts done by a meeting of the Board, or by a person acting as a Director (asprovided by the Articles) shall, notwithstanding that it be afterwards discoveredthat there was a defect in the appointment of the Director or such other person orthat any of them was disqualified from holding office, or if a Director, had vacatedoffice, or was not entitled to vote, be as valid as if every such person had been duly
appointed and was qualified and, if a Director, had continued to be a Director andhad been entitled to vote.

Memorandum & Articles of Association

25.1.1. 	may be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangementwith the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested;
25.1.2. 	may be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or a party to anytransaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in, any body
corporate promoted by the Company or in which the Company is otherwiseinterested; and25.1.3. 	shall not, by reason of his office, be accountable to the Company for any
benefit which he derives from any such office or employment or from any
such transaction or arrangement and no such transaction or arrangement
shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any such interest or benefit.

Articles of Association

28.	
The Board shall cause minutes to be made and kept for the purpose of recording
all proceedings at General Meetings, of all Resolutions passed by the Members andof all meetings of the Board, including the names of the Directors present at eachof such Board meetings. The Board shall cause all such minutes to be circulated toMembers within 14 days of the date of any such meeting.
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Articles of Association

Articles of Association

29.	The Seal shall only be used pursuant to the authority of the Board. The Board may
determine who shall sign any instrument to which the Seal is affixed and unlessotherwise so determined it shall be signed by the two Directors or one Director
and the Secretary. Any document signed by two Directors or one Director and theSecretary or one Director in the presence of a witness who attests the signatureand expressed (in whatever form of words) to be executed by the Company has thesame effect as if executed under the Seal.
Dividends
30.1.	No dividend shall be declared or paid in respect of any share except pursuant to a
Resolution in General Meeting.
30.2. 	For the avoidance of doubt, Article 30.1 shall not affect the provisions relating to
payments to Members in respect of broadcasting or sponsorship or other income
received by the Company which shall be as laid down from time to time in the Rules
and which shall be implemented by the Board in accordance with the Rules.
Accounts
31.1. 	No Member or other person has any right to inspect any accounting record or bookor document of the Company unless:
31.1.1. he is entitled by law;31.1.2. he is authorised to do so by the Board; or
31.1.3. he is authorised to do so by a Resolution.
Notices
32.1. A notice calling a meeting of the Board need not be in writing.
32.2. 	Notwithstanding the requirement at Article 13.1, any other notice to be given to or by
any person pursuant to the Articles shall be in writing.
32.3. 	Any notice or other document may be served or delivered by the Company on or to
any Member or any Director either personally, or by sending it by post addressedto the Member or Director at his registered address or by facsimile transmission orelectronic mail or other instantaneous means of transmission to the number or othertransmission address or identification provided by the Member or the Director forthis purpose, or by leaving it at its registered address addressed to the Member or663

the Director, or by any other means authorised in writing by the Member or Director
concerned.
32.4. 	Any notice or other document, which is sent by post, shall be deemed to have been
served or delivered 24 hours after posting and, in proving such service or delivery,
it shall be sufficient to prove that the notice or document was properly addressed,
stamped and put in the post. Any notice or other document left at a registeredaddress otherwise than by post, or sent by facsimile transmission or electronic mailor other instantaneous means of transmission, shall be deemed to have been served
or delivered when it was left or sent.
32.5. 	Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 32.4 relating to service or delivery of
any notice or document, any notice or document not posted or delivered personallyshall also be confirmed by sending or delivering a copy thereof by post or personallyas provided in Article 32.3 but so that, in any such case, the accidental omission to sopost or serve the same or non receipt of the same shall not invalidate the due service
or delivery of the notice or other document in question.

Memorandum & Articles of Association

Execution of Documents

32.6.	A Member present, either by Representative or by proxy, at any General Meetingshall be deemed to have received valid notice of the meeting and, where requisite,of the purposes for which it was called.
32.7. 	A notice may be given by the Company to a Successor of a Member in consequenceof the insolvency, administration or receivership of a Member, by sending ordelivering it, in any manner authorised by the Articles for the giving of notice to a
Member, addressed to the Member by name or to the Successor at the address, ifany, within the United Kingdom supplied for that purpose by the Successor. Until suchan address has been supplied, a notice may be given in any manner in which it might
have been given if the insolvency, administration or receivership had not occurred.
Rules of The Football Association
33.

The Company shall adhere to and comply with the Football Association Rules.

Winding Up
34.1. 	On the winding-up of the Company the surplus assets shall be applied first, in
repaying to the Members the amount paid on their shares respectively and, if such
assets shall be insufficient to repay the said amount in full, they shall be applied
rateably.
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Articles of Association

Indemnity
35. 	Subject to the provisions of the Act, but without prejudice to any indemnity to whicha Director may otherwise be entitled, every Director or other officer or auditor of theCompany shall be indemnified out of the assets of the Company against any liability
incurred by him in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which
judgment is given in his favour or in which he is acquitted or in connection with any
application in which relief is granted to him by the court from liability for negligence,
default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the affairs of the Company.

665

Memorandum & Articles of Association

34.2. 	If the surplus assets shall be more than sufficient to pay to the Members the wholeamount paid upon their shares, the balance shall be paid over to The Football
Association Benevolent Fund or to such other charitable or benevolent object
connected with Association Football as shall be determined by Resolution at or
before the time of winding-up and approved by The Football Association.

Articles of Association

666

MiscellaneousGoverning Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

The rules and criteria set out in this document will apply for the 2023/24 season and will
be effective from 14 June 2023. The criteria will be reviewed across the 2023/24 season inorder that revised criteria can be issued in advance of the summer transfer window in 2024.

Consideration will be given to the following when applying the criteria: injury; a periodof paternity leave; serious illness or any legitimate medical reasons; suspension;international duty; bereavement; or family crisis.

For any queries regarding these criteria or the application process, please contact
Freddie Carter (Player Status Department) at Freddie.Carter@thefa.com (or GBE@
thefa.com) or on 0844 980 8200 # 4818.

In order to obtain the GBE, the individual must not be subject to a provisional suspension
or any unexpired period of ineligibility from playing and/ or coaching activities in any
jurisdiction as a result of being charged with or found guilty of a corruption offence and/or a doping offence and/ or another misconduct.

The FA is the approved governing body for Football in the UK. The FA has the ability(subject to other requirements being met) to issue a Governing Body Endorsement for aplayer, coach or manager who is intended to participate in any of the following:• any match that has been organised and/or sanctioned by The FA, FIFA or UEFA;• any match that has been organised by either the Premier League or the English
Football League and that has also been sanctioned by The FA; or• any match or category of match whereby consent of the FA has been given forthat player, coach or manager’s club to play.
Please note that this guidance should be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant
advice issued by the Home Office. The FA is not registered to give advice on immigrationroutes or processes or to advise on an individual’s immigration status and clubs should
fully apprise themselves of their duties and responsibilities as sponsors. Information on
aspects of immigration policy and law can be found on the Home Office website at www.
gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration. You may also wish to seek advice from an Office of
the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) registered advisor or someone who isappropriately qualified but otherwise exempt from such a registration requirement, forexample, a qualified solicitor. The UK Visas and Immigration Centre can be contacted on
0300 123 2241.
If a club is seeking a GBE during a transfer window, any application should be submitted
to The FA by midday on the relevant transfer deadline day (at the latest) in order for The
FA to process the application that day. If a club signs and registers a Player who does nothave a GBE, it should do so in the knowledge that the Player may not be granted a GBE
if his application does not comply with the terms of these criteria and the Player may
not be able to undertake any employment duties for the applicant club. Clubs are also
advised to allow sufficient time for entry clearance or permission to stay to be granted.
The time taken may vary depending upon where the player is making his application
from. A guide to visa processing times is available on the Home Office website at: www.
gov.uk/visa- processing times.

Miscellaneous

The Football Association Men’s Players Points Based System
2023/2024 Season

Glossary
Aggregated FIFA World Rankings means the aggregated rankings list for senior men’sinternational teams over the International Reference Period that are published by
The FA following publication of the FIFA World Rankings. This list is available on www.
TheFA.com.
Auto Pass Percentage means the percentage set out in Table 1 of this criteria.
Available Continental Minutes means the total number of minutes (including, for the
avoidance of doubt, any injury time or added time) played by the Player’s club (in thegroup stages onwards) in a Continental Competition during the Reference Period, minus
the number of minutes that the Player was Unavailable for Selection.
Available Domestic Cup Minutes means the total number of minutes (including, forthe avoidance of doubt, any injury time or added time) played by the Player’s club in a
Domestic Cup during the Last Season, minus the number of minutes that the Player was
Unavailable for Selection.
Available Domestic League Minutes means the total number of minutes (including,for the avoidance of doubt, any injury time or added time) played by the Player’s clubin its domestic league competition during the Reference Period (including any play-off
games), minus the number of minutes that the Player was Unavailable for Selection.
Available International Matches means the total number of matches played by
the Player’s National Association in Senior Competitive International Matches during
the International Reference Period, minus the number of matches that the Player
was Unavailable for Selection. If less than 30% of the matches played by the Player’s
National Association during the International Reference Period were Senior Competitive
International Matches, Available International Matches shall also include International
Friendlies.

Please note that an individual’s personal and immigration history may be taken into
account when their application is being considered.
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670

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

Available Minutes means the Available Continental Minutes, Available Domestic Cup
Minutes, Available Domestic League Minutes and/or Available International Matches (asapplicable).

Current Club means, subject to the points below:

Band 1 means the English Premier League, the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1.
Band 1 Continental Competition means the UEFA Champions League and the Copa
Libertadores.
Band 2 means the Portuguese Primeira Liga, Eredivisie, Belgian First Division A, theTurkish Super Lig and the English Championship.
Band 2 Continental Competition means the UEFA Europa League and the Copa
Sudamerica.
Band 3 means the USA’s Major League Soccer, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Primera
División of Argentina, Liga MX and the Scottish Premiership.
Band 3 Continental Competition means any continental competition which is not aBand 1 Continental Competition or Band 2 Continental Competition.
Band 4 means the Czech First League, Croatian First Football League, the Swiss Super
League, La Liga 2, Bundesliga 2, Ukrainian Premier League, the Greek Superleague, theColombian Categoría Primera A, the Austrian Football Bundesliga, the Danish Superliga,
Russian Premier League and Ligue 2.
Band 5 means the Serbian SuperLiga, , the Polish Ekstraklasa, the Slovenian PrvaLiga,the Chilean Primera División, the Uruguayan Primera División, the Swedish Allsvenken
division, the Norwegian Elitserien division, the Italian Serie B, the Hungarian Namzeti
Bajnoksag I, the Japanese J1 League and the South Korean K League 1.

1)	the Player’s Last Club, if the application for a GBE is made after the club thePlayer plays for as at the date of the application has completed its season; or2)	the club the Player is registered for as at the date the application is made, if
the application for a GBE is made before the club the Player plays for as at thedate of the application has completed its season (i.e. mid-season).
If the Player is a Free Agent, the Player’s Current Club is the club the Player played in thehalf of the season immediately before the date the application is made. If the Player is
a Free Agent and was not registered for any club in the half of the season immediately
before the date the application is made, he shall not be granted any points for thecriteria which adopt this definition.
If a Player has not been named in a match day squad list within the first transfer windowof the season for the club the Player is registered for as at the date the application is
made, the Player’s Current Club is the Player’s Last Club.
Domestic Cup means any domestic cup competition which is open to clubs in the
country’s top domestic division and provides a route for qualification to a Band 1
Continental Competition or Band 2 Continental Competition.
English Club means a club affiliated to The FA.
Exceptions Panel means a panel appointed by The FA to consider an application for a
GBE in accordance with paragraphs 45-53.
Extended GBE means a new GBE applied for by a Club in respect of a Player who has
already received a GBE for that Club which is due to expire.

Band 6 means all leagues not in Band 1, Band 2, Band 3, Band 4 or Band 5.

FIFA means the Fédération Internationale de Football Association.

Certificate of Sponsorship means a certificate assigned to a Player pursuant to a club’s
Sponsor’s Licence.

Final League Position means the final league position of the Player’s Last Club at theend of the Last Season. If the Last Season did not finish but a final league table wascompiled, the Last Club’s league position shall be taken from that final league table.

Continental Competition means a Band 1 Continental Competition, a Band 2Continental Competition or a Band 3 Continental Competition.
Continental Progression means the progress made by the Player's Last Club in
a Continental Competition in the Last Season. Where the Player has played in aContinental Competition which has commenced following the end of the Last Season,
the Continental Progression made by the Player's club in that Continental Competition
may be used in accordance with para 41 of this Criteria.

Miscellaneous

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

Free Agent means a Player who is not registered for any club as at the date that theapplication for a GBE is made.
GBE means Governing Body Endorsement.
Home Associations means The Scottish Football Association, the Football Associationof Wales and The Irish Football Association.
International Friendlies means any match played by the National Association’s seniorteam which is not a Senior Competitive International Match.

671

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Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

International Reference Period means:

Relevant Interested Parties means a representative of (i) the league in which thePlayer plays, or will play if the application for a GBE is successful, and (ii) the Professional
Footballers’ Association.

1)	the twenty four months prior to the date of the application for a GBE, if thePlayer is not a Youth Player; or2)	the twelve months prior to the date of the application for a GBE, if the Player is
a Youth Player.
ISP means the International Sportsperson route.
ISP (long term) means an application for a period of stay exceeding 12 months.
ISP (short term) means an application for a period of stay of 12 months or less.
Last Club means the club the Player played for in the Last Season. If the Player played
for two (or more) clubs during the Last Season, the Player’s Last Club is the club thePlayer played for at the end of the Last Season. If the Player is a Free Agent and was notregistered for any club at the end of the Last Season, he shall not be granted any points
for the criteria which adopt this definition.
Last Season means the last full season prior to the date of the application for a GBE.
National Association means a football association that is a member of, and recognised
by, FIFA.
PBS means the Home Office Points Based System.
Player means any player who is not a citizen of the United Kingdom or Ireland and has
not acquired permanent residence in the United Kingdom, been granted pre-settled
status or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Player’s Domestic Cup Minutes means the percentage of Available Domestic Cup
Minutes the Player played in.
Player’s Domestic League Minutes means the percentage of Available Domestic
League Minutes the Player played in.
Player’s Continental Minutes means the percentage of Available Continental Minutes
the Player played in.
Player’s International Appearances means the percentage of Available International
Matches the Player played in.
Player’s National Association means the National Association the Player plays for, or
has declared for, as at the date of the application for a GBE.
Reference Period means the twelve months prior to the date of the application for a
GBE.

673

Season means the period between 1 June and 31 May (inclusive). For example, areference to the 2023/24 Season means 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2024.

Miscellaneous

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

Senior Competitive International Matches means any match played by the National
Association’s senior team in the following tournaments:
1) FIFA World Cup Finals;
2) FIFA World Cup Qualifying Groups; and
3) Continental Cup Qualifiers and Finals, including but not limited to:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)

UEFA European Championships and Qualifiers;
UEFA Nations League Groups and Final Stages;
CAF African Cup of Nations and Qualifiers;
AFC Asia Nations Cup and Qualifiers;
CONCACAF Gold Cup;
CONCACAF Nations League;
CONMEBOL & UEFA Finalissima
UNCAF Nations Cup;CONMEBOL Copa America; andOFC Nations Cup.

Sponsor’s Licence means a licence obtained from the Home Office under the PBS.
Stakeholders means The FA, The Premier League, The English Football League and The
Professional Footballers’ Association.
The FA means the Football Association.
Unavailable for Selection means:a)	The player was not available to play due to injury, on-field suspension, or theplayer’s club not being obliged to release the player for a Senior Competitive
International Match or an International Friendly (as the match falls outside theFIFA international match calendar). For the avoidance of doubt, a player may
not be classed as injured (and therefore Unavailable for Selection) if he waslisted as a substitute in a match and was not used and such matches may not
be eligible for exclusion when calculating the Available Minutes (as applicable).
In international competitions where players are listed as substitutes regardlessof whether or not they are injured, players may be classed as injured (andtherefore Unavailable for Selection) if sufficient evidence is provided of theirinjury; or674

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

Youth Player means a Player who is born on or after 1 January 2002.

GOVERNING BODY ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTS

GBE Status
1.	A Player can register for a club without a GBE but, in order to play any footballor undertake any employment duties for the club (including participation attraining and in friendly matches), he must have obtained a GBE, been assigned a
Certificate of Sponsorship by that club and secured permission to stay under theInternational Sportsperson route (ISP) of the PBS (subject to satisfying any othereligibility requirements of The FA and any competitions the club participates in).

4.	If The FA grants an application for a GBE for a Player in accordance with thesecriteria, the club is permitted to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the Player
for the period covered by the GBE. The GBE must be presented to the Home
Office when the club applies for entry clearance on behalf of a player, which must
be done within 3 months of a Certificate of Sponsorship being assigned. Any
Certificate of Sponsorship and a copy of the player’s biometric residence permit
must be submitted to The FA by the club within 3 months of being assigned. Clubs
must keep a copy of the relevant page of the Player’s passport evidencing theirentitlement to work and contact details for the Player, which must be provided to
The FA upon request. The club will also have to comply with any other criteria set
by the Home Office in order to secure permission to stay under ISP of the PBS.

Miscellaneousb)	The player was available to play (to include being listed as a substitute in match
but not being used), but their availability formed part of a contemporaneous
programme of rehabilitation following an injury, provided sufficient evidence isproduced in support. For the avoidance of doubt, where the player is deemed
Unavailable for Selection in these circumstances, any minutes accumulated by
the player in those matches shall be excluded when calculating the Available
Minutes (as applicable).

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

5.	A GBE under ISP (long term) of the PBS will be granted for three years or thelength of the player’s contract (whichever is shorter) and a GBE under ISP (shortterm) of the PBS will be granted for twelve months or the length of the player’s
contract (whichever is shorter). A Player will not be eligible to play for the club
beyond the expiry date of the GBE unless the club has applied for and obtained
an Extended GBE before the existing GBE has expired in accordance with thesecriteria and the PBS.
Extensions to or transfers of a GBE

2.	A club can apply for a GBE for a Player at any time during the Season. In order
to apply for a GBE, a club must hold a valid Sponsor’s Licence under ISP of thePBS. In order to apply for and obtain a valid Sponsor’s Licence, a club must haveobtained an endorsement letter for a Sponsor’s Licence from the FA. If a Club’s
Sponsor’s Licence is revoked, any Player who has obtained a GBE in order to playfor the Club may have his permission curtailed and may have to make a change in
employment application which must be granted before the Player can undertake
any employment duties for the new club.
3.	Clubs in the Premier League or English Football League are eligible for a Sponsor’s
Licence. Clubs in other leagues within the men’s football pyramid are not permitted
to field Players unless:a.	The Player has obtained a visa outside the GBE system which permits them toplay football (on such terms as they in fact play); andb.	The Player’s employment by the club complies with the terms and conditionsof their visa and any relevant immigration law, including the Immigration Rules(or any successor legislation), and including but not limited to in relation to therequirements regarding professional sportspersons.

675

6.	An Extended GBE under ISP of the PBS can be obtained for three years or thelength of the player’s contract (whichever is shorter).
7.	A Player who has been granted a GBE under ISP (short term) of the PBS can apply(in country) to transfer to a GBE under ISP (long term) of the PBS. The club must
submit a new application for a GBE and provide a pass certificate, or other written
confirmation containing an appropriate reference number, from an accredited
English language test centre that the Player has passed the English language test
required to secure permission to stay under ISP (long term) of the PBS (in addition
to the documents listed in paragraph 17).
8.	A Player who has been granted a GBE must submit a new application for a GBE if hewishes to permanently transfer (or has permanently transferred) to another club.
If the GBE is granted, the player must submit a change of employment application
to the Home Office, which must be granted before the Player can undertake any
employment duties for the new club.
9.	Any application for an Extended GBE (in accordance with paragraph 6), a transfer
of a GBE (in accordance with paragraph 7) or a new club application for a GBE (in676Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

accordance with paragraph 8) shall be considered as follows:b.	If the Player’s International Appearances do not meet the Auto Pass Percentage
set out in Table 1 of the criteria, but the value of the Player’s Domestic League
Minutes for the applicant Club is at least 30% a new or Extended GBE will be
granted (as appropriate).
c.	If the Player achieves 15 points or more in accordance with paragraphs 31 to 44
below, a new Extended GBE will be granted (as appropriate).
d.	If the Player does not satisfy the requirements in either paragraph a, b or cabove, the club must submit details of the Player’s Domestic League Minutes
for the last 12 months and any other information which it considers to be
relevant to its application to The FA. The FA will then provide this information
to the Relevant Interested Parties by email. The FA and the Relevant Interested
Parties shall consider this information, and any other information which they
deem to be relevant in their absolute discretion, to determine whether theplayer remains of sufficient quality to be awarded a GBE. The FA and theRelevant Interested Parties shall make a decision by simple majority and if amajority of The FA and the Relevant Interested Parties recommend that theplayer should be awarded a GBE, a new or Extended GBE will be granted (asappropriate).
e.	The player shall not have a new or Extended GBE granted (as appropriate)
other than in accordance with paragraphs a or b above.
10.

If a Player:
a. does not turn up for employment;b. is absent for more than 10 working days without permission;c. has his contract terminated during the period that a GBE is effective;d. is no longer sponsored by the club for any other reason; ore.	experiences significant changes in his circumstances (such as a change in job
title, salary or location of employment),

11.	The club must also inform the Home Office if there is a change of circumstancesat the club within 20 working days. A change in circumstances might include
changes of name, address or contact details, changes in structure (including
mergers, takeovers and de-mergers), changes in financial circumstances (such asadministration, receivership, company voluntary arrangement, debt arrangement
scheme, liquidation or sequestration).

Miscellaneousa.	
If the Player’s International Appearances meet the Auto Pass Percentage
set out in Table 1 of the criteria, a new or Extended GBE will be granted (asappropriate).

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

Temporary Transfers/Loans
12.	If a Player who has been granted a GBE in accordance with these criteria is loaned
to another club during the period of validity of the GBE, the Player’s club must notify
the Home Office of the loan and change of location via the Sponsor Management
System within 10 working days (regardless of the jurisdiction in which the loanee
club is based). The loaning club will retain responsibility as the Player’s sponsor.
13.	If a Player is loaned from an English Club to another English Club (a “Domestic
Loan”), no GBE application will be required by the loanee club. If the Player isloaned from an English Club to a club affiliated to another Home Association, or
another National Association, the governing body endorsement process of thatassociation will have to be satisfied by the loanee club.
14.	If a Domestic Loan is made permanent, the new club will be required to submit
an application for a GBE (which must comply with the requirements set out inthese criteria). If the GBE is granted, the player will need to make a change of
employment application. Provided the Domestic Loan continues until the date on
which the change of employment application is granted, the Player can continue
to play for the new club in the interim period.
15.	
If a Player is loaned from a club affiliated to another National Association(including any Home Nation) to an English Club, a GBE application will be required(which must comply with the requirements set out in these criteria).
16.	When a Player returns to his parent club after a loan period, no GBE application
will be required by the parent club (provided the GBE remains valid beyond thedate of the Player’s return).
GBEs will not be issued in respect of Players who are trialling with an English Club. If a
Club wishes to trial a Player, it should contact the Home Office.

the club must inform the Home Office within 10 days.

677

678

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

Application Process

20.	If a new application is required in accordance with paragraph 19, it will be assessedby reference to the criteria set out in this document and the Club must comply withparagraphs 17-18 of these criteria in respect of the new application. The FA may
also inform the Home Office who may curtail the Player’s right to work.

17.	A club must submit any application for a GBE to The FA’s Player Status Department
along with any evidence in support of the application, including:a. A fully completed application form (see Appendix 1).
b. A fully completed application spreadsheet (see Appendix 2).
c.	A transfer agreement (or loan agreement) in respect of the Player (in draft or
final form).
d. A playing contract in respect of the Player (in draft or final form).
e.	Written evidence to support any claim made by the applicant club that a Player
was Unavailable for Selection for a particular match, including the reason(s).
f.	Written evidence to support any claim made by the applicant club thatexceptional circumstances prevented the Player from achieving 15 points(where appropriate, in accordance with paragraph 25).
g.	Written evidence to support any claim made by the applicant club that a
Youth Player has significant potential and is of sufficient quality to enhancethe development of the game in England and justify the Exceptions Panelrecommending that a GBE be awarded (where appropriate, in accordancewith paragraph 25).
18.	The club must also pay an administration fee of £500 plus VAT for each application,
which must be paid before the application will be considered by The FA. Each clubshall bear its own costs in respect of any application.
19.	If any information submitted as part of the GBE application process is amended(including the terms and conditions of a Player’s contract):a.	before a GBE has granted and before the Player is registered with The FA, theclub must inform The FA who may require a new application to be submitted(and a new fee to be paid);b.	after a GBE has been granted but before the Player is registered with The
FA, the club must inform The FA who may require a new application to besubmitted (and a new fee to be paid);c.	after a GBE has been granted and after the Player is registered, the club must
inform the Home Office via the Sponsorship Management System. The Home
Office will confirm whether they require a new application to be submitted(and a new fee to be paid).
679

Criteria
21.

Miscellaneous

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

All Players shall be assessed in accordance with paragraphs 31-44.

22.	The FA will grant a GBE if the Player’s International Appearances meet the Auto
Pass Percentage set out in Table 1 of the criteria.
23.	If a Player is not granted a GBE in accordance with paragraph 22 above, The FA will
grant a GBE if a Player achieves 15 or more points in accordance with paragraphs
31-44.
24.	
If a Player is not granted a GBE in accordance with paragraphs 22 or 23 above, theclub may request that an Exceptions Panel consider the application if the Player
achieves between 10 and 14 points in accordance with paragraphs 47 to 55 andthe club can evidence that exceptional circumstances prevented the Player fromachieving 15 points.
25.	If a Player is not granted a GBE in accordance with paragraphs 22 to 24 above, theclub may apply for the Player to be granted a GBE as an ESC Player in accordancewith the provisions set out in Appendix 3
26.	If a Player is not granted a GBE in accordance with paragraphs 22 to 25 above, theclub may request that an Exceptions Panel consider the application if the Playera.	is a Youth Player and the club can evidence that the Youth Player shows
significant potential and is of sufficient quality to enhance the developmentof the game in England. If a Player is granted a GBE in accordance with thisparagraph, they shall be deemed as an ESC Player and occupy an ESC Place(see Appendix 3).
27.	If the Club requests an Exceptions Panel, the procedure in paragraphs 47-55 shallapply.
28.	If a Player is not granted a GBE in accordance with paragraph 22 to 26, he will haveno further opportunity to apply for a GBE in the same transfer window unless his
circumstances change and will not be eligible to play for the applicant club.
680

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

Calculations

Table 129.	If a Player has played for two (or more) clubs during the Reference Period, or aPlayer is or has been a Free Agent during the Reference Period, the Player’s
Continental Minutes, Player’s Domestic Cup Minutes and Player’s Domestic League
Minutes (each, the “Minutes”) will be calculated in accordance with paragraphs
30-31 below.

Player’s
International
Appearances

1-10

11-20

21-30

31-50

51+

90-100%Auto Pass

Auto Pass

Auto Pass

Auto Pass2

30.	For each of the Minutes criteria, the applicant club should calculate a weighted
average (using the annex to the application form at Appendix 1) as follows:a.	Calculate the number of days during the Reference Period the Player has beenregistered for each/any club or no club (as appropriate).
b.	Calculate the percentage of the overall Reference Period that each of those
periods of time represents.
c.	Calculate the percentage of Minutes played as a proportion of the total
Available Continental Minutes, Available Domestic Cup Minutes or Available
Domestic League Minutes (respectively).

80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
50-59%
40-49%
30-39%
20-29%
10-19%
1-9%

Aggregated FIFA World Ranking of the Player’s National Association

Auto Pass

Auto Pass

Auto Pass

Auto Pass

1

Auto Pass

Auto Pass

Auto Pass

Auto Pass0

Auto Pass

Auto Pass

Auto Pass

10

0

Auto Pass

Auto Pass

10

8

0

Auto Pass

Auto Pass9

7

0

Auto Pass

10

8

6

0

10

9

7

0

0

9

8

0

0

0

8

7

0

0

0

Miscellaneous

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

Player’s Domestic League Minutes
34.	A Player shall be granted the number of points set out in Table 2 in respect of thePlayer’s Domestic League Minutes.

d. Multiply each of the numbers at (b) by their corresponding number at (c).
e.	Add each of the numbers at (d) to find the weighted average value for the
Minutes.
31.	If only one of the clubs played in a Continental Competition, the Player’s Continental
Minutes shall be the percentage the Player played in for that club.
32.	
If the calculation of a Player’s International Appearances, Player’s Domestic
League Minutes, Player’s Domestic Cup Minutes or Player’s Continental Minutes (orany other percentage) results in:a.	a decimal number of .5 or higher, the number will be rounded up to the next
whole number; orb.	a decimal number of lower than .5, the number will be rounded down to thenext whole number.
Player’s International Appearances
33.	A Player shall be granted the number of points set out in Table 1 in respect of thePlayer’s International Appearances.

681

35.	A Youth Player shall be granted the number of points set out in the final row ofTable 2 if he made his first appearance (on the pitch) for the senior team of a club
during the Reference Period.
Table 2
Player’s
Domestic
LeagueMinutes

Band 1

Band 2

Band 3

Band 4

Band 5

Band 690-100%

12

10

8

6

4

2

80-89%

11

9

7

5

3

1

70-79%

10

8

6

4

2

0

60-69%

9

7

5

3

1

0

50-59%

8

6

4

2

0

0

40-49%

7

5

3

1

0

0

30-39%

6

4

2

0

0

0

20-29%

0

0

0

0

0

0

10-19%

0

0

0

0

0

0

1-9%

0

0

0

0

0

0

Debut for
Youth Player

6

5

4

3

2

1

682

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

36.

If a Player is eligible for points in multiple columns of Table 2, including where:

Table 4a.	
the Player has played in two domestic league competitions during theReference Period;

Last Club’s Final
League Position

Band 1

Band 2

Band 3

Band 4

Band 5

Band 6b.	a Youth Player made his first appearance in more than one band during theReference Period; orc.	a Youth Player has made his first appearance for the senior team of a club
during the Reference Period but has also played in a sufficient percentage ofminutes to be eligible for points elsewhere,
the Player shall be granted the higher of the points he is eligible for in Table 2.
Player’s Continental Minutes
37.	A Player shall be granted the number of points set out in Table 3 in respect of thePlayer’s Continental Minutes.

Title winner

6

5

4

3

2

1

Qualified for group stagesof a Band 1 Continental
Competition/league
conference winner*

5

4

3

2

1

0

Qualified for qualifiers of aBand 1 Continental
Competition

4

3

2

1

0

0

Qualified for group stagesof a Band 2 Continental
Competition

3

2

1

0

0

0

Qualified for qualifiers of aBand 2 Continental
Competition

2

1

0

0

0

0

Mid-table

1

0

0

0

0

0

Table 3

Relegation

0

0

0

0

0

0

Player’s
Continental
Minutes

Promotion

N/A

1

1

1

1

1

Band 1 Continental
Competition

Band 2 Continental
Competition

Band 3 Continental
Competition

90-100%105280-89%

9

4

1

70-79%

8

3

060-69%

7

2

050-59%

6

1

040-49%

50030-39%

40

0

20-29%

00

0

10-19%

0

0

0

1-9%

0

0

0

38.	If the Player has played in two Continental Competitions during the Reference
Period, the Player shall be granted the higher of the points he is eligible for in Table 3.

Miscellaneous

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players*Applicable where the Last Club (a) wins part of a split league/season format
competition and (b) by virtue of that win, qualifies for a Continental Competition. For
example, the winner of the Eastern or Western Conference in the USA’s Major League
Soccer competition.
40.	For the avoidance of doubt, a Player shall only be granted the higher of the points
he is eligible for in Table 4.
Continental Progression of Player’s Last Club41.	A Player shall be granted the number of points set out in Table 5 in respect of theContinental Progression of the Player’s Last Club, provided (i) the Player appearedon the matchday squad list for the Player’s Last Club for at least one match in its
domestic league competition or a Continental Competition or (ii) the value of thePlayer’s Domestic Cup Minutes was at least 1%, during the Last Season.

Final League Position of Player’s Last Club39.	A Player shall be granted the number of points set out in Table 4 in respect of the
Final League Position of the Player’s Last Club, provided (i) the Player appearedon the matchday squad list for the Player’s Last Club for at least one match in its
domestic league competition or (ii) the value of the Player’s Domestic Cup Minutes
was at least 1%, during the Last Season.
683

684

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

Table 5

Exceptions PanelBand 1 Continental
Competition

Band 2 Continental
Competition

Band 3 Continental
Competition

Final

10

7

2

Semi-Finals

9

6

1

Quarter-Finals

8

5

0

Round of 16

7

4

0

Round of 32

6

3

0

Group stage

5

2

0

Other

0

0

0

42.	
If the relevant Continental Competition is knock-out only, the Player will beawarded the points listed for group stage in Table 5 for any round prior to theRound of 32.
43.	For the avoidance of doubt, a Player shall only be granted the higher of the points
he is eligible for in Table 5.
League Quality of Player’s Current Club44.	A Player shall be granted the number of points set out in Table 6 in respect of
the band of the Player’s Current Club, provided (i) the Player appeared on thematchday squad list for the Player’s Current Club for at least one match in its
domestic league competition or a Continental Competition or (ii) the value of thePlayer’s Domestic Cup Minutes was at least 1%, during the Reference Period.
45.	
For the purposes of paragraph42, Available Domestic Cup Minutes shall becalculated by reference to the Reference Period rather than Last Season.
Table 6
Band of Player’s
Current Club

PointsBand 1

12

Band 2

10Band 38

Band 4

6

Band 5

4

Band 62

46.	If a Player has been loaned to a club in a lower band than his parent club and has
made a first team appearance (on the pitch) for his parent club during the Reference
Period, he shall be granted the higher of the points he would have been eligible for inaccordance with Table 6 if his parent club was the Player’s Current Club.
685

47.	If a club requests an Exceptions Panel in accordance with paragraph 24 or 26, The
FA will appoint an independent panel of three members, which shall include one
legally qualified chair and two panel members who have relevant experience atthe top level of the game (the “Panel Members”).

Miscellaneous

Continental
Progression

48.	The FA may also, at its absolute discretion, refer any question in relation to theinterpretation or application of any aspect of these criteria to either a legallyqualified chair of the Exceptions Panel or an Exceptions Panel (as appropriate) to
determine. Any decision made by a chair of the Exceptions Panel or an Exceptions
Panel under this paragraph shall be final and binding.
49.	A fee of £5,000 plus VAT will be charged for every Exceptions Panel, which must be
paid by the club before the application will be considered by the Exceptions Panel.
50.	The club will be notified of the identity of the Panel Members and have theopportunity to challenge the appointment of any Panel Member on the basis ofan actual or perceived conflict of interest. Each Panel Member shall also have theopportunity to declare an actual or perceived conflict of interest (of him or herself
or any other Panel Member) to the Chair or, if the conflict of interest relates to the
Chair, to The FA. The Chair, or The FA respectively, shall then determine whether
the Panel Member should be excluded from participating in the application. If
the Panel Member is excluded from participating in the application, The FA will
appoint a replacement Panel Member (to whom this paragraph shall also apply).
51.	The Exceptions Panel can request any further information from The FA’s Player
Status Department, the applicant club or any third party (via The FA’s Player Status
Department) that it deems necessary, in its absolute discretion, in order to makeits decision. If an Exceptions Panel meeting has been convened or is in progress
when a request for further information is made, the Chair may adjourn the meetingto allow the information to be gathered. Where it is able to do so, the applicant
club or The FA’s Player Status Department will supply the further information to the
Exceptions Panel within a reasonable timescale.
52.	The Exceptions Panel shall only recommend to The FA that a GBE be granted if it issatisfied that either:a.	
exceptional circumstances prevented the Player from achieving 15 points,
and if those exceptional circumstances did not apply, the Player would haveachieved 15 points; or686

Governing Body Endorsement Requirements for Players

Appendix 1: Application Form
Points Based System

53.	The Exceptions Panel will make its decision, based on the papers submitted to it,
at an in- person or virtual meeting at which The FA’s Player Status Department will
provide appropriate secretarial support. Each Panel Member has one vote and thedecision will be made by a simple majority, with the chair having a casting vote.
54.	If the Exceptions Panel recommends to The FA that a GBE be granted, The FA willconsider whether to grant a GBE (but is under no obligation to do so).
55.	Written reasons for the decision will be supplied by the Exceptions Panel to theapplicant club. Written reasons will also be provided to the relevant league
Stakeholder with a redacted copy provided (on a confidential basis) to all
Stakeholders.

Application for a Governing Body Endorsement for a Player
Please refer to the criteria for The FA’s Governing Body Endorsement (“GBE”) under the
Points Based System (the “Criteria”) when filling in this application form. Defined terms
used in this application form are set out in that document.

Miscellaneousb.	the Youth Player shows significant potential and is of sufficient quality toenhance the development of the game in England and justify the Exceptions
Panel recommending that a GBE be awarded.

Please calculate the Player’s points totals for items 4, 5 and 6 below in the spreadsheet
at Appendix 2 and submit an electronic version of the spreadsheet to The FA along withthis application form.

1. Contact details of applicant Club (employer)
Name (Club Secretary):
Telephone:

Mobile:E-mail:2. Player details
Title:
Surname/Family Name:First Name:
Date of birth:Age:Nationality:
Government issuing passport:
Has the Player previously held a Work Permit/Certificate of Sponsorship: If YES:(a) please give details of employer and dates:(b) please confirm whether this is an application for an extension of a GBE:

Player’s current place of residence:

687

688

Appendix 1: Application Form
Points Based System

Appendix 1: Application Form
Points Based System
Percentage of Player’s Domestic League Minutes:

ISP Short Term or Long Term of the Home Office Points Based System:
If the application is made under ISP Long Term, please provide evidence that the Player has met
the English language qualification requirements:
Length of player’s contract
From:
To:
Length of any Option period:

If the Player played for multiple clubs and/or was a Free Agent during the Reference Period:(a) the number of days during the Reference Period that the Player played for each club;(b) the percentage of the overall Reference Period that each of those periods of time represents;(c) the percentage of Player’s Domestic League Minutes for each club;

Miscellaneous

3. Application details(d) each number at (b) multiplied by the corresponding number at (c); and(e) weighted average of Player’s Domestic League Minutes.
If the Player is a Youth Player, did he make his first appearance (on the pitch) for the senior teama club during the Reference Period:

Length of GBE sought:

4. Player’s International Appearances
Points claimed for the Player’s Domestic League Minutes in accordance with the Criteria:
National Association:
International Reference Period:
12 months
24 months

6. Player’s Continental Minutes
Continental Competitions played by the Player’s Club(s) during the Reference Period:

Aggregated FIFA World Ranking:
Available International Matches:

If the Player played for multiple clubs, Continental Competitions played by each club:

Are International Friendlies included:

Band(s) of Continental Competition(s):Percentage of Player’s International Appearances:

Available Continental Minutes of the Player’s Club(s) during the Reference Period:

Has the Player met the Auto Pass Percentage:

If the Player played for multiple clubs, Available Continental Minutes of each club:

Points claimed for the Player’s International Appearances in accordance with the Criteria:
Percentage of Player’s Continental Minutes:

5. Player’s Domestic League Minutes
Club(s) the Player played for during the Reference Period:Band(s) of the Club(s):Available Domestic League Minutes of the Player’s Club(s) during the Reference Period:

If the Player played for multiple clubs and/or was a Free Agent during the Reference Period:(a) the number of days during the Reference Period that the Player played for each club;(b) the percentage of the overall Reference Period that each of those periods of time represents;(c) the percentage of Player’s Continental Minutes for each club;(d) each number at (b) multiplied by the corresponding number at (c); andIf the Player played for multiple clubs, Available Domestic League Minutes of each club:(e) weighted average of Player’s Continental Minutes.
Points claimed for the Player’s Continental Minutes in accordance with the Criteria:

689

690

Appendix 1: Application Form
Points Based System
7. Final League Position of Player’s Last Club

Appendix 1: Application Form
Points Based System
If so, please provide written evidence to support the claim that the Youth Player shows significant
potential and is of sufficient quality to enhance the development of the game in England:
Miscellaneous

Player’s Last Club:
League of Player’s Last Club:Band of Player’s Last Club:

Total points claimed:

Final League Position of Player’s Last Club (by reference to the Criteria):
Points claimed for Final League Position of Player’s Last Club in accordance with the Criteria:

8. Continental Progression of Player’s Last Club

11. Details of Representatives being used by Club (e.g. Solicitors)
Name:
Telephone:

Player’s Last Club:

Mobile:E-mail:Band of Continental Competition played in by the Player’s Last Club in the Last Season:
Continental Progression (by reference to the Criteria):

12. Declaration (to be given by an authorised signatory of the applicant club)

Points claimed for Continental Progression of Player’s Last Club in accordance with the Criteria:

The details given in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge andbelief.

9. League Quality of Player’s Current Club
Player’s Current Club:Band of Player’s Current Club:The employer named in this application is responsible for the terms and conditions of employment
and any requirements for registration or licensing necessary for the employment which is subject
to this application.
The employer holds a valid sponsor’s licence under ISP Short Term or Long Term of the PBS so as
to be eligible to assign Certificates of Sponsorship and is aware of its duties to comply withimmigration law, including co-operating, record-keeping and reporting.

Points claimed for Quality of Player’s Current Club in accordance with the Criteria:
Signature:

10. Exceptions PanelIf you are claiming between 10 and 14 points for the Player, are there exceptional circumstances
which prevented the Player from achieving 15 points:

Date:

Name (in CAPITALS):
If so, are you requesting that an Exceptions Panel consider the application:
If so, please provide written evidence of the exceptional circumstances which prevented thePlayer from achieving 15 points:

If the Player is a Youth Player, does the Youth Player show significant potential and is he ofsufficient quality to enhance the development of the game in England:

Position:

For and on behalf of:If so, are you requesting an Exceptions Panel to consider the application:

691

692

Appendix 1: Application Form
Points Based System

Appendix 3
ESC Players

Please submit the application to:Unless otherwise stated, references to paragraphs below are references to paragraphs
within this Appendix.
SECTION I: CRITERIA
1.

Miscellaneous

Player Status Department
The Football Association
Wembley Stadium
PO Box 1966
London SW1P 9EQ
Email: Registrations@thefa.com

A Player may be granted a GBE as an ESC Player provided that:
1.1	the club has evidenced to The FA’s satisfaction that the Player is an elite
player and will make a significant contribution to the sport. Guidance inrespect of this will be issued by The FA from time to time but, as a minimum,
The FA expects the Player to have, within the ESC Player Reference Period,
satisfied one or more of the following:			1.1.1.	played in at least one Youth Competitive International Match for a
National Association ranked in the top 50 places in the AggregatedFIFA World Rankings;
		

1.1.2.	
played in at least five Youth Competitive International Matches
for a National Association ranked outside the top 50 places in the
Aggregated FIFA World Rankings;

		

1.1.3.	played in at least one Continental Youth Competition Match;		

1.1.4.

		

1.1.5.	played in at least one Senior Competitive International Match for a
National Association ranked in the top 50 places in the AggregatedFIFA World Rankings;

		

1.1.6.	
played in at least five Senior Competitive International Matches
for a National Association ranked outside the top 50 places in the
Aggregated FIFA World Rankings;

		1.1.7.

played in at least one match in a Continental Competition; or		

1.1.8.

played in at least five Domestic Senior Competition Matches.

played in at least five Domestic Youth Competition Matches;

SECTION II: ESC PLACES AND WEIGHTED EQP MINUTES PERCENTAGE
ESC Places2.

For the 2023/24 Season, each club in the:2.1.	Premier League and EFL Championship shall have up to four ESC Places
available at any one time as follows:

693

694

Appendix 3 ESC Players

Appendix 3 ESC Players

2.1.1.	
two ESC Places (regardless of their Weighted EQP Minutes
Percentage); andPlayer, the club would not be able to recruit a replacement ESC Player until it has
an available ESC Place.

		

2.1.2.	up to two additional ESC Places as determined by its Weighted EQP
Minutes Percentage, as set out in Table 1 below.

For example:

2.2.	EFL League One and EFL League Two shall have two ESC Places (regardlessof their Weighted EQP Minutes Percentage) available at any one time.
Table 1•	Club A participates in the EFL Championship and its Weighted EQP Minutes
Percentage means it has four available ESC Places (each of which it has
filled).

Miscellaneous		•	Club A is subsequently relegated to EFL League One where it is entitled totwo ESC Places (based on its Weighted EQP Minutes Percentage).

Number of Available ESC Places

Weighted
EQP Minutes
Percentage

Premier
LeagueEFL
EFL League
Championship One

EFL League
Two

≥35%

4

4

-

-

≥30%

3

3

-

-

N/A

2

2

2

2

•	The four ESC Players registered with Club A remain registered, and can playfor, Club A.
•

3.	For the 2024/25 Season onwards, the number of ESC Places for each club shall be
determined by its Weighted EQP Minutes Percentage, as set out in Table 2 below.
Table 2

During the next Registration Period, two ESC Players leave Club A.

•	Club A is unable to recruit further ESC Players until such time as the club is
promoted back to the EFL Championship (and its Weighted EQP Minutes
Percentage is ≥30%).
4.	From the 2023/24 Season, the ESC Places available to clubs in the Premier League
and EFL Championship shall not, at any time, exceed 4 and the ESC Places available
to Clubs in EFL League One and EFL League Two shall not, at any time, exceed 2.
5.	Where the registration of an ESC Player is permanently transferred to anotherclub, that ESC Player shall immediately be excluded from the calculation of how
many of the selling club’s ESC Places are filled.

Number of Available ESC Places

Weighted
EQP Minutes
Percentage

Premier
LeagueEFL
EFL League
Championship One

EFL League
Two

≥35%

4

4

2

2

≥30%

3

3

1

1

≥25%

2

2

-

-

≥20%

1

1

-

-

6.	Where the registration of an ESC Player is temporarily transferred to another club,that ESC Player shall fill an ESC Place of both the parent club and the loaning clubfor the duration of the temporary transfer. A club shall only be permitted to recruit
an ESC Player on a temporary transfer if they have an available ESC Place that has
not been filled. On expiry of the temporary transfer, the ESC Player shall no longer
fill an ESC Place of the loaning club.
Weighted EQP Minutes Percentage Calculation

	Guidance: A reduction in ESC Places shall have no impact on the ESC Players
already permanently or temporarily registered with a club and their ability to playfor that club.
	However, in circumstances where: (a) the number of ESC Players registered at aclub exceeds the number of ESC Places available to the club; and (b) one of the
club’s existing ESC Players leaves the club or transitions to become a Non-ESC

695

7.	A club’s Weighted EQP Minutes Percentage for the EQP Reference Period shall becalculated by The FA in accordance with the following procedure:
7.1.	For each EQP Qualifying Match played by the club during the EQP Reference
Period, the following figures shall be calculated:		

7.1.1.

EQP Minutes.

		

7.1.2.

Non-EQP Minutes.
696

Appendix 3 ESC Players

		

7.1.3.

Total Minutes (i.e. EQP Minutes plus Non-EQP Minutes).

7.3.	The EQP Minutes Percentage for each EQP Qualifying Match played by theclub during the EQP Reference Period shall then be calculated as follows:(EQP Minutes / Total Minutes) x 100 = EQP Minutes Percentage
7.4.	
Each EQP Qualifying Match during each Season of the EQP Reference
Period will then be ranked from highest to lowest by reference to the EQP
Minutes Percentage calculated for those matches (“EQP Qualifying Match
Ranking”).
7.5.	The top four and bottom four matches from the EQP Qualifying Match
Ranking for each Season of the EQP Reference Period shall be disregarded.
The remaining matches across all Seasons of the EQP Reference Period willthen be combined to create a list of Relevant EQP Qualifying Matches
7.6.	
The following figures shall then be calculated from the Relevant EQP
Qualifying Matches:		

7.6.1.

Cumulative EQP Minutes.

		

7.6.2.

Cumulative Non-EQP Minutes.

		

7.6.3.	
Cumulative Total Minutes (i.e. Cumulative EQP Minutes plus
Cumulative Non-EQP Minutes).

7.7.	Where the club has temporarily transferred an EQP on a Qualifying Loan
during the EQP Reference Period, fifty percent of the Loan Player Minutes
or, from the 2024/25 Season, fifty percent of the Pro-Rata EQP Minutes (asapplicable) will be added to the parent club’s Cumulative EQP Minutes andCumulative Total Minutes.
7.8.	The Weighted EQP Minutes Percentage shall then be calculated as follows:		(Cumulative EQP Minutes / Cumulative Total Minutes) x 100 = Weighted EQP
Minutes Percentage

697

result of its Weighted EQP Minutes Percentage) in accordance with the below:
8.1.	One additional ESC Place if, on average per Season within the EQP Reference
Period, three or more of the club’s English Qualified Players:		

8.1.1.	made at least three appearances of 45 minutes or more in England
Senior Competitive International Matches; and		

8.1.2.

Miscellaneous

7.2.	From the 2024/25 Season, for each EQP Qualifying Match played by the club
during the EQP Reference Period where an EQP was unavailable as a resultof being an Injured Player, the Pro-Rata EQP Minutes for each Injured Player
will be added to the club’s EQP Minutes and Total Minutes figures.

Appendix 3 ESC Players

played in 30% or more of the Available Minutes (ESC).

8.2.	One additional ESC Place if, on average per Season within the EQP Reference
Period, three or more of the club’s English Qualified Players who are also
Youth Players have, made at least three appearances of 45 minutes or more
for the England U20 and/or U21 teams.
	Guidance: The maximum number of ESC Places available to any club is four. As
such, if a club has 3 ESC Places as a result of its Weighted EQP Minutes Percentage
and would be entitled to 2 additional ESC Places under paragraph 8 above, it will
still only have 4 ESC Places available.
	Where applicable, a player can count towards the requirements of both paragraph
8.1 and 8.2.
	Guidance: The requirements of both paragraph 8.1 and 8.2 will be assessed as anaverage per Season within the EQP Reference Period.
	For example, a club would meet the requirement in paragraph 8.1 if, for example,
three players met those conditions in the first Season, no players met thoseconditions in the second Season but six players met those conditions in the third
Season. The players meeting those conditions in each Season can be the sameplayers.
SECTION III: TRANSITION - ESC PLAYER TO A NON-ESC PLAYER
Transition
9.	12 months after the date on which an ESC Player has been granted a GBE, a Club
can apply for an ESC Player to transition to a Non-ESC Player if the ESC Player
satisfies one of the following requirements:
9.1.

the Player’s International Appearances meet the Auto Pass Percentage;

Additional ESC places

9.2.	the ESC Player achieves 15 points or more in accordance with paragraphs 33
to 46 of the main body of this document; or

8.	Subject to paragraph 4 above, a club shall be granted up to two additional ESC
Places (in addition to the number of ESC Places a club has been allocated as a

9.3.	the ESC Player has, within the 12 months following the date on which he was
granted a GBE:
698

Appendix 3 ESC Players

		

9.3.1.

		

9.3.2.	played in the required percentage of Available Minutes (ESC) as set
out in Table 3 below.

	Guidance: The requirements set out in this paragraph 9 apply irrespective ofwhether an ESC Player remains with their original club or transfers to another club.

played in 25% or more of the club’s EQP Qualifying Matches; andTable 3Extensions or transfers of a GBE
Required percentage of Available Minutes (ESC)

League in which
ESC Player’s Club
Participates

Under 21 ESC Player

21 and over ESC Player

Premier League

15%

30%

EFL Championship

50%

50%

EFL League One

60%

60%

10.	For the purposes of paragraph 9 of the main body of this document, if an ESC
Player applies for an extended GBE (in accordance with paragraph 6 of the main
body of this document), a transfer of a GBE (in accordance with paragraph 7 of
the main body of this document) or makes a new club application for a GBE (inaccordance with paragraph 8 of the main body of this document), the ESC Player’s
club must evidence to The FA’s satisfaction that the ESC Player continues to comply
with the requirements set out at paragraph 1 above.

EFL League Two

70%

70%

Reviewing GBE System

Guidance: For the purposes of this paragraph 9:•	The ESC Player’s age shall be their age at the beginning of the 12 month
period referred to in paragraph 9.3, regardless of whether they become 21
years old during the course of that 12 month period.
•	Where the league in which the ESC Player’s club participates changes during
the 12 month period referred to in paragraph 9.3, the required percentageof Available Minutes (ESC) referred to in paragraph 9.3.2 shall be calculated
separately with reference to the period of time participating in each league
competition.
		For example:

		

o

		

o	Player A, an Under 21 player, joins Club A as an ESC Player during theJanuary transfer window.

		o	Club A is relegated from the Premier League at the end of that Season
and participates in the EFL Championship in the following Season.

		o	To meet the required percentage of Available Minutes (ESC) for the
12-month period in those circumstances, Player A would need to play in:

Club A participates in the Premier League.

			15% of Available Minutes (ESC) for the period in which Club A
participated in the Premier League; and			50% of Available Minutes (ESC) for the period in which Club A
participated in the EFL Championship.
699

SECTION IV: MISCELLANEOUS

Miscellaneous

Appendix 3 ESC Players

11.	Without prejudice to what is set out below at paragraph 12, The FA will review how
ESC Player registrations are used on an annual basis and reserves all its rights tomake any changes it considers, in its absolute discretion, to be necessary to thecriteria set out in this Appendix.
12.	In the event that the League EQP Minutes Percentage in any one of the Premier
League, EFL Championship, EFL League One or EFL League Two League is:12.1.	25% or less in any Season, no new ESC Player registrations will bepermitted and the application of the criteria set out in this Appendix will be
automatically stopped; and12.2.	between 26% and 30% in any Season, the application of the criteria set out
in this Appendix will be reviewed.
Definitions
13.	Unless otherwise stated, definitions are as set out in the glossary at the beginningof this document or as set out below:	Available Minutes (ESC) means the total number of minutes (including any injury
time or added time) played by the club in EQP Qualifying Matches minus thenumber of minutes that the EQP or ESC Player (as applicable) was Unavailable for
Selection.
	Continental Youth Competition Match means any match played in a youth clubcompetition organised by one or more of UEFA, CONMEBOL, CAF, CONCACAF, AFC
or OFC.
 umulative EQP Minutes means the total number of EQP Minutes from theC
Relevant EQP Qualifying Matches.
700

Appendix 3 ESC Players

Appendix 3 ESC Players

	
Cumulative Total Minutes means total number of Cumulative EQP Minutes andCumulative Non- EQP Minutes accumulated by a club in Relevant EQP Qualifying
Matches.
	
Domestic Senior Competition Match means any match played in those leagues
set out in the definitions of Band 1, Band 2, Band 3, Band 4 or Band 5.
	Domestic Youth Competition Match means any match played in: (i) a youth
competition organised and administered by any of the leagues referred to in thedefinitions of Band 1, Band 2, Band 3, Band 4 or Band 5; or (ii) any domestic youth
competition organised and administered by a national association in which themember clubs of a league referred to in the definitions of Band 1, Band 2, Band 3,
Band 4 or Band 5 participate.

in respect of any of these competitions; (ii) UEFA Super Cup; and (iii)FIFA Club World Cup;		c.	matches played at the quarter final stage and onwards of The FA
Cup; and		d.

2.	Where the club is participating in the EFL Championship, EFL League One or
EFL League Two matches in the following competitions in which the club has
played:		a.	matches played in the EFL Championship, EFL League One or EFL
League Two (as applicable) and play off matches in respect of any ofthese league competitions;		b.	matches in the: (i) UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League,
and/or UEFA Europa Conference League and qualification matches
in respect of any of these competitions; (ii) UEFA Super Cup; and (iii)FIFA Club World Cup;

		

c.

		

d.	matches played at the quarter-final stage and onwards of the EFL
Cup.

	English Qualified Player (or EQP) means a player who was eligible to play for the
England Senior Men’s Team at the time the player was first permanently registeredwith the club.
	Guidance: If a player subsequently becomes ineligible to play for the England
Senior Men’s Team pursuant to FIFA’s Regulations Governing the Application of
the Statutes (RGAs) (for example by electing to play for a Senior Men’s Team ofanother National Association in an official competition), the player shall still be
regarded as an EQP at that club (and any loaning club). For the avoidance of
doubt, if that player subsequently permanently registers with a different club, theplayer will not be regarded as an EQP for that new club.
	
EQP Minutes means the total number of minutes (including any added time or
extra time) played by EQPs in an EQP Qualifying Match or Relevant EQP Qualifying
Match (as applicable).
	
EQP Minutes Percentage means the percentage figure calculated in accordancewith paragraphs 7.1 and 7.3, rounded to the nearest whole number.
	EQP Qualifying Match means:
1.	
Where the club is participating in the Premier League, matches in thefollowing competitions in which the club has played:

701

		

a.

matches in the Premier League;		b.	matches in the: (i) UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League,
and/or UEFA Europa Conference League and qualification matches

matches played at the semi-final stage and onwards of the EFL Cup.

Miscellaneous	Cumulative Non-EQP Minutes means the total number of Non-EQP Minutes fromthe Relevant EQP Qualifying Matches.

matches played in the fifth round and onwards of The FA Cup; andGuidance: Where a club competes in more than one league competition during the
EQP Reference Period, the relevant EQP Qualifying Matches will vary by reference
to the league competition in which the club played in each Season.
	
EQP Qualifying Match Ranking shall have the meaning given to it in paragraph
7.4.
	
EQP Reference Period means the three Seasons prior to the current Season (i.e. 1
June 2020 to 31 May 2023).
	ESC Place means a place available to a club for the purposes of recruiting an ESC
Player, as calculated by The FA in accordance with Section II of this Appendix. For
the avoidance of date, such places are non-transferrable.
ESC Player means a player granted a GBE in accordance with this Appendix.
	
ESC Player Reference Period means the twenty four months prior to the date on
which the application for an ESC Player GBE is made.
	Injured Player means a player who has been injured while on international duty
for England.

702

Appendix 3 ESC Players

Appendix 3 ESC Players

 otal League Minutes means the total number of minutes (including added
Ttime or extra time) played by all players at all clubs in a particular league in EQP
Qualifying Matches.

	Guidance: League EQP Minutes means the total number of minutes played by all
EQPs at all clubs in one league i.e. in the Premier League this would be all minutes
played by all EQPs at all Premier League Clubs in EQP Qualifying Matches.

Guidance: Total League Minutes means the total number of minutes played by all
players (including EQPs and non-EQPs) at all clubs in one league i.e. in the Premier
League this would be all minutes played by all players (including EQPs and nonEQPs) at all Premier League Clubs in EQP Qualifying Matches.

 eague EQP Minutes Percentage means League EQP Minutes divided by Total
L
League Minutes.
 oan Player Minutes means the total number of minutes (including any added
Ltime or extra time) played by an EQP who has been temporarily transferred on a
Qualifying Loan in a Qualifying Loan Match during the EQP Reference Period.
Non-EQP Minutes means the total number of minutes (including any added time
or extra time) played by players who are not EQPs in an EQP Qualifying Match or
Relevant EQP Qualifying Match (as applicable).
Non-ESC Player means a player that has transitioned from an ESC Player to a
Non-ESC Player in accordance with paragraph 9.
 ro-Rata EQP Minutes means the total number of minutes (including any added
P
time or extra time) played by an Injured Player in EQP Qualifying Matches overthe 12 months immediately preceding the date of his injury divided by the total
number of EQP Qualifying Matches in the same period.
Guidance: Where applicable, Pro-Rata EQP Minutes shall only form part of the
Weighted EQP Minutes Percentage calculation from the 2024/25 Season.
	
Qualifying Loan means a temporary transfer from a club in the Premier League
to a club in the EFL Championship or a club participating in any of the leagues at
Band 1 or Band 2.

Miscellaneous	League EQP Minutes means the total number of minutes (including added time or
extra time) played by all EQPs at all clubs in a particular league in EQP Qualifying
Matches.

Total Minutes means the total number of EQP Minutes and Non-EQP Minutes
accumulated by a club in an EQP Qualifying Match.
 eighted EQP Minutes Percentage means the percentage figure calculated inWaccordance with the procedure set out at paragraph 7.8, rounded to the nearest
whole number.
 outh Competitive International Match means any match played by a National
Y
Association’s youth team in either:(a)	The following tournaments (including any qualification rounds): the Olympic
Games, any FIFA Youth World Cup, U20 Arab Championship, U17 ArabChampionship, UEFA U21 Championship, UEFA U19 Championship, UEFA
U17 Championship, AFC U23 Championship, AFC U20 Asian Cup, AFC U19Championship, AFC U17 Asian Cup, CAF Africa U23 Cup of Nations, CAF
Africa U20 Cup of Nations, CAF Africa U17 Cup of Nations, CONCACAF U20,
CONCACAF U17, CONMEBOL Sudamericano U20, CONMEBOL Sudamericano
U17, OFC U19 Championship or the OFC U17 Championship; or(b)	The following tournaments (excluding any qualification rounds): Tournei
Maurice Ravello, Pinatar Cup U18, Pinatar Cup U17, Torneio Internacional
Algarve U17, U17 Nordic Football Championship, AFF U23 Championship or
the West Asia Championship U23.

Qualifying Loan Match means:•

For clubs in the EFL Championship, an EQP Qualifying Match.

•	For clubs participating in any of the leagues in Band 1 or Band 2, any match
played in the relevant league competition or any match played in a Band 1
Continental Competition or a Band 2 Continental Competition.
	Registration Period means the period in which players may be registered for aclub as notified by The FA from time to time and approved by FIFA.
	
Relevant EQP Qualifying Matches means the list of matches created inaccordance with the procedure set out at paragraph 7.5.
703

704

Constitution of The Professional Football Negotiating andConsultative Committee (England and Wales)

1.
Title
	
The committee shall be called the Professional Football Negotiating andConsultative Committee (PFNCC).

4.

Chair
a)
The PFNCC shall appoint an independent chair.
b)	In the event of the unavoidable absence of the independent chair, ameeting may be chaired by a Member of the PFNCC by agreement of all
four Members.
c)	The independent chair shall be appointed for a term of 3 years and no
individual may serve more than 2 consecutive terms.
d)	The independent chair shall retire at the July meeting next following their
75th birthday.
e)	Clauses (c) and (d) shall not apply to the independent chair in post at
the date of adoption of this revised constitution (the Current Chair). The
Current Chair shall continue to hold office until 30th June 2019, whereupon
he shall retire from office.
f)	
Any independent chair to be appointed after 30th June 2019 shall bepermitted to attend meetings of the PFNCC prior to their appointment.

5.

Secretarya)	The Chief Executive Officer of the EFL and the Chief Executive of the PFA
shall act as joint secretaries of the PFNCC.
b)
The administration and secretarial services to be provided by the EFL.

2.

Membership
The PFNCC shall consist of:a)	Four representatives from the Professional Footballers’ Association(the PFA);b)
Two representatives from The Football League Limited (the EFL);c)
Two representatives from The FA Premier League Limited (the PL);d)
One representative from The Football Association Limited (the FA);e)	The Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) of each of the four bodies listed
above, or their respective nominees, (and the PFA, EFL, PL and FA are
together the Members and each a Member).

Terms of Referencea)	The PFNCC shall be the forum in which the Members consider mattersrelating to the employment of, and any associated rules and regulations
relating to, those professional football players (Players) employed byclubs in membership of EFL and the PL (the Leagues), including (but notlimited to):		i)	standard terms and conditions for contracts of employment ofPlayers (including contractual obligations, minimum pay, pension
provision, treatment of benefits in kind and holidays);		ii)	matters relating to health & safety of Players, and appropriate
insurance arrangements;
		iii)
a code of practice for clubs and Players to abide by;		iv)	minimum standards for the resolution of disputes between clubs andPlayers;		v)
the effects of any applicable legislation.
b)	No major changes in the regulations of the Leagues affecting a Player’s
terms and conditions of employment shall take place without full discussion
and agreement in the PFNCC.
c)	The PFNCC can be used to facilitate consultation on any matter relating
to professional football upon which any of the Members considers that theview of the PFNCC would be desirable to help further the best interests ofthe game.

Miscellaneous

Constitution of The Professional Football
Negotiating and Consultative Committee(England and Wales)

3.

705

6.
Executive Officers
	A senior executive officer of each of the Members shall meet as and when necessary
and in any event shall meet before any meeting of the PFNCC in order to give
preliminary consideration to items which are to appear on the agenda for the next
PFNCC meeting.
7.

Meetingsa)	There shall be four ordinary meetings of the PFNCC each Season. They shallordinarily take place in July, October and April, and in January. An ordinary
meeting shall be called on not less than 14 days’ notice.
b)	Special meetings may be called (in addition to the ordinary meetings set
out in paragraph 7(a)) at the discretion of the Chair at the request of any
Member. At least seven days’ notice of such meetings shall be given and thebusiness of the meeting shall be stated in the notice.
c)	Other parties may be invited to attend any meeting of the PFNCC at therequest of any Member and at the Chair’s discretion. The Chair shall also
be empowered to invite third parties to any meeting following consultation
with the Members.
706

Constitution of The Professional Football Negotiating andConsultative Committee (England and Wales)

8.
Minutes	Full minutes of all meetings shall be drafted by the secretary provided by the EFL
in accordance with Clause 5(b). The draft minutes shall not be circulated until
approved by the Chair. Draft minutes should normally be circulated within 4 weeksof the meeting to which they relate. Minutes will be subject to approval of the
PFNCC at the next meeting.

707

9.

Resolution of Differencesa)	It shall be the duty of the Members of the PFNCC to take all reasonable steps
to ensure the acceptance of agreements reached. Where appropriate, any
Member may seek the assistance of the Chair in expounding and explaining
agreements reached.
b)	Where the Members are unable to reach agreement they may by agreement
seek the advice of the Chair on any matters before the PFNCC.
c)	If the Members are unable to reach agreement following the processes
outlined above they may by agreement seek independent arbitrationby the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service or any other agreed
independent arbitrator.

10.

Sub-Committeesa)	The PFNCC shall have the power to set up such sub-committees or joint
working parties not restricted to Members of the PFNCC as it considers
necessary.
b)	Each sub-committee or joint working party shall agree terms of reference
which shall be subject to the approval of the PFNCC.
c)	Full minutes of sub-committee and/or joint working party meetings shallbe kept and appended to minutes of meetings of the PFNCC for distribution
to Members.

11.

Financea)	Each Member shall be responsible for meeting the expenses of its
representative(s) for attending meetings.
b)	Any fees and/or expenses of the Chair shall be shared equally by the Members.
c)
Any other expense shall be shared equally by the Members.

12. Amendment of Constitution	
Any proposed amendments to the constitution of the PFNCC shall only beconsidered at a meeting called specifically for that purpose and notice of any
proposed amendment shall be given in writing 28 days previous to such meeting.
Any amendment to the constitution shall only take effect after approval to it has
been given by each of the Members.

Miscellaneousd)	The EFL and PL shall communicate with those clubs employing any Player
nominated by the PFA as a representative in accordance with Clause 2(a),and request that such representatives and deputies are given reasonablefacilities to attend meetings of the PFNCC.

Constitution of The Professional Football Negotiating andConsultative Committee (England and Wales)

13. Status of Constitution
	The constitution shall be subject to the approval of each of the Members. If
approved by each of them it shall be regarded as an agreement binding on eachand all of them and shall be appended to the rules of each League and publishedin their respective handbooks.

708

Statistics

Premier League Table Season 2022/23

711

Away

P

W

D

L

F

A

W

D

L

F

A

GD

1

Manchester City

38

17

1

1

60

17

11

4

4

34

16

61

Pts
89

2

Arsenal

38

14

3

2

53

25

12

3

4

35

18

45

84

3

Manchester United

38

15

3

1

36

10

8

3

8

22

33

15

75

4

Newcastle United

38

11

6

2

36

14

8

8

3

32

19

35

71

5

Liverpool

38

13

5

1

46

17

6

5

8

29

30

28

67

6

Brighton & Hove Albion

38

10

4

5

37

21

8

4

7

35

32

19

62

7

Aston Villa

38

12

2

5

33

21

6

5

8

18

25

5

61

8

Tottenham Hotspur

38

12

1

6

37

25

6

5

8

33

38

7

60

9

Brentford

38

10

7

2

35

18

5

7

7

23

28

12

59

10

Fulham

38

8

5

6

31

29

7

2

10

24

24

2

52

11

Crystal Palace

38

7

7

5

21

23

4

5

10

19

26

-9

45

12

Chelsea

38

6

7

6

20

19

5

4

10

18

28

-9

44

13

Wolverhampton Wanderers 38

9

3

7

19

20

2

5

12

12

38

-27

41

14

West Ham United

38

8

4

7

26

24

3

3

13

16

31

-13

40

15

AFC Bournemouth

38

6

4

9

20

28

5

2

12

17

43

-34

39

16

Nottingham Forest

38

8

6

5

27

24

1

5

13

11

44

-30

38

17

Everton

38

6

3

10

16

27

2

9

8

18

30

-23

36

18

Leicester City

38

5

4

10

23

27

4

3

12

28

41

-17

34

19

Leeds United

38

5

7

7

26

37

2

3

14

22

41

-30

31

20

Southampton

38

2

5

12

19

37

4

2

13

17

36

-37

25

Statistics

Home
Pos Club712

Premier League Attendances Season 2022/23

0-1

2-4

3-1

0-2

1-2

1-1

3-2

1-0

1-1

0-2

3-3

Statistics

1-0

0-2

0-0

AFC Bournemouth

Crystal Palace

4-0

3-0

Everton

2-1

2-1

Fulham4-1

4-1

Leeds United

4-2

2-1

Leicester City

3-2

1-0

Liverpool

1-3

1-4

Manchester City

3-2

0-1

Manchester United

0-0

1-1

Newcastle United

5-0

1-1

Nottingham Forest

3-3

0-1

Southampton

3-1

2-3

Tottenham Hotspur

3-1

0-4

West Ham United

0-0

Wolverhampton
Wanderers

5-0

4-1

1-1

1-1

Chelsea

0-2

0-1

1-3

2-0

Brighton &Hove Albion

3-1

2-1

0-2

2-2

Brentford

0-3

1-0

1-1

3-0

Aston Villa

0-0

2-1

2-0

3-0

6-0

2-1

1-1

1-2

2-1

2-1

1-2

3-0

2-1

4-0

3-1

2-2

0-1

4-0

3-1

1-1

0-1

1-0

2-2

0-0

1-3

1-1

0-0

3-1

1-1

1-0

1-1

1-1

2-4

0-1

2-1

3-0

5-2

0-0

4-3

1-0

2-1

5-2

0-4

3-2

1-0

1-0

1-1

1-0

1-1

1-0

2-1

0-1

0-0

1-1

1-1

0-0

1-1

1-2

1-0

1-5

0-1

1-1

0-2

2-2

0-0

1-4

2-2

0-1

0-0

1-0

2-1

1-2

0-1

2-1

1-0
2-1

0-3

1-4

2-0
4-1

0-3

0-0

2-1

2-1

2-0

2-0

3-0

1-1

2-1

1-2

Arsenal

2-0

4-0

1-2

0-0
0-2

1-0

1-2

1-0

2-1

2-0

1-1

1-3

2-2

1-4

3-0

1-2

0-1

0-2

1-4

1-2

2-3
1-3

1-1

0-0
2-2

2-2

1-6

1-5
1-1

2-1
5-3

3-0

2-1

2-1

2-1

2-2

1-0

1-0

3-0

4-1

4-2

4-3

2-0

1-2

2-1

4-0

3-1

1-2

2-0

0-0

3-2

0-1

3-0

6-0

4-0

1-0

2-0

2-1

2-2

0-0

0-3

2-0

6-3

0-1

1-1

0-0

2-1

4-1

1-1

7-0

1-3

3-1

6-1

0-1

0-0

3-0

3-1

1-0

2-2

2-1

2-0

1-1

1-0

0-3

3-3

2-2
2-1

2-1

2-0

2-1

3-3

1-1

0-2

2-0

0-0

2-1

0-0

4-2

1-0

4-1

1-0

1-0

0-0

1-2

1-0

3-1

4-1

3-3

0-2

1-0

2-0

0-3

3-2

2-0

0-2

3-0

Arsenal

2-0

1-0

0-0

2-2

AFC Bournemouth

Chelsea

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-0

0-1

0-3

1-0

Aston Villa

Crystal Palace

2-2

1-2

0-3

Everton

4-3

1-1

1-2

1-0

2-4

Fulham

2-2

0-1

3-1

2-0

Leeds United

0-1

1-0

3-0

Leicester City

9-0

3-1

4-1

Brentford

Liverpool

3-0

4-0

5-1

Manchester City

Newcastle United
4-0

Manchester United

0-2

4-3

2-0

1-0

713

1-1

98.7%

0-1

15,310,526

1-2

40,291

1-4

380

0-1

TOTAL

0-2

31,684 v Everton

1-1

62,500 v Manchester City

98.7%

1-4

99.7%

595,618

1-0

1,184,309

4-4

62,332
31,348

1-0

19
19

2-0

West Ham United
Wolverhampton
Wanderers

2-2

62,684 v Liverpool

1-0

99.7%

2-3

1,190,585

0-2

62,662

1-2

19

2-2

Tottenham Hotspur

1-0

31,226 v Arsenal

0-2

29,514 v Arsenal

93.5%

1-1

96.2%

575,4372-1

554,570

30,286

1-3

29,188

19

3-1

19

Southampton

2-2

Nottingham Forest

0-2

52,271 v Liverpool

1-1

75,546 v Manchester City

99.8%

0-1

99.0%

991,892

1-1

1,397,905

52,205

1-0

73,574

19

2-3

19

Newcastle United

0-1

Manchester UnitedSouthampton

53,490 v Chelsea

Nottingham Forest

53,428 v Newcastle United

99.3%

Tottenham Hotspur

99.1%

1,007,774

4-1

1,005,688

53,0413-1

52,931

19

1-2

19

Manchester City

2-2

Liverpool

1-0

32,227 v Arsenal

1-2

36,955 v Newcastle United

98.8%

6-2

97.4%

605,860

4-3

696,263

31,8872-1

36,645

19

2-0

19

Leicester City

1-0

Leeds United

2-0

24,498 v Manchester City

2-1

39,395 v AFC Bournemouth

98.9%

1-3

99.6%

451,4710-2

746,121

23,7620-2

39,270

19

2-3

19

Fulham1-1

Everton

1-0

25,298 v Liverpool

1-0

98.6%

1-0

477,299

1-0

25,121

4-0

19

1-1

Crystal Palace

1-5

40,179 v Southampton

0-1

99.2%

1-0

760,477

0-3

40,025

0-2

19

1-2

Chelsea

3-0

31,746 v Chelsea

0-2

99.1%

0-4

598,1413-1

31,481

2-4

19

3-1

17,163 v AFC Bournemouth

Brighton & Hove Albion

0-0

98.9%

1-1

324,098

2-0

17,058

1-2

19

2-0

42,212 v Brighton & Hove Albion

Brentford

1-1

60,352 v Liverpool

97.8%

1-0

99.2%

792,5142-3

1,143,960

41,7110-260,208

2-0

19
19

0-2

ArsenalAston Villa

1-1

11,280 v Aston Villa

1-0

98.0%

2-2

210,544

0-2

Max Opposition

11,081

0-1

Average Aggregate

2-0

Utilisation

19

West Ham United

Pld

AFC Bournemouth

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Club

Premier League Results Season 2022/23

714

Premier League Appearances and Goals

Premier League Appearances and Goals

Season 2022/23
AFC Bournemouth

P

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GS

Aston VillaP

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GS

34

3

0

0

James Hill

0

0

6

0

Álex Moreno

14

5

0

0

Lamare Bogarde

0

0

3

0

Antoine Semenyo

2

9

4

1

Jefferson Lerma

37

0

0

5

Ashley Young

23

6

9

1

Leander Dendoncker

7

13

7

0

Ben Greenwood

0

0

1

0

Joe Rothwell

12

8

7

0

Bertrand Traoré

1

7

8

2

Leon Bailey

26

7

0

4

Ben Pearson

3

4

7

0

Jordan Zemura

17

2

5

0

Boubacar Kamara

21

3

0

0

Lucas Digne

18

10

4

1

Cameron Plain

0

0

6

0

Junior Stanislas

0

4

5

0

Calum Chambers

2

12

22

0

Ludwig Augustinsson

1

2

9

0

Chris Mepham

24

2

7

0

Kieffer Moore

12

15

8

4

Cameron Archer

0

6

8

0

Marvelous Nakamba

0

0

9

0

Christian Saydee

0

0

1

0

Lewis Cook

18

10

5

0

Danny Ings

8

10

1

6

Matty Cash

20

6

1

0

Dango Ouattara

15

4

0

1

Lloyd Kelly

23

0

0

0

Diego Carlos

2

1

11

0

Morgan Sanson

0

2

11

0

Daniel Adu-Adjei

0

0

3

0

Marcos Senesi

29

2

5

2

Douglas Luiz

33

4

1

6

Oliwier Zych

0

0

2

0

Darren Randolph

0

0

3

0

Marcus Tavernier

19

4

0

5

Emiliano Buendía

27

11

0

5

Ollie Watkins

36

1

0

15

David Brooks

2

4

5

0

Mark Travers

11

1

26

0

Emiliano Martínez

36

0

1

0

Philippe Coutinho

7

13

2

1

Dominic Sadi

0

0

4

0

Matías Viña

5

7

4

2

Ezri Konsa

37

1

0

0

Robin Olsen

2

2

30

0

Dominic Solanke

32

1

0

6

Max Kinsey-Wellings

0

0

1

0

Filip Marschall

0

0

1

0

Sebastian Revan

0

0

7

0

Emiliano Marcondes

0

1

9

0

Michael Dacosta Gonzalez

0

0

1

0

Jacob Ramsey

31

4

0

6

Sil Swinkels

0

0

1

0

Euan Pollock

0

0

3

0

Neto

27

0

3

0

James Wright

0

0

1

0

Tim Iroegbunam

0

0

2

0

Hamed Traorè

5

2

0

0

Owen Bevan

0

1

0

0

Jan Bednarek

1

2

10

0

Tommi O’Reilly

0

0

2

0

Illia Zabarnyi

3

2

6

0

Philip Billing

34

2

0

7

Jhon Durán

0

12

5

0

Travis Patterson

0

0

3

0

Jack Stacey

3

7

17

0

Ryan Christie

22

10

6

1

John McGinn

30

4

1

1

Tyrone Mings

35

0

1

1

Jack Stephens

13

2

15

0

Ryan Fredericks

5

7

2

0

Kadan Young

0

0

5

0

Viljami Sinisalo

0

0

15

0

Jaidon Anthony

11

19

8

3

Siriki Dembélé

0

6

9

0

Jamal Lowe

0

2

8

0

Will Dennis

0

0

1

0
Brentford

ArsenalP

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Statistics

Adam Smith

Sub Sub
P NP GS

Aaron Hickey

23

3

2

0

Mathias Jensen

37

0

0

5

Ben Mee

37

0

1

3

Matthew Cox

0

0

21

0

Aaron Ramsdale

38

0

0

0

Leandro Trossard

10

10

0

1

Bryan Mbeumo

36

2

0

9

Michael Olakigbe

0

0

1

0

Albert Sambi Lokonga

2

4

12

0

Lino Sousa

0

0

1

0

Charlie Goode

0

0

1

0

Mikkel Damsgaard

9

17

9

0

Amario Cozier-Duberry

0

0

5

0

Marquinhos

0

1

14

0

Christian Nørgaard

21

1

0

1

Pontus Jansson

9

3

3

1

Ben White

36

2

0

2

Martin Ødegaard

37

0

0

15

David Raya

38

0

0

0

Rico Henry

37

0

0

0

Bukayo Saka

37

1

0

14

Matt Smith

0

0

3

0

Ethan Pinnock

30

0

0

3

Ryan Trevitt

0

0

6

0

Cédric Soares

0

2

10

0

Matt Turner

0

0

37

0

Finley Stevens

0

0

9

0

Saman Ghoddos

0

15

19

0

Eddie Nketiah

9

21

3

4

Mauro Bandeira

0

0

2

0

Frank Onyeka

8

13

6

0

Sergi Canós

0

5

7

0

Emile Smith Rowe

0

12

11

0

Mohamed Elneny

1

4

4

0

Halil Dervisoglu

0

1

1

0

Shandon Baptiste

4

19

5

0

Ethan Nwaneri

0

1

0

0

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji

0

0

1

0

Ivan Toney

33

0

0

20

Thomas Strakosha

0

0

17

0

Fábio Vieira

3

19

14

1

Nicolas Pépé

0

0

2

0

Josh Dasilva

14

22

2

4

Tristan Crama

0

0

4

0

Gabriel Jesus

24

2

0

11

Oleksandr Zinchenko

26

1

0

1

Keane Lewis-Potter

3

7

9

0

Vitaly Janelt

24

11

0

3

Gabriel Magalhães

38

0

0

3

Reiss Nelson

0

11

11

3

Kevin Schade

7

11

2

0

Yehor Yarmolyuk

0

0

3

0

Gabriel Martinelli

34

2

0

15

Reuell Walters

0

0

8

0

Kristoffer Ajer

9

0

10

0

Yoane Wissa

16

22

0

7

Granit Xhaka

36

1

0

7

Rob Holding

6

8

24

1

Mads Bech Sørensen

0

4

3

0

Zanka

11

7

15

0

Jakub Kiwior

5

2

11

1

Takehiro Tomiyasu

6

15

2

0

Mads Roerslev

12

8

15

0

Jorginho

9

5

5

0

Thomas Partey

28

5

0

3

Karl Hein

0

0

1

0

William Saliba

27

0

0

2

Kieran Tierney

6

21

11

0

Key: P = Played Sub P = Sub Played Sub NP = Sub Not Played GS = Goals Scored
715

716

Premier League Appearances and Goals

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GS

Crystal PalaceP

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GS

12

4

0

2

Joël Veltman

25

6

2

1

Albert Sambi Lokonga

6

3

8

0

Killian Phillips

0

0

2

0

23

4

4

0

Julio Enciso

7

13

11

4

Cheick Doucouré

34

0

1

0

Kofi Balmer

0

0

3

0

Alexis Mac Allister

31

4

0

10

Kaoru Mitoma

24

9

2

7

Chris Richards

4

5

18

0

Luka Milivojevic

5

13

16

0

Andrew Moran

0

1

12

0

Leandro Trossard

16

0

1

7

David Ozoh

0

1

3

0

Luke Plange

0

0

2

0

Billy Gilmour

7

7

16

0

Levi Colwill

13

4

11

0

Eberechi Eze

30

8

0

10

Malcolm Ebiowei

0

3

14

0

Cameron Peupion

0

1

4

0

Lewis Dunk

36

0

2

1

Jack Butland

0

0

2

0

Marc Guéhi

37

0

0

1

Danny Welbeck

21

10

1

6

Moisés Caicedo

34

3

0

1

Jack Wells-Morrison

0

0

2

0

Michael Olise

31

6

0

2

Deniz Undav

6

16

14

5

Neal Maupay

0

0

2

0

Jairo Riedewald

0

6

24

0

Naouirou Ahamada

0

8

3

0

Ed Turns

0

0

6

0

Odeluga Offiah

0

2

5

0

James McArthur

0

4

8

0

Nathaniel Clyne

19

3

8

0

Enock Mwepu

2

4

0

0

Pascal Groß

37

0

0

9

James Tomkins

3

3

16

1

Odsonne Édouard

20

15

2

5

Evan Ferguson

10

9

2

6

Pervis Estupiñán

31

4

1

1

Jean-Philippe Mateta

6

23

8

2

Owen Goodman

0

0

4

0

Facundo Buonanotte

6

7

6

1

Robert Sánchez

23

0

10

0

Jeffrey Schlupp

30

4

0

3

Sam Johnstone

9

0

21

0

Imari Samuels

0

0

1

0

Solly March

31

2

0

7

Joachim Andersen

32

0

0

1

Tayo Adaramola

0

0

2

0

Jack Hinshelwood

0

1

2

0

Steven Alzate

0

0

5

0

Joe Whitworth

2

0

12

0

Tyrick Mitchell

34

2

0

0

James Furlong

0

0

1

0

Tariq Lamptey

3

17

3

0

Joel Ward

24

4

7

1

Vicente Guaita

27

0

5

0

Jan Paul van Hecke

3

5

24

0

Tom McGill

0

0

6

0

John-Kymani Gordon

0

0

5

0

Wilfried Zaha

27

0

0

7

Jason Steele

15

0

22

0

Yasin Ayari

1

2

12

0

Jordan Ayew

31

7

0

4

Will Hughes

7

20

6

1

Jeremy Sarmiento

1

8

11

0

Kaden Rodney

0

0

2

0

P

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GS

EvertonP

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Statistics

Adam Lallana
Adam Webster

Chelsea717

P

Premier League Appearances and Goals

Sub Sub
P NP GS

Alfie Gilchrist

0

0

1

0

Jorginho

15

3

2

2

Abdoulaye Doucouré

17

8

4

5

James Tarkowski

38

0

0

1

Armando Broja

2

10

1

1

Kai Havertz

30

5

1

7

Alex Iwobi

38

0

0

2

Jean-Philippe Gbamin

0

0

2

0

Bashir Humphreys

0

0

4

0

Kalidou Koulibaly

20

3

6

2

Allan

0

0

5

0

Jordan Pickford

37

0

0

0

Ben Chilwell

15

8

2

2

Kepa Arrizabalaga

29

0

7

0

Amadou Onana

29

4

1

1

Kyle John

0

0

2

0

Benoît Badiashile

10

1

7

1

Lewis Hall

8

1

5

0

André Gomes

0

0

1

0

Lewis Warrington

0

0

2

0

Billy Gilmour

0

0

1

0

Marc Cucurella

21

3

3

0

Andy Lonergan

0

0

4

0

Mason Holgate

5

3

20

0

Callum Hudson-Odoi

0

0

3

0

Marcus Bettinelli

0

0

17

0

Anthony Gordon

12

4

1

3

Michael Keane

10

2

20

1

Carney Chukwuemeka

2

12

7

0

Mason Mount

20

4

2

3

Asmir Begovic

1

0

37

0

Nathan Patterson

14

5

2

0

César Azpilicueta

16

9

6

0

Mateo Kovacic

17

10

2

1

Ben Godfrey

10

3

5

0

Neal Maupay

11

16

6

1

Christian Pulisic

8

16

5

1

Mykhailo Mudryk

7

8

4

0

Conor Coady

23

1

11

1

Reece Welch

0

0

5

0

Conor Gallagher

18

17

2

3

N’Golo Kanté

6

1

1

0

Dele Alli

0

2

1

0

Rúben Vinagre

0

2

19

0

David Datro Fofana

1

2

6

0

Noni Madueke

7

5

4

1

Demarai Gray

27

6

5

4

Salomón Rondón

1

6

3

0

Denis Zakaria

5

2

9

0

Omari Hutchinson

0

1

4

0

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

15

2

0

2

Séamus Coleman

20

3

7

1

Édouard Mendy

9

1

13

0

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

5

10

5

1

Dwight McNeil

28

8

2

7

Sean McAllister

0

0

2

0

Enzo Fernández

18

0

0

0

Raheem Sterling

23

5

1

6

Eldin Jakupovic

0

0

1

0

Stanley Mills

0

0

7

0

Ethan Ampadu

0

0

3

0

Reece James

14

2

0

1

Ellis Simms

2

9

10

1

Thomas Cannon

0

2

0

0

Ethan Wady

0

0

1

0

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

19

6

6

0

Idrissa Gueye

32

1

0

0

Tom Davies

4

15

15

0

Hakim Ziyech

6

12

13

0

Thiago Silva

26

1

2

0

Isaac Price

0

1

2

0

Vitalii Mykolenko

30

4

0

0

Harvey Vale

0

0

1

0

Trevoh Chalobah

18

7

10

0

Ishé Samuels-Smith

0

0

1

0

Yerry Mina

7

0

17

2

João Félix

11

5

1

4

Wesley Fofana

12

3

1

1

James Garner

7

9

5

0

718

Premier League Appearances and Goals

FulhamSub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GS

Leicester CityP

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GS

23

1

0

14

Layvin Kurzawa

2

1

6

0

Alex Smithies

0

0

3

0

Kelechi Iheanacho

11

17

7

5

Andreas Pereira

33

0

0

4

Luke Harris

0

3

20

0

Ayoze Pérez

3

5

10

0

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

28

3

2

2

Antonee Robinson

35

0

0

0

Manor Solomon

4

15

3

4

Boubakary Soumaré

20

6

3

0

Lewis Brunt

0

1

6

0

Bernd Leno

36

0

2

0

Marek Rodák

2

0

36

0

Çaglar Söyüncü

6

1

15

1

Luke Thomas

11

6

19

0

Bobby De Cordova-Reid

29

7

1

4

Martial Godo

0

0

1

0

Daniel Amartey

18

2

15

0

Marc Albrighton

1

5

13

1

Carlos Vinícius

11

17

5

5

Matthew Dibley-Dias

0

0

2

0

Daniel Iversen

12

0

26

0

Nampalys Mendy

7

12

14

1

Cédric Soares

2

4

9

0

Nathaniel Chalobah

1

3

10

0

Danny Ward

26

0

9

0

Patson Daka

13

17

7

4

Charlie Robinson

0

0

1

0

Neeskens Kebano

9

8

3

0

Dennis Praet

6

16

12

1

Ricardo Pereira

5

5

2

1

Dan James

5

15

8

2

Rodrigo Muniz

0

0

2

0

Harry Souttar

11

1

6

0

Sammy Braybrooke

0

0

3

0

George Wickens

0

0

2

0

Sasa Lukic

4

8

4

0

Harvey Barnes

32

2

0

13

Tetê

9

4

5

1

Harrison Reed

35

2

0

3

Shane Duffy

0

5

25

0

James Justin

14

0

0

0

Timothy Castagne

36

1

1

2

Harry Wilson

13

16

1

2

Stefan Parkes

0

0

1

0

James Maddison

28

2

0

10

Victor Kristiansen

11

1

2

0

Issa Diop

21

4

12

1

Terry Ablade

0

0

2

0

Jamie Vardy

19

18

1

3

Wanya Marçal-Madivadua

0

0

4

0

Jay Stansfield

1

2

2

0

Tim Ream

33

0

0

1

Jannik Vestergaard

0

0

7

0

Wesley Fofana

2

0

0

0

João Palhinha

35

0

0

3

Tom Cairney

6

27

0

2

Joe Wormleighton

0

0

1

0

Wilfred Ndidi

19

8

4

0

Josh Onomah

0

2

3

0

Tosin Adarabioyo

23

2

13

1

Jonny Evans

12

1

3

0

Wout Faes

31

0

0

1

Kenny Tete

29

2

1

1

Tyrese Francois

0

1

6

0

Kasey McAteer

0

0

3

0

Youri Tielemans

27

4

0

3

Kevin Mbabu

1

5

8

0

Willian

25

2

0

5

Kristian Sekularac

0

0

1

0

P

Liverpool

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Statistics

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Leeds United

719

P

Premier League Appearances and Goals

Sub Sub
P NP GS

Adrián

0

0

12

0

James Milner

7

24

3

0

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

4

5

4

1

Joe Gomez

15

6

12

0

Adam Forshaw

5

7

4

0

Liam Cooper

16

2

7

1

Alisson

37

0

0

0

Joël Matip

12

2

15

1

Archie Gray

0

0

6

0

Luis Sinisterra

13

6

1

5

Andrew Robertson

29

5

1

0

Jordan Henderson

23

12

0

0

Brenden Aaronson

28

8

2

1

Luke Ayling

22

7

4

2

Arthur00

70

Konstantinos Tsimikas

9

11

17

0

Cody Drameh

1

0

5

0

Marc Roca

29

3

3

1

Ben Doak

0

2

2

0

Luis Díaz

11

6

0

4

Crysencio Summerville

12

16

8

4

Mateo Joseph Fernández

0

3

5

0

Bobby Clark

0

1

5

0

Luke Chambers

0

0

1

0

Dan James

2

2

0

0

Mateusz Klich

0

14

2

0

Calvin Ramsay

0

0

1

0

Mohamed Salah

37

1

0

19

Darko Gyabi

0

1

12

0

Maximilian Wöber

14

2

1

0

Caoimhín Kelleher

1

0

28

0

Naby Keïta

3

5

2

0

Diego Llorente

7

1

11

0

Pascal Struijk

26

3

5

2

Cody Gakpo

17

4

0

7

Nathaniel Phillips

1

1

16

0

Diogo Monteiro

0

0

3

0

Patrick Bamford

18

10

0

4

Curtis Jones

12

6

5

3

Rhys Williams

0

0

2

0

Georginio Rutter

1

10

9

0

Rasmus Kristensen

21

5

11

3

Darwin Núñez

19

10

0

9

Roberto Firmino

13

12

0

11

Illan Meslier

34

0

4

0

Robin Koch

36

0

1

0

Diogo Jota

12

10

0

7

Sepp van den Berg

0

0

4

0

Jack Harrison

34

2

1

5

Rodrigo

23

8

0

13

Fabinho

31

5

0

0

Stefan Bajcetic

6

5

10

1

Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen

0

0

3

0

Sam Greenwood

3

15

18

1

Fábio Carvalho

4

9

18

2

Thiago Alcântara

14

4

0

0

Joe Gelhardt

1

14

2

0

Sonny Perkins

0

0

2

0

Harvey Davies

0

0

3

0

Trent Alexander-Arnold

34

3

1

2

Joel Robles

4

0

23

0

Tyler Adams

24

0

0

0

Harvey Elliott

18

14

5

1

Virgil van Dijk

32

0

1

3

Junior Firpo

14

5

11

1

Weston McKennie

16

3

0

0

Ibrahima Konaté

17

1

3

0

Kristoffer Klaesson

0

0

11

0

Wilfried Gnonto

14

10

5

2

Leo Hjelde

0

0

5

0

720

Premier League Appearances and Goals

Manchester City

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GS

Newcastle UnitedP

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GS

0

0

2

0

Kyle Walker

22

5

5

0

Alexander Isak

17

5

0

10

Joelinton

30

2

1

6

Aymeric Laporte

11

1

15

0

Liam Delap

0

0

1

0

Allan Saint-Maximin

12

13

1

1

Jonjo Shelvey

0

3

3

0

Ben Knight

0

0

4

0

Luke Mbete

0

0

2

0

Anthony Gordon

4

12

0

1

Karl Darlow

0

0

7

0

Bernardo Silva

24

10

4

4

Manuel Akanji

24

5

1

0

Bruno Guimarães

32

0

0

4

Kieran Trippier

38

0

0

1

Claudio Gomes

0

0

2

0

Máximo Perrone

0

1

4

0

Callum Wilson

21

10

1

18

Lewis Miley

0

1

3

0

Cole Palmer

2

12

17

0

Nathan Aké

22

4

4

1

Chris Wood

4

14

1

2

Loris Karius

0

0

8

0

Ederson

35

0

3

0

Nico O’Reilly

0

0

1

0

Dan Burn

35

3

0

1

Mark Gillespie

0

0

1

0

Erling Haaland

33

2

1

36

Phil Foden

22

10

1

11

Elliot Anderson

3

19

12

0

Martin Dúbravka

1

1

22

0

Ilkay Gündogan

27

4

7

8

Rico Lewis

10

4

23

0

Emil Krafth

0

1

0

0

Matt Ritchie

0

7

18

0

Jack Grealish

23

5

5

5

Riyad Mahrez

22

8

8

5

Fabian Schär

36

0

1

1

Matt Targett

6

11

12

0

João Cancelo

16

1

3

2

Rodri

34

2

1

2

Harrison Ashby

0

0

2

0

Miguel Almirón

29

5

0

11

John Stones

21

2

6

2

Rúben Dias

22

4

6

0

Jacob Murphy

14

22

1

4

Nick Pope

37

0

0

0

Josh Wilson-Esbrand

0

0

8

0

Scott Carson

0

0

5

0

Jamaal Lascelles

2

5

23

0

Paul Dummett

0

0

16

0

Julián Álvarez

13

18

6

9

Sergio Gómez

2

10

20

0

Jamal Lewis

0

2

20

0

Ryan Fraser

3

5

8

0

Kalvin Phillips

2

10

15

0

Shea Charles

0

1

1

0

Javier Manquillo

0

4

24

0

Sean Longstaff

28

5

0

1

Kevin De Bruyne

28

4

3

7

Stefan Ortega

3

0

35

0

Joe Willock

31

4

0

3

Sven Botman

35

1

2

0

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

P
16

Sub Sub
P NP GS
3

7

0

P
Kobbie Mainoo

0

Sub Sub
P NP GS
1

7

Nottingham ForestP

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Statistics

Alex Robertson

Manchester United

721

P

Premier League Appearances and Goals

Sub Sub
P NP GS

0Alex Mighten

0

1

5

0

Keylor Navas

17

0

0

0

1

12

5

0

Lewis O’Brien

6

7

2

1

Alejandro Garnacho

5

14

9

3

Lisandro Martínez

24

3

0

1

André Ayew

Anthony Elanga

5

11

11

0

Luke Shaw

30

1

4

1

Brennan Johnson

33

5

0

8

Loïc Badé

0

0

1

0

0

1

1

0

Loïc Mbe Soh

0

0

2

0

Anthony Martial

11

10

0

6

Marc Jurado

0

0

1

0

Cafú

Antony

23

2

0

4

Marcel Sabitzer

7

4

1

0

Cheikhou Kouyaté

10

11

1

1

Lyle Taylor

0

0

2

0

5

2

0

1

Morgan Gibbs-White

34

1

0

5

Brandon Williams

0

0

7

0

Marcus Rashford

32

3

0

17

Chris Wood

Bruno Fernandes

37

0

0

8

Martin Dúbravka

0

0

4

0

Dale Taylor

0

0

1

0

Moussa Niakhaté

14

0

1

0

Casemiro

24

4

0

4

Matej Kovár

0

0

1

0

Danilo

12

1

3

3

Neco Williams

20

11

2

1

Christian Eriksen

25

3

1

1

Nathan Bishop

0

0

4

0

Dean Henderson

18

0

0

0

Oliver Hammond

0

0

3

0

Cristiano Ronaldo

4

6

2

1

Raphaël Varane

22

2

6

0

Emmanuel Dennis

6

13

12

2

Orel Mangala

20

7

5

1

15

1

1

0

Remo Freuler

24

4

8

0

David de Gea

38

0

0

0

Rhys Bennett

0

0

1

0

FelipeDiogo Dalot

24

2

6

1

Scott McTominay

10

14

2

1

George Shelvey

0

0

2

0

Renan Lodi

26

2

2

0

0

2

8

0

Ryan Yates

21

5

0

0

Donny van de Beek

2

5

4

0

Shola Shoretire

0

0

1

0

Giulian Biancone

Facundo Pellistri

0

4

19

0

Tom Heaton

0

0

23

0

Gustavo Scarpa

2

4

3

0

Sam Surridge

1

19

16

1

9

10

10

0

Scott McKenna

19

1

5

0
1

Fred

12

23

3

2

Tyrell Malacia

14

8

15

0

Harry Toffolo

Harry Maguire

8

8

15

0

Victor Lindelöf

14

6

10

0

Jack Colback

4

7

7

0

Sèrge Aurier

22

2

0

Jack Butland

0

0

12

0

Wout Weghorst

10

7

3

0

Jesse Lingard

12

5

12

0

Steve Cook

11

1

7

0

Jadon Sancho

21

5

4

6

Zidane Iqbal

0

0

7

0

Joe Worrall

21

9

8

1

Taiwo Awoniyi

17

10

2

10

James Garner

0

0

2

0

Jonjo Shelvey

6

2

2

0

Wayne Hennessey

3

1

33

0

Jordan Smith

0

0

2

0

Willy Boly

9

2

9

0

722

Premier League Appearances and Goals

Southampton

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GS

West Ham UnitedP

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Sub Sub
P NP GS

Adam Armstrong

14

16

4

2

Lewis Payne

0

0

2

0

Aaron Cresswell

24

4

8

0

Joseph Anang

0

0

7

0

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

13

9

5

0

Lyanco

11

10

8

1

Alphonse Aréola

2

3

30

0

Kaelan Casey

0

0

1

0

Alex McCarthy

6

0

21

0

Mislav Orsic

0

1

3

0

Angelo Ogbonna

13

3

19

0

Krisztián Hegyi

0

0

3

0

Armel Bella-Kotchap

24

0

2

0

Mohamed Elyounoussi

27

6

4

1

Armstrong Oko-Flex

0

0

1

0

Kurt Zouma

24

1

3

2

Carlos Alcaraz

13

5

2

4

Mohammed Salisu

21

1

4

0

Ben Johnson

9

8

10

0

Lucas Paquetá

27

1

1

4

Ché Adams

23

5

1

5

Moussa Djenepo

7

9

10

0

Conor Coventry

0

1

10

0

Lukasz Fabianski

36

0

0

0

Dominic Ballard

0

2

0

0

Nathan Redmond

0

1

0

0

Craig Dawson

8

0

1

0

Manuel Lanzini

2

8

28

1

Duje Caleta-Car

9

4

13

1

Oriol Romeu

1

0

3

0

Danny Ings

7

10

2

2

Maxwel Cornet

2

12

6

0

Gavin Bazunu

32

0

6

0

Paul Onuachu

4

7

4

0

Darren Randolph

0

0

8

0

Michail Antonio

21

12

1

5

Ibrahima Diallo

11

7

12

0

Romain Perraud

22

7

2

2

Declan Rice

36

1

0

4

Nayef Aguerd

17

1

3

2

Jack Stephens

0

2

0

0

Roméo Lavia

26

3

0

1

Divin Mubama

0

3

0

0

Nikola Vlasic

0

0

1

0

James Bree

4

1

1

0

Ryan Finnigan

0

0

2

0

Emerson

16

6

13

1

Pablo Fornals

17

15

6

3

James Ward-Prowse

38

0

0

9

Samuel Amo-Ameyaw

0

1

0

0

Flynn Downes

7

14

16

0

Saïd Benrahma

22

13

3

6

Jan Bednarek

20

0

3

0

Samuel Edozie

5

12

2

0

Gianluca Scamacca

11

5

4

3

Thilo Kehrer

25

2

8

0

Jimmy Morgan

0

0

1

0

Sékou Mara

4

18

11

1

Harrison Ashby

0

0

3

0

Tomás Soucek

32

4

1

2

Joe Aribo

13

8

8

2

Stuart Armstrong

14

18

3

2

Jarrod Bowen

36

2

0

6

Vladimír Coufal

24

3

7

0

Juan Larios

2

3

4

0

Theo Walcott

13

7

9

2

Kamaldeen Sulemana

10

8

0

2

Tino Livramento

0

2

0

0

Kamari Doyle

0

1

1

0

Willy Caballero

0

0

11

0

Kyle Walker-Peters

30

1

1

1

Yan Valery

1

0

4

0

Wolverhampton Wanderers

P

Sub Sub
P NP GSP

Statistics

723

P

Premier League Appearances and Goals

Sub Sub
P NP GS

Adama Traoré

12

22

2

2

Luke Cundle

0

0

3

0

Boubacar Traoré

4

6

1

0

Mario Lemina

17

2

0

0

Sub SubP
P NP GS

Chem Campbell

0

5

9

0

Matheus Cunha

12

5

3

2

Connor Ronan

0

1

10

0

Matheus Nunes

30

4

1

1

Tottenham Hotspur

Sub SubP
P NP GS

Alfie Devine

0

0

5

0

Ivan Perisic

23

11

3

1

Conor Coady

0

0

1

0

Matija Sarkic

0

0

20

0

Arnaut Danjuma

1

8

8

1

Japhet Tanganga

2

2

26

0

Craig Dawson

17

0

1

1

Maximilian Kilman

37

0

1

0

Ben Davies

26

5

2

2

Lucas Moura

0

15

7

1

Daniel Bentley

2

0

16

0

Morgan Gibbs-White

2

0

0

0

Brandon Austin

0

0

15

0

Matt Doherty

7

5

9

1

Daniel Podence

20

12

3

6

Nathan Collins

19

7

9

0

Bryan Gil

2

2

12

0

Matthew Craig

0

1

2

0

Dexter Lembikisa

0

1

1

0

Nathan Fraser

0

0

1

0

Clément Lenglet

24

2

11

0

Oliver Skipp

18

5

10

1

Diego Costa

16

7

2

1

Nélson Semedo

31

5

1

0

Cristian Romero

26

1

0

0

Pape Sarr

2

9

15

0

Gonçalo Guedes

8

5

4

1

Pablo Sarabia

9

4

5

1

Davinson Sánchez

8

10

20

0

Pedro Porro

13

2

2

3

Harvey Griffiths

0

0

1

0

Pedro Neto

13

5

3

0

Dejan Kulusevski

23

7

0

2

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

35

0

0

4

Hugo Bueno

16

5

9

0

Raúl Jiménez

8

7

5

0

Djed Spence

0

4

8

0

Richarlison

12

15

2

1

Hwang Hee-Chan

12

15

2

3

Rayan Aït-Nouri

9

12

7

1

Emerson Royal

20

6

2

2

Rodrigo Bentancur

17

1

0

5

João Gomes

7

4

6

1

Rúben Neves

33

2

0

6

Eric Dier

31

2

3

2

Romaine Mundle

0

0

5

0

João Moutinho

20

11

2

0

Sasa Kalajdzic

1

0

0

0

Fraser Forster

13

1

24

0

Ryan Sessegnon

9

8

4

2

Jonny

14

4

8

1

Toti

10

7

11

1

George Abbott

0

1

1

0

Son Heung-Min

33

3

0

10

José Sá

36

0

2

0

Willy Boly

0

0

3

0

Harry Kane

38

0

0

30

Yago Alonso

0

0

1

0

Joseph Hodge

1

5

11

0

Yerson Mosquera

0

0

11

0

Harvey White

0

1

2

0

Yves Bissouma

10

13

2

0

Leander Dendoncker

2

2

1

0

Hugo Lloris

25

0

1

0

724

Premier League Tables
Premier League 1992/93

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 1994/95

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

1

Manchester United

42

24

12

6

67

31

36

84

1

Blackburn Rovers

42

27

8

7

80

39

41

PTS
89

2

Aston Villa

42

21

11

10

57

40

17

74

2

Manchester United

42

26

10

6

77

28

49

88

3

Norwich City

42

21

9

12

61

65

-4

72

3

Nottingham Forest

42

22

11

9

72

43

29

77

4

Blackburn Rovers

42

20

11

11

68

46

22

71

4

Liverpool

42

21

11

10

65

37

28

74

5

Queens Park Rangers

42

17

12

13

63

55

8

63

5

Leeds United

42

20

13

9

59

38

21

73

6

Liverpool

42

16

11

15

62

55

7

59

6

Newcastle United

42

20

12

10

67

47

20

72

7

Sheffield Wednesday

42

15

14

13

55

51

4

59

7

Tottenham Hotspur

42

16

14

12

66

58

8

62

8

Tottenham Hotspur

42

16

11

15

60

66

-6

59

8

Queens Park Rangers

42

17

9

16

61

59

2

60

9

Manchester City

42

15

12

15

56

51

5

57

9

Wimbledon

42

15

11

16

48

65

-17

56

10

Arsenal

42

15

11

16

40

38

2

56

10

Southampton

42

12

18

12

61

63

-2

54

11

Chelsea

42

14

14

14

51

54

-3

56

11

Chelsea

42

13

15

14

50

55

-5

54

12

Wimbledon

42

14

12

16

56

55

1

54

12

Arsenal

42

13

12

17

52

49

3

51

13

Everton

42

15

8

19

53

55

-2

53

13

Sheffield Wednesday

42

13

12

17

49

57

-8

51

14

Sheffield United

42

14

10

18

54

53

1

52

14

West Ham United

42

13

11

18

44

48

-4

50

15

Coventry City

42

13

13

16

52

57

-5

52

15

Everton

42

11

17

14

44

51

-7

50
50

16

Ipswich Town

42

12

16

14

50

55

-5

52

16

Coventry City

42

12

14

16

44

62

-18

17

Leeds United

42

12

15

15

57

62

-5

51

17

Manchester City

42

12

13

17

53

64

-11

49

18

Southampton

42

13

11

18

54

61

-7

50

18

Aston Villa

42

11

15

16

51

56

-5

48

19

Oldham Athletic

42

13

10

19

63

74

-11

49

19

Crystal Palace

42

11

12

19

34

49

-15

45

20

Crystal Palace

42

11

16

15

48

61

-13

49

20

Norwich City

42

10

13

19

37

54

-17

43

21

Middlesbrough

42

11

11

20

54

75

-21

44

21

Leicester City

42

6

11

25

45

80

-35

29

22

Nottingham Forest

42

10

10

22

41

62

-21

40

22

Ipswich Town

42

7

6

29

36

93

-57

27

Premier League 1993/94

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 1995/96

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1

Manchester United

42

27

11

4

80

38

42

92

1

Manchester United

38

25

7

6

73

35

38

82

2

Blackburn Rovers

42

25

9

8

63

36

27

84

2

Newcastle United

38

24

6

8

66

37

29

78

3

Newcastle United

42

23

8

11

82

41

41

77

3

Liverpool

38

20

11

7

70

34

36

71

4

Arsenal

42

18

17

7

53

28

25

71

4

Aston Villa

38

18

9

11

52

35

17

63

5

Leeds United

42

18

16

8

65

39

26

70

5

Arsenal

38

17

12

9

49

32

17

63

6

Wimbledon

42

18

11

13

56

53

3

65

6

Everton

38

17

10

11

64

44

20

61

7

Sheffield Wednesday

42

16

16

10

76

54

22

64

7

Blackburn Rovers

38

18

7

13

61

47

14

61

8

Liverpool

42

17

9

16

59

55

4

60

8

Tottenham Hotspur

38

16

13

9

50

38

12

61

9

Queens Park Rangers

42

16

12

14

62

61

1

60

9

Nottingham Forest

38

15

13

10

50

54

-4

58

10

Aston Villa

42

15

12

15

46

50

-4

57

10

West Ham United

38

14

9

15

43

52

-9

51

11

Coventry City

42

14

14

14

43

45

-2

56

11

Chelsea

38

12

14

12

46

44

2

50

12

Norwich City

42

12

17

13

65

61

4

53

12

Middlesbrough

38

11

10

17

35

50

-15

43

13

West Ham United

42

13

13

16

47

58

-11

52

13

Leeds United

38

12

7

19

40

57

-17

43

14

Chelsea

42

13

12

17

49

53

-4

51

14

Wimbledon

38

10

11

17

55

70

-15

41

15

Tottenham Hotspur

42

11

12

19

54

59

-5

45

15

Sheffield Wednesday

38

10

10

18

48

61

-13

40

16

Manchester City

42

9

18

15

38

49

-11

45

16

Coventry City

38

8

14

16

42

60

-18

38

17

Everton

42

12

8

22

42

63

-21

44

17

Southampton

38

9

11

18

34

52

-18

38

18

Southampton

42

12

7

23

49

66

-17

43

18

Manchester City

38

9

11

18

33

58

-25

38

19

Ipswich Town

42

9

16

17

35

58

-23

43

19

Queens Park Rangers

38

9

6

23

38

57

-19

33

20

Bolton Wanderers

38

8

5

25

39

71

-32

29

20

Sheffield United

42

8

18

16

42

60

-18

42

21

Oldham Athletic

42

9

13

20

42

68

-26

40

22

Swindon Town

42

5

15

22

47

100

-53

30

Statistics

725

Premier League Tables

726

Premier League Tables

Premier League Tables
P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 1998/99

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Manchester United

38

21

12

5

76

44

32

75

1

Manchester United

38

22

13

3

80

37

43

79

2

Newcastle United

38

19

11

8

73

40

33

68

2

Arsenal

38

22

12

4

59

17

42

78

3

Arsenal

38

19

11

8

62

32

30

68

3

Chelsea

38

20

15

3

57

30

27

75

4

Liverpool

38

19

11

8

62

37

25

68

4

Leeds United

38

18

13

7

62

34

28

67

5

Aston Villa

38

17

10

11

47

34

13

61

5

West Ham United

38

16

9

13

46

53

-7

57

6

Chelsea

38

16

11

11

58

55

3

59

6

Aston Villa

38

15

10

13

51

46

5

55

7

Sheffield Wednesday

38

14

15

9

50

51

-1

57

7

Liverpool

38

15

9

14

68

49

19

54
52

8

Wimbledon

38

15

11

12

49

46

3

56

8

Derby County

38

13

13

12

40

45

-5

9

Leicester City

38

12

11

15

46

54

-8

47

9

Middlesbrough

38

12

15

11

48

54

-6

51

10

Tottenham Hotspur

38

13

7

18

44

51

-7

46

10

Leicester City

38

12

13

13

40

46

-6

49

11

Leeds United

38

11

13

14

28

38

-10

46

11

Tottenham Hotspur

38

11

14

13

47

50

-3

47

12

Derby County

38

11

13

14

45

58

-13

46

12

Sheffield Wednesday

38

13

7

18

41

42

-1

46

13

Blackburn Rovers

38

9

15

14

42

43

-1

42

13

Newcastle United

38

11

13

14

48

54

-6

46

14

West Ham United

38

10

12

16

39

48

-9

42

14

Everton

38

11

10

17

42

47

-5

43

15

Everton

38

10

12

16

44

57

-13

42

15

Coventry City

38

11

9

18

39

51

-12

42

16

Southampton

38

10

11

17

50

56

-6

41

16

Wimbledon

38

10

12

16

40

63

-23

42

17

Coventry City

38

9

14

15

38

54

-16

41

17

Southampton

38

11

8

19

37

64

-27

41

18

Sunderland

38

10

10

18

35

53

-18

40

18

Charlton Athletic

38

8

12

18

41

56

-15

36

19

Middlesbrough

38

10

12

16

51

60

-9

39*

19

Blackburn Rovers

38

7

14

17

38

52

-14

35

20

Nottingham Forest

38

6

16

16

31

59

-28

34

20

Nottingham Forest

38

7

9

22

35

69

-34

30

PTS

Statistics

Premier League 1996/97
1*Middlesbrough deducted 3 points

727

Premier League 1997/98

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 1999/00

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

1

Arsenal

38

23

9

6

68

33

35

78

1

Manchester United

38

28

7

3

97

45

52

91

2

Manchester United

38

23

8

7

73

26

47

77

2

Arsenal

38

22

7

9

73

43

30

73

3

Liverpool

38

18

11

9

68

42

26

65

3

Leeds United

38

21

6

11

58

43

15

69

4

Chelsea

38

20

3

15

71

43

28

63

4

Liverpool

38

19

10

9

51

30

21

67

5

Leeds United

38

17

8

13

57

46

11

59

5

Chelsea

38

18

11

9

53

34

19

65

6

Blackburn Rovers

38

16

10

12

57

52

5

58

6

Aston Villa

38

15

13

10

46

35

11

58

7

Aston Villa

38

17

6

15

49

48

1

57

7

Sunderland

38

16

10

12

57

56

1

58

8

West Ham United

38

16

8

14

56

57

-1

56

8

Leicester City

38

16

7

15

55

55

0

55

9

Derby County

38

16

7

15

52

49

3

55

9

West Ham United

38

15

10

13

52

53

-1

55

10

Leicester City

38

13

14

11

51

41

10

53

10

Tottenham Hotspur

38

15

8

15

57

49

8

53

11

Coventry City

38

12

16

10

46

44

2

52

11

Newcastle United

38

14

10

14

63

54

9

52

12

Southampton

38

14

6

18

50

55

-5

48

12

Middlesbrough

38

14

10

14

46

52

-6

52

13

Newcastle United

38

11

11

16

35

44

-9

44

13

Everton

38

12

14

12

59

49

10

50

14

Tottenham Hotspur

38

11

11

16

44

56

-12

44

14

Coventry City

38

12

8

18

47

54

-7

44

15

Wimbledon

38

10

14

14

34

46

-12

44

15

Southampton

38

12

8

18

45

62

-17

44

16

Sheffield Wednesday

38

12

8

18

52

67

-15

44

16

Derby County

38

9

11

18

44

57

-13

38

17

Everton

38

9

13

16

41

56

-15

40

17

Bradford City

38

9

9

20

38

68

-30

36

18

Bolton Wanderers

38

9

13

16

41

61

-20

40

18

Wimbledon

38

7

12

19

46

74

-28

33

19

Barnsley

38

10

5

23

37

82

-45

35

19

Sheffield Wednesday

38

8

7

23

38

70

-32

31

20

Crystal Palace

38

8

9

21

37

71

-34

33

20

Watford

38

6

6

26

35

77

-42

24

728

Premier League Tables
Premier League 2000/01

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 2002/03

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1

Manchester United

38

24

8

6

79

31

48

80

1

Manchester United

38

25

8

5

74

34

40

83

2

Arsenal

38

20

10

8

63

38

25

70

2

Arsenal

38

23

9

6

85

42

43

78

3

Liverpool

38

20

9

9

71

39

32

69

3

Newcastle United

38

21

6

11

63

48

15

69

4

Leeds United

38

20

8

10

64

43

21

68

4

Chelsea

38

19

10

9

68

38

30

67

5

Ipswich Town

38

20

6

12

57

42

15

66

5

Liverpool

38

18

10

10

61

41

20

64

6

Chelsea

38

17

10

11

68

45

23

61

6

Blackburn Rovers

38

16

12

10

52

43

9

60

7

Sunderland

38

15

12

11

46

41

5

57

7

Everton

38

17

8

13

48

49

-1

59

8

Aston Villa

38

13

15

10

46

43

3

54

8

Southampton

38

13

13

12

43

46

-3

52

9

Charlton Athletic

38

14

10

14

50

57

-7

52

9

Manchester City

38

15

6

17

47

54

-7

51

10

Southampton

38

14

10

14

40

48

-8

52

10

Tottenham Hotspur

38

14

8

16

51

62

-11

50
49

11

Newcastle United

38

14

9

15

44

50

-6

51

11

Middlesbrough

38

13

10

15

48

44

4

12

Tottenham Hotspur

38

13

10

15

47

54

-7

49

12

Charlton Athletic

38

14

7

17

45

56

-11

49

13

Leicester City

38

14

6

18

39

51

-12

48

13

Birmingham City

38

13

9

16

41

49

-8

48

14

Middlesbrough

38

9

15

14

44

44

0

42

14

Fulham

38

13

9

16

41

50

-9

48

15

West Ham United

38

10

12

16

45

50

-5

42

15

Leeds United

38

14

5

19

58

57

1

47

16

Everton

38

11

9

18

45

59

-14

42

16

Aston Villa

38

12

9

17

42

47

-5

45

17

Derby County

38

10

12

16

37

59

-22

42

17

Bolton Wanderers

38

10

14

14

41

51

-10

44

18

Manchester City

38

8

10

20

41

65

-24

34

18

West Ham United

38

10

12

16

42

59

-17

42

19

Coventry City

38

8

10

20

36

63

-27

34

19

West Bromwich Albion

38

6

8

24

29

65

-36

26

20

Bradford City

38

5

11

22

30

70

-40

26

20

Sunderland

38

4

7

27

21

65

-44

19

Premier League 2001/02

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 2003/04

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1

Arsenal

38

26

9

3

79

36

43

87

1

Arsenal

38

26

12

0

73

26

47

90

2

Liverpool

38

24

8

6

67

30

37

80

2

Chelsea

38

24

7

7

67

30

37

79

3

Manchester United

38

24

5

9

87

45

42

77

3

Manchester United

38

23

6

9

64

35

29

75

4

Newcastle United

38

21

8

9

74

52

22

71

4

Liverpool

38

16

12

10

55

37

18

60

5

Leeds United

38

18

12

8

53

37

16

66

5

Newcastle United

38

13

17

8

52

40

12

56

6

Chelsea

38

17

13

8

66

38

28

64

6

Aston Villa

38

15

11

12

48

44

4

56

7

West Ham United

38

15

8

15

48

57

-9

53

7

Charlton Athletic

38

14

11

13

51

51

0

53

8

Aston Villa

38

12

14

12

46

47

-1

50

8

Bolton Wanderers

38

14

11

13

48

56

-8

53

9

Tottenham Hotspur

38

14

8

16

49

53

-4

50

9

Fulham

38

14

10

14

52

46

6

52

10

Blackburn Rovers

38

12

10

16

55

51

4

46

10

Birmingham City

38

12

14

12

43

48

-5

50

11

Southampton

38

12

9

17

46

54

-8

45

11

Middlesbrough

38

13

9

16

44

52

-8

48

12

Middlesbrough

38

12

9

17

35

47

-12

45

12

Southampton

38

12

11

15

44

45

-1

47

13

Fulham

38

10

14

14

36

44

-8

44

13

Portsmouth

38

12

9

17

47

54

-7

45

14

Charlton Athletic

38

10

14

14

38

49

-11

44

14

Tottenham Hotspur

38

13

6

19

47

57

-10

45

15

Everton

38

11

10

17

45

57

-12

43

15

Blackburn Rovers

38

12

8

18

51

59

-8

44

16

Bolton Wanderers

38

9

13

16

44

62

-18

40

16

Manchester City

38

9

14

15

55

54

1

41

17

Sunderland

38

10

10

18

29

51

-22

40

17

Everton

38

9

12

17

45

57

-12

39

18

Ipswich Town

38

9

9

20

41

64

-23

36

18

Leicester City

38

6

15

17

48

65

-17

33

19

Derby County

38

8

6

24

33

63

-30

30

19

Leeds United

38

8

9

21

40

79

-39

33

20

Leicester City

38

5

13

20

30

64

-34

28

20

Wolverhampton Wanderers

38

7

12

19

38

77

-39

33

Statistics

729

Premier League Tables

730

Premier League Tables
Premier League 2004/05

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 2006/07

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

1

Chelsea

38

29

8

1

72

15

57

95

1

Manchester United

38

28

5

5

83

27

56

PTS
89

2

Arsenal

38

25

8

5

87

36

51

83

2

Chelsea

38

24

11

3

64

24

40

83

3

Manchester United

38

22

11

5

58

26

32

77

3

Liverpool

38

20

8

10

57

27

30

68

4

Everton

38

18

7

13

45

46

-1

61

4

Arsenal

38

19

11

8

63

35

28

68

5

Liverpool

38

17

7

14

52

41

11

58

5

Tottenham Hotspur

38

17

9

12

57

54

3

60

6

Bolton Wanderers

38

16

10

12

49

44

5

58

6

Everton

38

15

13

10

52

36

16

58

7

Middlesbrough

38

14

13

11

53

46

7

55

7

Bolton Wanderers

38

16

8

14

47

52

-5

56

8

Manchester City

38

13

13

12

47

39

8

52

8

Reading

38

16

7

15

52

47

5

55

9

Tottenham Hotspur

38

14

10

14

47

41

6

52

9

Portsmouth

38

14

12

12

45

42

3

54

10

Aston Villa

38

12

11

15

45

52

-7

47

10

Blackburn Rovers

38

15

7

16

52

54

-2

52

11

Charlton Athletic

38

12

10

16

42

58

-16

46

11

Aston Villa

38

11

17

10

43

41

2

50

12

Birmingham City

38

11

12

15

40

46

-6

45

12

Middlesbrough

38

12

10

16

44

49

-5

46

13

Fulham

38

12

8

18

52

60

-8

44

13

Newcastle United

38

11

10

17

38

47

-9

43

14

Newcastle United

38

10

14

14

47

57

-10

44

14

Manchester City

38

11

9

18

29

44

-15

42

15

Blackburn Rovers

38

9

15

14

32

43

-11

42

15

West Ham United

38

12

5

21

35

59

-24

41

16

Portsmouth

38

10

9

19

43

59

-16

39

16

Fulham

38

8

15

15

38

60

-22

39

17

West Bromwich Albion

38

6

16

16

36

61

-25

34

17

Wigan Athletic

38

10

8

20

37

59

-22

38

18

Crystal Palace

38

7

12

19

41

62

-21

33

18

Sheffield United

38

10

8

20

32

55

-23

38

19

Norwich City

38

7

12

19

42

77

-35

33

19

Charlton Athletic

38

8

10

20

34

60

-26

34

20

Southampton

38

6

14

18

45

66

-21

32

20

Watford

38

5

13

20

29

59

-30

28

PTS

Premier League 2005/06

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 2007/08

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

1

Chelsea

38

29

4

5

72

22

50

91

1

Manchester United

38

27

6

5

80

22

58

87

2

Manchester United

38

25

8

5

72

34

38

83

2

Chelsea

38

25

10

3

65

26

39

85

3

Liverpool

38

25

7

6

57

25

32

82

3

Arsenal

38

24

11

3

74

31

43

83

4

Arsenal

38

20

7

11

68

31

37

67

4

Liverpool

38

21

13

4

67

28

39

76

5

Tottenham Hotspur

38

18

11

9

53

38

15

65

5

Everton

38

19

8

11

55

33

22

65

6

Blackburn Rovers

38

19

6

13

51

42

9

63

6

Aston Villa

38

16

12

10

71

51

20

60

7

Newcastle United

38

17

7

14

47

42

5

58

7

Blackburn Rovers

38

15

13

10

50

48

2

58

8

Bolton Wanderers

38

15

11

12

49

41

8

56

8

Portsmouth

38

16

9

13

48

40

8

57

9

West Ham United

38

16

7

15

52

55

-3

55

9

Manchester City

38

15

10

13

45

53

-8

55

10

Wigan Athletic

38

15

6

17

45

52

-7

51

10

West Ham United

38

13

10

15

42

50

-8

49

11

Everton

38

14

8

16

34

49

-15

50

11

Tottenham Hotspur

38

11

13

14

66

61

5

46

12

Fulham

38

14

6

18

48

58

-10

48

12

Newcastle United

38

11

10

17

45

65

-20

43

13

Charlton Athletic

38

13

8

17

41

55

-14

47

13

Middlesbrough

38

10

12

16

43

53

-10

42

14

Middlesbrough

38

12

9

17

48

58

-10

45

14

Wigan Athletic

38

10

10

18

34

51

-17

40

15

Manchester City

38

13

4

21

43

48

-5

43

15

Sunderland

38

11

6

21

36

59

-23

39

16

Aston Villa

38

10

12

16

42

55

-13

42

16

Bolton Wanderers

38

9

10

19

36

54

-18

37

17

Portsmouth

38

10

8

20

37

62

-25

38

17

Fulham

38

8

12

18

38

60

-22

36

18

Birmingham City

38

8

10

20

28

50

-22

34

18

Reading

38

10

6

22

41

66

-25

36

19

West Bromwich Albion

38

7

9

22

31

58

-27

30

19

Birmingham City

38

8

11

19

46

62

-16

35

20

Sunderland

38

3

6

29

26

69

-43

15

20

Derby County

38

1

8

29

20

89

-69

11

Statistics

731

Premier League Tables732

Premier League Tables

Premier League Tables
P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 2010/11

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Manchester United

38

28

6

4

68

24

44

90

1

Manchester United

38

23

11

4

78

37

41

80

2

Liverpool

38

25

11

2

77

27

50

86

2

Chelsea

38

21

8

9

69

33

36

71

3

Chelsea

38

25

8

5

68

24

44

83

3

Manchester City

38

21

8

9

60

33

27

71

4

Arsenal

38

20

12

6

68

37

31

72

4

Arsenal

38

19

11

8

72

43

29

68

5

Everton

38

17

12

9

55

37

18

63

5

Tottenham Hotspur

38

16

14

8

55

46

9

62

6

Aston Villa

38

17

11

10

54

48

6

62

6

Liverpool

38

17

7

14

59

44

15

58

7

Fulham

38

14

11

13

39

34

5

53

7

Everton

38

13

15

10

51

45

6

54

8

Tottenham Hotspur

38

14

9

15

45

45

0

51

8

Fulham

38

11

16

11

49

43

6

49

9

West Ham United

38

14

9

15

42

45

-3

51

9

Aston Villa

38

12

12

14

48

59

-11

48

10

Manchester City

38

15

5

18

58

50

8

50

10

Sunderland

38

12

11

15

45

56

-11

47

11

Wigan Athletic

38

12

9

17

34

45

-11

45

11

West Bromwich Albion

38

12

11

15

56

71

-15

47

12

Stoke City

38

12

9

17

38

55

-17

45

12

Newcastle United

38

11

13

14

56

57

-1

46

13

Bolton Wanderers

38

11

8

19

41

53

-12

41

13

Stoke City

38

13

7

18

46

48

-2

46

14

Portsmouth

38

10

11

17

38

57

-19

41

14

Bolton Wanderers

38

12

10

16

52

56

-4

46

15

Blackburn Rovers

38

10

11

17

40

60

-20

41

15

Blackburn Rovers

38

11

10

17

46

59

-13

43

16

Sunderland

38

9

9

20

34

54

-20

36

16

Wigan Athletic

38

9

15

14

40

61

-21

42

17

Hull City

38

8

11

19

39

64

-25

35

17

Wolverhampton Wanderers

38

11

7

20

46

66

-20

40

18

Newcastle United

38

7

13

18

40

59

-19

34

18

Birmingham City

38

8

15

15

37

58

-21

39

19

Middlesbrough

38

7

11

20

28

57

-29

32

19

Blackpool

38

10

9

19

55

78

-23

39

20

West Bromwich Albion

38

8

8

22

36

67

-31

32

20

West Ham United

38

7

12

19

43

70

-27

33

Premier League 2009/10

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 2011/12

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1

Chelsea

38

27

5

6

103

32

71

86

1

Manchester City

38

28

5

5

93

29

64

89

2

Manchester United

38

27

4

7

86

28

58

85

2

Manchester United

38

28

5

5

89

33

56

89

3

Arsenal

38

23

6

9

83

41

42

75

3

Arsenal

38

21

7

10

74

49

25

70

4

Tottenham Hotspur

38

21

7

10

67

41

26

70

4

Tottenham Hotspur

38

20

9

9

66

41

25

69

5

Manchester City

38

18

13

7

73

45

28

67

5

Newcastle United

38

19

8

11

56

51

5

65

6

Aston Villa

38

17

13

8

52

39

13

64

6

Chelsea

38

18

10

10

65

46

19

64
56

7

Liverpool

38

18

9

11

61

35

26

63

7

Everton

38

15

11

12

50

40

10

8

Everton

38

16

13

9

60

49

11

61

8

Liverpool

38

14

10

14

47

40

7

52

9

Birmingham City

38

13

11

14

38

47

-9

50

9

Fulham

38

14

10

14

48

51

-3

52

10

Blackburn Rovers

38

13

11

14

41

55

-14

50

10

West Bromwich Albion

38

13

8

17

45

52

-7

47

11

Stoke City

38

11

14

13

34

48

-14

47

11

Swansea City

38

12

11

15

44

51

-7

47

12

Fulham

38

12

10

16

39

46

-7

46

12

Norwich City

38

12

11

15

52

66

-14

47

13

Sunderland

38

11

11

16

48

56

-8

44

13

Sunderland

38

11

12

15

45

46

-1

45

14

Bolton Wanderers

38

10

9

19

42

67

-25

39

14

Stoke City

38

11

12

15

36

53

-17

45

15

Wolverhampton Wanderers

38

9

11

18

32

56

-24

38

15

Wigan Athletic

38

11

10

17

42

62

-20

43

16

Wigan Athletic

38

9

9

20

37

79

-42

36

16

Aston Villa

38

7

17

14

37

53

-16

38

17

West Ham United

38

8

11

19

47

66

-19

35

17

Queens Park Rangers

38

10

7

21

43

66

-23

37

18

Burnley

38

8

6

24

42

82

-40

30

18

Bolton Wanderers

38

10

6

22

46

77

-31

36

19

Hull City

38

6

12

20

34

75

-41

30

19

Blackburn Rovers

38

8

7

23

48

78

-30

31

20

Portsmouth

38

7

7

24

34

66

-32

19*

20

Wolverhampton Wanderers

38

5

10

23

40

82

-42

25

Statistics

Premier League 2008/09
1*Portsmouth deducted 9 points

733

734

Premier League Tables
P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 2014/15

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Manchester United

38

28

5

5

86

43

43

89

1

Chelsea

38

26

9

3

73

32

41

PTS
87

2

Manchester City

38

23

9

6

66

34

32

78

2

Manchester City

38

24

7

7

83

38

45

79

3

Chelsea

38

22

9

7

75

39

36

75

3

Arsenal

38

22

9

7

71

36

35

75

4

Arsenal

38

21

10

7

72

37

35

73

4

Manchester United

38

20

10

8

62

37

25

70
64

5

Tottenham Hotspur

38

21

9

8

66

46

20

72

5

Tottenham Hotspur

38

19

7

12

58

53

5

6

Everton

38

16

15

7

55

40

15

63

6

Liverpool

38

18

8

12

52

48

4

62

7

Liverpool

38

16

13

9

71

43

28

61

7

Southampton

38

18

6

14

54

33

21

60

8

West Bromwich Albion

38

14

7

17

53

57

-4

49

8

Swansea City

38

16

8

14

46

49

-3

56

9

Swansea City

38

11

13

14

47

51

-4

46

9

Stoke City

38

15

9

14

48

45

3

54

10

West Ham United

38

12

10

16

45

53

-8

46

10

Crystal Palace

38

13

9

16

47

51

-4

48

11

Norwich City

38

10

14

14

41

58

-17

44

11

Everton

38

12

11

15

48

50

-2

47

12

Fulham

38

11

10

17

50

60

-10

43

12

West Ham United

38

12

11

15

44

47

-3

47

13

Stoke City

38

9

15

14

34

45

-11

42

13

West Bromwich Albion

38

11

11

16

38

51

-13

44

14

Southampton

38

9

14

15

49

60

-11

41

14

Leicester City

38

11

8

19

46

55

-9

41

15

Aston Villa

38

10

11

17

47

69

-22

41

15

Newcastle United

38

10

9

19

40

63

-23

39

16

Newcastle United

38

11

8

19

45

68

-23

41

16

Sunderland

38

7

17

14

31

53

-22

38

17

Sunderland

38

9

12

17

41

54

-13

39

17

Aston Villa

38

10

8

20

31

57

-26

38

18

Wigan Athletic

38

9

9

20

47

73

-26

36

18

Hull City

38

8

11

19

33

51

-18

35

19

Reading

38

6

10

22

43

73

-30

28

19

Burnley

38

7

12

19

28

53

-25

33

20

Queens Park Rangers

38

4

13

21

30

60

-30

25

20

Queens Park Rangers

38

8

6

24

42

73

-31

30

Premier League 2013/14

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

PTS

Manchester City

38

27

5

6

102

37

65

Premier League 2015/16

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

86

1

Leicester City

38

23

12

3

68

36

32

81

Arsenal

38

20

11

7

65

36

29

71

2

Liverpool

38

26

6

6

101

50

51

84

2

3

Chelsea

38

25

7

6

71

27

44

82

3

Tottenham Hotspur

38

19

13

6

69

35

34

70

4

Arsenal

38

24

7

7

68

41

27

79

4

Manchester City

38

19

9

10

71

41

30

66

5

Everton

38

21

9

8

61

39

22

72

5

Manchester United

38

19

9

10

49

35

14

66

69

6

Southampton

38

18

9

11

59

41

18

63

64

7

West Ham United

38

16

14

8

65

51

14

62

8

Liverpool

38

16

12

10

63

50

13

60

6
7

Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United

38
38

21
19

6
7

11
12

55
64

51
43

4
21

8

Southampton

38

15

11

12

54

46

8

56

9

Stoke City

38

13

11

14

45

52

-7

50

9

Stoke City

38

14

9

15

41

55

-14

51

10

Newcastle United

38

15

4

19

43

59

-16

49

10

Chelsea

38

12

14

12

59

53

6

50

11

Crystal Palace

38

13

6

19

33

48

-15

45

11

Everton

38

11

14

13

59

55

4

47

42

12

Swansea City

38

12

11

15

42

52

-10

47

Watford

38

12

9

17

40

50

-10

45
43

12

Swansea City

38

11

9

18

54

54

0

13

West Ham United

38

11

7

20

40

51

-11

40

13

14

Sunderland

38

10

8

20

41

60

-19

38

14

West Bromwich Albion

38

10

13

15

34

48

-14

Crystal Palace

38

11

9

18

39

51

-12

42

AFC Bournemouth

38

11

9

18

45

67

-22

42

15

Aston Villa

38

10

8

20

39

61

-22

38

15

16

Hull City

38

10

7

21

38

53

-15

37

16

17

West Bromwich Albion

38

7

15

16

43

59

-16

36

17

Sunderland

38

9

12

17

48

62

-14

39

Newcastle United

38

9

10

19

44

65

-21

37

18

Norwich City

38

8

9

21

28

62

-34

33

18

19

Fulham

38

9

5

24

40

85

-45

32

19

Norwich City

38

9

7

22

39

67

-28

34

30

20

Aston Villa

38

3

8

27

27

76

-49

17

20

Cardiff City

38

7

9

22

32

74

-42

Statistics

Premier League 2012/13
1

1

735

Premier League Tables

736

Premier League Tables
Premier League 2016/17

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 2018/19

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1

Chelsea

38

30

3

5

85

33

52

93

1

Manchester City

38

32

2

4

95

23

72

98

2

Tottenham Hotspur

38

26

8

4

86

26

60

86

2

Liverpool

38

30

7

1

89

22

67

97

3

Manchester City

38

23

9

6

80

39

41

78

3

Chelsea

38

21

9

8

63

39

24

72

4

Liverpool

38

22

10

6

78

42

36

76

4

Tottenham Hotspur

38

23

2

13

67

39

28

71

5

Arsenal

38

23

6

9

77

44

33

75

5

Arsenal

38

21

7

10

65

54

11

70

6

Manchester United

38

18

15

5

54

29

25

69

6

Manchester United

38

19

9

10

65

54

11

66

7

Everton

38

17

10

11

62

44

18

61

7

Wolverhampton Wanderers

38

16

9

13

47

46

1

57

8

Southampton

38

12

10

16

41

48

-7

46

8

Everton

38

15

9

14

54

46

8

54

9

AFC Bournemouth

38

12

10

16

55

67

-12

46

9

Leicester City

38

15

7

16

51

48

3

52

10

West Bromwich Albion

38

12

9

17

43

51

-8

45

10

West Ham United

38

15

7

16

52

55

-3

52

11

West Ham United

38

12

9

17

47

64

-17

45

11

Watford

38

14

8

16

52

59

-7

50

12

Leicester City

38

12

8

18

48

63

-15

44

12

Crystal Palace

38

14

7

17

51

53

-2

49

13

Stoke City

38

11

11

16

41

56

-15

44

13

Newcastle United

38

12

9

17

42

48

-6

45

14

Crystal Palace

38

12

5

21

50

63

-13

41

14

AFC Bournemouth

38

13

6

19

56

70

-14

45

15

Swansea City

38

12

5

21

45

70

-25

41

15

Burnley

38

11

7

20

45

68

-23

40

16

Burnley

38

11

7

20

39

55

-16

40

16

Southampton

38

9

12

17

45

65

-20

39

17

Watford

38

11

7

20

40

68

-28

40

17

Brighton & Hove Albion

38

9

9

20

35

60

-25

36

18

Hull City

38

9

7

22

37

80

-43

34

18

Cardiff City

38

10

4

24

34

69

-35

34

19

Middlesbrough

38

5

13

20

27

53

-26

28

19

Fulham

38

7

5

26

34

81

-47

26

20

Sunderland

38

6

6

26

29

69

-40

24

20

Huddersfield Town

38

3

7

28

22

76

-54

16

Premier League 2017/18

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Premier League 2019/20

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1

Manchester City

38

32

4

2

106

27

79

100

1

Liverpool

38

32

3

3

85

33

52

99

2

Manchester United

38

25

6

7

68

28

40

81

2

Manchester City

38

26

3

9

102

35

67

81

3

Tottenham Hotspur

38

23

8

7

74

36

38

77

3

Manchester United

38

18

12

8

66

36

30

66

4

Liverpool

38

21

12

5

84

38

46

75

4

Chelsea

38

20

6

12

69

54

15

66

5

Chelsea

38

21

7

10

62

38

24

70

5

Leicester City

38

18

8

12

67

41

26

62

6

Arsenal

38

19

6

13

74

51

23

63

6

Tottenham Hotspur

38

16

11

11

61

47

14

59

7

Burnley

38

14

12

12

36

39

-3

54

7

Wolverhampton Wanderers

38

15

14

9

51

40

11

59

8

Everton

38

13

10

15

44

58

-14

49

8

Arsenal

38

14

14

10

56

48

8

56

9

Leicester City

38

12

11

15

56

60

-4

47

9

Sheffield United

38

14

12

12

39

39

0

54

10

Newcastle United

38

12

8

18

39

47

-8

44

10

Burnley

38

15

9

14

43

50

-7

54

11

Crystal Palace

38

11

11

16

45

55

-10

44

11

Southampton

38

15

7

16

51

60

-9

52

12

AFC Bournemouth

38

11

11

16

45

61

-16

44

12

Everton

38

13

10

15

44

56

-12

49

13

West Ham United

38

10

12

16

48

68

-20

42

13

Newcastle United

38

11

11

16

38

58

-20

44

14

Watford

38

11

8

19

44

64

-20

41

14

Crystal Palace

38

11

10

17

31

50

-19

43

15

Brighton & Hove Albion

38

9

13

16

34

54

-20

40

15

Brighton & Hove Albion

38

9

14

15

39

54

-15

41

16

Huddersfield Town

38

9

10

19

28

58

-30

37

16

West Ham United

38

10

9

19

49

62

-13

39

17

Southampton

38

7

15

16

37

56

-19

36

17

Aston Villa

38

9

8

21

41

67

-26

35

18

Swansea City

38

8

9

21

28

56

-28

33

18

AFC Bournemouth

38

9

7

22

40

65

-25

34

19

Stoke City

38

7

12

19

35

68

-33

33

19

Watford

38

8

10

20

36

64

-28

34

20

West Bromwich Albion

38

6

13

19

31

56

-25

31

20

Norwich City

38

5

6

27

26

75

-49

21

Statistics

737

Premier League Tables

738

Premier League Tables

739

Premier League 2020/21

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1

Manchester City

38

27

5

6

83

32

51

86

2

Manchester United

38

21

11

6

73

44

29

74

3

Liverpool

38

20

9

9

68

42

26

69

4

Chelsea

38

19

10

9

58

36

22

67

5

Leicester City

38

20

6

12

68

50

18

66

6

West Ham United

38

19

8

11

62

47

15

65

7

Tottenham Hotspur

38

18

8

12

68

45

23

62

8

Arsenal

38

18

7

13

55

39

16

61

9

Leeds United

38

18

5

15

62

54

8

59

10

Everton

38

17

8

13

47

48

-1

59

11

Aston Villa

38

16

7

15

55

46

9

55

12

Newcastle United

38

12

9

17

46

62

-16

45

13

Wolverhampton Wanderers

38

12

9

17

36

52

-16

45

14

Crystal Palace

38

12

8

18

41

66

-25

44

15

Southampton

38

12

7

19

47

68

-21

43

16

Brighton & Hove Albion

38

9

14

15

40

46

-6

41

17

Burnley

38

10

9

19

33

55

-22

39

18

Fulham

38

5

13

20

27

53

-26

28

19

West Bromwich Albion

38

5

11

22

35

76

-41

26

20

Sheffield United

38

7

2

29

20

63

-43

23

PTS

Premier League 2021/22

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

1

Manchester City

38

29

6

3

99

26

73

93

2

Liverpool

38

28

8

2

94

26

68

92

3

Chelsea

38

21

11

6

76

33

43

74

4

Tottenham Hotspur

38

22

5

11

69

40

29

71

5

Arsenal

38

22

3

13

61

48

13

69

6

Manchester United

38

16

10

12

57

57

0

58

7

West Ham United

38

16

8

14

60

51

9

56

8

Leicester City

38

14

10

14

62

59

3

52

9

Brighton & Hove Albion

38

12

15

11

42

44

-2

51

10

Wolverhampton Wanderers

38

15

6

17

38

43

-5

51

11

Newcastle United

38

13

10

15

44

62

-18

49

12

Crystal Palace

38

11

15

12

50

46

4

48

13

Brentford

38

13

7

18

48

56

-8

46

14

Aston Villa

38

13

6

19

52

54

-2

45

15

Southampton

38

9

13

16

43

67

-24

40

16

Everton

38

11

6

21

43

66

-23

39

17

Leeds United

38

9

11

18

42

79

-37

38

18

Burnley

38

7

14

17

34

53

-19

35

19

Watford

38

6

5

27

34

77

-43

23

20

Norwich City

38

5

7

26

23

84

-61

22

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