Walsall Football Club may now have to wait until near the end of September before a Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC) panel meets to consider awarding the club compensation for the free transfer of Northern Ireland striker Will Grigg to SkyBET League One rivals Brentford.Brentford Sporting Director Mark Warburton is quoted in the press as saying; "Clubs, lawyers, agents and officials are all tied up in the transfer window at the moment so it may not happen until the end of the month. Ideally we would have liked to have agreed the compensation with Walsall without the tribunal, as these things can be costly and time consuming. But if the disparity is too great then it has to be decided with the Football League."
He continued; "It must be stressed that this is not a transfer fee. This is a compensation payment for the training and development expenses at the player’s previous club. We must now provide our case regarding how much we think he is worth and it is up to the tribunal to decide on the final sum."
The panel usually consists of an independent Chairman and members appointed by the Premier League, The Football League (as applicable), the Professional Footballers' Association and the League Managers' Association.
PFCC hearings take place on an agreed date with each club required to provide evidence to support their valuation of the player in question. In making its judgement the committee will take into account the costs of both clubs in operating a Football Academy or Centre of Excellence, as well as the age and playing record of the player, the length of time he was registered with his original club, the terms offered by both clubs, the status of the two clubs, the substantiated interest shown by other clubs in acquiring the registration of the player and any amounts paid by the original club to acquire the player in the first place. - The Football LeagueWhilst seeking to set a figure for compensation, the PFCC can also consider the following costs in determining how much a club should receive;
Any cost incurred by either Club in operating a Football Academy or Centre of Excellence including (without limitation) the cost of providing for players attending thereat:
- 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;
- Friendly and competitive matches and overseas tours;
- Any other cost incurred by either Club directly or indirectly attributable to the training and development of players including any fee referred to in Regulation.
Walsall manager Dean Smith has been very vocal over the past few months, including an interview on BBC WM where he stated the club would be looking to receive atleast £1 million for the player.
However, recently the PFCC have been called upon to judge in several other transfers, including that of Robert Hall, the forward left West Ham United for Bolton Wanderers last summer.
After the two clubs failed to agree a fee, the panel met and awarded West Ham;
An initial fee of £450,000, plus;
- £250,000 if Bolton are promoted to the Premier League within the next 3 seasons
- £2,500 per appearance for the first 100 appearances (for Bolton) in the Championship
- or £10,000 per appearance for the first 100 appearances (for Bolton) if in the Premier League
- 20% of any profit made by Bolton Wanderers in selling the player to another club at any point in the future.
As set out in the official law, the panel consider the status of both clubs when determining a fee, with West Ham being a Premier League outfit, and the initial fee being set at £450k, it seems unlikely that Walsall will be awarded their desired amount.
What do you think will happen when the panel meets? How much is Will Grigg worth to Walsall FC? Share your views in the comments box below!
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What do you think will happen when the panel meets? How much is Will Grigg worth to Walsall FC? Share your views in the comments box below!
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