The Footie Thread

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deleted member 15344
  • Start date Start date
Light reading, for anyone interested. Copied and pasted, not my interpretation...

A non-disclosure clause, or confidentiality clause, in a footballer's contract is a standard legal provision designed to keep certain information private. This information can include the player's salary, performance bonuses, and other specific terms of the contract. The clause obligates the player (and sometimes the club) not to disclose this sensitive information to unauthorized third parties.
When it comes to a release clause, the non-disclosure clause can create a unique dynamic. A release clause is a pre-agreed amount of money that, if paid by another club, automatically obligates the player's current club to accept an offer and allow the player to enter into negotiations with the new club.
Here's how a non-disclosure clause can work in relation to a release clause:
* Confidentiality of the Release Clause Amount: A non-disclosure clause can make the specific amount of a release clause confidential. This means that neither the player, their agent, nor the club can publicly reveal the fee. This can be a strategic move by the club to prevent other teams from knowing exactly how much they need to bid to secure the player. If the fee is public knowledge, it essentially acts as a price tag, making it easier for rivals to plan a transfer.
* "Tapping-Up" and Unauthorized Contact: A non-disclosure clause can be linked to rules against "tapping-up," which is the illegal act of an interested club making contact with a player without the permission of their current club. If a club knows the release clause amount through a leak or unauthorized source, it could be a sign that they have breached these rules.
* Player and Agent Obligations: The non-disclosure clause places a legal obligation on the player and their agent not to leak the details of the release clause. A breach of this clause could lead to disciplinary action or financial penalties, as it would be considered a breach of the contract.
* Strategic Use: From the club's perspective, a non-disclosure clause can be a way to maintain control over a player's future. By keeping the release clause confidential, they can avoid constant speculation and unwanted bids. For the player, a release clause is a way to have a "get out of jail free" card, but it's often a point of negotiation, with the player pushing for a lower, more attainable figure and the club pushing for a higher, more prohibitive one.
In summary, a non-disclosure clause and a release clause, while separate contractual elements, are often intertwined. The non-disclosure clause serves to protect the confidentiality of the release clause, which can be a key strategic tool for clubs and players during transfer windows.
Still doesn't explain how it practically can work.

Seems to me Spurs were stupid. Offering the exact amount, raising suspicions they had communicated with player/agent.

Another club could simply bid lower. Then raise 2nd, 3rd bid and then, ooooo, they've just stumbled on a release clause that they knew, but no evidence they knew.

Or if a club was unwilling to talk to a buying club ever, and there was a practical way to shut players up, just stick dozens of bids in, raising in £1million increments, in case you trigger an unknown release clause at some point
 
What’s the penalty for breaking this clause? ( if the club ever finds out who it was )

It’s not £40 million pounds City we’re paying over the release clause price.?

Has anyone ever been prosecuted in PL history?
No criminal laws to be broken; just breach of a contract in civil law. Down to the parties involved to negotiate a solution or sue each other in civil court.
The tapping up offences would be a breach of FA rules that they would deal with many years later, if ever.
 
Is West Ham still hunting for a goaly?

Apparently they were interested in Zetterer from Werder earlier this week but got rejected. We kick off for our last pre season friendly shortly and we are starting the backup with all others being starters.
 
Is West Ham still hunting for a goaly?

Apparently they were interested in Zetterer from Werder earlier this week but got rejected. We kick off for our last pre season friendly shortly and we are starting the backup with all others being starters.
West Ham have signed Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen for around £20m.

Taken from the BBC sport website.
 
Last edited:
Round 2 in Newcastles final pre-season double header.

As expected, all those first teamers who didnt play yesterday are getting a game....much stronger line up compared to that which faced Espanyol yesterday evening. Elanga, Gordon and Barnes up front.

Wonder if Athletico will approach the game with the same "forcefulness" that some of the Espanyol players chose last night. Looks a strong team selection from Simeone.

Interesting start from Athletico, kicking the ball straight out of play for a Newcastle goal kick from the center spot.

20 mins in and a lot of hustle and bustle but not much goal mouth action. Athletico shading possession and possibly looking like a more coherent team unit. Livramento is rocking some very dodgy facial hair. Elanga showing he has pace to burn.

30 mins and the game now largely dominated by Athletico who have had 2 good goalscoring opportunities whilst Newcastle have struggled to get through the well organized Athletico midfield and defence.

H-T: 0-0. Newcastle dominated the closing stages of the half with Oblak saving well from a Trippier free kick from the edge of the box. Elanga is ripping the Athletico left back Ruggeri apart. Joelinton has had 4 headed opportunities in the last 15 minutes, one kissing the crossbar, one drifting just wide of the post, one looping over and the other well saved again by Oblak down low.

Whatever the ultimate result of this game it has so far been a thorough workout for both sides, exactly the sort of tough examination, at a good tempo, that is required ahead of the new season.

Official club stream failed for 20 mins at the start of the 2nd half (maybe Isak pulled a plug out somewhere) during which time Athletico have scored twice. Seems that both goals were scored on the break according to the match live text.

82 minutes and the worst thing that can happen has happened...Gordon goes down with what looks like a bad hamstring injury.

F-T: 0-2....the 23 or so minutes i saw after the stream was restored was much like the first 45, with the exception that Newcastle looked increasingly leggy against an Athletico side who changed all 11 players on 61 minutes. If todays game, along with last nights, doesn't hammer home the fact that we need to sign TWO strikers in the next 3 weeks then nothing will. Otherwise it looks like I'll be putting a zero in against Newcastles name in Orikorus prediction league for a few weeks.
 
Last edited:
Managed to snag a last minute ticket for the Community Shield. Gonna be a cracking game, Palace will be right up for it and can’t wait to see what some of Slots new boys bring to the pitch.

Nothing quite beats the feeling of going to a game. Bloomin love it!
 
Managed to snag a last minute ticket for the Community Shield. Gonna be a cracking game, Palace will be right up for it and can’t wait to see what some of Slots new boys bring to the pitch.

Nothing quite beats the feeling of going to a game. Bloomin love it!

Enjoy! And just remember: if you win, it’s another trophy. If you lose, it’s a meaningless, glorified, pre-season friendly! 🤣
 
Very congested in midfield but Wirtz is amazing in tight places.

The new boys have done well up to now.

Palace have played well though especially on the break they look dangerous.

Thought the pen was a tad soft.!
 
Top