Post on 17-Jan-2023
UsetheselinkstorapidlyreviewthedocumentTABLEOFCONTENTSIndextoConsolidatedfinancialstatements
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UNITEDSTATESSECURITIESANDEXCHANGECOMMISSION
Washington,D.C.20549
FORM20-F
CommissionFileNumber001-35627
MANCHESTERUNITEDplc(ExactnameofRegistrantasspecifiedinitscharter)
NotApplicable(TranslationofCompany'snameintoEnglish)
CaymanIslands(Jurisdictionofincorporationororganization)
SirMattBusbyWay,OldTrafford,Manchester,England,M160RA
(Addressofprincipalexecutiveoffices)
EdwardWoodwardExecutiveViceChairman
SirMattBusbyWay,OldTrafford,Manchester,England,M160RATelephoneNo.01144(0)1618688000
E-mail:ir@manutd.co.uk(Name,Telephone,E-mailand/orFacsimilenumberandAddressofCompanyContactPerson)
SecuritiesregisteredortoberegisteredpursuanttoSection12(b)oftheAct.
Titleofeachclass NameofeachexchangeonwhichregisteredClassAordinaryshares,parvalue$0.0005per
share NewYorkStockExchange
SecuritiesregisteredortoberegisteredpursuanttoSection12(g)oftheAct.
None
SecuritiesforwhichthereisareportingobligationpursuanttoSection15(d)oftheAct.
None
Indicatethenumberofoutstandingsharesofeachoftheissuer'sclassesofcapitalorcommonstockasofthecloseoftheperiodcoveredbytheannualreport.
40,194,754ClassAordinaryshares124,000,000ClassBordinaryshares
Indicatebycheckmarkiftheregistrantisawell-knownseasonedissuer,asdefinedinRule405oftheSecuritiesAct.YesoNoý
(MarkOne)
o REGISTRATIONSTATEMENTPURSUANTTOSECTION12(b)OR(g)OFTHESECURITIESEXCHANGEACTOF1934
OR
ý ANNUALREPORTPURSUANTTOSECTION13OR15(d)OFTHESECURITIESEXCHANGEACTOF1934
Forthefiscalyearended30June2017
OR
o TRANSITIONREPORTPURSUANTTOSECTION13OR15(d)OFTHESECURITIESEXCHANGEACTOF1934
OR
o SHELLCOMPANYREPORTPURSUANTTOSECTION13OR15(d)OFTHESECURITIESEXCHANGEACTOF1934
Ifthisreportisanannualortransitionreport,indicatebycheckmarkiftheregistrantisnotrequiredtofilereportspursuanttoSection13or15(d)oftheSecuritiesExchangeActof1934.YesoNoý
Note—CheckingtheboxabovewillnotrelieveanyregistrantrequiredtofilereportspursuanttoSection13or15(d)oftheSecuritiesExchangeActof1934fromtheirobligationsunderthoseSections.
Indicatebycheckmarkwhethertheregistrant(1)hasfiledallreportsrequiredtobefiledbySection13or15(d)oftheSecuritiesExchangeActof1934duringthepreceding12months(orforsuchshorterperiodthattheregistrantwasrequiredtofilesuchreports),and(2)hasbeensubjecttosuchfilingrequirementsforthepast90days.YesýNoo
IndicatebycheckmarkwhethertheregistranthassubmittedelectronicallyandpostedonitscorporateWebsite,ifany,everyInteractiveDataFilerequiredtobesubmittedandpostedpursuanttoRule405ofRegulationS-T(§232.405ofthischapter)duringthepreceding12months(orforsuchshorterperiodthattheregistrantwasrequiredtosubmitandpostsuchfiles).YesoNoý
Indicatebycheckmarkwhethertheregistrantisalargeacceleratedfiler,anacceleratedfiler,anon-acceleratedfileroranemerginggrowthcompany.Seedefinitionof"largeacceleratedfiler","acceleratedfiler",and"emerginggrowthcompany"inRule12b-2oftheExchangeAct.(Checkone):
IfanemerginggrowthcompanythatpreparesitsfinancialstatementsinaccordancewithU.S.GAAP,indicatebycheckmarkiftheregistranthaselectednottousetheextendedtransitionperiodforcomplyingwithanyneworrevisedfinancialaccountingstandards†providedpursuanttoSection13(a)oftheExchangeAct.o
Indicatebycheckmarkwhichbasisofaccountingtheregistranthasusedtopreparethefinancialstatementsincludedinthisfiling:
If"Other"hasbeencheckedinresponsetothepreviousquestion,indicatebycheckmarkwhichfinancialstatementitemtheregistranthaselectedtofollow.
Item17oItem18o
Ifthisisanannualreport,indicatebycheckmarkwhethertheregistrantisashellcompany(asdefinedinRule12b-2oftheExchangeAct).YesoNoý
† Theterm"neworrevisedfinancialaccountingstandard"referstoanyupdateissuedbytheFinancialAccountingStandardsBoardtoitsAccountingStandardsCodificationafterApril5,2012.
Largeacceleratedfilero Acceleratedfilerý Non-acceleratedfilero EmergingGrowthCompanyý
U.S.GAAPo InternationalFinancialReportingStandardsasissuedbytheInternationalAccountingStandardsBoardý
Othero
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Page GENERALINFORMATION iiPRESENTATIONOFFINANCIALANDOTHERDATA iiIMPLICATIONSOFBEINGANEMERGINGGROWTHCOMPANY iiFORWARD-LOOKINGSTATEMENTS iiiMARKETANDINDUSTRYDATA ivPARTI ITEM1. IDENTITYOFDIRECTORS,SENIORMANAGEMENTANDADVISERS 1ITEM2. OFFERSTATISTICSANDEXPECTEDTIMETABLE 1ITEM3. KEYINFORMATION 1ITEM4. INFORMATIONONTHECOMPANY 29ITEM4A. UNRESOLVEDSTAFFCOMMENTS 57ITEM5. OPERATINGANDFINANCIALREVIEWANDPROSPECTS 57ITEM6. DIRECTORS,SENIORMANAGEMENTANDEMPLOYEES 80ITEM7. MAJORSHAREHOLDERSANDRELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONS 90ITEM8. FINANCIALINFORMATION 93ITEM9. THEOFFERANDLISTING 95ITEM10. ADDITIONALINFORMATION 96ITEM11. QUANTITATIVEANDQUALITATIVEDISCLOSURESABOUTMARKETRISK 102ITEM12. DESCRIPTIONOFSECURITIESOTHERTHANEQUITYSECURITIES 104PARTII ITEM13. DEFAULTS,DIVIDENDARREARAGESANDDELINQUENCIES 104ITEM14. MATERIALMODIFICATIONSTOTHERIGHTSOFSECURITYHOLDERSANDUSEOF
PROCEEDS 104
ITEM15. CONTROLSANDPROCEDURES 104ITEM16A. AUDITCOMMITTEEFINANCIALEXPERT 105ITEM16B. CODEOFETHICS 105ITEM16C. PRINCIPALACCOUNTANTFEESANDSERVICES 106ITEM16D. EXEMPTIONSFROMTHELISTINGSTANDARDSFORAUDITCOMMITTEES 106ITEM16E. PURCHASESOFEQUITYSECURITIESBYTHEISSUER 106ITEM16F. CHANGEINREGISTRANT'SCERTIFYINGACCOUNTANT 106ITEM16G. CORPORATEGOVERNANCE 107ITEM16H. MINESAFETYDISCLOSURE 107PARTIII ITEM17. FINANCIALSTATEMENTS 107ITEM18. FINANCIALSTATEMENTS 107ITEM19. EXHIBITS 107MANCHESTERUNITEDPLCGROUPHISTORICALFINANCIALINFORMATION
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GENERALINFORMATION
InthisannualreportonForm20-F("AnnualReport")referencesto"ManchesterUnited,""theCompany,""ourCompany,""ourbusiness,""we,""us"and"our"are,asthecontextrequires,toManchesterUnitedplctogetherwithitsconsolidatedsubsidiariesasaconsolidatedentity.
ThroughoutthisForm20-F,werefertothefollowingfootballleaguesandcups:
• theEnglishPremierLeague(the"PremierLeague");
• theEmiratesFACup(the"FACup");
• theEnglishFootballLeagueCup(the"EFLCup");
• theUnionofEuropeanFootballAssociationsChampionsLeague(the"ChampionsLeague");and
• theUnionofEuropeanFootballAssociationsEuropaLeague(the"EuropaLeague").
Theterm"Matchday"referstoalldomesticandEuropeanfootballmatchdayactivitiesfromManchesterUnitedgamesatOldTrafford,theManchesterUnitedfootballstadium,alongwithreceiptsfordomesticcup(suchastheEFLCupandtheFACup)gamesnotplayedatOldTrafford.FeesforarrangingothereventsatthestadiumarealsoincludedasMatchdayrevenue.
PRESENTATIONOFFINANCIALANDOTHERDATA
WereportunderIFRS,asissuedbytheInternationalAccountingStandardsBoard(the"IASB"),andInternationalFinancialReportingInterpretationsCommitteeinterpretations.NoneofthefinancialstatementswerepreparedinaccordancewithgenerallyacceptedaccountingprinciplesintheUnitedStates.
AllreferencesinthisAnnualReportto(i)"poundssterling,""pence,""p"or"£"aretothecurrencyoftheUnitedKingdom,(ii)"USdollar,""USD"or"$"aretothecurrencyoftheUnitedStates,and(iii)"Euro"or"€"aretothecurrencyintroducedatthestartofthethirdstageofEuropeaneconomicandmonetaryunionpursuanttothetreatyestablishingtheEuropeanCommunity,asamended.
IMPLICATIONSOFBEINGANEMERGINGGROWTHCOMPANY
Wequalifyasan"emerginggrowthcompany"asdefinedintheJumpstartOurBusinessStartupsActof2012(the"JOBSAct").Anemerginggrowthcompanymaytakeadvantageofspecifiedreducedreportingandotherburdensthatareotherwiseapplicablegenerallytopubliccompanies.TheseprovisionsincludeanexemptionfromtheauditorattestationrequirementintheassessmentofourinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingpursuanttotheSarbanes-OxleyActof2002(the"Sarbanes-OxleyAct").
Wemaytakeadvantageoftheseprovisionsuntilwearenolongeranemerginggrowthcompany.Wewillceasetobeanemerginggrowthcompanyasof30June2018orsuchearliertimeifwehavemorethan$1.07billioninannualrevenue,havemorethan$700millioninmarketvalueofourordinarysharesheldbynon-affiliates,orissuemorethan$1.0billionofnon-convertibledebtoverathree-yearperiod.Wemaychoosetotakeadvantageofsomebutnotallofthesereducedburdens.WehavenottakenadvantageofanyofthesereducedreportingburdensinthisfilingotherthantheexemptionfromtheauditorattestationrequirementpursuanttotheSarbanes-OxleyAct,althoughwemaychoosetodosoinfuturefilings.
TheJOBSActpermitsan"emerginggrowthcompany"totakeadvantageofanextendedtransitionperiodtocomplywithneworrevisedaccountingstandardsapplicabletopubliccompanies.We
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previouslychoseto"optout"ofthisprovisionand,asaresult,wearecomplying,andwillcontinuetocomply,withneworrevisedaccountingstandardsasrequiredwhentheyareadopted.Thisdecisiontooptoutoftheextendedtransitionperiodisirrevocable.
FORWARD-LOOKINGSTATEMENTS
ThisAnnualReportcontainsestimatesandforward-lookingstatements.Ourestimatesandforward-lookingstatementsaremainlybasedonourcurrentexpectationsandestimatesoffutureeventsandtrends,whichaffectormayaffectourbusinessesandoperations.Althoughwebelievethattheseestimatesandforward-lookingstatementsarebaseduponreasonableassumptions,theyaresubjecttonumerousrisksanduncertaintiesandaremadeinlightofinformationcurrentlyavailabletous.Manyimportantfactors,inadditiontothefactorsdescribedinthisAnnualReport,mayadverselyaffectourresultsasindicatedinforward-lookingstatements.YoushouldreadthisAnnualReportcompletelyandwiththeunderstandingthatouractualfutureresultsmaybemateriallydifferentandworsefromwhatweexpect.
Allstatementsotherthanstatementsofhistoricalfactareforward-lookingstatements.Thewords"may,""might,""will,""could,""would,""should,""expect,""plan,""anticipate,""intend,""seek,""believe,""estimate,""predict,""potential,""continue,""contemplate,""possible"andsimilarwordsareintendedtoidentifyestimatesandforward-lookingstatements.
Ourestimatesandforward-lookingstatementsmaybeinfluencedbyvariousfactors,includingwithoutlimitation:
• ourdependenceontheperformanceandpopularityofourfirstteam;
• maintaining,enhancingandprotectingourbrandandreputation,particularlyinnewmarkets,inordertoexpandourfollowerandsponsorshipbase;
• ourrelianceonEuropeancompetitionsasasourceoffutureincome;
• thenegotiationandpricingofkeymediacontractsoutsideourcontrol;
• actionstakenbyotherPremierLeagueclubsthatarecontrarytoourinterests;
• thepotentialimpactoftheUnitedKingdom'sdecisiontoexitfromtheEuropeanUniononthemovementofplayersorotherregulations;
• ourabilitytoattractandretainkeypersonnel,includingplayers,inanincreasinglycompetitivemarketwithincreasingsalariesandtransferfees;
• ourabilitytoexecuteadigitalmediastrategythatgeneratestherevenueweanticipate;
• ourabilitytomeetgrowthexpectationsandproperlymanagesuchanticipatedgrowth;
• ourabilitytomaintain,trainandbuildaneffectiveinternationalsalesandmarketinginfrastructure,andmanagetherisksassociatedwithsuchanexpansion;
• ourabilitytoreneworreplacekeycommercialagreementsonsimilarorbetterterms,orattractnewsponsors;
• ourabilitytoprotectourselvesfromcyber-attackonourITsystemswhichcouldcompromiseourIToperationalcapability;
• ourexposuretocreditrelatedlossesinconnectionwithkeymedia,commercialandtransfercontracts;
• ourrelationshipwiththevariousleaguestowhichwebelongandtheapplicationoftheirrespectiverulesandregulations;
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• ourrelationshipwithmerchandising,licensing,sponsorandothercommercialpartners;
• maintainingourmatchattendanceatOldTrafford;
• ourexposuretoincreasedcompetition,bothinfootballandthevariouscommercialmarketsinwhichwedobusiness;
• anynaturaldisasters,terroristincidentsorothereventsbeyondourcontrolthatadverselyaffectouroperations;
• theeffectofadverseeconomicconditionsonouroperations;
• uncertaintywithregardtoexchangerates,ourtaxrateandourcashflow;
• ourabilitytoadequatelyprotectagainstmediapiracyandidentitytheftofourfolloweraccountinformation;
• ourexposuretotheeffectsofseasonalityinourbusiness;
• theeffectofourindebtednessonourfinancialhealthandcompetitiveposition;
• ourabilitytocompeteinourindustryandwithinnovationbyourcompetitors;
• estimatesandestimatemethodologiesusedinpreparingourconsolidatedfinancialstatements;and
• thefuturetradingpricesofourClassAordinarysharesandtheimpactofsecuritiesanalysts'reportsontheseprices.
OthersectionsofthisAnnualReportincludeadditionalfactorsthatcouldadverselyimpactourbusinessandfinancialperformance,principally"Item3.KeyInformation—D.RiskFactors."Moreover,weoperateinanevolvingenvironment.Newriskfactorsanduncertaintiesemergefromtimetotimeanditisnotpossibleforourmanagementtopredictallriskfactorsanduncertainties,norcanweassesstheimpactofallfactorsonourbusinessortheextenttowhichanyfactor,orcombinationoffactors,maycauseactualresultstodiffermateriallyfromthosecontainedinanyforward-lookingstatements.Therefore,youarecautionednottoplaceunduerelianceontheseforward-lookingstatements.Wequalifyallofourforward-lookingstatementsbythesecautionarystatements.Exceptasrequiredbylaw,weundertakenoobligationtoupdateorrevisepubliclyanyforward-lookingstatementscontainedinthisAnnualReport,whetherasaresultofnewinformation,futureeventsorotherwise,afterthedateonwhichthestatementsaremadeortoreflecttheoccurrenceofunanticipatedevents.
MARKETANDINDUSTRYDATA
ThisAnnualReportcontainsindustry,market,andcompetitivepositiondatathatarebasedontheindustrypublicationsandstudiesconductedbythirdpartieslistedbelowaswellasourowninternalestimatesandresearch.Theseindustrypublicationsandthird-partystudiesgenerallystatethattheinformationthattheycontainhasbeenobtainedfromsourcesbelievedtobereliable,althoughtheydonotguaranteetheaccuracyorcompletenessofsuchinformation.Whilewebelievethateachofthesepublicationsandthird-partystudiesisreliable,wehavenotindependentlyverifiedthemarketandindustrydataobtainedfromthesethird-partysources.Whilewebelieveourinternalresearchisreliableandthedefinitionofourmarketandindustryareappropriate,neithersuchresearchnorthesedefinitionshavebeenverifiedbyanyindependentsource.
Referencestoour"659millionfollowers"arebasedonasurveyconductedbyKantarMedia(adivisionofWPPplc)in2011andpaidforbyus.AsinthesurveyconductedbyKantarMedia,wedefinetheterm"followers"asthoseindividualswhoansweredsurveyquestions,unprompted,withtheanswerthatManchesterUnitedwaseithertheirfavoritefootballteamintheworldorafootballteam
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thattheyenjoyedfollowinginadditiontotheirfavoritefootballteam.Forexample,weandKantarMediaincludedinthedefinitionof"follower"arespondentwhoeitherwatchedliveManchesterUnitedmatches,followedhighlightscoverageorreadortalkedaboutManchesterUnitedregularly.Althoughthesurveysolicitedunpromptedresponses,wedonotdistinguishbetweenthoserespondentswhoansweredthatManchesterUnitedwastheirfavoritefootballteamintheworldandthosewhoenjoyfollowingManchesterUnitedinadditiontotheirfavoritefootballteam.Sincewebelievethateachofourfollowersengagewithourbrandinsomecapacity,includingthroughwatchingmatchesontelevision,attendingmatcheslive,buyingretailmerchandiseormonitoringtheteam'shighlightsontheinternet,webelieveidentifyingourfollowersinthismannerprovidesuswiththebestdatatouseforpurposesofdevelopingourbusinessstrategyandmeasuringthepenetrationofourbrand.However,weexpecttheretobedifferencesinthelevelofengagementwithourbrandbetweenindividuals,includingamongthosewhoconsiderManchesterUnitedtobetheirfavoriteteam,aswellasbetweenthosewhoenjoyfollowingManchesterUnited.WehavenotidentifiedanypracticalwaytomeasurethesedifferencesinconsumerbehaviorandanyreferencestoourfollowersinthisAnnualReportshouldbeviewedinthatlight.
Thisinternet-basedsurveyidentifiedManchesterUnitedasasupportedteamof659millionfollowers(andthefavoritefootballteamof277millionofthosefollowers)andwasbasedon53,287respondentsfrom39countriesaroundtheworld.Inordertocalculateour659millionfollowersfromthe53,287responses,KantarMediaappliedestimatesandassumptionstocertainfactorsincludingpopulationsize,countryspecificcharacteristicssuchaswealthandGDPpercapita,affinityforsportsandmediapenetration.KantarMediathenextrapolatedtheresultstotherestoftheworld,representinganextrapolatedadultpopulationof5billionpeople.However,whileKantarMediabelievestheextrapolationmethodologywasrobustandconsistentwithconsumerresearchpractices,aswithallsurveys,thereareinherentlimitationsinextrapolatingsurveyresultstoalargerpopulationthanthoseactuallysurveyed.Asaresultoftheselimitations,ournumberoffollowersmaybesignificantlylessorsignificantlymorethantheextrapolatedsurveyresults.KantarMediaalsoextrapolatedsurveyresultstoaccountfornon-internetusersincertainofthe39countries,particularlythosewithlowinternetpenetration.Todoso,KantarMediahadtomakeassumptionsaboutthepreferencesandbehaviorsofnon-internetusersinthosecountries.Theseassumptionsreducedthenumberofourfollowersinthosecountriesandthereisnoguaranteethattheassumptionsweappliedareaccurate.Surveyresultsalsoaccountonlyforclaimedconsumerbehaviorratherthanactualconsumerbehaviorandasaresult,surveyresultsmaynotreflectrealconsumerbehaviorwithrespecttofootballortheconsumptionofourcontentandproducts.
InadditiontothesurveyconductedbyKantarMedia,thisAnnualReportreferencesthefollowingindustrypublicationsandthird-partystudies:
• televisionviewershipdatacompiledbyfuturessports+entertainment—MediabrandsInternationalLimitedforthe2016/17season(the"FuturesData");and
• apaperpublishedbyATKearney,Inc.in2014entitled"WinningintheBusinessofSports"("ATKearney").
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PARTI
ITEM1.IDENTITYOFDIRECTORS,SENIORMANAGEMENTANDADVISERS
Notapplicable.
ITEM2.OFFERSTATISTICSANDEXPECTEDTIMETABLE
Notapplicable.
ITEM3.KEYINFORMATION
A.SELECTEDFINANCIALDATA
WeprepareourconsolidatedfinancialstatementsinaccordancewithIFRSasissuedbytheIASB.Theselectedconsolidatedfinancialdata(includingincomestatement,otherandbalancesheetdata)presentedasofandfortheyearsended30June2017,2016,2015,2014and2013hasbeenderivedfromourauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsandthenotesthereto(ourauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsasof30June2015,2014and2013andfortheyearsended30June2014and2013arenotincludedinthisAnnualReport).Ourhistoricalresultsforanypriorperiodarenotnecessarilyindicativeofresultsexpectedinanyfutureperiod.
Theselectedhistoricalfinancialinformationpresentedinthetablesbelowshouldbereadinconjunctionwith,andisqualifiedinitsentiretybyreferenceto,ourauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsandaccompanyingnotes.Theauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsandtheaccompanyingnotesasof30June2017and2016andfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015havebeenincludedinthisAnnualReport.
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Unlessotherwisespecified,allfinancialinformationincludedinthisAnnualReporthasbeenstatedinpoundssterling.
2
Yearended30June 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 (£'000,unlessotherwiseindicated) IncomeStatementData: Revenue 581,204 515,345 395,178 433,164 363,189
Analyzed as: Commercialrevenue 275,471 268,318 196,931 189,315 152,441Broadcastingrevenue 194,098 140,440 107,664 135,746 101,625Matchdayrevenue 111,635 106,587 90,583 108,103 109,123
Operatingexpenses—beforeexceptionalitems (516,068) (421,574) (384,843) (367,056) (304,120)Analyzed as: Employeebenefitexpenses (263,464) (232,242) (202,561) (214,803) (180,523)Otheroperatingexpenses (117,942) (91,244) (72,271) (88,298) (74,114)Depreciation (10,228) (10,079) (10,324) (8,665) (7,769)Amortization (124,434) (88,009) (99,687) (55,290) (41,714)
Operatingexpenses—exceptionalitems 4,753 (15,135) (2,336) (5,184) (6,217)Totaloperatingexpenses (511,315) (436,709) (387,179) (372,240) (310,337)Operatingprofitbeforeprofit/(loss)ondisposalofintangibleassets 69,889 78,636 7,999 60,924 52,852
Profit/(loss)ondisposalofintangibleassets 10,926 (9,786) 23,649 6,991 9,162Operatingprofit 80,815 68,850 31,648 67,915 62,014Financecosts (25,013) (20,459) (35,419) (27,668) (72,082)Financeincome 736 442 204 256 1,275Netfinancecosts (24,277) (20,017) (35,215) (27,412) (70,807)Profit/(loss)onordinaryactivitiesbeforetax 56,538 48,833 (3,567) 40,503 (8,793)Tax(expense)/credit (17,361) (12,462) 2,672 (16,668) 155,212Profit/(loss)fortheyear 39,177 36,371 (895) 23,835 146,419Attributable to: Ownersoftheparent 39,177 36,371 (895) 23,835 146,250Non-controllinginterest — — — — 169
Weightedaveragenumberofordinaryshares(thousands) 164,025 163,890 163,795 163,814 162,895Dilutedweightedaveragenumberofordinaryshares(thousands)(1) 164,448 164,319 163,795 163,893 162,895
Basicearnings/(loss)pershare(pence) 23.88 22.19 (0.55) 14.55 89.78Dilutedearnings/(loss)pershare(pence)(1) 23.82 22.13 (0.55) 14.54 89.78
(1) Fortheyearended30June2015,potentialordinarysharesareanti-dilutive,astheirinclusioninthedilutedlosspersharecalculationwouldreducethelosspershare,andhencehavebeenexcluded.Fortheyearsended30June2017,2016,2014,and2013,potentialordinaryshareshave
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beentreatedasdilutive,astheirinclusioninthedilutedearningspersharecalculationdecreasesearningspershare.
Yearended30June 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 (£'000,unlessotherwiseindicated) OtherData: Commercialrevenue 275,471 268,318 196,931 189,315 152,441
Analyzed as: Sponsorshiprevenue 162,339 160,110 154,840 135,835 90,865Retail,merchandising,apparel&productslicensingrevenue 103,991 97,338 31,652 37,512 38,609Mobile&Contentrevenue 9,141 10,870 10,439 15,968 22,967
AdjustedEBITDA(2) 199,798 191,859 120,346 130,063 108,552Dividendsdeclaredpershare($) 0.18 0.18 — — —Dividendsdeclaredpershare(£equivalent) 0.14 0.12 — — —
Asof30June 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 (£'000,unlessotherwiseindicated) BalanceSheetData: Cashandcashequivalents 290,267 229,194 155,752 66,365 94,433Totalassets 1,534,274 1,451,903 1,301,588 1,215,711 1,118,311Totalliabilities 1,056,657 993,621 823,670 717,061 670,351Totalequity 477,617 458,282 477,918 498,650 447,960Equityattributabletoownersoftheparent 477,617 458,282 477,918 498,650 447,960
Season 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 TotalGamesPlayed: PremierLeague 38 38 38 38 38EuropeanGames 15 12 — 10 8DomesticCups 10 9 6 6 8
(2) WedefineAdjustedEBITDAasprofit/(loss)fortheyearbeforedepreciation,amortization,profit/(loss)ondisposalofintangibleassets,exceptionalitems,netfinancecosts,andtax.AdjustedEBITDAisanon-IFRSmeasureandnotauniformlyorlegallydefinedfinancialmeasure.AdjustedEBITDAisnotasubstituteforIFRSmeasuresinassessingouroverallfinancialperformance.BecauseAdjustedEBITDAisnotameasurementdeterminedinaccordancewithIFRS,andissusceptibletovaryingcalculations,AdjustedEBITDAmaynotbecomparabletoothersimilarlytitledmeasurespresentedbyothercompanies.AdjustedEBITDAisincludedinthisAnnualReportbecauseitisameasureofouroperatingperformanceandwebelievethatAdjustedEBITDAisusefultoinvestorsbecauseitisfrequentlyusedbysecuritiesanalysts,investorsandotherinterestedpartiesintheirevaluationoftheoperatingperformanceofcompaniesinindustriessimilartoours.WealsobelieveAdjustedEBITDAisusefultoourmanagementandinvestorsasameasureofcomparativeoperatingperformancefromyeartoyearandamongcompaniesasitisreflectiveofchangesinpricingdecisions,costcontrolsandotherfactorsthataffectoperatingperformance,anditremovestheeffectofourassetbase(primarilydepreciationandamortization),capitalstructure(primarilyfinancecosts),anditemsoutsidethecontrolofourmanagement(primarilytaxes).OurmanagementalsousesAdjustedEBITDAforplanningpurposes,includingthepreparationofourannualoperatingbudgetandfinancialprojections.AdjustedEBITDAhaslimitationsasananalyticaltool,andyoushouldnotconsideritinisolation,orasasubstituteforananalysisofourresultsasreportedunderIFRSasissuedbytheIASB.
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Thefollowingisareconciliationofprofit/(loss)fortheyearspresentedtoAdjustedEBITDA:
ExchangeRateInformation
Ourfunctionalandreportingcurrencyispoundssterlingandsubstantiallyallofourcostsaredenominatedinpoundssterling.However,anyBroadcastingrevenuefromourparticipationinEuropeancompetitions,aswellascertainotherrevenue,isgeneratedinEuros.WealsooccasionallyenterintotransferagreementswhicharepayableinEuros.Inaddition,wehavecurrencyexposureagainsttheUSdollarrelatingtoourUSdollardenominatedsecuredtermloanfacilityandour3.79%seniorsecurednotes(the"seniorsecurednotes")andourCommercialrevenuefromcertainsponsors.Foralldatesandperiods,theexchangeratereferstotheexchangerateassetforthintheH.10statisticalreleaseoftheFederalReserveBoard.TheratesrepresentthenoonbuyingrateinNewYorkforcabletransferspayableinforeigncurrencies.TheseratesmaydifferfromtheactualratesusedinthepreparationofthefinancialstatementsandotherfinancialinformationappearinginthisAnnualReport.InclusionoftheseexchangeratesisnotmeanttosuggestthattheUSdollaramountsactuallyrepresentsuchpoundssterlingamountsorthatsuchamountscouldhavebeenorcouldbeconvertedintoUSdollarsatanyparticularrate,oratall.On8September2017,theexchangeratewas$1.32to£1.00.
ThefollowingtablesetsforthinformationconcerningexchangeratesbetweenthepoundssterlingandtheUSdollarfortheperiodsindicated.Theseratesareprovidedsolelyforconvenience.
4
Yearended30June 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 (£'000) Profit/(loss)fortheyear 39,177 36,371 (895) 23,835 146,419
Adjustments: Taxexpense/(credit) 17,361 12,462 (2,672) 16,668 (155,212)Netfinancecosts 24,277 20,017 35,215 27,412 70,807(Profit)/lossondisposalofintangibleassets (10,926) 9,786 (23,649) (6,991) (9,162)Exceptionalitems(1) (4,753) 15,135 2,336 5,184 6,217Amortization 124,434 88,009 99,687 55,290 41,714Depreciation 10,228 10,079 10,324 8,665 7,769
AdjustedEBITDA 199,798 191,859 120,346 130,063 108,552
(1) Seenotes2.7and6toourauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsincludedelsewhereinthisAnnualReportformoreinformation.
NoonBuyingRate Period PeriodEnd Average(1) Low High ($per£1.00) FiscalYear2013 1.52 1.57 1.49 1.63FiscalYear2014 1.70 1.63 1.48 1.71FiscalYear2015 1.57 1.57 1.46 1.72FiscalYear2016 1.32 1.47 1.32 1.57FiscalYear2017 1.30 1.27 1.21 1.34March2017 1.25 1.23 1.22 1.25April2017 1.29 1.26 1.24 1.30May2017 1.28 1.30 1.28 1.30June2017 1.30 1.28 1.26 1.30July2017 1.32 1.30 1.28 1.31August2017 1.29 1.30 1.28 1.32September2017(through8September2017) 1.32 1.31 1.29 1.32
Source:FederalReserveBankofNewYorkandFederalReserveStatisticalRelease
(1) Fiscalyearaverageswerecalculatedbyusingtheaverageoftheexchangeratesonthelastdayofeachmonthduringtherelevantperiod.Monthlyaveragesarecalculatedbyusingtheaverageofthedailyratesduringtherelevantmonth.
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B.CAPITALIZATIONANDINDEBTEDNESS
Notapplicable.
C.REASONSFORTHEOFFERANDUSEOFPROCEEDS
Notapplicable.
D.RISKFACTORS
Investment in our Class A ordinary shares involves a high degree of risk. We expect to be exposed to some or all of the risks described below in our futureoperations. Any of the risk factors described below, as well as additional risks of which we are not currently aware, could affect our business operations and havea material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flow and prospects and cause the value of our shares to decline.Moreover, if and to the extent that any of the risks described below materialize, they may occur in combination with other risks which would compound the adverseeffect of such risks on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flow and prospects.
RisksRelatedtoOurBusiness
If we are unable to maintain and enhance our brand and reputation, particularly in new markets, or if events occur that damage our brand and reputation, ourability to expand our follower base, sponsors, and commercial partners or to sell significant quantities of our products may be impaired.
Thesuccessofourbusinessdependsonthevalueandstrengthofourbrandandreputation.Ourbrandandreputationarealsointegraltotheimplementationofourstrategiesforexpandingourfollowerbase,sponsorsandcommercialpartners.Tobesuccessfulinthefuture,particularlyoutsideofEurope,webelievewemustpreserve,growandleveragethevalueofourbrandacrossallofourrevenuestreams.Forinstance,wehaveinthepastexperienced,andweexpectthatinthefuturewewillcontinuetoreceive,ahighdegreeofmediacoverage.Unfavorablepublicityregardingourfirstteam'sperformanceinleagueandcupcompetitionsortheirbehavioroffthefield,ourabilitytoattractandretaincertainplayersandcoachingstafforactionsbyorchangesinourownership,couldnegativelyaffectourbrandandreputation.Failuretorespondeffectivelytonegativepublicitycouldalsofurthererodeourbrandandreputation.Inaddition,eventsinthefootballindustry,evenifunrelatedtous,maynegativelyaffectourbrandorreputation.Asaresult,thesize,engagementandloyaltyofourfollowerbaseandthedemandforourproductsmaydecline.Damagetoourbrandorreputationorlossofourfollowers'commitmentforanyofthesereasonscouldimpairourabilitytoexpandourfollowerbase,sponsorsandcommercialpartnersorourabilitytosellsignificantquantitiesofourproducts,whichwouldresultindecreasedrevenueacrossourrevenuestreamsandhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow,aswellasrequireadditionalresourcestorebuildourbrandandreputation.
Inaddition,maintainingandenhancingourbrandandreputationmayrequireustomakesubstantialinvestments.Wecannotassureyouthatsuchinvestmentswillbesuccessful.FailuretosuccessfullymaintainandenhancetheManchesterUnitedbrandorourreputationorexcessiveorunsuccessfulexpensesinconnectionwiththiseffortcouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
Our business is dependent upon our ability to attract and retain key personnel, including players.
Wearehighlydependentonmembersofourmanagement,coachingstaffandourplayers.Competitionfortalentedplayersandstaffis,andwillcontinuetobe,intense.Ourabilitytoattractandretainthehighestqualityplayersforourfirstteam,reserveteamandyouthacademyaswellascoachingstaffiscriticaltoourfirstteam'ssuccessinleagueandcupcompetitionsandincreasing
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popularityand,consequently,criticaltoourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.Oursuccessandmanyachievementsoverthelasttwentyyearsdoesnotnecessarilymeanthatwewillcontinuetobesuccessfulinthefuture,whetherasaresultofchangesinplayerpersonnel,coachingstafforotherwise.Adownturnintheperformanceofourfirstteamcouldadverselyaffectourabilitytoattractandretaincoachesandplayers.Further,inMarch2017,thegovernmentoftheUnitedKingdom(the"UK")initiatedtheformalprocessofwithdrawingfromtheEuropeanUnion,whichcouldresultinchangestoEuropeanregulationsrelatingtothemovementofplayersbetweentheUKandtheEuropeanUnion.Inaddition,ourpopularityincertaincountriesorregionsmaydepend,atleastinpart,onfieldingcertainplayersfromthosecountriesorregions.Whileweenterintoemploymentcontractswitheachofourkeypersonnelwiththeaimofsecuringtheirservicesforthetermofthecontract,theretentionoftheirservicesforthefulltermofthecontractcannotbeguaranteedduetopossiblecontractdisputesorapproachesbyotherclubs.Ourfailuretoattractandretainkeypersonnelcouldhaveanegativeimpactonourabilitytoeffectivelymanageandgrowourbusiness.
We are dependent upon the performance and popularity of our first team.
Ourrevenuestreamsaredrivenbytheperformanceandpopularityofourfirstteam.SignificantsourcesofourrevenuearetheresultofhistoricallystrongperformancesinEnglishdomesticandEuropeancompetitions,specificallythePremierLeague,theFACup,theEFLCup,theChampionsLeagueandtheEuropaLeague.Ourincomevariessignificantlydependingonourfirstteam'sparticipationandperformanceinthesecompetitions.Ourfirstteam'sperformanceaffectsallfiveofourrevenuestreams:
• sponsorshiprevenuethroughsponsorshiprelationships;
• retail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensingrevenuethroughproductsales;
• mobile&contentrevenuethroughdistributionviaourownmediaplatformsandpartnermediaplatforms;
• broadcastingrevenuethroughthefrequencyofappearancesandperformancebasedshareofleaguebroadcastingrevenueandChampionsLeague/EuropeLeagueprizemoney;and
• Matchdayrevenuethroughticketsales.
OurfirstteamcurrentlyplaysinthePremierLeague,thetopfootballleagueinEngland.OurperformanceinthePremierLeaguedirectlyaffects,andaweakperformanceinthePremierLeaguecouldadverselyaffect,ourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.Forexample,ourrevenuefromthesaleofproducts,mediarights,ticketsandhospitalitywouldfallconsiderablyifourfirstteamwererelegatedfrom(orotherwiseceasedtoplayin)thePremierLeague,theChampionsLeagueortheEuropaLeague.
WecannotensurethatourfirstteamwillbesuccessfulinthePremierLeagueorintheotherleaguesandtournamentsinwhichitplays.RelegationfromthePremierLeagueorageneraldeclineinthesuccessofourfirstteam,particularlyinconsecutiveseasons,wouldnegativelyaffectourabilitytoattractorretaintalentedplayersandcoachingstaff,aswellassupporters,sponsorsandothercommercialpartners,whichwouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
It may not be possible to renew or replace key commercial agreements on similar or better terms, or attract new sponsors.
OurCommercialrevenueforeachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015represented47.4%,52.1%and49.8%ofourtotalrevenue,respectively.ThesubstantialmajorityofourCommercialrevenueisgeneratedfromcommercialagreementswithoursponsors,andtheseagreementshavefinite
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terms.Whenthesecontractsdoexpire,wemaynotbeabletoreneworreplacethemwithcontractsonsimilarorbettertermsoratall.Ourmostimportantcommercialcontractsincludecontractswithglobal,regional,mobile,mediaandsuppliersponsorsrepresentingindustriesincludingfinancialservices,automotive,beverage,airline,timepiece,bettingandtelecommunications,whichtypicallyhavecontracttermsoftwotofiveyears.
Ifwefailtoreneworreplacethesekeycommercialagreementsonsimilarorbetterterms,wecouldexperienceamaterialreductioninourCommercialrevenue.SuchareductioncouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonouroverallrevenueandourabilitytocontinuetocompetewiththetopfootballclubsinEnglandandEurope.
Aspartofourbusinessplan,weintendtocontinuetogrowourcommercialportfoliobydevelopingandexpandingourgeographicandproductcategorizedapproach,whichwillincludepartneringwithadditionalsponsorsandmobileandmediaoperators.Wemaynotbeabletosuccessfullyexecuteourbusinessplaninpromotingourbrandtoattractnewsponsors.WecannotassureyouthatwewillbesuccessfulinimplementingourbusinessplanorthatourCommercialrevenuewillcontinuetogrowatthesamerateasithasinthepastoratall.Anyoftheseeventscouldnegativelyaffectourabilitytoachieveourdevelopmentandcommercializationgoals,whichcouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
Negotiation and pricing of key media contracts are outside our control and those contracts may change in the future.
Foreachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,74.0%,68.2%and89.7%ofourBroadcastingrevenue,respectively,wasgeneratedfromthemediarightsforPremierLeaguematches,and20.5%,22.3%and1.9%ofourBroadcastingrevenue,respectively,wasgeneratedfromthemediarightsforUEFAmatches.Contractsforthesemediarightsandcertainotherrevenueforthosecompetitions(bothdomesticallyandinternationally)arenegotiatedcollectivelybythePremierLeagueandtheUnionofEuropeanFootballAssociations("UEFA")respectively.WearenotapartytothecontractsnegotiatedbythePremierLeagueandUEFA.Further,wedonotparticipateinandthereforedonothaveanydirectinfluenceontheoutcomeofcontractnegotiations.Asaresult,wemaybesubjecttomediarightscontractswithmediadistributorswithwhomwemaynototherwisecontractormediarightscontractsthatarenotasfavorabletousaswemightotherwisebeabletonegotiateindividuallywithmediadistributors.Furthermore,thelimitednumberofmediadistributorsbiddingforPremierLeagueandUEFAclubcompetitionmediarightsmayresultinreducedpricespaidforthoserightsand,asaresult,adeclineinrevenuereceivedfrommediacontracts.
Inaddition,althoughanagreementhasbeenreachedforthesaleofPremierLeaguebroadcastingrightsthroughtheendofthe2018/19footballseasonandforthesaleofUEFAclubcompetitionbroadcastingrightsthroughtheendofthe2017/18footballseason,futureagreementsmaynotmaintainourcurrentlevelofBroadcastingrevenue.Moreover,ifinternationalbroadcastingrevenuebecomesanincreasinglylargeportionoftotalrevenueforthePremierLeague,asingleclub'sdomesticsuccessandresultingrevenuemaybeoutweighedbyinternationalmediarights,whicharedistributedamongallPremierLeagueclubsinevenproportion.Asaresult,asidefromfacilitatingaccesstoUEFAcompetitions,successofourfirstteaminthePremierLeaguecouldbecomelessofanoverallcompetitiveadvantage.
FutureinterventionbytheEuropeanCommission,theEuropeanCourtofJustice(the"ECJ"),UKauthorities,orothercompetentauthoritiesandcourtshavingjurisdictionmayalsohaveanegativeeffectonourrevenuefrommediarightsintheEuropeanEconomicArea("EEA").ItislikelythattherewillbefutureregulatoryinterventionbytheEuropeanCommissionrelatingtothegrantofexclusivelicensesofcontentonaterritorialbasiswithintheEEAinsofarastheyprohibitorlimitthecross-borderprovisionbysatelliteorinternettransmissionofretailpay-TVservices(so-called"passive
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sales").FollowingthecasesofthePremierLeague&othersvs.QCLeisure&Others/KarenMurphyvs.MediaProtectionServices(underwhichtheECJruledthatanyagreementdesignedtoguaranteeabsoluteterritorialexclusivitywithintheEuropeanUnion(i.e.bystoppinganycross-borderprovisionofbroadcastingservicesinresponsetounsolicitedrequestsfromconsumers)wasdeemedtobeanti-competitiveandprohibitedbyEUlawincluding,inparticular,competitionrules),theEUbegananinvestigationinJanuary2014intoexclusivelicensingarrangementsasbetweentheUSStudiosandvariousplatformsinEurope(themajorplatformineachofthefivelargestEUMemberStates).On23July2015,theEUfollowedupwithaStatementofObjectionsinCase40023"Cross-borderaccesstopay-TV"whichsetoutitspreliminaryviewthatinrelationtothesestudiosandSkyUK,wherethereareprovisionswhichrequireSkyUKtoblockorlimitaccesstofilmsthroughgeo-blockingitsonlineservicesorthroughitssatellitepay-TVservicestoconsumersoutsideoftheUKandIreland(andthuspreventSkyUKfromrespondingtopassivesalesrequests),theseprovisionswouldeliminatecross-bordercompetitionandconstituteaviolationofEUrules.WhiletheStatementofObjectionsisaimedattheUSStudiosandSkyUK,theEuropeanCommissioniscarryingoutparallelinvestigationsintocross-borderaccesstopay-TVservicesinFrance,Italy,GermanyandSpain.Equally,whiletheinvestigationshavebeentargetedatfilmcontent,thedecisionisverylikelytobeapplicabletoanypay-TVcontent,includingsport.Morerecently,on22April2016,theCommissionannouncedthatParamount,whilenotagreeingwiththeconcernsexpressedintheStatementofObjections,hadofferedtosettlethecasebyofferingaseriesofcommitments,includinganundertakingnottoenterintopay-TVagreementsthatprohibittheirlicenseesfromrespondingtopassivesalesrequests.Thecommitmentscoverbothlinearpay-TVservicesand,totheextentincludedinthelicense(orseparatelicense(s))withabroadcaster,subscriptionvideo-on-demandservices.TheCommissionacceptedthesecommitmentson27July2016andamonitoringtrusteewasappointedon28July2016.On8December2016,theFrenchTVbroadcasterGroupeCanal+broughtanactionseekingannulmentoftheCommission'sdecisiontoacceptthecommitments;theappealisongoing.Inadditiontothisregulatoryaction,theEUaspartofitsDigitalSingleMarket("DSM")strategy,anelementofwhichistoensurethatuserswhobuyaccesstoaudio-visualcontentonline,adoptedthePortabilityRegulationon8June2017,whichisdesignedtoenableconsumerstoaccesstheircontentserviceswhiletravellingacrossEurope.ThePortabilityRegulationwillenterintoforceinthefirstquarterof2018.AspartoftheDSMinitiative,theEChasalsosoughttomodernizeEUcopyrightrulestoallowforwideraccesstoonlinecontentacrosstheEU,includingbyextendingrightsclearancemechanismsintheSatelliteandCableDirective.TheECpublisheditsProposalforaRegulationonOnlineTransmissionson14September2016,whichinparticularcontainstheproposalthatthecountryoforiginprinciplebeextendedtoonlinebroadcastservices.Inpracticethiswouldmeanthatlicensesforsimulcastandcatch-uprights,forexample,fortheUKwouldbeconstruedascoveringtheentireEEA.TheEuropeanEconomicandSocialCommitteeiscurrentlyconsideringitsdecisionontheproposal.Achangeofsalesmodelcouldnegativelyaffecttheamountwhichcopyrightholders,suchasthePremierLeague,areabletoderivefromtheexploitationofrightswithintheEU.Asaresult,ourBroadcastingrevenuefromthesaleofthoserightscoulddecrease.
European competitions cannot be relied upon as a source of income.
QualificationfortheChampionsLeagueislargelydependentuponourfirstteam'sperformanceinthePremierLeagueand,insomecircumstances,theChampionsLeagueitselfinthepreviousseason.QualificationfortheChampionsLeaguecannot,therefore,beguaranteed.FailuretoqualifyfortheChampionsLeaguewouldresultinamaterialreductioninrevenueforeachseasoninwhichourfirstteamdidnotparticipate.Tohelpmitigatethisimpactthemajorityofplayingcontractsforourfirstteamsquadincludestep-upsinremunerationwhicharecontingentonparticipationinthegroupstageoftheChampionsLeague.Asaresultofourfirstteamperformanceduringthe2013/14season,ourfirstteamdidnotparticipateinthe2014/15ChampionsLeagueor2014/15EuropaLeague.Asaresultofourfirstteamperformanceduringthe2015/16season,ourfirstteamdidnotparticipateinthe
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2016/17ChampionsLeaguebutdidparticipateinthe2016/17EuropaLeague.Inclusiveofbroadcastingrevenue,prizemoneyandMatchdayrevenue,ourcombinedbroadcastingandMatchdayrevenuefromparticipationinEuropeancompetitionswas£48.5million,£41.6millionand£1.9million(beingdistributionsfromUEFArelatingtothepreviousseason'scompetition)foreachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.AsaresultofwinningtheEuropaLeagueduringthe2016/17season,ourfirstteamwillparticipateinthe2017/18ChampionsLeague.
Inaddition,ourparticipationintheChampionsLeagueorEuropaLeaguemaybeinfluencedbyfactorsbeyondourcontrol.Forexample,thenumberofplacesineachEuropeancompetitionavailabletotheclubsofeachnationalfootballassociationinEuropecanvaryfromyeartoyearbasedonarankingsystem.IftheperformanceofEnglishclubsinEuropedeclines,thenumberofplacesineachEuropeancompetitionavailabletoEnglishclubsmaydeclineanditmaybemoredifficultforourfirstteamtoqualifyforEuropeancompetitioninfutureseasons.Further,therulesgoverningqualificationforEuropeancompetitions(whetherattheEuropeanornationallevel)maychangeandmakeitmoredifficultforourfirstteamtoqualifyforEuropeancompetitioninfutureseasons.
WeareafoundermemberandourExecutiveViceChairmanhasaseatontheexecutiveboardoftheEuropeanClubAssociation("ECA"),anindependentorganizationsetuptoworkwithfootballgoverningbodiestoprotectandpromotetheinterestsoffootballclubsattheEuropeanlevel.
On26August2016,followingconsultationbetweenUEFA,theECAandotherstakeholders,UEFAannouncedcertainchangestotheformatoftheChampionsLeagueandEuropaLeaguetotakeplacewitheffectfromthe3yearcycle2018/19to2020/21.Thekeychangesrelatetotheaccesslistforbothcompetitionsandthemethodologyforfinancialdistributions.WithrespecttotheChampionsLeague,thetopfourclubsfromthefourtop-rankednationalassociations(ofwhichEnglandiscurrentlyone)willnowqualifyautomaticallyforthegroupstageoftheChampionsLeaguewhichcompares(forEngland)toonlythreequalifyingautomaticallyatthemomentwithafourthenteringthefinalplay-offround.Withrespecttothefinancialdistributionmethodology,inadditiontothecurrentthree-pillarsystem(startingfee,performancefeesandmarketpool),UEFAisintroducingafourthpillarbeingtheindividualclubcoefficient.TheindividualclubcoefficientwillbedeterminedbyreferencetopastperformanceinUEFAcompetitionsoveratenyearperiodwithadditionalpointsforhistoricalwinnersofUEFAcompetitions.
Inaddition,anewsubsidiarycompany,UEFAClubCompetitionsSA,hasbeenestablishedbyUEFAwiththeaimofdeterminingthestrategyforthemanagementofUEFAclubcompetitionsinthefuture.HalfoftheboardofdirectorsareappointedbyUEFAandtheotherhalfbytheECA.OurExecutiveViceChairmanisoneofthedirectors.
Moreover,becauseoftheprestigeassociatedwithparticipatingintheEuropeancompetitions,particularlytheChampionsLeague,failuretoqualifyforanyEuropeancompetition,particularlyforconsecutiveseasons,couldnegativelyaffectourabilitytoattractandretaintalentedplayersandcoachingstaff,aswellassupporters,sponsorsandothercommercialpartners.FailuretoparticipateintheChampionsLeaguefortwoormoreconsecutiveseasonswouldalsoreduceannualpaymentsundertheagreementwithadidasby30%oftheapplicablepaymentfortheyearinwhichthesecondorotherconsecutiveseasonofnon-participationfalls.Anyoneormoreoftheseeventscouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperation,financialconditionandcashflow.
Our business depends in part on relationships with certain third parties.
Weconsiderthedevelopmentofourcommercialassetstobecentraltoourongoingbusinessplanandadriveroffuturegrowth.Forexample,ourcurrentcontractwithadidasthatbeganwiththe2015/16seasonprovidesthemwithcertainglobaltechnicalsponsorshipanddual-brandedlicensingrights.Whileweexpecttobeabletocontinuetoexecuteourbusinessplaninthefuturewiththesupportofadidas,weremainsubjecttothesecontractualprovisionsandourbusinessplancouldbe
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negativelyimpactedbynon-complianceorpoorexecutionofourstrategybyadidas.Further,anyinterruptioninourabilitytoobtaintheservicesofadidasorotherthirdpartiesordeteriorationintheirperformancecouldnegativelyimpactthisportionofouroperations.Furthermore,ifourarrangementwithadidasisterminatedormodifiedagainstourinterest,wemaynotbeabletofindalternativesolutionsforthisportionofourbusinessonatimelybasisorontermsfavorabletousoratall.
Inthefuture,wemayenterintoadditionalarrangementspermittingthirdpartiestouseourbrandandtrademarks.Althoughwetakestepstocarefullyselectourpartners,sucharrangementsmaynotbesuccessful.Ourpartnersmayfailtofulfiltheirobligationsundertheiragreementsorhaveintereststhatdifferfromorconflictwithourown.Forexample,wearedependentonoursponsorsandcommercialpartnerstoeffectivelyimplementqualitycontrolsoverproductsusingourbrandand/ortrademarks.Theinabilityofsuchsponsorsandcommercialpartnerstomeetourqualitystandardscouldnegativelyaffectconsumerconfidenceinthequalityandvalueofourbrand,whichcouldresultinlowerproductsales.Anyoneormoreoftheseeventscouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperation,financialconditionandcashflow.
We are exposed to credit related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to Premier League and UEFA media contracts as well as our keycommercial and transfer contracts.
WederivethesubstantialmajorityofourBroadcastingrevenuefrommediacontractsnegotiatedbythePremierLeagueandUEFAwithmediadistributors,andalthoughthePremierLeagueobtainsguaranteestosupportcertainofitsmediacontracts,typicallyintheformoflettersofcreditissuedbycommercialbanks,itremainsoursinglelargestcreditexposure.WederiveourCommercialandsponsorshiprevenuefromcertaincorporatesponsors,includingglobal,regional,mobile,mediaandsuppliersponsors(whichincludesnewbusinessesoperatinginemergingmarkets)inrespectofwhichwemaymanageourcreditriskbyseekingadvancepayments,installmentsand/orbankguaranteeswhereappropriate.Thesubstantialmajorityofthisrevenueisderivedfromalimitednumberofsources.Duringtheyearended30June2017,thosesourcesthatrepresentedgreaterthan10%ofourtotalrevenuewere:
• PremierLeague:25.4%ofourtotalrevenue
• adidas:13.6%ofourtotalrevenue
• GeneralMotors(Chevrolet):10.2%ofourtotalrevenue
Wearealsoexposedtootherfootballclubsgloballyforthepaymentoftransferfeesonplayers.Dependingonthetransaction,someofthesefeesarepaidtousininstallments.Wetrytomanageourcreditriskwithrespecttothoseclubsbyrequiringpaymentsinadvanceor,inthecaseofpaymentsoninstallment,requiringbankguaranteesonsuchpaymentsincertaincircumstances.However,wecannotensuretheseeffortswilleliminateourcreditexposuretootherclubs.AchangeincreditqualityatoneofthemediabroadcastersforthePremierLeagueorUEFA,oneofoursponsorsoraclubtowhomwehavesoldaplayercanincreasetheriskthatsuchcounterpartyisunableorunwillingtopayamountsowedtous.ThefailureofamajortelevisionbroadcasterforthePremierLeagueorUEFAcompetitionstopayoutstandingamountsowedtoitsrespectiveleagueorthefailureofoneofourkeysponsorsoraclubtopayoutstandingamountsowedtouscouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
Matchday revenue from our supporters is a significant portion of overall revenue.
AsignificantamountofourrevenuederivesfromticketsalesandotherMatchdayrevenueforourfirstteammatchesatOldTraffordandourshareofgatereceiptsfromdomesticcupmatches.Inparticular,therevenuegeneratedfromticketsalesandotherMatchdayrevenueatOldTraffordwillbehighlydependentonthecontinuedattendanceatmatchesofourindividualandcorporatesupportersas
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wellasthenumberofhomematchesweplayeachseason.Duringeachofthe2016/17,2015/16and2014/15seasons,weplayed31,29and21homematches,respectively,andourMatchdayrevenuewas£111.6million,£106.6millionand£90.6millionfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.Matchattendanceisinfluencedbyanumberoffactors,someofwhicharepartlyorwhollyoutsideofourcontrol.Thesefactorsincludethesuccessofourfirstteam,broadcastingcoverageandgeneraleconomicconditionsintheUnitedKingdom,whichaffectpersonaldisposableincomeandcorporatemarketingandhospitalitybudgets.AreductioninMatchdayattendancecouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourMatchdayrevenueandouroverallbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, both within Europe and internationally, and increased competition could cause our profitability todecline.
WefacecompetitionfromotherfootballclubsinEnglandandEurope.InthePremierLeague,recentinvestmentfromwealthyteamownershasledtoteamswithdeepfinancialbackingthatareabletoacquiretopplayersandcoachingstaff,whichcouldresultinimprovedperformancefromthoseteamsindomesticandEuropeancompetitions.AsthePremierLeaguecontinuestogrowinpopularity,theinterestofwealthypotentialownersmayincrease,leadingtoadditionalclubssubstantiallyimprovingtheirfinancialposition.CompetitionfromEuropeanclubsalsoremainsstrong.DespitetheadoptionoftheUEFAfinancialfairplayinitiative,asetoffinancialmonitoringrulesonclubsparticipatingintheChampionsLeagueandEuropaLeague,andthePremierLeague'sprofitabilityandsustainabilityregulations,asimilarsetofrulesmonitoringPremierLeagueclubs,EuropeanandPremierLeaguefootballclubsarespendingsubstantialsumsontransferfeesandplayersalaries.CompetitionfrominsideandoutsidethePremierLeaguehasledtohighersalariesforourplayersaswellasincreasedcompetitiononthefield.TheincreaseincompetitioncouldresultinourfirstteamfinishinglowerinthePremierLeaguethanwehaveinthepastandjeopardizingourqualificationfororresultsinEuropeancompetitions.CompetitionwithinEnglandcouldalsocauseourfirstteamtofailtoadvanceintheFACupandEFLCup.
Inaddition,fromacommercialperspective,weactivelycompeteacrossmanydifferentindustriesandwithinmanydifferentmarkets.Webelieveourprimarysourcesofcompetition,bothinEuropeandinternationally,include,butarenotlimitedto:
• otherbusinessesseekingcorporatesponsorshipsandcommercialpartnerssuchassportsteams,otherentertainmenteventsandtelevisionanddigitalmediaoutlets;
• providersofsportsapparelandequipmentseekingretail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensingopportunities;
• digitalcontentprovidersseekingconsumerattentionandleisuretime,advertiserincomeandconsumere-commerceactivity;
• othertypesoftelevisionprogrammingseekingaccesstobroadcastersandadvertiserincome;and
• alternativeformsofcorporatehospitalityandliveentertainmentforthesaleofmatchdayticketssuchasotherlivesportsevents,concerts,festivals,theaterandsimilarevents.
Alloftheaboveformsofcompetitioncouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonanyofourfiverevenuestreamsandouroverallbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
A cyber-attack on our IT systems could compromise our IT operational capability and subject us to liability.
Asahigh-profilebrandwearesusceptibletotheriskofacyber-attackonourITsystems.Inrecentyears,thecomputersystemsofanincreasingnumberofcompaniesandotherorganizationshavebeenthesubjectofattacksbycybercriminals,activistsandotherparties(internalandexternal).
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Thoughweseektoprotectourselvesbyputtingprocessesinplacethataredesignedtopreventsuchattacksandregularlymonitoralertsandupdatesfromleadingcybersecurityvendorsandtrustedauthorities,ourITsystemsmaystillbevulnerabletoexternalorinternalsecuritybreaches,actsofvandalism,computervirusesandotherformsofcyber-attack.Anysuchattackcoulddisabletheinformationtechnologysystemsweusetooperateourbusinessandgiverisetothelossofsignificantamountsofpersonaldataorothersensitiveinformation,potentiallysubjectingustocriminalorcivilsanctionsorotherliability.See"—Wecouldbenegativelyaffectedifwefailtoadequatelyprotectfollowerinformation."Anyoftheseeventscouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.Furthermore,asattemptedattackscontinuetoevolveinscopeandsophistication,wemayincursignificantcostsinmodifyingorenhancingourITsecuritysystemsandprocessesinanattempttodefendagainstsuchattacks.Therecanbenoassurance,however,thatanysecuritysystemsorprocesseswecurrentlyhaveinplaceorthatwemayimplementinthefuturewillbesuccessfulinpreventingormitigatingtheharmfromsuchattacks.
We are subject to special rules and regulations regarding insolvency and bankruptcy.
Wearesubjectto,amongotherthings,specialinsolvencyorbankruptcy-relatedrulesofthePremierLeagueandtheFootballAssociation(the"FA").ThoserulesempowerthePremierLeagueboardtodirectcertainpaymentsotherwiseduetoustotheFAanditsmembers,associatemembersandaffiliates,certainotherEnglishfootballleaguesandcertainotherentitiesifitisreasonablysatisfiedthatwehavefailedtopaycertaincreditorsincludingotherfootballclubs,thePremierLeagueandtheFootballLeague.
Ifweexperiencefinancialdifficulty,wecouldalsofacesanctionsunderthePremierLeaguerules,includingsuspensionfromthePremierLeague,Europeancompetitions,theFACupandcertainothercompetitions,thedeductionofleaguepointsfromusinthePremierLeagueorFootballLeagueandlossofcontrolofplayerregistrations.Forexample,thePremierLeaguecouldpreventusfromplaying,therebycuttingoffourincomefromticketsalesandputtingmanyofourothersourcesofrevenueatrisk.Anyoftheseeventscouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperation,financialcondition,orcashflow,aswellasourabilitytomeetourfinancialobligations.
Premier League voting rules may allow other clubs to take action contrary to our interests.
ThePremierLeagueisgovernedbyits20clubshareholderswithmostrulechangesrequiringthesupportofaminimumof14oftheclubs.Thisallowsaminorityofclubstoblockchangestheyviewasunfavorabletotheirinterests.Inaddition,itallowsaconcertedmajorityoftheclubstopassrulesthatmaybedisadvantageoustotheremainingsixclubs.AsoneofthelargerclubsinthePremierLeagueintermsofrevenueandfollowerbase,wecanexertsomeinfluenceontherulemakingprocess,however,ourinterestsmaynotalwaysalignwiththemajorityofclubsanditmaybedifficultforustoeffectchangesthatareadvantageoustous.Atthesametime,itispossiblethatotherclubsmaytakeactionthatweviewascontrarytoourinterests.IfthePremierLeagueclubspassrulesthatlimitourabilitytooperateourbusinessaswehaveplannedorotherwiseaffectthepaymentsmadetous,wemaybeunabletoachieveourgoalsandstrategiesorincreaseourrevenue.
Our digital media strategy is unproven and may not generate the revenue we anticipate.
Wemaintaincontactwith,andprovideentertainmentto,ourglobalfollowerbasethroughanumberofdigitalandothermediachannels,includingtheinternet,mobileservicesandsocialmedia.Whilewehaveattractedasignificantnumberoffollowerstoourdigitalmediaassets,includingourwebsite,thefuturerevenueandincomepotentialofourmobile&contentbusinessisuncertain.You
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shouldconsiderourbusinessandprospectsinlightofthechallenges,risksanddifficultieswemayencounterinthisnewandrapidlyevolvingmarket,including:
• ourdigitalmediastrategyrequiringustoprovideofferingssuchasvideoondemandandhighlightsthathavenotpreviouslybeenasubstantialpartofourbusiness;
• ourabilitytoretainourcurrentglobalfollowerbase,buildourfollowerbaseandincreaseengagementwithourfollowersthroughourdigitalmediaassets;
• ourabilitytoenhancethecontentofferedthroughourdigitalmediaassetsandincreaseoursubscriberbase;
• ourabilitytoeffectivelygeneraterevenuefrominteractionwithourfollowersthroughourdigitalmediaassets;
• ourabilitytoattractnewsponsorsandadvertisers,retainexistingsponsorsandadvertisersanddemonstratethatourdigitalmediaassetswilldelivervaluetothem;
• ourabilitytodevelopourdigitalmediaassetsinacosteffectivemannerandoperateourdigitalmediaservicesprofitablyandsecurely;
• ourabilitytoidentifyandcapitalizeonnewdigitalmediabusinessopportunities;and
• ourabilitytocompetewithothersportsandothermediaforusers'time.
Inaddition,asweexpandourdigitalandothermediachannels,includingtheinternet,mobileservicesandsocialmedia,revenuefromourotherbusinesssectorsmaydecrease,includingourBroadcastingrevenue.Moreover,theincreaseinsubscriberbaseinsomeofthesedigitalandothermediachannelsmaylimitthegrowthofthesubscriberbaseandpopularityofotherchannels.Failuretosuccessfullyaddresstheserisksanddifficultiescouldaffectouroverallbusiness,financialcondition,resultsofoperations,cashflow,liquidityandprospects.
Serious injuries to or losses of playing staff may affect our performance, and therefore our results of operations and financial condition.
Injuriestomembersoftheplayingstaff,particularlyifcareer-threateningorcareer-ending,couldhaveadetrimentaleffectonourbusiness.Suchinjuriescouldhaveanegativeeffectuponourfirstteam'sperformanceandmayalsoresultinalossoftheincomethatwouldotherwisehaveresultedfromatransferofthatplayer'sregistration.Inaddition,dependingonthecircumstances,wemaywritedownthecarryingvalueofaplayeronourbalancesheetandrecordanimpairmentchargeinouroperatingexpensestoreflectanylossesresultingfromcareer-threateningorcareer-endinginjuriestothatplayer.Ourstrategyistomaintainasquadoffirstteamplayerssufficienttomitigatetheriskofplayerinjuries.However,thisstrategymaynotbesufficienttomitigateallfinanciallossesintheeventofaninjury,andasaresultsuchinjurymayaffecttheperformanceofourfirstteam,andthereforeourbusiness,resultsofoperationsfinancialconditionandcashflow.
Inability to renew our insurance policies could expose us to significant losses.
Weinsureagainstthedeath(includingdeathbynaturalcauses)orpermanentdisablementofcertainmembersofourfirstteam,includingwhiletheyarerepresentingtheirnationalteam,althoughtypicallynotatsuchplayer'sfullmarketvalue.Wealsohavecatastrophecoverageintheeventofanincident(suchastravelorterroristrelatedincidents)thatresultsinthedeathorpermanentdisablementofmultiplemembersofourfirstteamplayingsquad.Wealsocarrynon-playerrelatedinsurancetypicalforourbusiness(includingliability,propertydamage,businessinterruptionandterrorisminsurance).Whenanyofourinsurancepoliciesexpire,itmaynotbepossibletorenewthemonthesameterms,oratall.Insuchcircumstances,someofourbusinessesand/orassetsmaybe
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uninsured.Ifanyoftheseuninsuredbusinessesorassetsweretosufferdamage,wecouldsufferafinancialloss.OurmostvaluabletangibleassetisOldTrafford.Aninabilitytorenewinsurancepoliciescoveringourplayers,OldTrafford,theAonTrainingComplexorothervaluableassetscouldexposeustosignificantlosses.
Inadditiontotheabove,theFédérationInternationaledeFootballAssociation("FIFA")providesinsurancecoverageforlossofwages(temporarydisablement),subjecttoacapof€7.5millionperclaim,forourplayerswhoareinjuredwhileplayingfortheirseniornationalteaminamatchplayedundertheFIFAinternationalmatchcalendar.NeitherFIFAnornationalfootballassociationsareobligedtoprovidedeathorpermanentdisablementinsurancecoverageforplayerswhileoninternationalduty.
Our international expansion and operations in foreign markets expose us to risks associated with international sales and operations.
Weintendtocontinuetoexpandinternationallyandoperateinselectforeignmarkets.Managingaglobalorganizationisdifficult,timeconsumingandexpensive.Ourinexperienceinoperatingtheclub'sbusinessesgloballyincreasestheriskthatanyfutureinternationalexpansioneffortsthatwemayundertakewillnotbesuccessful.Inaddition,conductinginternationaloperationssubjectsustoriskssuchasthelackoffamiliaritywithandunexpectedchangesinforeignregulatoryrequirements;difficultiesinmanagingandstaffinginternationaloperations;fluctuationsincurrencyexchangerates;potentiallyadversetaxconsequences,includingforeignvalueaddedtaxsystems,andrestrictionsonrepatriationofearnings;theburdensofcomplyingwithawidevarietyofforeignlawsandlegalstandards;increasedfinancialaccountingandreportingburdensandcomplexities;thelackofstrongintellectualpropertyregimesandpolitical,socialandeconomicinstabilityabroad.Operatingininternationalmarketsalsorequiressignificantmanagementattentionandfinancialresources.Theinvestmentandadditionalresourcesrequiredtoestablishoperationsandmanagegrowthinothercountriesmaynotproducedesiredlevelsofrevenueorprofitability.
Fluctuations in exchange rates may adversely affect our results of operations.
Ourfunctionalandreportingcurrencyispoundssterlingandsubstantiallyallofourcostsaredenominatedinpoundssterling.However,BroadcastingrevenuefromourparticipationinUEFAcompetitions,aswellascertainotherrevenue,isgeneratedinEuros.WealsooccasionallyenterintotransferagreementsorcommercialpartneragreementswhicharepayableinEuros.Inaddition,wehaveUSdollarcurrencyexposurerelatingtooursecuredtermloanfacilityandseniorsecurednotesaswellasCommercialrevenuefromcertainsponsors.WehedgetheforeignexchangeriskonaportionofourfutureUSdollarrevenuesusingaportionofourUSdollardenominatedsecuredtermloanfacilityandseniorsecurednotesasthehedginginstrument.WhilewerecordedaforeignexchangegaininourincomestatementonourunhedgedUSdollardenominatedsecuredtermloanfacilityandseniorsecurednotesof£1.8millionfortheyearended30June2017,weincurredlossesof£4.1millionand£0.3millionfortheyearsended30June2016and2015,respectively.Fortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015approximately7.0%,7.0%and1.2%ofourtotalrevenuewasgeneratedinEuros,respectively,andapproximately21.3%,24.0%and30.3%ofourtotalrevenuewasgeneratedinUSdollars,respectively.Wemayalsoenterintoforeignexchangecontractstohedgeaportionofthistransactionalexposure.Weoffsetthevalueofournon-sterlingrevenueandthevalueofthecorrespondinghedgebeforeincludingsuchamountsinouroverallrevenue.Ourresultsofoperationshaveinthepastandwillinthefuturefluctuateduetomovementsinexchangerates.
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Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property and curb the sale of counterfeit merchandise could injure our brand.
Likeotherpopularbrands,wearesusceptibletoinstancesofbrandinfringement(suchascounterfeitingandotherunauthorizedusesofourintellectualpropertyrights).Weseektoprotectourbrandassetsbyensuringthatweownandcontrolcertainintellectualpropertyrightsinandtothoseassetsand,whereappropriate,byenforcingthoseintellectualpropertyrights.Forexample,weownthecopyrightinourlogo,andourlogoandtradenameareregisteredastrademarks(orarethesubjectofapplicationsforregistration)inanumberofjurisdictionsinEurope,AsiaPacific,Africa,NorthAmericaandSouthAmerica.However,itisnotpossibletodetectallinstancesofbrandinfringement.Additionally,whereinstancesofbrandinfringementaredetected,wecannotguaranteethatsuchinstanceswillbepreventedastheremaybelegalorfactualcircumstanceswhichgiverisetouncertaintyastothevalidity,scopeandenforceabilityofourintellectualpropertyrightsinthebrandassets.Furthermore,thelawsofcertaincountriesinwhichwelicenseourbrandandconductoperations,particularlythoseinAsia(suchasChina)maynotofferthesamelevelofprotectiontointellectualpropertyrightsholdersasthoseintheUnitedKingdom,therestofEuropeandtheUnitedStates,orthetimerequiredtoenforceourintellectualpropertyrightsundertheselegalregimesmaybelengthyanddelayrecovery.Forexample,theunauthorizeduseofintellectualpropertyiscommonandwidespreadinChinaandenforcementofintellectualpropertyrightsbyChineseregulatoryagenciesisinconsistent.Ifweweretofailorbeunabletosecure,protect,maintainand/orenforcetheintellectualpropertyrightswhichvestinourbrandassets,thenwecouldloseourexclusiverighttoexploitsuchbrandassets.Infringementofourtrademark,copyrightandotherintellectualpropertyrightscouldhaveanadverseeffectonourbusiness.Wealsolicenseourintellectualpropertyrightstothirdparties.Inanefforttoprotectourbrand,weenterintolicensingagreementswiththesethirdpartieswhichgoverntheuseofourintellectualpropertyandwhichrequireourlicenseestoabidebyqualitycontrolstandardswithrespecttosuchuse.Althoughwemakeeffortstopoliceourlicensees'useofourintellectualproperty,wecannotassureyouthattheseeffortswillbesufficienttoensuretheircompliance.Thefailureofourlicenseestocomplywiththetermsoftheirlicensescouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
We could be negatively affected if we fail to adequately protect follower account information.
Wecollectandprocesspersonaldata(includingname,address,age,bankdetailsandotherpersonaldata)fromourfollowers,customers,members,suppliers,businesscontactsandemployeesaspartoftheoperationofourbusiness(includingonlinemerchandising),andthereforewemustcomplywithdataprotectionandprivacylawsintheUnitedKingdomand,incertainsituations,otherjurisdictionswhereourfollowersreside.Thoselawsimposecertainrequirementsonusinrespectofthecollection,useandprocessingofpersonalinformationrelatingtoourfollowers.Inaddition,weareexposedtotheriskthatthepersonaldatawecontrolcouldbewrongfullyaccessedand/orused,whetherbyemployees,followersorotherthirdparties,orotherwiselostordisclosedorprocessedinbreachofdataprotectionregulations.Ifweoranyofthethirdpartyserviceprovidersonwhichwerelyfailtoprocesssuchpersonaldatainalawfulorsecuremannerorifanytheftorlossofpersonalfollowerdataweretooccur,wecouldfaceliabilityunderdataprotectionlaws,includingrequirementstodestroycustomerinformationornotifythepeopletowhomsuchinformationrelatesofanynon-complianceaswellascivilorcriminalsanctions.Thiscouldalsoresultinthelossofthegoodwillofourfollowersanddeternewfollowers.Eachofthesefactorscouldharmourbusinessreputation,ourbrandandhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialcondition,cashflowandprospects.
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Piracy and illegal live streaming may adversely impact our broadcasting and mobile & content revenue.
Foreachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,Broadcastingrevenueconstituted33.4%,27.3%and27.3%,respectively,ofourtotalrevenue.OurBroadcastingrevenueisprincipallygeneratedbythebroadcastingofourmatchesonpayandfree-to-airtelevisionchannelsaswellascontentdeliveredovertheinternetandthroughourowntelevisionchannel,MUTV.Inrecentyears,piracyandillegallivestreamingofsubscriptioncontentovertheinternethascaused,andiscontinuingtocause,lostrevenuetomediadistributorsshowingourmatches.Forexample,thePremierLeaguepreviouslyinitiatedlitigationagainstGoogleandYouTubeforfacilitatingpiracyandillegalstreamingofsubscriptioncontent.Whilethislitigationmatterhasbeensettledtherecanbenoguaranteethatthisorsimilaractionswillpreventorlimitfuturepiracyorillegalstreamingofsubscriptioncontent.Ifthesetrendsincreaseorcontinueunabated,theycouldposearisktosubscriptiontelevisionservices.TheresultcouldbeareductioninthevalueofourshareoffootballbroadcastingrightsandofouronlineandMUTVservices,whichcouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
Our operating results may fluctuate due to seasonality.
Ouroperatingresultsaresubjecttoseasonalvariation,limitingtheoverallcomparabilityandpredictabilityofinterimfinancialperiods.TheseasonalityofouroperatingresultsisprimarilyattributabletothenumberofgamesplayedineachfinancialperiodandthereforeMatchdayandBroadcastingrevenuerecognized.Similarly,certainofourcostsderivefromhostinggamesatOldTrafford,andthesecostswillalsovarybasedonthenumberofgamesplayedintheperiod.Wehavehistoricallygeneratedhigherrevenueinthesecondandthirdquartersofourfiscalyear.OurbusinessmightbeaffectedbyourfirstteamreachingthelaterstagesofEuropeananddomesticcompetitions,whichwouldgeneratesignificantadditionalBroadcastingandMatchdayrevenueduringthefourthquarterofourfiscalyears.Ourcashflowmayalsovaryamonginterimperiodsduetothetimingofsignificantpaymentsfrommajorcommercialagreements.Asaresult,ourinterimresultsandanyquarterlyfinancialinformationthatwepublishshouldnotbeviewedasanindicatorofourperformanceforthefiscalyear.
We are subject to tax in multiple jurisdictions, and changes in tax laws (or in the interpretations thereof) in the United States or in other jurisdictions couldhave an adverse effect on us.
AlthoughweareorganizedasaCaymanIslandsexemptedcompany,wereportasaUSdomesticcorporationforUSfederalincometaxpurposesandwearesubjecttoUSfederalincometax(currentlyatastatutoryrateof35%)onourworldwideincome.
Inaddition,wearesubjecttoincomeandothertaxesinvariousotherjurisdictions.Theamountoftaxwepayissubjecttoourinterpretationandapplicationoftaxlawsinjurisdictionsinwhichweoperate.Changesincurrentorfuturelawsorregulations,ortheimpositionofneworchangedtaxlawsorregulationsornewrelatedinterpretationsbytaxingauthoritiesintheUSorforeignjurisdictions,couldadverselyaffectourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
Inparticular,theNovember2016presidentialandcongressionalelectionsintheUnitedStateshaveresultedinmultipleproposalstoamendUSfederaltaxlawandcouldresultinsignificantchangesto,anduncertaintywithrespectto,taxlegislation,regulationandgovernmentpolicy.Whileitisnotpossibletopredictwhetherandwhenanysuchchangeswilloccur,orwhatsuchchangeswillbe,changesattheUSfederal,stateand/orlocallevelcouldsignificantlyimpactus.Specificlegislativeandregulatoryproposalsdiscussedduringandaftertheelectionthatcouldhaveamaterialimpactonusinclude,butarenotlimitedto,reductionofmarginalcorporatetaxrates,apossibleeliminationofinterestdeductions,transitiontoaterritorial(ratherthanworldwide)systemofUStaxation,deemedrepatriationofnon-USaccumulatedearningsandimpositionofadditionaltaxesonimports.Anysuch
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changescouldhaveamaterialeffectonusandourresultsofoperations,includingbyaffectingthevalueofourdeferredtaxassetsanddeferredtaxliabilities.
Business interruptions due to natural disasters, terrorist incidents and other events could adversely affect us and Old Trafford.
Ouroperationscanbesubjecttonaturaldisasters,terroristincidentsandothereventsbeyondourcontrol,suchasearthquakes,fires,powerfailures,telecommunicationlossesandactsofwar.Suchevents,whethernaturalormanmade,couldcauseseveredestructionorinterruptiontoouroperations,andasaresult,ourbusinesscouldsufferseriousharm.Ourfirstteamregularlytourstheworldforpromotionalmatches,visitingvariouscountrieswithahistoryofterrorismandcivilunrest,andasaresult,weandourplayerscouldbepotentialtargetsofterrorismwhenvisitingsuchcountries.Inaddition,anyprolongedbusinessinterruptionatOldTraffordcouldcauseadeclineinMatchdayrevenue.Ourbusinessinterruptioninsuranceonlycoverssome,butnotall,ofthesepotentialevents,andevenforthoseeventsthatarecovered,itmaynotbesufficienttocompensateusfullyforlossesordamagesthatmayoccurasaresultofsuchevents,including,forexample,lossofmarketshareanddiminutionofourbrand,reputationandclientloyalty.Anyoneormoreoftheseeventscouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperation,financialconditionorcashflow.
If we fail to properly manage our anticipated growth, our business could suffer.
Theplannedgrowthofourcommercialoperationsmayplaceasignificantstrainonourmanagementandonouroperationalandfinancialresourcesandsystems.Tomanagegrowtheffectively,wewillneedtomaintainasystemofmanagementcontrolsandattractandretainqualifiedpersonnel,aswellas,develop,trainandmanagemanagement-levelandotheremployees.Failuretomanageourgrowtheffectivelycouldcauseustoover-investorunder-investininfrastructure,andresultinlossesorweaknessesinourinfrastructure,whichcouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.Anyfailurebyustomanageourgrowtheffectivelycouldhaveanegativeeffectonourabilitytoachieveourdevelopmentandcommercializationgoalsandstrategies.
RisksRelatedtoOurIndustry
An economic downturn and adverse economic conditions may harm our business.
AneconomicdownturnandadverseconditionsintheUnitedKingdomandglobalmarketsmaynegativelyaffectouroperationsinthefuture.OurMatchdayandBroadcastingrevenueinpartdependonpersonaldisposableincomeandcorporatemarketingandhospitalitybudgets.Further,ourCommercialandsponsorshiprevenuearecontingentupontheexpendituresofbusinessesacrossawiderangeofindustries,andiftheseindustriesweretocutcostsinresponsetoaneconomicdownturn,ourrevenuemaysimilarlydecline.WeakeconomicconditionscouldalsocauseareductioninourCommercialandsponsorship,aswellasourBroadcastingandMatchdayrevenue,eachofwhichcouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
The departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union may adversely affect our operations and financial results.
InJune2016,amajorityofvotersintheUKelectedtowithdrawfromtheEuropeanUnion(the"EU")inanationalreferendumand,inMarch2017,theUKgovernmentformallyinitiatedtheprocessofwithdrawingfromtheEU,commonlyreferredtoas"Brexit".Thetermsofanywithdrawalaresubjecttoanegotiationperiodthatcouldlastatleasttwoyears.ThereissignificantuncertaintyaboutthefuturerelationshipbetweentheUKandtheEU,andtherehavebeencallsforcertainregions
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withintheUKtopreservetheirplaceintheEUbyseparatingfromtheUK,aswellasforthegovernmentsofotherEUmemberstatestoconsiderwithdrawal.
Thesedevelopmentshavehadandmaycontinuetohaveamaterialadverseeffectonglobaleconomicconditionsandthestabilityofglobalfinancialmarkets,andcouldsignificantlyreduceglobalmarketliquidityandrestricttheabilityofkeymarketparticipantstooperateincertainfinancialmarkets.Assetvaluations,currencyexchangeratesandcreditratingsmaybeespeciallysubjecttoincreasedmarketvolatility.LackofclarityaboutfutureUKlawsandregulationsastheUKdetermineswhichEUlawstoreplaceorreplicateintheeventofwithdrawalcoulddecreaseforeigndirectinvestmentintheUK,increasecosts,depresseconomicactivityandrestrictouraccesstocapital.IftheUKandtheEUareunabletonegotiateacceptablewithdrawaltermsorifotherEUmemberstatespursuewithdrawal,barrier-freeaccessbetweentheUKandotherEUmemberstatesoramongtheEuropeaneconomicareaoverallcouldbediminishedoreliminated.Anyofthesefactorscouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,financialcondition,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
Furthermore,althoughitisunknownwhatthetermsoftheUK'sfuturerelationshipwiththeEU,ifany,willbe,orwhichEUlawstheUKwillreplaceorreplicateintheeventofwithdrawal,itispossiblethattherewillbegreaterrestrictionsonimportsandexportsbetweentheUKandEUmemberstates,greaterrestrictionsonthemovementofplayersbetweentheUKandEUmemberstates,andotherincreasedregulatorycomplexities.Thesechangesmayhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflowandourabilitytocontinuetocompetewiththetopfootballclubsinEurope.
An increase in the relative size of salaries or transfer costs could adversely affect our business.
Oursuccessdependsonourabilitytoattractandretainthehighestqualityplayersandcoachingstaff.Asaresult,weareobligedtopaysalariesgenerallycomparabletoourmaincompetitorsinEnglandandEurope.Anyincreaseinsalariesmayadverselyaffectourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
Otherfactorsthataffectplayersalaries,suchaschangesinpersonaltaxrates,changestothetreatmentofincomeorotherchangestotaxationintheUnitedKingdomandtherelativestrengthofpoundssterling,maymakeitmoredifficulttoattracttopplayersandcoachingstafffromEuropeorelsewhereorrequireustopayhighersalariestocompensateforhighertaxesorlessfavorableexchangerates.Inaddition,ifourrevenuefallsandsalariesremainstable(forexampleasaresultoffixedplayerorcoachingstaffsalariesoveralongperiod)orincrease,ourresultsofoperationswouldbemateriallyadverselyaffected.
Anincreaseintransferfeeswouldrequireustopaymorethanexpectedfortheacquisitionofplayers'registrationsinthefuture.Inaddition,certainplayers'transfervaluesmaydiminishafterweacquirethem,andwemaysellthoseplayersfortransferfeesbelowtheirnetbookvalue,resultinginalossondisposalofplayers'registrations.NettransfercostscouldalsoincreaseifleviesimposedbyFIFA,thePremierLeagueoranyotherorganizationinrespectofthetransferofplayers'registrationsweretoincrease.
Weremaincommittedtoattractingandretainingthehighestqualityplayersforourfirstteam.Ouraverageannualnetplayercapitalexpenditureoverthelast10yearshasbeen£52.1million(excludingthesaleofaplayerintheyearended30June2009thatgeneratedsignificantcashinflow,theaverageannualnetplayercapitalexpenditureoverthesameperiodwouldhavebeen£60.1million),andwecontinuetoexpectittovarysignificantlyfromperiodtoperiod.Wemayexplorenewplayeracquisitionsinconnectionwithfuturetransferperiodsthatmaymateriallyincreasetheamountofournetcapitalexpenditureonintangibleassets.Aspartofanymaterialincreaseinnetcapitalexpenditureonintangibleassets,wemayalsoexperienceamaterialincreaseinourexpenditureforplayersalaries.
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Theactualamountofcashweuseonplayeracquisitionswillalsodepend,inpart,ontheamountofanycashwereceiveasaresultofthesaleofanyplayers.Anyincreaseinnetcapitalexpenditureonintangibleassetscomparedtohistoriclevelswillalsoresultinanincreaseinamortizationexpensesinfutureperiods.
UEFA and Premier League regulations could negatively affect our business.
AstheprimarygoverningbodyofEuropeanfootball,UEFAcontinuallyevaluatesthedynamicsinthefootballindustryandconsiderschangestotheregulatoryframeworkgoverningEuropeanfootballclubs.Asanexample,clubsparticipatingintheChampionsLeagueandEuropaLeaguecompetitionsaresubjecttotheUEFAClubLicensingandFinancialFairPlayregulations("FFPregulations").Breachesintherulesmayresultin,amongotherthings,withholdingofprizemoney,bansonregisteringnewplayersforUEFAcompetitionsandultimatelydisqualificationfromUEFAcompetitions.Amongstotherthings,theserulesareintendedtodiscourageclubsfromcontinuallyoperatingatalossandtoensurethatclubssettletheirfootball,staffandtaxcreditorsontime.BreachesofFFPregulations,forexample,whererelevantcosts(whichincludesallwagecostsandtheamortizationofplayercapitalexpenditures,butexcludesdepreciationoftangiblefixedassets,youthdevelopmentandcommunityexpenditure)exceedrevenuesonacumulativebasisoverathree-yearperiod,orseriousdelaysinsettlingcreditors,haveresultedinclubsbeingpunishedbywayofsignificantfinesandevenexclusionfromUEFAcompetitions.
ThePremierLeaguehasalsointroducedregulationsthataimtopromotesustainabilitythroughprofitability.TheProfitabilityandSustainabilityregulationscontainabreak-eventest,similartothatinUEFA'sFFPregulations.Ourmostrecentsubmissionwasbasedonthefiscalyearsended30June2015and2016andprovidedapositiveresult.Inaddition,theregulationsintroducedbythePremierLeagueinseason2013/14whichlimitedtheannualincreaseinaggregateplayerremunerationunlesssuchincreasesarefundedbyadditionalrevenuefromsourcesotherthanPremierLeaguebroadcastingrevenuehavebeenextendeduntilatleastthe2018/19season.Wide-rangingsanctions,includingsignificantfines,playertransferrestrictionsandPremierLeaguepointsdeduction,maybeimposedbythePremierLeagueforbreachesofeitheroftheseregulations.
ThereisariskthatapplicationoftheFFPregulationsandPremierLeagueprofitabilityandsustainabilityregulationscouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectontheperformanceofourfirstteamandourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
We could be negatively affected by current and other future Premier League, FA, UEFA or FIFA regulations.
FuturechangestothePremierLeague,FA,UEFA,FIFAorotherregulationsmayadverselyaffectourresultsofoperations.Theseregulationscouldcovervariousaspectsofourbusiness,suchastheformatofcompetitions,theeligibilityofplayers,theoperationofthetransfermarketandthedistributionofbroadcastingrevenue.Inaddition,changesarebeingconsideredtoaddressthefinancialsustainabilityofclubssuchasmorerobustownershiprulesandtestsinrelationtoboarddirectorsandsignificantshareholders.Inparticular,changestofootballregulationsdesignedtopromotecompetitioncouldhaveasignificantimpactonourbusiness.Suchchangescouldincludechangestothedistributionofbroadcastingincome,changestotherelegationstructureofEnglishfootballandrestrictionsonplayerspending.Inaddition,rulesdesignedtopromotethedevelopmentoflocalplayers,suchastheHomeGrownPlayerRule,whichrequireseachPremierLeagueclubtoincludeatleasteight"homegrown"(i.e.playersthathavebeenregisteredforatleastthreeseasonsatanEnglishorWelshclubbetweentheagesof16and21)playersintheirsquads,couldlimitourabilitytoselectplayers.Anyofthesechangescouldmakeitmoredifficultforustoacquiretopqualityplayersand,therefore,adverselyaffecttheperformanceofourfirstteam.
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Changesintheformatoftheleagueandcupcompetitionsinwhichourfirstteamplays,ormightinthefutureplay,couldhaveanegativeimpactonourresultsofoperations.Inaddition,intheeventthatnewcompetitionsareintroducedtoreplaceexistingcompetitions(forexample,aEuropeanleague),ourresultsofoperationsmaybenegativelyaffected.
There could be a decline in our popularity or the popularity of football.
TherecanbenoassurancethatfootballwillretainitspopularityasasportaroundtheworldanditsstatusintheUnitedKingdomastheso-called"nationalgame,"togetherwiththeassociatedlevelsofmediacoverage.Inaddition,wecouldsufferadeclineinpopularity.Anydeclineinpopularitycouldresultinlowerticketsales,broadcastingrevenue,sponsorshiprevenue,areductioninthevalueofourplayersorourbrand,oradeclineinthevalueofoursecurities,includingourClassAordinaryshares.Anyoneoftheseeventsoracombinationofsucheventscouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,resultsofoperations,financialconditionandcashflow.
RiskRelatedtoOurIndebtedness
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and competitive position.
Asof30June2017,wehadtotalindebtednessof£503.3million.Ourindebtednessincreasestheriskthatwemaybeunabletogeneratecashsufficienttopayamountsdueinrespectofourindebtedness.Itcouldalsohaveeffectsonourbusiness.Forexample,itcould:
• limitourabilitytopaydividends;
• increaseourvulnerabilitytogeneraladverseeconomicandindustryconditions;
• requireustodedicateamaterialportionofourcashflowfromoperationstomakepaymentsonourindebtedness,therebyreducingtheavailabilityofourcashflowtofundthehiringandretentionofplayersandcoachingstaff,workingcapital,capitalexpendituresandothergeneralcorporatepurposes;
• limitourflexibilityinplanningfor,orreactingto,changesinourbusinessandthefootballindustry;
• affectourabilitytocompeteforplayersandcoachingstaff;and
• limitourabilitytoborrowadditionalfunds.
Inaddition,ourrevolvingfacility,oursecuredtermloanfacilityandthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednotescontain,andanyagreementsevidencingorgoverningotherfutureindebtednessmaycontain,certainrestrictivecovenantsthatwilllimitourabilitytoengageincertainactivitiesthatareinourlong-termbestinterests(see"—Ourindebtednessmayrestrictourabilitytopursueourbusinessstrategies"below).Wehavenotpreviouslybreachedandarenotinbreachofanyofthecovenantsunderanyofthesefacilities;howeverourfailuretocomplywiththosecovenantscouldresultinaneventofdefaultwhich,ifnotcuredorwaived,couldresultintheaccelerationofallofourindebtedness.
To service our indebtedness, we require cash, and our ability to generate cash is subject to many factors beyond our control.
Ourabilitytomakepaymentsonandtorefinanceourindebtednessandtofundplannedcapitalexpenditureswilldependonourabilitytogeneratecashinthefuture.This,toacertainextent,issubjecttotheperformanceandpopularityofourfirstteamaswellasgeneraleconomic,financial,competitive,regulatoryandotherfactorsthatarebeyondourcontrol.
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Wecannotassureyouthatourbusinesswillgeneratesufficientcashflowfromoperationsorthatfutureborrowingswillbeavailabletousinanamountsufficienttoenableustopayourindebtednessortofundourotherliquidityneeds.Wemayneedtorefinancealloraportionofourindebtednessonorbeforematurity.Wecannotassureyouthatwewillbeabletorefinanceanyofourindebtednessoncommerciallyreasonabletermsoratall.Failuretorefinanceourindebtednessontermswebelievetobeacceptablecouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,financialcondition,resultsofoperationsandcashflow.
Our indebtedness may restrict our ability to pursue our business strategies.
Ourrevolvingfacility,oursecuredtermloanfacilityandthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednoteslimitourability,amongotherthings,to:
• incuradditionalindebtedness;
• paydividendsormakeotherdistributionsorrepurchaseorredeemourshares;
• makeinvestments;
• sellassets,includingcapitalstockofrestrictedsubsidiaries;
• enterintoagreementsrestrictingoursubsidiaries'abilitytopaydividends;
• consolidate,merge,sellorotherwisedisposeofallorsubstantiallyallofourassets;
• enterintosaleandleasebacktransactions;
• enterintotransactionswithouraffiliates;and
• incurliens.
Ourabilitytocomplywiththesecovenantsandrestrictionsmaybeaffectedbyeventsbeyondourcontrol.Ifwebreachanyofthesecovenantsorrestrictions,wecouldbeindefaultunderourrevolvingfacility,oursecuredtermloanfacilityandthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednotes.Thiswouldpermitthelendingbanksunderourrevolvingfacilityandoursecuredtermloanfacilitytotakecertainactions,includingdeclaringallamountsthatwehaveborrowedunderourrevolvingfacility,oursecuredtermloanfacilityandotherindebtednesstobedueandpayable,togetherwithaccruedandunpaidinterest.Thiswouldalsoresultinaneventofdefaultunderthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednotes.Furthermore,lendingbankscouldrefusetoextendfurthercreditundertherevolvingfacility.Ifthedebtunderourrevolvingfacility,oursecuredtermloanfacility,thenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednotesoranyothermaterialfinancingarrangementthatweenterintoweretobeaccelerated,ourassets,inparticularliquidassets,maybeinsufficienttorepayourindebtedness.Theoccurrenceofanyoftheseeventscouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,financialconditionandresultsofoperations.
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.
Wearesubjecttointerestrateriskinconnectionwithborrowingsunderourrevolvingfacilityandoursecuredtermloanfacility,whichbearinterestatvariablerates.Interestratechangescouldimpacttheamountofourinterestpayments,andaccordingly,ourfutureearningsandcashflow,assumingotherfactorsareheldconstant.Wehaveenteredintoaninterestrateswaprelatedtooursecuredtermloanfacilitythatinvolvestheexchangeoffloatingforfixedrateinterestpaymentsinordertoreduceinterestratevolatility.Asof30June2017,wehad£170,767,000ofvariablerateindebtednessoutstandingunderoursecuredtermloanfacility.Wecannotassureyouthatanyhedgingactivitiesenteredintobyuswillbeeffectiveinfullymitigatingourinterestrateriskfromourvariablerateindebtedness.
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RisksRelatedtoOwnershipofOurClassAOrdinaryShares
Because of their increased voting rights, the holders of our Class B shares will be able to exert control over us and our significant corporate decisions.
TrustsandotherentitiescontrolledbysixlinealdescendantsofMr.MalcolmGlazercollectivelyown7.51%ofourissuedandoutstandingClassAordinarysharesandallofourissuedandoutstandingClassBordinaryshares,representing97.10%ofthevotingpowerofouroutstandingcapitalstock.See"Item7.MajorShareholdersandRelatedPartyTransactions—A.MajorShareholders."EachClassAordinaryshareisentitledtoonevotepershareandisnotconvertibleintoanyotherclassofshares.EachClassBordinaryshareisentitledto10votespershareandisconvertibleintooneClassAordinaryshareatanytime.Inaddition,ourClassBordinaryshareswillautomaticallyconvertintosharesofourClassAordinarysharesuponcertaintransfersandotherevents,includinguponthedatewhenholdersofallClassBordinarysharesceasetoholdClassBordinarysharesrepresentingatleast10%ofthetotalnumberofClassAandClassBordinarysharesoutstanding.Forspecialresolutions,whichrequirethevoteoftwo-thirdsofthevotescast,atanytimethatClassBordinarysharesremainoutstanding,thevotingpowerpermittedtobeexercisedbytheholdersoftheClassBordinaryshareswillbeweightedsuchthattheClassBordinarysharesshallrepresent,intheaggregate,67%ofthevotingpowerofallshareholders.Asaresult,theholdersofourClassBshareswillbeabletoexertasignificantdegreeofinfluenceoractualcontroloverourmanagementandaffairsandcontrolallmatterssubmittedtoourshareholdersforapproval,includingtheelectionandremovalofdirectorsandanymerger,consolidation,orsaleofallorsubstantiallyallofourassets.TheinterestsoftheholdersofourClassBsharesmightnotcoincidewiththeinterestsoftheothershareholders.ThisconcentrationofvotingpowerinourClassBsharesmayharmthevalueofourClassAordinaryshares,amongotherthings:
• delaying,deferringorpreventingachangeincontrolofourCompany;
• impedingamerger,consolidation,takeoverorotherbusinesscombinationinvolvingourCompany;or
• causingustoenterintotransactionsoragreementsthatarenotinthebestinterestsofallshareholders.
As a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange's corporate governance rules, we are permitted to, and we do, rely onexemptions from certain of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards, including the requirement that a majority of our board of directorsconsist of independent directors. Our reliance on such exemptions may afford less protection to holders of our Class A ordinary shares.
TheNewYorkStockExchange'scorporategovernancerulesrequirelistedcompaniestohave,amongotherthings,amajorityofindependentboardmembersandindependentdirectoroversightofexecutivecompensation,nominationofdirectorsandcorporategovernancematters.Asaforeignprivateissuer,wearepermittedto,andwedo,followhomecountrypracticeinlieuoftheaboverequirements.AslongaswerelyontheforeignprivateissuerexemptiontocertainoftheNewYorkStockExchangecorporategovernancestandards,amajorityofthedirectorsonourboardofdirectorsarenotrequiredtobeindependentdirectors,ourremunerationcommitteeisnotrequiredtobecomprisedentirelyofindependentdirectorsandwearenotrequiredtohaveanominatingandcorporategovernancecommittee.Therefore,ourboardofdirectors'approachtogovernancemaybedifferentfromthatofaboardofdirectorsconsistingofamajorityofindependentdirectors,and,asaresult,themanagementoversightofourCompanymaybemorelimitedthanifweweresubjecttoalloftheNewYorkStockExchangecorporategovernancestandards.
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Accordingly,ourshareholdersdonothavethesameprotectionaffordedtoshareholdersofcompaniesthataresubjecttoalloftheNewYorkStockExchangecorporategovernancestandards,andtheabilityofourindependentdirectorstoinfluenceourbusinesspoliciesandaffairsmaybereduced.
We are an "emerging growth company" and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies make ourClass A ordinary shares less attractive to investors.
Wearean"emerginggrowthcompany,"asdefinedintheJOBSAct,and,assuch,wetakeadvantageofcertainexemptionsfromvariousreportingrequirementsthatareapplicabletootherpubliccompaniesthatarenot"emerginggrowthcompanies"including,butnotlimitedto,notbeingrequiredtocomplywiththeauditorattestationrequirementsofSection404(b)oftheSarbanes-OxleyAct.WecannotpredictifinvestorswillfindourClassAordinaryshareslessattractivebecausewerelyontheseexemptions.IfsomeinvestorsfindourClassAordinaryshareslessattractiveasaresult,theremaybealessactivetradingmarketforourClassAordinarysharesandoursharepricemaybemorevolatile.
Inaddition,Section107oftheJOBSActalsoprovidesthatan"emerginggrowthcompany"cantakeadvantageoftheextendedtransitionperiodprovidedinSection7(a)(2)(B)oftheSecuritiesActof1933,asamended(the"SecuritiesAct"),forcomplyingwithneworrevisedaccountingstandards.Inotherwords,an"emerginggrowthcompany"candelaytheadoptionofcertainaccountingstandardsuntilthosestandardswouldotherwiseapplytoprivatecompanies.However,wepreviouslychoseto"optout"ofsuchextendedtransitionperiod,andasaresult,wewillcomplywithneworrevisedaccountingstandardsontherelevantdatesonwhichadoptionofsuchstandardsisrequiredfornon-emerginggrowthcompanies.Section107oftheJOBSActprovidesthatourdecisiontooptoutoftheextendedtransitionperiodforcomplyingwithneworrevisedaccountingstandardsisirrevocable.
Wewillceasetobeanemerginggrowthcompanyasof30June2018orsuchearliertimeifwehavemorethan$1.07billioninannualrevenue,havemorethan$700millioninmarketvalueofourordinarysharesheldbynon-affiliates,orissuemorethan$1.0billionofnon-convertibledebtoverathree-yearperiod.
The obligations associated with being a public company require significant resources and management attention.
AsapubliccompanyintheUnitedStates,weincurlegal,accountingandotherexpensesthatwedidnotpreviouslyincurasaprivatecompany.WearesubjecttothereportingrequirementsoftheSecuritiesExchangeActof1934,asamended(the"ExchangeAct"),andtheSarbanes-OxleyAct,thelistingrequirementsoftheNewYorkStockExchangeandotherapplicablesecuritiesrulesandregulations.Compliancewiththeserulesandregulationsincreasesourlegalandfinancialcompliancecosts,makesomeactivitiesmoredifficult,time-consumingorcostlyandincreasesdemandonoursystemsandresources,particularlyafterwearenolongeran"emerginggrowthcompany."TheExchangeActrequiresthatwefileannualandcurrentreportswithrespecttoourbusiness,financialconditionandresultsofoperations.TheSarbanes-OxleyActrequires,amongotherthings,thatweestablishandmaintaineffectiveinternalcontrolsandproceduresforfinancialreporting.Furthermore,thedemandsofbeingapubliccompanymaydivertmanagement'sattentionfromimplementingourgrowthstrategy,whichcouldpreventusfromimprovingourbusiness,financialconditionandresultsofoperations.Wehavemade,andwillcontinuetomake,changestoourinternalcontrolsandproceduresforfinancialreportingandaccountingsystemstomeetourreportingobligationsasapubliccompany.However,themeasureswehavetaken,andwillcontinuetotake,maynotbesufficienttosatisfyourobligationsasapubliccompany.Inaddition,theserulesandregulationsincreaseourlegalandfinancialcompliancecostsandmakesomeactivitiesmoretime-consumingandcostly.Forexample,theserulesandregulationsmakeitmoredifficultandmoreexpensiveforustoobtaindirectorandofficerliabilityinsurance,andwemayberequiredtoincursubstantialcoststomaintainthesameor
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similarcoverage.Theseadditionalobligationscouldhaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,financialcondition,resultsofoperationsandcashflow.
Inaddition,changinglaws,regulationsandstandardsrelatingtocorporategovernanceandpublicdisclosurearecreatinguncertaintyforpubliccompanies,increasinglegalandfinancialcompliancecostsandmakingsomeactivitiesmoretimeconsuming.Theselaws,regulationsandstandardsaresubjecttovaryinginterpretations,inmanycasesduetotheirlackofspecificity,and,asaresult,theirapplicationinpracticemayevolveovertimeasnewguidanceisprovidedbyregulatoryandgoverningbodies.Thiscouldresultincontinuinguncertaintyregardingcompliancemattersandhighercostsnecessitatedbyongoingrevisionstodisclosureandgovernancepractices.Weintendtoinvestresourcestocomplywithevolvinglaws,regulationsandstandards,andthisinvestmentmayresultinincreasedgeneralandadministrativeexpensesandadiversionofmanagement'stimeandattentionfromrevenue-generatingactivitiestocomplianceactivities.Ifoureffortstocomplywithnewlaws,regulationsandstandardsdifferfromtheactivitiesintendedbyregulatoryorgoverningbodiesduetoambiguitiesrelatedtotheirapplicationandpractice,regulatoryauthoritiesmayinitiatelegalproceedingsagainstusandourbusiness,financialcondition,resultsofoperationsandcashflowcouldbeadverselyaffected.
Foraslongaswearean"emerginggrowthcompany"undertheJOBSAct,ourindependentregisteredpublicaccountingfirmwillnotberequiredtoattesttotheeffectivenessofourinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingpursuanttoSection404oftheSarbanes-OxleyAct.Wewillceasetobeanemerginggrowthcompanyasof30June2018orsuchearliertimeifwehavemorethan$1.07billioninannualrevenue,havemorethan$700millioninmarketvalueofourordinarysharesheldbynon-affiliates,orissuemorethan$1.0billionofnon-convertibledebtoverathree-yearperiod.
Furthermore,oncewearenolongeranemerginggrowthcompany,ourindependentregisteredpublicaccountingfirmwillberequiredtoattesttotheeffectivenessofourinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting.Evenifourmanagementconcludesthatourinternalcontrolsoverfinancialreportingareeffective,ourindependentregisteredpublicaccountingfirmmaydeclinetoattesttoourmanagement'sassessmentormayissueareportthatisqualifiedifitisnotsatisfiedwithourcontrolsorthelevelatwhichourcontrolsaredocumented,designed,operatedorreviewed,orifitinterpretstherelevantrequirementsdifferentlyfromus.Inaddition,inconnectionwiththeimplementationofthenecessaryproceduresandpracticesrelatedtointernalcontroloverfinancialreporting,wemayidentifydeficienciesthatwemaynotbeabletoremediateintimetomeetthedeadlineimposedbytheSarbanes-OxleyActforcompliancewiththerequirementsofSection404.FailuretocomplywithSection404couldsubjectustoregulatoryscrutinyandsanctions,impairourabilitytoraiserevenue,causeinvestorstoloseconfidenceintheaccuracyandcompletenessofourfinancialreportsandnegativelyaffectourshareprice.
We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional costs and expenses.
Wearea"foreignprivateissuer,"assuchtermisdefinedinRule405undertheSecuritiesAct,andtherefore,wearenotrequiredtocomplywithalltheperiodicdisclosureandcurrentreportingrequirementsoftheExchangeActandrelatedrulesandregulations.UnderRule405,thedeterminationofforeignprivateissuerstatusismadeannuallyonthelastbusinessdayofanissuer'smostrecentlycompletedsecondfiscalquarterand,accordingly,thenextdeterminationwillbemadewithrespecttouson31December2017.
Inthefuture,wewouldloseourforeignprivateissuerstatusifamajorityofourshareholders,directorsormanagementareUScitizensorresidentsandwefailtomeetadditionalrequirementsnecessarytoavoidlossofforeignprivateissuerstatus.AlthoughwehaveelectedtocomplywithcertainUSregulatoryprovisions,ourlossofforeignprivateissuerstatuswouldmakesuchprovisionsmandatory.TheregulatoryandcompliancecoststousunderUSsecuritieslawsasaUSdomestic
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issuermaybesignificantlyhigher.Ifwearenotaforeignprivateissuer,wewillberequiredtofileperiodicreportsandregistrationstatementsonUSdomesticissuerformswiththeUSSecuritiesandExchangeCommission(the"SEC"),whicharemoredetailedandextensivethantheformsavailabletoaforeignprivateissuer.Forexample,theannualreportonForm10-Krequiresdomesticissuerstodiscloseexecutivecompensationinformationonanindividualbasiswithspecificdisclosureregardingthedomesticcompensationphilosophy,objectives,annualtotalcompensation(basesalary,bonus,equitycompensation)andpotentialpaymentsinconnectionwithchangeincontrol,retirement,deathordisability,whiletheannualreportonForm20-Fpermitsforeignprivateissuerstodisclosecompensationinformationonanaggregatebasis.WewillalsohavetomandatorilycomplywithUSfederalproxyrequirements,andourofficers,directorsandprincipalshareholderswillbecomesubjecttotheshort-swingprofitdisclosureandrecoveryprovisionsofSection16oftheExchangeAct.WemayalsoberequiredtomodifycertainofourpoliciestocomplywithgoodgovernancepracticesassociatedwithUSdomesticissuers.Suchconversionandmodificationswillinvolveadditionalcosts.Inaddition,wemayloseourabilitytorelyuponexemptionsfromcertaincorporategovernancerequirementsonUSstockexchangesthatareavailabletoforeignprivateissuers.
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and Cayman Islands law may discourage or prevent a change of control, even if an acquisitionwould be beneficial to our shareholders, which could depress the price of our Class A ordinary shares and prevent attempts by our shareholders to replace orremove our current management.
Ouramendedandrestatedmemorandumandarticlesofassociationcontainprovisionsthatmaydiscourageunsolicitedtakeoverproposalsthatshareholdersmayconsidertobeintheirbestinterests.Inparticular,ouramendedandrestatedmemorandumandarticlesofassociationpermitourboardofdirectorstoissuepreferencesharesfromtimetotime,withsuchrightsandpreferencesastheyconsiderappropriate.Ourboardofdirectorscouldalsoauthorizetheissuanceofpreferenceshareswithtermsandconditionsandundercircumstancesthatcouldhaveaneffectofdiscouragingatakeoverorothertransaction.WearealsosubjecttocertainprovisionsunderCaymanIslandslawwhichcoulddelayorpreventachangeofcontrol.Inparticular,anymerger,consolidationoramalgamationoftheCompanywouldrequiretheactiveconsentofourboardofdirectors.Ourboardofdirectorsmaybeappointedorremovedbytheholdersofthemajorityofthevotingpowerofourordinaryshares(whichiscontrolledbytheholdersofourClassBordinaryshares).TogethertheseprovisionsmaymakemoredifficulttheremovalofmanagementandmaydiscouragetransactionsthatotherwisecouldinvolvepaymentofapremiumoverprevailingmarketpricesforourClassAordinaryshares.
The price of our Class A ordinary shares might fluctuate significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
VolatilityinthemarketpriceofourClassAordinarysharesmaypreventinvestorsfrombeingabletoselltheirsharesofourClassAordinarysharesatorabovethepricetheypaidforsuchshares.ThetradingpriceofourClassAordinarysharesmaybevolatileandsubjecttowidepricefluctuationsinresponsetovariousfactors,including:
• performanceofourfirstteam;
• theoverallperformanceoftheequitymarkets;
• industryrelatedregulatorydevelopments;
• issuanceofneworchangedsecuritiesanalysts'reportsorrecommendations;
• additionsordeparturesofkeypersonnel;
• investorperceptionsofusandthefootballindustry,changesinaccountingstandards,policies,guidance,interpretationsorprinciples;
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• saleofourClassAordinarysharesbyus,ourprincipalshareholdersormembersofourmanagement;
• generaleconomicconditions;
• changesininterestrates;and
• availabilityofcapital.
TheseandotherfactorsmightcausethemarketpriceofourClassAordinarysharestofluctuatesubstantially,whichmightlimitorpreventinvestorsfromreadilysellingtheirsharesofourClassAordinaryshareandmayotherwisenegativelyaffecttheliquidityofourClassAordinaryshares.Inaddition,inrecentyears,thestockmarkethasexperiencedsignificantpriceandvolumefluctuations.Thisvolatilityhashadasignificantimpactonthemarketpriceofsecuritiesissuedbymanycompaniesacrossmanyindustries.Thechangesfrequentlyappeartooccurwithoutregardtotheoperatingperformanceoftheaffectedcompanies.Accordingly,thepriceofourClassAordinarysharescouldfluctuatebaseduponfactorsthathavelittleornothingtodowithourCompany,andthesefluctuationscouldmateriallyreduceourshareprice.Securitiesclassactionlitigationhasoftenbeeninstitutedagainstcompaniesfollowingperiodsofvolatilityintheoverallmarketandinthemarketpriceofacompany'ssecurities.Thislitigation,ifinstitutedagainstus,couldresultinsubstantialcosts,divertourmanagement'sattentionandresources,andharmourbusiness,operatingresultsandfinancialcondition.
Future sales of our Class A ordinary shares, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur, may depress our stock price.
SalesofsubstantialamountsofourClassAordinaryshares,ortheperceptionthatthesesalescouldoccur,couldadverselyaffectthepriceofourClassAordinarysharesandcouldimpairourabilitytoraisecapitalthroughthesaleofadditionalshares.Asof11September2017wehad40,194,754ClassAordinarysharesoutstanding.TheClassAordinarysharesarefreelytradablewithoutrestrictionundertheSecuritiesAct,exceptforanyofourClassAordinarysharesthatmaybeheldoracquiredbyourdirectors,executiveofficersandotheraffiliates,asthattermisdefinedintheSecuritiesAct,whichwillberestrictedsecuritiesundertheSecuritiesAct.RestrictedsecuritiesmaynotbesoldinthepublicmarketunlessthesaleisregisteredundertheSecuritiesActoranexemptionfromregistrationisavailable.
AllofourClassAordinarysharesoutstandingasofthedateofthisAnnualReportmaybesoldinthepublicmarketbyexistingshareholders,subjecttoapplicableRule144volumelimitationsandotherlimitationsimposedunderfederalsecuritieslaws.
Inthefuture,wemayalsoissueoursecuritiesifweneedtoraisecapitalinconnectionwithacapitalraiseoracquisition.TheamountofourClassAordinarysharesissuedinconnectionwithacapitalraiseoracquisitioncouldconstituteamaterialportionofourthen-outstandingClassAordinaryshares.
Our ability to pay regular dividends is subject to restrictions in our revolving facility, our secured term loan facility, the note purchase agreement governing thesenior secured notes, results of operations, distributable reserves and solvency requirements; our Class A ordinary shares have no guaranteed dividends andholders of our Class A ordinary shares have no recourse if dividends are not declared.
Infiscalyear2017wepaidtwosemi-annualcashdividendsonourClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinarysharesof$0.09pershare.Dividendspaidintheyearended30June2017amountedto$29,525,000($0.18pershare),thepoundssterlingequivalentofwhichwas£23,295,000(£0.14pershare).WeexpecttocontinuepayingregulardividendstoourClassAordinaryshareholdersandClassBordinaryshareholders.Thedeclarationandpaymentofanyfuturedividends,however,willbe
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atthesolediscretionofourboardofdirectorsoracommitteethereofandwilldependuponourresultsofoperations,financialcondition,distributablereserves,contractualrestrictions,restrictionsimposedbyapplicablelaw,capitalrequirementsandotherfactorsourboardofdirectors(orsuchcommitteethereof)deemsrelevant.Furthermore,neitherofourClassAordinarysharesnorourClassBordinaryshareshaveanyguaranteeddividendsandholdersofourClassAordinarysharesandholdersofourClassBordinaryshareshavenorecourseifdividendsarenotdeclared.OurabilitytopaydividendsontheClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinarysharesislimitedbyourrevolvingfacility,oursecuredtermloanfacilityandthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednotes,whichcontainrestrictedpaymentcovenants.Therestrictedpaymentcovenantsallowdividendsincertaincircumstances,includingtotheextentdividendsdonotexceed50%ofthecumulativeconsolidatednetincomeofRedFootballLimitedanditsrestrictedsubsidiaries,providedthereisnoeventofdefaultandRedFootballLimitedisabletomeettheprincipalandinterestpaymentsonitsdebtunderafixedchargecoveragetest.Ourabilitytopaydividendsmaybefurtherrestrictedbythetermsofanyofourfuturedebtorpreferredsecurities.Additionally,becauseweareaholdingcompany,ourabilitytopaydividendsonourClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinarysharesislimitedbyrestrictionsontheabilityofoursubsidiariestopaydividendsormakedistributionstous,includingrestrictionsunderthetermsoftheagreementsgoverningourindebtedness.Asaconsequenceoftheselimitationsandrestrictions,wemaynotbeabletomake,ormayhavetoreduceoreliminate,thepaymentofdividendsonourClassAordinaryshares.Accordingly,youmayhavetosellsomeorallofyourClassAordinarysharesafterpriceappreciationinordertogeneratecashflowfromyourinvestment.YoumaynotreceiveagainonyourinvestmentwhenyousellyourClassAordinarysharesandyoumaylosetheentireamountoftheinvestment.Additionally,anychangeinthelevelofourdividendsorthesuspensionofthepaymentthereofcouldadverselyaffectthemarketpriceofourClassAordinaryshares.See"Item8.FinancialInformation—A.ConsolidatedFinancialStatementsandOtherFinancialInformation—DividendPolicy."
The rules of the Premier League and our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association impose certain limitations on shareholders' ability toinvest in more than one football club.
TherulesofthePremierLeagueprohibitanypersonwhoholdsaninterestof10%ormoreofthetotalvotingrightsexercisableinaPremierLeaguefootballclubfromholdinganinterestinvotingrightsexercisableinanyotherPremierLeaguefootballclub.Asaresult,ouramendedandrestatedmemorandumandarticlesofassociationprohibittheacquisitionof(i)10%ormoreofourClassAordinarysharesiftheyholdanyinterestinvotingrightsexercisableinanotherPremierLeaguefootballcluband(ii)anyClassAordinarysharesiftheyholdaninterestof10%ormoreofthetotalvotingrightsexercisableinanotherPremierLeaguefootballclub.Inaddition,underouramendedandrestatedmemorandumandarticlesofassociation,ifanyshareholderisdeterminedbyus,atourabsolutediscretion,tobeholdinganyClassAordinarysharesinviolationofthisruleortherulesofcertainotherrelevantgoverningbodies,wehavetherighttorepurchasesharesfromsuchpersonordirectthatshareholdertotransferthosesharestoanotherperson.
Exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect the foreign currency value of the Class A ordinary shares and any dividends.
OurClassAordinarysharesarequotedinUSdollarsontheNewYorkStockExchange.Ourfinancialstatementsarepreparedinpoundssterling.FluctuationsintheexchangeratebetweenthepoundssterlingandtheUSdollarwillaffect,amongothermatters,theUSdollarvalueoftheClassAordinarysharesandofanydividends.
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The rights afforded to shareholders are governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands.
OurcorporateaffairsandtherightsaffordedtoshareholdersaregovernedbyouramendedandrestatedmemorandumandarticlesofassociationandbytheCompaniesLaw(2011Revision)oftheCaymanIslands,asamendedandrestatedfromtimetotime(the"CompaniesLaw")andcommonlawoftheCaymanIslands,andtheserightsdifferincertainrespectsfromtherightsofshareholdersintypicalUScorporations.Inparticular,thelawsoftheCaymanIslandsrelatingtotheprotectionoftheinterestsofminorityshareholdersdifferinsomerespectsfromthoseestablishedunderstatutesorjudicialprecedentinexistenceintheUnitedStates.ThelawsoftheCaymanIslandprovideonlylimitedcircumstancesunderwhichshareholdersofcompaniesmaybringderivativeactionsand(exceptinlimitedcircumstances)donotaffordappraisalrightstodissentingshareholdersintheformtypicallyavailabletoshareholdersofaUScorporationotherthaninlimitedcircumstancesinrelationtocertainmergers.AsummaryofCaymanIslandslawontheprotectionofminorityshareholdersissetoutin"Item10.AdditionalInformation—B.MemorandumandArticlesofAssociationandOtherShareInformation."
We report as a US domestic corporation for US federal income tax purposes.
Asdiscussedmorefullyunder"Item10.AdditionalInformation—E.Taxation,"duetothecircumstancesofourformationandtheapplicationofSection7874oftheUSInternalRevenueCodeof1986,asamended(the"Code"),wereportasaUSdomesticcorporationforallpurposesoftheCode.Asaresult,wearesubjecttoUSfederalincometaxonourworldwideincome.Inaddition,ifwepaydividendstoaNon-USHolder,asdefinedinthediscussion"Item10.AdditionalInformation—E.Taxation,"wewillberequiredtowithholdUSfederalincometaxattherateof30%,orsuchlowerrateasmaybeprovidedinanapplicableincometaxtreaty.EachinvestorshouldconsultitsowntaxadviserregardingtheUSfederalincometaxpositionoftheCompanyandthetaxconsequencesofholdingtheClassAordinaryshares.
Withholding under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act may apply to our dividends and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our Class Aordinary shares.
UnderlegislationincorporatingprovisionsreferredtoastheForeignAccountTaxComplianceAct("FATCA"),a30%withholdingtaxwillgenerallyapplytocertaintypesofpayments,includingUSsourcedividendsandgrossproceedsfromthedispositionofequitysecuritiesthatproduceUSsourcedividends,madeto"foreignfinancialinstitutions"(asdefinedunderthoserules)andcertainothernon-USentities,unlesssuchforeignfinancialinstitutionsorotherentitiescomplywithrequirementsunderFATCAorareotherwiseexemptfromsuchrequirements.BecausewereportasaUSdomesticcorporationforallpurposesoftheCode,includingforpurposesofFATCA,ourdividendsaswellasgrossproceedsfromthesaleorotherdispositionofourClassAordinarysharespaidtoaforeignfinancialinstitutionorothernon-USentitymaybesubjecttopotentialwithholdingunderFATCA.UndertheapplicableTreasuryregulationsandadministrativeguidance,withholdingunderFATCAgenerallyappliestopaymentsofdividendsonourClassAordinaryshares,andalsowillapplyonorafter1January2019topaymentsofgrossproceedsfromasaleorotherdispositionofClassAordinaryshares.ProspectiveinvestorsshouldconsulttheirtaxadvisorsregardingthepotentialapplicationofwithholdingunderFATCAtoaninvestmentinourClassAordinaryshares.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports or publish unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volumecould decline.
ThetradingmarketforourClassAordinarysharesdependsinpartontheresearchandreportsthatsecuritiesorindustryanalystspublishaboutus,ourbusinessorourindustry.Ifoneormoreoftheanalystswhocoversusdowngradesourstock,oursharepricewilllikelydecline.Ifoneormoreoftheseanalystsceasestocoverusorfailstopublishregularreportsonus,interestinthepurchaseof
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ourClassAordinarysharescoulddecrease,whichcouldcauseourstockpriceortradingvolumetodecline.
It may be difficult to enforce a US judgment against us, our directors and officers and certain experts named in this Annual Report outside the United States,or to assert US securities law claims outside of the United States.
ThemajorityofourdirectorsandexecutiveofficersarenotresidentsoftheUnitedStates,andthemajorityofourassetsandtheassetsofthesepersonsarelocatedoutsidetheUnitedStates.Asaresult,itmaybedifficultorimpossibleforinvestorstoeffectserviceofprocessuponuswithintheUnitedStatesorotherjurisdictions,includingjudgmentspredicateduponthecivilliabilityprovisionsofthefederalsecuritieslawsoftheUnitedStates.Additionally,itmaybedifficulttoassertUSsecuritieslawclaimsinactionsoriginallyinstitutedoutsideoftheUnitedStates.ForeigncourtsmayrefusetohearaUSsecuritieslawclaimbecauseforeigncourtsmaynotbethemostappropriateforumsinwhichtobringsuchaclaim.Evenifaforeigncourtagreestohearaclaim,itmaydeterminethatthelawofthejurisdictioninwhichtheforeigncourtresides,andnotUSlaw,isapplicabletotheclaim.Further,ifUSlawisfoundtobeapplicable,thecontentofapplicableUSlawmustbeprovedasafact,whichcanbeatime-consumingandcostlyprocess,andcertainmattersofprocedurewouldstillbegovernedbythelawofthejurisdictioninwhichtheforeigncourtresides.
Inparticular,investorsshouldbeawarethatthereisuncertaintyastowhetherthecourtsoftheCaymanIslandswouldrecognizeandenforcejudgmentsofUnitedStatescourtsobtainedagainstusorourdirectorsormanagementaswellasagainstthesellingshareholderpredicateduponthecivilliabilityprovisionsofthesecuritieslawsoftheUnitedStatesoranystateintheUnitedStatesorentertainoriginalactionsbroughtintheCaymanIslandscourtsagainstusorourdirectorsorofficersaswellasagainstthesellingshareholderpredicateduponthesecuritieslawsoftheUnitedStatesoranystateintheUnitedStates.Asaresultofthedifficultyassociatedwithenforcingajudgmentagainstus,youmaynotbeabletocollectanydamagesawardedbyeitheraUSorforeigncourt.
ITEM4.INFORMATIONONTHECOMPANY
OurCompany—ManchesterUnited
ManchesterUnitedLtd.,anexemptedcompanywithlimitedliabilityincorporatedundertheCompaniesLaw(2011Revision)oftheCaymanIslands,asamendedandrestatedfromtimetotime,wasincorporatedon30April2012.On8August2012,ManchesterUnitedLtd.changeditslegalnametoManchesterUnitedplc.TheprincipalexecutiveofficeaddressisSirMattBusbyWay,OldTrafford,ManchesterM160RA,UnitedKingdom.
Weareoneofthemostpopularandsuccessfulsportsteamsintheworld,playingoneofthemostpopularspectatorsportsonEarth.Throughour139-yearheritagewehavewon66trophies,includingarecord20Englishleaguetitles,enablingustodevelopwhatwebelieveisoneoftheworld'sleadingsportsbrandsandaglobalcommunityof659millionfollowers.Ourlarge,passionatecommunityprovidesuswithaworldwideplatformtogeneratesignificantrevenuefrommultiplesources,includingsponsorship,merchandising,productlicensing,mobile&content,broadcastingandmatchday.Weattractleadingglobalcompaniessuchasadidas,Aon,andGeneralMotors(Chevrolet)thatwantaccessandexposuretoourcommunityoffollowersandassociationwithourbrand.
Ourglobalcommunityoffollowersengageswithusinavarietyofways:
• PremierLeaguegamesatourhomestadium,OldTrafford,havebeensoldoutsincethe1997/98season.Inthe2016/17season,our31homegameswereattendedbyover2.2millionpeople.
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• Weundertakeexhibitiongamesandpromotionaltoursonaglobalbasis,enablingourworldwidefollowerstoseeourteamplay.Thesegamesareinadditiontoourcompetitivematchesandtakeplaceduringthesummermonthsorduringgapsinthefootballseason.Overthelast6years,wehaveplayed31exhibitiongamesinAustralia,China,Germany,HongKong,Ireland,Japan,Norway,SouthAfrica,Sweden,ThailandandtheUnitedStates,wherein2014,wesetaU.S.attendancerecordforafootballmatchwith109,318fansatMichiganstadium.
• Ourcustomerrelationshipmanagement("CRM")database,aproprietarydatarepositorythatincludescontactandtransactionaldetailsoffollowersandcustomersaroundtheglobe,enablesustoanalyzeandbetterunderstandprospectsandcustomerstodriverevenues.Asof30June2017,theCRMdatabaseholdsinexcessof47.3millionrecords,ascomparedto43.7millionrecordsasof30June2016,anincreaseofapproximately3.6million,or8.2%.
• Asof30June2017,wealsohad141.5milliontotalsocialconnections,comparedto125.0millionconnectionsasof30June2016,anincreaseof16.5million,or13.2%.Totalsocialconnectionsincludethefollowing:
• WehaveaverypopularbrandpageonFacebookwithover73.6millionconnections.Incomparison,theNewYorkYankeeshaveapproximately8.7millionFacebookconnectionsandtheDallasCowboyshaveapproximately8.6millionFacebookconnections.Furthermore,wehavemoreFacebookconnectionsthantheNBA,NFLandMLBcombinedandwearethemostpopularFacebookpageregisteredintheUnitedKingdomaccordingtowww.socialbakers.com.
• Asof30June2017,ourTwitteraccountshadmorethan13.6millionfollowers,anincreaseofover41%from30June2016.
• Wehaveover18.2millionfollowersonInstagramandwearethemost-followed,fastest-growing,andmost-engagedPremierLeagueclubontheplatform.
• WealsohaveasignificantpresenceonChinesesocialmedia,with9.1millionfollowersonSinaWeiboand5.1millionfollowersonTencentWeibo—toppingallotherfootballclubsontheplatforms.
• Duringthe2016/17season,accordingtoFuturesData,ourgamesgeneratedacumulativeaudiencereachofover3billionviewersacross200territories;thusonapergamebasisour64gamesattractedanaveragecumulativeaudiencereachof48million.
• Wehaveoneofthestrongestonlineglobalbrandsprovidinguswithsignificantopportunitiestofurtherengagewithourfollowersanddevelopourmediaassetsandrevenuestreams.
OurBusinessModelandRevenueDrivers
Weoperateandmanageourbusinessasasinglereportingsegment—theoperationofaprofessionalsportsteam.However,wereviewourrevenuethroughthreeprincipalsectors—Commercial,BroadcastingandMatchday.
• Commercial: WithintheCommercialrevenuesector,wemonetizeourglobalbrandviathreerevenuestreams:sponsorship;retail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensing;andmobile&content.
• Sponsorship: Wemonetizethevalueofourglobalbrandandcommunityoffollowersthroughmarketingandsponsorshiprelationshipswithleadinginternationalandregionalcompaniesaroundtheglobe.Tobetterleveragethestrengthofourbrand,wehavedevelopedasegmentationsponsorshipstrategy.Oursponsorshiprevenuewas£162.3million,£160.1millionand£154.8millionforeachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.
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• Retail, Merchandising, Apparel & Product Licensing: Wemarketandsellsportsapparel,trainingandleisurewearandotherclothingfeaturingtheManchesterUnitedbrandonaglobalbasis.Inaddition,wealsosellotherlicensedproducts,fromcoffeemugstobedspreads,featuringtheManchesterUnitedbrandandtrademarks.TheseproductsaredistributedthroughManchesterUnitedbrandedretailcentersande-commerceplatforms,aswellasourpartners'wholesaledistributionchannels.Allofourretail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensingbusinesswaspreviouslymanagedbyNikeuptotheendofJuly2015.Ourretail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensingrevenuewas£104.0million,£97.3millionand£31.6millionforeachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.
• Mobile & Content: Duetothestrengthofourbrandandthequalityofourcontent,wehaveformedmobiletelecompartnershipsinnumerouscountries.Inaddition,wemarketcontentdirectlytoourfansthroughourwebsite,www.manutd.com,printpublicationsandassociatedmobileproperties.Ourmobile&contentrevenuewas£9.2million,£10.9millionand£10.4millionforeachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.
OurCommercialrevenuewas£275.5million,£268.3millionand£196.9millionforeachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.
Ourothertworevenuesectors,BroadcastingandMatchday,providepredictablecashflowandglobalmediaexposurethatenablesustocontinuetoinvestinthesuccessoftheteamandexpandourbrand.
• Broadcasting: Webenefitfromthedistributionoflivefootballcontentdirectlyfromtherevenuewereceiveandindirectlythroughincreasedglobalexposureforourcommercialpartners.BroadcastingrevenueisderivedfromtheglobaltelevisionrightsrelatingtothePremierLeague,UEFAcompetitionsandothercompetitions.Inaddition,ourwholly-ownedgloballineartelevisionchannel,MUTV,deliversManchesterUnitedprogrammingtoterritoriesaroundtheworld.Inadditiontoourlinearbroadcastingchannelwealsolaunchedadirecttoconsumer("D2C")mobileapplicationinseason2016/17which,asof30June2017,wasavailableinover168territories.Broadcastingrevenueincluding,insomecases,prizemoneyreceivedbyusinrespectofvariouscompetitions,willvaryfromyeartoyearasaresultofvariabilityintheamountofavailableprizemoneyandtheperformanceofourfirstteaminsuchcompetitions.OurBroadcastingrevenuewas£194.1million,£140.4millionand£107.7millionforeachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.
• Matchday: WebelieveOldTraffordisoneoftheworld'siconicsportsvenues.Itcurrentlyseats75,457andisthelargestfootballclubstadiumintheUK.Wehaveaveragedover99%ofattendancecapacityforourPremierLeaguematchesineachofthelast19years.Matchdayrevenuewillvaryfromyeartoyearasaresultofthenumberofhomegamesplayedandtheperformanceofourfirstteaminvariouscompetitions.OurMatchdayrevenuewas£111.6million,£106.6millionand£90.6millionforeachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.
Totalrevenuefortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015was£580.4million,£515.3millionand£395.2million,respectively.
OurCompetitiveStrengths
Webelieveourkeycompetitivestrengthsare:
• One of the most successful sports teams in the world: Foundedin1878,ManchesterUnitedisoneofthemostsuccessfulsportsteamsintheworld—playingoneoftheworld'smostpopularspectatorsports.Wehavewon66trophiesinninedifferentleagues,competitionsandcupssince
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1908.Ourongoingsuccessissupportedbyourhighlydevelopedfootballinfrastructureandglobalscoutingnetwork.
• A globally recognized brand with a large, worldwide following: Our139-yearhistory,oursuccessandtheglobalpopularityofoursporthaveenabledustobecome,webelieve,oneoftheworld'smostrecognizablebrands.Weenjoythesupportofourworldwidecommunityof659millionfollowers.Thecompositionofourfollowerbaseisfarreachinganddiverse,transcendingcultures,geographies,languagesandsocio-demographicgroups,andwebelievethestrengthofourbrandgoesbeyondtheworldofsports.
• Ability to successfully monetize our brand: Thepopularityandqualityofourgloballyrecognizedbrandmakeusanattractivemarketingpartnerforcompaniesaroundtheworld.Ourcommunityoffollowersisstronginemergingmarkets,especiallyincertainregionsofAsia,whichenablesustodelivermediaexposureandgrowthtoourpartnersinthesemarkets.
• Well established global media and marketing infrastructure driving Commercial revenue growth: Wehavealargeglobalteam,workingfromtheUKandHongKong,dedicatedtothedevelopmentandmonetizationofourbrandandtothesourcingofnewrevenueopportunities.Theteamhasconsiderableexperienceandexpertiseinsponsorshipsales,customerrelationshipmanagement,marketingexecution,advertisingsupportandbranddevelopment.Inaddition,wehavedevelopedanincreasingrangeofcasestudies,coveringmultiplesponsorshipcategoriesandgeographies,whichincombinationwithourmanyyears'experienceenablesustodemonstrateanddeliveraneffectivesetofmarketingcapabilitiestoourpartnersonaglobalandregionalbasis.Ourteamisdedicatedtothedevelopmentandmonetizationofourbrandandtothesourcingofnewrevenueopportunities.
• Sought-after content capitalizing on the proliferation of digital and social media: Weproducecontentthatisfollowedyear-roundbyourglobalcommunityoffollowers.Ourcontentdistributionchannelsareinternationalanddiverse,andweactivelyadoptnewmediachannelstoenhancetheaccessibilityandreachofourcontent.Webelieveourabilitytogenerateproprietarycontent,whichwedistributeonourownglobalplatformsaswellasviapopularthirdpartysocialmediaplatformssuchasFacebook,Twitter,SinaWeibo,TencentWeiboandothers,constituteanongoinggrowthopportunity.Duringthe2016/17seasonwelaunchedaD2Cmobileapplicationwhich,at30June2017,wasavailableinover168territories.Thisapplicationenabledfansworldwidetoviewour2017overseastourmatcheslive.
• Seasoned management team and committed ownership: Ourseniormanagementhasconsiderableexperienceandexpertiseinthefootball,commercial,mediaandfinanceindustries.
OurStrategy
Weaimtoincreaseourrevenueandprofitabilitybyexpandingourhighgrowthbusinessesthatleverageourbrand,globalcommunityandmarketinginfrastructure.Thekeyelementsofourstrategyare:
• Expand our portfolio of sponsors: Wearewell-positionedtocontinuetosecuresponsorshipswithleadingbrands.Wehavehistoricallyimplementedaproactiveapproachtoidentifying,securingandsupportingsponsors.Duringfiscalyear2017weannouncedsixglobalsponsorshippartnershipsandoneregionalsponsorshippartnership.
• Further develop our retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing business: PriortotheendofJuly2015,allofourretail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensingbusinesswasmanagedbyNike.Currently,wehavea10-yearagreementwithadidaswithrespecttoourglobaltechnicalsponsorshipanddual-brandedlicensingrights,whichbeganon1August2015.Theagreementwithadidasdoesnotincludetherightswithrespecttomono-brandedlicensingrightsorthe
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righttocreateandoperateManchesterUnitedbrandedsoccerschools,physicalretailchannelsande-commerceretailchannels.ThesearebusinessareasthatwerepreviouslyoperatedbyNikeandthereversionoftheserightstoManchesterUnitedprovidesuswithincreasedcommercialopportunitiesandcontrol.Inthefuture,weplantoinvesttoexpandourportfolioofproductlicenseestoenhancetherangeofproductofferingsavailabletoourfollowers.Additionally,wemayalsoseektorefinehowwesegmentthedifferentelementsofthisbusiness.Wemayalsoincreaseourfocusondevelopingtheserightsmoreproactively,aloneorwithotherpartners.
• Continue to invest in our team, facilities and other brand enhancing initiatives: Datingbacktoourfirstleaguechampionshipin1908throughpresentday,wherewehaveearnedarecordnumberofEnglishLeaguetitles,wehaveenjoyedarichtraditionoffootballexcellence.Webelieveourmanyyearsofonfieldsuccesscoupledwithaniconicstadiumandhighleveloffanengagementhasdrivenourleadingglobalbrand.Wearewellpositionedtocontinuereinvestingourfreecashflowinbrandenhancinginitiatives.Ourbrandbeginswithstrongon-fieldperformance,andweremaincommittedtoattractingandretainingthehighestqualityplayersforourfirstteamandcoachingstaff.Tomaintainourhighstandardofperformancewewillcontinuetoinvestinourteam.Wewillalsocontinuetoinvestinourfacilities,includingtheOldTraffordStadium,tomaintainthequalityofservice,enhancethefanexperienceanddrivetheirhighlevelofengagementandloyalty.WehaveundertakenseveralrecentinitiativesatOldTraffordtoenhanceourMatchdayrevenue,profitabilityandthefanexperienceincludingrestructuringthecompositionofourstadium,withaparticularemphasisondevelopingpremiumseatingandhospitalityfacilities.Ourcommitmenttothefanexperiencehasresultedinstrongfanloyaltywithovertwomillioninannualattendanceand99%averageattendanceforallofourPremierLeagueGamessincethe1997/98season.Furthermore,wecontinuetoinvestinseveralotherareasincludingourmobile&contentassetsandemergingmarketstogrowourglobalfanbaseandincreaseourabilitytoengagewithourfansinmultipleways.Weremaincommittedtoinvestinginourteam,ourfacilitiesandotherinitiativestocontinueourmanyyearsofsuccessandenhanceourbrandglobally.Weexpecttheseinitiativeswillcontinuetobekeydriversofoursales,profitandleadingbrandrecognitiongoingforward.
• Exploit mobile & content opportunities: Therapidshiftofmediaconsumptiontowardsinternet,mobileandsocialmediaplatformspresentsuswithmultiplegrowthopportunitiesandnewrevenuestreams.Ourdigitalmediaplatforms,applicationsandsocialmedia,areexpectedtobecomeoneoftheprimarymethodsbywhichweengageandtransactwithourfansaroundtheworld.Wecontinuetoevolveourmediateam'scapabilitytoaddresstheseopportunities.In2013,wealsoacquiredtheremainingone-thirdstakeinMUTV.Togethertheseactionshelptoensurethatwehavebothagreaterdegreeofcontrolovertheproduction,distributionandqualityofourproprietarycontentandbetterinsightintohowtoevolveourmobile&contentstrategyaswecontinuetodevelopandrolloutcarefullytargetednewproductsandservices.
Inthe2016/17seasonwedevelopedandlaunchedaD2Cmobileapplicationwhichenabledourfanstowatchour2017Tourmatchesandothercontentlive.Thisapplicationhasenabledustoexploitnewoverseasterritoriesand,forthefirsttimeintheUKandIreland,fanscanwatchourMUTVchannelthroughtheirwebbrowserwithoutacableorsatellitesubscription.
Inadditiontodevelopingourowndigitalproperties,weintendtoleveragethirdpartymediaplatformsandothersocialmediaasameansoffurtherengagingwithourfansandcreatingasourceoftrafficforourdigitalmediaassets.Ourmobile&contentofferingsareintheearlystagesofdevelopmentandpresentopportunitiesforfuturegrowth.WebelievewehavetheopportunitytofurtherleverageourextensiveCRMdatabase,whichincludesover47.3millionCRMrecords,ourmorethan73.6millionFacebookconnectionsandmorethan13.6millionTwitteraccountsfollowers.Weplantoimplementacarefullyconsideredstrategytotargettheseindividualsaspartofouroveralldigitalmediarolloutplan.
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• Enhance the reach and distribution of our broadcasting rights: Wearewell-positionedtobenefitfromtheincreasedvalueandthegrowthindistributionassociatedwiththePremierLeague,theChampionsLeagueandothercompetitions.InFebruary2015,thePremierLeagueannouncedanewUKtelevisionrightscontractwithSkySportsandBTSportworth£5.136billionforthethreeseasonscommencingwiththe2016/17seasonforitslivedomesticrights.Thedealmarkedasignificantincreaseofover70%onthepreviouscontractandrepresentsthelargestUKTVrightsdealeversigned.Comingontheheelsofthepreviousdeal,whichalsorepresentedanincreaseofover60%ontherightsforthethreeseasonscommencingwiththe2010/11season,webelievethisaffirmstheincreasingdemandforlivesportsandfootballinparticular.Unlikeothertelevisionprogramming,theunpredictableoutcomesoflivesportsensuresthatindividualsconsumesportsprogramminginrealtimeandinfull,resultinginhigheraudiencesandincreasedinterestfromtelevisionbroadcastersandadvertisers.
Furthermore,MUTV,ourglobalbroadcastingplatform,deliversManchesterUnitedprogrammingtoterritoriesaroundtheworld.WeplantocontinuetoexpandthedistributionofMUTVsupportedbyimprovingthequalityofitscontentanditsproductioncapabilities.
• Diversify revenue and improve margins: Weaimtoincreasetherevenueandoperatingmarginsofourbusinessaswefurtherexpandourhighgrowthcommercialbusinesses,includingsponsorship,retail,merchandising,licensingandmobile&content.
OurMarketOpportunity
Webelievethatweareoneoftheworld'smostrecognizableglobalbrandswithacommunityof659millionfollowers.ManchesterUnitedisattheforefrontoflivefootball,whichisakeycomponentoftheglobalsportsmarket.
Othermarketsdrivingourbusinessincludetheglobaladvertisingmarket,theglobalpaytelevisionmarketandtheglobalapparelmarket.
Whileourbusinessrepresentsonlyasmallportionofouraddressablemarketsandmaynotgrowatacorrespondingrate,webelieveourglobalreachandaccesstoemergingmarketspositionusforcontinuedgrowth.
OurTeam'sHistory
Foundedin1878asNewtonHeathL&YRFootballClub,ourclubhasoperatedforover139years.TheteamfirstenteredtheEnglishFirstDivision,thenthehighestleagueinEnglishfootball,forthestartofthe1892-93season.OurclubnamechangedtoManchesterUnitedFootballClubin1902,andwewonthefirstofour20EnglishLeaguetitlesin1908.In1910,wemovedtoOldTrafford,ourcurrentstadium.
Inthelate1940s,wereturnedtoon-fieldsuccess,winningtheFACupin1948andfinishingwithinthetopfourleaguepositionsduringeachofthefirstfiveseasonsimmediatelyfollowingtheSecondWorldWar.Duringthe1950s,wecontinuedouron-fieldsuccessundertheleadershipofmanagerSirMattBusby,whobuiltapopularandfamousteambasedonyouthplayersknownasthe"BusbyBabes."
InFebruary1958,anairplanecrashresultedinthedeathofeightofourfirstteamplayers.GlobalsupportandtributesfollowedthisdisasterasBusbygalvanizedtheteamaroundsuchpopularplayersasGeorgeBest,BobbyCharltonandDenisLaw.Rebuildingoftheclubculminatedwithavictoryinthe1968EuropeanCupfinal,becomingthefirstEnglishclubtowinthistitle.
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ThisstoriedhistoryprecededthehighlysuccessfulmoderneraofManchesterUnitedwhichbeganinearnestin1986whentheclubappointedSirAlexFergusonasmanager.In1990,wewontheFACupandbeganaperiodofsuccessthathascontinueduntilthepresentday.Since1992,wehavewonthePremierLeague13times.Intotal,wehavewonarecord20EnglishLeaguetitles,12FACups,5EFLCups,3EuropeanChampionsCupsand1FIFAClubWorldCup,makingusoneofthemostsuccessfulclubsinEngland.
Attheendofthe2012/13season,SirAlexFergusonretiredasteammanager.SirAlexremainsakeymemberoftheclubasheisadirectorofManchesterUnitedFC.Morerecently,LouisvanGaalwasmanagerforthe2014/15and2015/16seasons,winningtheFACupinthe2015/16season.
On27May2016,weannouncedJoseMourinhoasthenewteammanagerofManchesterUnitedunderathree-yearcontract.JoseMourinhohasmanagedatthetoplevelofEuropeanfootballforoveradecadeandinthattimehaswonleaguetitlesandcupsinfourcountries(Portugal,England,ItalyandSpain)aswellaswinningtheChampionsLeaguetwice—in2004withFCPortoandin2010withInterMilan.Inthefirstseasonunderhisleadership(2016/17)wewontheEFLCupandtheEuropaLeague.
SincetheinceptionofthePremierLeaguein1992,ourclubhasenjoyedconsistentsuccessandgrowthwithpopularplayerssuchasBryanRobson,RyanGiggs,EricCantona,DavidBeckham,PaulScholes,CristianoRonaldoandWayneRooney.Thepopularityoftheseplayers,ourdistinguishedtraditionandhistory,andtheon-fieldsuccessofourfirstteamhaveallowedustoexpandtheclubintoaglobalbrandwithaninternationalfollowerbase.
ThefollowinggraphshowstheperformanceofourfirstteaminthePremierLeagueoverthelast25seasons:
PremierLeagueFinishingPositions
OurOldTraffordstadium,commonlyknownas"TheTheatreofDreams,"wasoriginallyopenedon19February1910withacapacityofapproximately80,000.DuringtheSecondWorldWar,OldTraffordwasusedbythemilitaryasadepot,andon11March1941washeavilydamagedbyaGermanbombingraid.Thestadiumwasrebuiltfollowingthewarandreopenedon24August1949.The
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additionoffloodlighting,permittingeveningmatches,wascompletedin1957andaprojecttocoverthestandswithroofswascompletedin1959.Afteraseriesofadditionsduringthe1960s,1970sandearly1980s,capacityatOldTraffordreached56,385in1985.Theconversionofthestadiumtoanall-seaterreducedcapacitytoapproximately44,000by1992,thelowestinitshistory.Thereafter,webegantoexpandcapacitythroughoutthestadium,bringingcapacitytoapproximately58,000by1996,approximately68,000by2000,andapproximately76,000in2006.CurrentcapacityatOldTraffordis75,457.
Thefollowingchartshowsthehistoricalsuccessofourfirstteambytrophieswon:
TROPHIESWON
IndustryOverview
FootballisoneofthemostpopularspectatorsportsonEarthandglobalfollowerinteresthasenabledthesporttocommercializeitsactivitiesthroughsponsorship,retail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensing,mobile&content,broadcasting,andmatchday.Asaconsequence,footballconstitutesasignificantportionoftheoverallglobalsportsindustry,accordingtoATKearney.
Football'sgrowthandincreasingpopularityisprimarilyaproductofconsumerdemandforandinterestinlivesports,whetherviewedinpersonatthevenueorthroughtelevisionanddigitalmedia.Thesport'srevenuegrowthhasbeendrivenbytheappetiteamongconsumers,advertisersandmediadistributorsforaccesstoandassociationwiththeselivesportsevents,inparticularthosefeaturinggloballyrecognizedteams.
ThemajorfootballleaguesandclubsinEngland,Germany,Spain,ItalyandFrancehaveestablishedthemselvesastheleadingglobalentitiesduetotheirhistoryaswellastheirhighlydevelopedtelevisionandadvertisingmarkets,accordingtoATKearney.ThecombinationofhistoricalsuccessandmediadevelopmentinthecoreEuropeanmarketshashelpedtodriverevenue,whichinturnenablesthoseleaguestoattractthebestplayersintheworld,furtherstrengtheningtheirappealtofollowers.
Astelevisionanddigitalmediasuchasbroadbandinternetandmobileextendtheirreachglobally,theavailabilityofandaccesstolivegamesandothercontentoftheleadingEuropeanleagueshas
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PremierLeague/FootballLeagueDivisionOne FACharity/CommunityShield
1908 1965 1997 2007 1908 1967 1996 20111911 1967 1999 2008 1911 1977 1997 20131952 1993 2000 2009 1952 1983 2003 20161956 1994 2001 2011 1956 1990 2007 1957 1996 2003 2013 1957 1993 2008 1965 1994 2010
FACup EFL/FootballLeagueCup 1909 1977 1990 1999 1992 2009 2010 20171948 1983 1994 2004 2006 1963 1985 1996 2016
EuropeanCup/ChampionsLeague EuropaLeague 1968 1999 2008 2017
FIFAClubWorldCup UEFASuperCup 2008 1991
EuropeanCupWinners'Cup IntercontinentalCup 1991 1999
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increasedandlivegamesarenowviewedworldwide.Inaddition,advancesinnewtechnologycontinuetobothimprovethetelevisionanddigitalmediauserexperienceandtheeffectivenessofsponsorshipsandadvertisingontheseplatforms.Thesetrendsfurtherstrengthenthecommercialbenefitofassociatingwithfootballformediadistributorsandadvertisersandincreasetheglobalopportunitiesforthesport.
LeagueStructure
ManchesterUnitedisamemberoftheEnglishPremierLeague,thetopleagueintheUKandperenniallyoneoftheeliteleaguesintheworld.
ThePremierLeagueisaprivatecompanywhollyownedbyits20memberclubs,withresponsibilityforthecompetition,itsRuleBook,thecentralizedbroadcastingrightsandothercommercialrights.ThePremierLeagueworksproactivelywiththememberclubsandotherfootballauthoritiesdomesticallyandinternationallyincludingtheFootballAssociation,UEFAandFIFA.EachmemberclubisanindependentshareholderofthePremierLeagueandworkswithintherulesoffootballdefinedbythevariousgoverningbodies.
GoverningBodies
ManchesterUnitedoperatesunderthreedifferentlevelsofgoverningbodies,rangingfromworldwidetocontinentaltonationaljurisdiction.
FIFAistheinternationalgoverningbodyoffootballaroundtheworld.HeadquarteredinZurich,Switzerland,FIFAisresponsiblefortheregulation,promotionanddevelopmentoffootballworldwide.AllfootballplayedatanylevelmustabidebytheLawsoftheGame,assetforthbyFIFA.FIFA'srulesandregulationsaredecidedbytheInternationalFootballAssociationBoard("IFAB")andreviewedonanannualbasis.FIFAalsosetstheinternationalfixturecalendarwhich,alongwithEuropeananddomesticcupdates,takesprecedenceoverthedomesticfootballleague.
UEFAisacompetitionorganizerandisresponsiblefortheorganizationandregulationofcross-borderfootballinEurope.UEFAisprimarilyknownforitsEuropeanclubcompetitions,theChampionsLeagueandtheEuropaLeague.CurrentlythePremierLeaguegetsfourteamsintotheChampionsLeagueandanotherthreeintotheEuropaLeague.TherepresentativestructuresforUEFAareprimarilynationalassociation-basedwiththeFArepresentingEnglishfootballonnumerouscommittees.
TheFAisthenationalgoverningbodyforfootballinEnglandandisresponsibleforsanctioningcompetitionRuleBooks,includingthePremierLeague's,andregulatingon-fieldmatters.TheFAalsoorganizestheFACupcompetition,inwhichthe20PremierLeaguememberclubsparticipate.TheFAisaspecialshareholderofthePremierLeaguethathastheabilitytoexerciseavoteoncertainspecificissues,buthasnoroleintheday-to-dayrunningoftheleague.EachyearthePremierLeaguesubmitsitsrulestotheFAforapprovalandsanction.ForthePremierLeague,theFAensuresthatthroughouttheseasontheLawsoftheGameareappliedonthefieldbyofficials,clubsandplayersincludingon-andoff-fielddiscipline.TheFAisalsoinvolvedinrefereeing,youthdevelopmentandtheUK'slargestsportscharity,theFootballFoundation.
OurFootballOperations
Ourfootballoperationsareprimarilycomprisedofthefollowingactivities:ourfirstteam,ourreserveteam,ouryouthacademy,ourglobalscoutingnetworksandotheroperationssuchasoursportscience,medicalandfitnessoperationsattheAonTrainingComplex.
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First team
OurfirstteamplaysprofessionalfootballinthePremierLeague,domesticcupcompetitionsinEnglandincludingtheFACupandEFLCupand,subjecttoqualifying,internationalcupcompetitions,includingtheChampionsLeague.
Ourfirstteamisledbyourmanager,supportedbyanassistantteammanagerandaclubsecretary,whointurnaresupportedbyateamofover140individuals,includingcoachesandscoutsforbothourfirstteamandyouthacademy,medicalandphysiotherapystaff,sportsscienceandperformanceandmatchanalysisstaff.
Wehave70playersundercontractofwhom35havemadeanappearanceforourfirstteam.Theremainingplayersmayplayforthereserveteamoryouthacademyteamsbutarebeingdevelopedsuchthattheymaymakeittoastartingpositiononourfirstteamorthefirstteamofotherclubs.Thisstructurehasbeenputinplacewiththeaimofdevelopingsomeoftheworld'sbestfootballplayersandmaximizingourfirstteam'schancesofwinninggames,leaguesandtournaments.
DomestictransfersofplayersbetweenfootballclubsaregovernedbythePremierLeagueRulesandtheFARules,whichallowaprofessionalplayertoenterintoacontractwithandberegisteredtoplayforanyclub,andtoreceiveasigning-onfeeinconnectionwithsuchcontract.Playersarepermittedtomovetoanotherclubduringthetermoftheircontractifbothclubsagreeonsuchtransfer.Insuchcircumstancesacompensationfeemaybepayablebythetransfereeclub.FIFARegulationsontheStatusandTransferofPlayers(the"FIFARegulations")governinternationaltransfersofplayersbetweenclubsandmayrequirethetransfereeclubtodistribute5%ofanycompensationfeetotheclubsthattrainedtherelevantplayer.Thetransferorclubinaninternationaltransfermayalsobeentitledtoreceivepaymentof"trainingcompensation"undertheFIFARegulationswhencertainconditionsaremet.Ifanout-of-contractplayer(i.e.,aplayerwhosecontractwithaclubhasexpiredorhasbeenterminated)wishestoplayforanotherclub,theplayer'sformerclubwillonlybeentitledtoacompensationfeeinadomestictransfer,orapaymentoftrainingcompensationundertheFIFARegulationsinaninternationaltransfer,ifcertainconditionsaresatisfied,includingconditionsregardingtheplayer'sageandrequiringtheformerclubtooffertheplayeranewcontractontermswhicharenolessfavorablethanhiscurrentcontract.Subjecttolimitedexceptions,transfersofprofessionalplayersmayonlytakeplaceduringoneofthe"transferwindows,"whichforthePremierLeagueisthemonthofJanuaryandtheperiodbeginningonthedayfollowingthelastPremierLeaguematchoftheseasonandendingon31August(orthefollowingMondayifthe31Augustfallsonaweekendorthefollowingdayif31AugustisabankholidayintheUK)ofthatyear.
OurplayersenterintocontractswithusthatfollowaprescribedmodelbasedonFAandPremierLeagueLimitedrules.Playersonourfirstteamtypicallyalsoenterintoanimagerightsagreementwithus,whichgrantsusenhancedrightsandprotectionswithrespecttouseoftheirimage.Ourfirstteamplayersgenerallyenterintocontractsofbetweentwoandfiveyears'duration.
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Asof13September2017,ourfirstteam(1)wascomprisedofthefollowingplayers:
Youth academy
Ouryouthacademyisarichsourceofnewtalentforourfirstteamaswellasameansofdevelopingplayersthatmaybesoldtogeneratetransferincome.Theaimofouryouthacademyistocreateaflowoftalentfromtheyouthteamsuptoourfirstteam,therebysavingustheexpenseof
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Player Position Nationality Age Apps(2) Caps(3) DaviddeGea Goalkeeper Spanish 26 275 22SamJohnstone(4) Goalkeeper English 24 0 0JoelCastroPereira(4) Goalkeeper Portuguese 21 2 0SergioRomero Goalkeeper Argentinian 30 28 89EricBailly Defender Ivorian 23 42 26DaleyBlind Defender Dutch 27 128 48CameronBorthwick-Jackson(4) Defender English 20 14 0MatteoDarmian Defender Italian 27 70 32TimothyFosu-Mensah(4) Defender Dutch 19 21 0PhilJones Defender English 25 171 23VictorLindelof Defender Swedish 23 2 14DemiMitchell Defender English 20 1 0ReganPoole(4) Defender Welsh 19 1 0JoeRiley Defender English 20 2 0MarcosRojo Defender Argentinian 27 95 54LukeShaw Defender English 22 47 7ChrisSmalling Defender English 27 245 31AxelTuanzebe Defender English 19 5 0AntonioValencia Defender Ecuadorian 32 296 91MichaelCarrick Midfielder English 36 459 34MarouaneFellaini Midfielder Belgian 29 137 76AnderHerrera Midfielder Spanish 27 125 2JesseLingard Midfielder English 24 88 4ScottMcTominay Midfielder English 20 2 0JuanMata Midfielder Spanish 29 151 41NemanjaMatic Midfielder Serbian 29 6 34HenrikhMkhitaryan Midfielder Armenian 28 47 66AndreasPereira Midfielder Belgian 21 13 0PaulPogba Midfielder French 24 64 49AshleyYoung Midfielder English 32 165 30AngelGomes Forward English 16 1 0ZlatanIbrahimovic Forward Swedish 35 46 116RomeluLukaku Forward Belgian 24 6 59AnthonyMartial Forward French 21 96 15MarcusRashford Forward English 19 77 9JamesWilson Forward English 21 20 0
(1) Thetableincludesallfirstteamplayersasof13September2017.
(2) Appsmeansappearancesforourfirstteamthrough13September2017.
(3) Capsmeansappearancesforseniornationalfootballteamthrough13September2017.
(4) Currentlyoutonloanatotherclubs.
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purchasingthoseplayersinthetransfermarket.Playersinouryouthacademyandreserveteamsmaybeloanedtootherclubsinordertodevelopandgainfirstteamexperiencewiththoseotherclubsandenhancetheirtransfervalue.Playersfromouryouthacademywhodonotmakeitintoourfirstteamfrequentlyachieveaplaceatanotherprofessionalfootballclub,therebygeneratingincomefromplayerloansandtransferfees.
Ouryouthacademyprogramconsistsof10juniorteamsrangingfromunder9stounder23's.Eachteamconsistsof15to30players,eachofwhomtakespartinanagespecificeliteplayerdevelopmentandgamesprogramduringtheseason.
Scouting network
Togetherwithouryouthacademy,ourscoutingsystemisanothersourceofourfootballtalent.Throughourscoutingsystem,werecruitplayersforbothourfirstteamandyouthacademy.Ourscoutingsystemconsistsofaprofessionalnetworkofstaffwhoscoutingeneralandforspecificpositionsandagegroups.
OurscoutingsystemwastraditionallyorientedtowardstheUnitedKingdom,butourfocushasincreasinglyshiftedtowardamoreinternationalapproachinordertoidentifyandattractfootballplayersfromthebroadesttalentpoolpossible.
Training facilities
Wehaveinvestedsignificantresourcesintodevelopingaperformancecenterwhichcontainsadvancedsportsandscienceequipment.Wehavehighlyexperiencedtrainingstaffworkingattheperformancecenter,whereweprovidephysiotherapy,bio-mechanicalanalysisandnutritionalguidancetoourplayersaspartofourdrivetoensurethateachplayerisabletoachievepeakphysicalcondition.Webelievethequalityofourperformancecenterdifferentiatesourclubfrommanyofourcompetitors.
Wespentapproximately£5.4millionintheyearended30June2017inconnectionwithfurtherupdatingourtrainingfacility,theAonTrainingComplex.
RevenueSectors
Commercial
WithintheCommercialrevenuesector,wemonetizeourbrandviathreerevenuestreams:sponsorship;retail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensing;andmobile&content.Theprimarysourceofrevenueinthissectorcomesfromsponsorship,whichallowshighlydiverseandglobalcompaniestopartnerwithManchesterUnited,regionallyorinternationally,inordertorealizesponsorshipbenefitsandassociatethemselveswithourbrand.
Sponsorship
Oursponsorshipagreementsarenegotiateddirectlybyourcommercialteam.Oursponsorsaregrantedvariousrights,whichcaninclude:
• rightsinrespectofourbrand,logoandotherintellectualproperty;
• rightsinrespectofourplayerandmanagerimagery;
• exposureonourtelevisionplatform,MUTV;
• exposureonourwebsite;
• exposureondigitalperimeteradvertisingboardsatOldTrafford;
• exposureoninterviewbackdrops;and
• therighttoadministerpromotionstargetedatcustomerswhosedetailsarestoredonourCRMdatabase.
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Anyuseofourintellectualpropertyrightsbysponsorsisunderlicense.However,weretaintheownershiprightstoourintellectualproperty.
Sponsorship development and strategy
Wepursueoursponsorshipdealsthroughadevelopedinfrastructureforcommercialactivities.WehaveadedicatedsalesteamlocatedintheUKandHongKongthatfocusesondevelopingcommercialopportunitiesandsourcingnewsponsors.Wetargetpotentialsponsorswebelievewillbenefitfromassociationwithourbrandandhavethenecessaryfinancialresourcestosupportanintegratedmarketingrelationship.Bycultivatingstrongrelationshipswithoursponsors,wegeneratesignificantrevenueandleverageoursponsorsco-brandedmarketingstrategiestofurthergrowourbrand.Wearesuccessfulinexecutingageographicandproductcategorizedapproachtosellingoursponsorshiprights.
Weoffercategoryexclusivityonaglobalbasistocompanieswithinparticularindustries,suchasairline,beverage,logisticsandwatches.Wealsooffersponsorshipexclusivitywithinaparticulargeographyforcertainindustries,suchasmotorcyclesandsoftdrinks.
Inseekinganyindividualpartnership,weaimtoestablishanindicativevalueforthatsponsorshipbasedontheprospectivesponsor'sindustryandmarketingobjectives.Wewillonlypursueasponsorshipifwebelieveitreflectsthevaluewedeliver.
Webelievethatcertainkeysectorsplayanactiveroleinsportssponsorship.Wehavesponsorsinanumberofthesesectorsandwebelievethatthereissignificantpotentialtoexpandthisplatformbyselectivelytargetingcompanieswithintheremainingsectorsandbygrowingrevenueinexistingsectorsthroughadditionalsponsorshiparrangements.EmergingmarketssuchasAsia,whichweexpecttobeakeyfocusformanyofourprospectivesponsors,areanimportantelementofoursponsorshipefforts.
Our current sponsors
Thefollowinggraphshowsourannualsponsorshiprevenueforeachofthelastfivefiscalyears:
SponsorshipRevenueGrowth
Note:SponsorshiprevenuedoesnotincluderevenuegeneratedfromouragreementswithNike(whichwasineffectthroughtheendofJuly2015)andadidas.
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Thetablebelowhighlightssomeofourglobalandregionalsponsorsasof1July2017:
Shirt sponsor
OurcurrentshirtsponsorisGeneralMotors(Chevrolet).Theshirtsponsorshipagreementbeganinthe2014/15seasonandrunsthroughtotheendofthe2020/21season,withtotalfeespayableofapproximately$559million.Wereceivedapproximately$18.6millionineachofthe2012/13and2013/14seasonsrelatingtopre-sponsorshipsupportandexposure,withtheremaining$521.8milliontobereceivedandrecognizedoversevenyearsthroughtotheendofthe2020/21season.Theshirtsponsorshipagreementgiveseachpartytypicalterminationrightsforacontractofthisnatureinrespectofamaterialbreach.
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Sponsor Typeofsponsorship Productcategory
20thCenturyFox Globalsponsor FeaturefilmsAeroflot Globalsponsor CommercialairlineAon Globalsponsor(trainingkit) InsuranceApolloTyres Globalsponsor TyresConchayToro Globalsponsor WineDeezer Globalsponsor MusicstreamingDHL Globalsponsor LogisticsElectronicArts Globalsponsor FootballcomputergamesEpson Globalsponsor OfficeequipmentGeneralMotors(Chevrolet) Globalsponsor(shirt) AutomobilesGulfOilInternational Globalsponsor LubricantoilandfuelretailHCL Globalsponsor DigitalplatformdevelopmentKansaiPaint Globalsponsor PaintMarathonbet Globalsponsor BettingMlily Globalsponsor MattressesandpillowsSwissquote Globalsponsor Forex&onlinetradingplatformsTAGHeuer Globalsponsor WatchesToshibaMedicalSystems Globalsponsor MedicalscannersUber Globalsponsor TransportationnetworkplatformYanmar Globalsponsor DieselenginesDonaco Regionalsponsor CasinoresortHongKongJockeyClub Regionalsponsor Racecoursesandprivatemembers'clubsIVC Regionalsponsor DietarysupplementsManda Regionalsponsor NutritionalsupplementsUni-President Regionalsponsor SoftdrinksYou-C1000 Regionalsponsor Isotonicdrinks
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Thefollowingchartshowsthedramaticgrowthinshirtsponsorshipsrevenuesince2000:
AverageAnnualPaymentsUnderRecentShirtSponsorshipContracts
Note:TheAonandChevroletshirtsponsorshipagreementsdonotincludesponsorshiprightsforourtrainingkit.TheChevroletannualpaymentdoesnotincludepre-sponsorshippaymentsandassumesa£:$exchangerateof1.2988asof30June2017.
Training facilities partner and training kit partner
OurtrainingfacilitiesatCarringtonaresponsoredbyAonandarenamedtheAonTrainingComplex.Aonarealsoourtrainingkitpartner,andouragreementwiththemprovidesthatourplayersandcoachingstaffwearadidas-brandedtrainingkitswithAonadvertisingatalldomesticmatches,aswellasduringtrainingsessions.Undertheagreement,Aonarealsothepresentingpartnerofallpre-seasontours.TheagreementwithAonrunsthroughtotheendofthe2020/21season.
Affinity insurance partner
WeareintheeighthseasonofanaffinityinsuranceagreementwithAonthatcoverstheinsurancecategoryofourfinancialservicesaffinityprogram.Theoriginalagreementwasenteredintoon27May2009and,on21December2012,wasextendedthroughtothe2020/21season.Theagreement,asamended,guaranteesaminimumofapproximately£28.8millioninpaymentstotheclub,withaminimumpaymentof£3.2milliondueeachfiscalyear.Theagreementgiveseachpartytypicalterminationrightsforacontractofthisnatureinrespectofamaterialbreach.
Global, regional and supplier sponsors
Inadditiontorevenuefromourshirtsponsor,trainingkitpartner,trainingfacilitiespartnerandaffinityinsurancepartner,wegeneratedafurther£77.5millionintheyearended30June2017fromotherglobal,regionalandothersponsors.Thelengthofthesesponsorshipdealsisgenerallybetweentwoandfiveyears.Themajorityofthesesponsorshipdealshaveminimumrevenueguaranteesandsomehaveadditionalrevenuesharingarrangements.
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Globalsponsorsaregrantedcertainmarketingandpromotionrightswithrespecttoourbrandandintellectualpropertyaswellasexposureonourmedia,suchasdigitalperimeterboardsatOldTrafford,MUTVandourwebsite.Theserightsaregrantedonaglobalbasisandareexclusivebycategory.Regionalsponsorsaregrantedcertainmarketingandpromotionrightsandmediaexposure,however,theserightsaregrantedforalimitednumberofterritories.Regionalsponsorsareabletousetherightsintheirdesignatedterritoryonanexclusivebasis,howevertheyarenotgrantedglobalcategoryexclusivity.
Financial services affinity sponsorship
ThereisasignificantgrowthopportunitytofurtherdevelopManchesterUnitedbrandedfinancialservicesproducts.Thesefinancialservicesproductsincludecreditcardsanddebitcards.Webelievetherearekeycommercialopportunitieswithcreditanddebitcards,whichareparticularlyattractiveascreditanddebitcardsalsoserveasameansoffollowerexpressionandloyalty.Dependingontheproductcategory,wepursueaffinityagreementsonaterritoryspecificorregionalbasis.ExamplesofourfinancialservicesaffinitysponsorsincludeMaybank(Malaysia),ShinseiBank(Japan),Santander(Norway),Denizbank(Turkey),Danamon(Indonesia),andBIDV(Vietnam).
Exhibition games and promotional tours
Weconductexhibitiongamesandpromotionaltoursonaglobalbasis.Ourpromotionaltoursenableustoengagewithourfollowers,supportthemarketingobjectivesofoursponsorsandextendthereachofourbrandinstrategicmarkets.Thesepromotionaltoursareinadditiontoourcompetitivematchesandtakeplaceduringthesummermonthsorduringgapsinthefootballseason.Overthelast6years,weplayed31exhibitiongamesinAustralia,China,Germany,HongKong,Ireland,Japan,Norway,SouthAfrica,Sweden,ThailandandtheUnitedStates,wherein2014,wesetaU.S.attendancerecordforafootballmatchwith109,318fansatMichiganstadium.
Wenormallyreceiveaguaranteedfeeforsuchtours.Wealsogeneraterevenuefromtoursponsorshipopportunitiessoldtoexistingandnewpartners.Duringthe2016/17season,ourpromotionalexhibitiongamesandpromotionaltoursgenerated£7.3millionofrevenue(excludinganyrelatedsponsorshiprevenue).Webelievepromotionaltoursrepresentagrowthopportunityaswecontinuetoplayexhibitiongamesaroundtheworld.
Commercial income from the Premier League
Inadditiontorevenuefromcontractsthatwenegotiateourselves,wereceiverevenuefromcommercialarrangementsnegotiatedcollectivelybythePremierLeagueonbehalfofitsmemberteams.IncomefromthesecommercialcontractsnegotiatedbythePremierLeagueissharedequallybetweentheclubsthataretobeinthePremierLeaguefortheseasontowhichtheincomerelates.OurprorataincomereceivedfromtheothercommercialcontractsnegotiatedbythePremierLeagueisnotmaterialtotheCompany'sresultsofoperations.
Retail, Merchandising, Apparel & Product Licensing
UnlikeAmericanteamsintheNFL,MLBandNHL,ManchesterUnitedretainsfullcontroloftheuseandmonetizationofitsintellectualpropertyrightsworldwideintheareasofretail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensing.
Ourretail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensingbusinessincludesthesaleofsportsapparel,trainingandleisurewearandotherclothingfeaturingManchesterUnitedbrandsaswellasotherlicensedproductsfromcoffeemugstobedspreads.TheseproductsaredistributedonaglobalbasisthroughManchesterUnitedbrandedretailstoresande-commerceplatform,aswellasthroughourpartners'wholesaledistributionchannels.
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Wehavea10-yearagreementwithadidaswithrespecttoourglobaltechnicalsponsorshipanddual-brandedlicensingrights,whichbeganon1August2015.Theminimumguaranteepayablebyadidasoverthetermoftheagreementisequalto£750million,subjecttocertainadjustments.PaymentsdueinaparticularyearmayincreaseifourfirstteamwinsthePremierLeague,FACuporChampionsLeague,ordecreaseifourfirstteamfailstoparticipateintheChampionsLeaguefortwoormoreconsecutiveseasons,withthemaximumpossibleincreasebeing£4millionperyearandthemaximumpossiblereductionbeing30%oftheapplicablepaymentfortheyearinwhichthesecondorotherconsecutiveseasonofnon-participationfalls.IfthefirstteamfailstoparticipateintheChampionsLeaguefortwoormoreconsecutiveseasons,thenthereductionisappliedasfromtheyearinwhichthesecondconsecutiveseasonofnon-participationfalls.IntheeventofareductioninanyyearduetothefailuretoparticipateintheChampionsLeaguefortwoormoreconsecutiveseasons,thepaymentsrevertbacktotheoriginaltermsuponthefirstteamparticipatingagainintheChampionsLeague.Anyincreaseordecreaseinaparticularyearwouldhavetheeffectofincreasingordecreasingtheminimumguaranteeamountof£750millionpayableoverthe10-yeartermoftheagreement.
Theminimumguaranteefromadidasdoesnotincludetherightswithrespecttomono-brandedlicensingrightsortherighttocreateandoperateManchesterUnitedbrandedsoccerschools,physicalretailchannelsande-commerceretailchannels,whichrightsmaygenerateadditionalrevenuefortheclub.Wemayalsobenefitfromadditionalroyaltypaymentsuponexceedingathresholdofsales.
Theagreementwithadidasissubjecttoreciprocalterminationprovisionsinrespectofmaterialbreachandinsolvency.adidasmayreducetheapplicablepaymentsforayearby50%ifthefirstteamisnotparticipatingintheEnglishPremierLeagueduringthatyear.Inaddition,adidasmayterminatetheagreementbygivingonefull-season'snoticeifthefirstteamisrelegatedfromtheEnglishPremierLeagueorifitisotherwisedeterminedthatthefirstteamshallnotbeparticipatinginthePremierLeagueorthetopEnglishleague.
Retail
InadditiontoourflagshipretailstoreatOldTrafford(whichweoperateourselves),wehaveaManchesterUnitedbrandedretaillocationinMacau(whichisoperatedbyathirdpartylicensee).WecontinuetoexplorepossibleretailopportunitiesintheUSmarket.
Merchandising & product licensing
WegrantproductlicensesacrossawiderangeofManchesterUnitedproductswhicharehighlysoughtafterbyourfollowersaroundtheworld.Underourproductlicensingagreements,wereceiveroyaltiesfromthesalesofspecificManchesterUnitedbrandedproducts.Undersomeproductlicensingagreements,wereceiveaminimumguaranteedpaymentfromthelicensee.Themajorityoflicenseesaregrantedonanon-exclusiverightsbasisforspecificproductcategories,withinaspecificcountryorgeographicregion.
Wholesale apparel—replica uniforms, training wear
TheManchesterUnitedjerseyandtrainingweararecompletelyredesignedforeachseason.Theannuallaunchofthenewjerseyisalwaysamuch-anticipateddayforourglobalcommunityoffollowers.Theresultisarobustwholesaleapparelbusiness.
E-commerce
WecurrentlyhavearrangementsinplacewherebyFanaticshasbeengrantedseparatelicensestouseourbrandand/ortrademarkstooperatetheofficialonlinestore,brandedas"UnitedDirect",inrespectoftheUnitedStatesandtherestoftheworld.TheonlinestoresellsarangeofManchester
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Unitedbrandedmerchandiseincludingofficialreplicakitandotherclothingfromadidas.Inaddition,theonlinestoreoffersabroadrangeofotherapparel,equipmentsuchasballs,luggageandotheraccessories,homewaressuchasbedroom,kitchenandbathroomaccessories,andcollectibles,souvenirsandothergifts.Wecurrentlyreceiveapercentageofnetsalesfromtheonlinestoreasaroyaltypayment.
Webelievethereisasignificantopportunityforustoexpandoure-commercecapabilitiesthroughimprovedleverageofourdigitalmediaplatform,andfocusingondeliveringatailoreddigitalshoppingexperienceataregionallevel.Specifically,weintendtoimproveourabilitytooffertargetedmerchandisetoourfollowers,complementedbymoreefficientfulfilmentmechanics,includingproductdelivery,availabilityandpaymentmethods.
Mobile & Content
Digital media
Duetothepowerofourbrandandthequalityofourcontent,wehaveformedmobiletelecompartnershipsinnumerouscountries.Ourwebsite,www.manutd.com,ispublishedin7languagesand,accordingtodigitalmarketintelligencecompanySimilarWeb,itwasthemostvisitedPremierLeaguefootballclubwebsiteduringthe2016/17season.Weuseourwebsite,whichincorporatese-commerceservices,tocommunicatewithourfollowers,promotetheManchesterUnitedbrandandprovideaplatformforoursponsorstoreachourglobalaudience.
Webelieveour659millionglobalfollowersputusinprimepositiontocapitalizeonsocialmediaoutletstofurtherourbrand.Aportionofthisfollowinghasalreadytakentosocialmedia,asourFacebookpagehadover73.6millionconnectionswithover1.3billioninteractionssinceitslaunch,asof30June2017andisoneofthemosthighlyfollowedanduserengagedbrandpages.ThefollowinggraphshowsthegrowthinthenumberofFacebookconnectionssinceJune2013(inmillions).
OurhistoricalgrowthinFacebookconnectionsdoesnotguaranteethatwewillachievecomparablegrowthinFacebookconnectionsinthefuture.
Theproliferationofdigitaltelevision,broadbandinternet,smartphones,mobileapplicationsandsocialmediagloballyprovidesourbusinesswithmanyopportunitiestoextendthereachofourcontent.Specifically,weintendtouseourdigitalmediaplatformstogeneratevaluethroughextendedsponsorpositioning,drivinge-commerce,anddirect-to-consumeropportunities,includingsellingpremiumservicessuchasinternationaldigitalmemberships,videoandexclusivecontentsubscriptions.Wewill
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alsocontinuetoleverageourdigitalmediaplatformtogeneratecustomerdataandinformationaswellasfollowerprofilesofcommercialvaluetous,oursponsorsandourmediapartners.Webelievethatinthefuture,digitalmediawillbeoneoftheprimarymeansthroughwhichweengageandinteractwithourfollowerbase.
Content and localization
Ourdigitalmediapropertiesareanincreasinglyimportantmeansthroughwhichweengagewithourinternationalfanbase.IntheUnitedKingdom,coverageofManchesterUnitedandthePremierLeagueisprevalentinprint,televisionanddigitalmedia.WebelievewefacelesscompetitionininternationalmarketsforManchesterUnitedcoverageandcanthereforeattractandretainagreaterportionofourfollowerstoourowndigitalmediaoffering.Totakeadvantageofthatopportunity,wewillincreasinglyseektodevelopadditionalpremiumandexclusivecontenttoenhancethepropositionforourfollowers,membersandpaidsubscribersaroundtheworld.Ourfollowersgenerallyprefertoconsumeourcontentintheirlanguageandcontext.Webelievewecaneffectivelydelivertailoredservicestoourfollowersgloballythroughvariouslanguageofferings,geographictargetingandpersonalizedcontent.WecurrentlyhaveinternationallanguagewebsitesinEnglish,Spanish,French,Arabic,MandarinChinese,KoreanandJapanese,whichenableustoengagewithourfollowersintheirnativelanguage.
Mobile services and applications
Wecurrentlyofferdigitalcontenttomobiledevicesunderour"MUMobile"brand,andhavedevelopedamobile"ClubApp"thatiscurrentlyavailablein39territories.TheClubApphasbeendevelopedtosupporta'testandlearn'strategythatenablesustooptimizethedevelopmentoffutureproducts,withafocusontrackingtheconsumptionofdifferentfeaturesandcontenttypes.
Wehaveenteredintoregionalagreementswithmobileoperatorstowhomwegrantrightstooperateour"MUMobile"serviceinnumerouscountries.TheserightsincludethepermissiontodeliverManchesterUnitedcontenttocustomersonaterritory-exclusivebasisandcertainintellectualpropertyrightstomarketandpromotetheserviceintherelevantregion.Thecontentprovidedincludeshighlightclips,matchandnewstextalerts,ringtonesandwallpapers.Ourmobileandtelecommunicationspartnersoperatetheserviceonageographicallyexclusivebasisanduseourintellectualpropertytodriveawarenessoftheirbrandsandproductofferings.Thesepartnershipsarebasedoncontractslastingfromtwotofiveyears.
Therehasbeenasignificantincreaseintheprevalenceofbroadbandmobileandvideo-enabledmobiledevicesinrecentyears.MobiledevicesrunningtheiOSorAndroidoperatingsystemenableconsumerstobrowsetheinternet,watchvideo,accessdedicatedapplicationsandconducte-commerce.Asaconsequenceweareseeingthemajorityofourfollowersnowaccessingourwebsiteanddigitalcontentviatheirmobiledevices.
Inthe2016/17seasonwelaunchedtheMUTVchannelonMUTV.com.ThisenabledfanstopurchaseMUTVonasubscriptionbasisforthefirsttimewithoutanexistingsatelliteorcablesubscription.
Weintendtocontinuedevelopingmulti-platformmobilesitesandmobileapplicationsthatwillfacilitateaccessforourfollowerstoourcontentacrossarangeofdevicesandcarriersinordertomeetglobaldemand.
Video on demand
Theproliferationofbroadbandinternetandmobileaccessalsoallowsustooffervideoondemandtoourfollowersaroundtheworld.Throughourwebsite,ClubAppandtheMUTVD2Capplication,
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weprovidelivevideoandvideoondemandtoourfollowersinavarietyofformatsandcommercialmodels.Somevideoondemandcontentisfreetoallusers,somecontentisonlyaccessibleuponregistrationandsomecontent,asinthecaseoflivepreseasontourmatches,hasbeenavailableonasubscriptionbasis.
Goingforward,weintendtocontinuetoleveragethestrengthofourvideoproductionassetstogenerateimprovedandlocalizedcontentsuchashigh-definitionmatchhighlights,originalstudioprogramsandin-depthfeaturesontheclub'splayersandhistory.Dependingonthemarket,wemayoffervideoondemandservicesviaourmediapartnersaspartofacomprehensivesuiteofcontentrights,aswellasonadirect-to-consumerbasis.
Social media
With659millionfollowersworldwide,webelievethereisasignificantopportunitytoleveragethecapabilitiesofsocialmediaplatformstoaugmentourrelationshipswithourfollowersaroundtheworld.Byestablishinganofficialpresenceontheseplatforms,webelievewewillbeabletodeepentheconnectionswithourfollowerbaseandimproveourabilitytomarketandsellproductsandservicestoourfollowers.
Asof30June2017wehadcloseto141.5millionsocialconnectionsincludingover73.6millionconnectionsonourFacebookpageandover13.6millionfollowerstoourTwitteraccounts.Forthe2016/17seasonwehadover845millionsocialmediainteractionsonFacebook,InstagramandTwitter(i.e.likes,comments,sharesandretweets)whichrepresentsanincreaseofover52%comparedto554millioninthepreviousseason.Weaccountedforover44%ofallsocialmediainteractionsgeneratedbyPremierLeagueclubsinthe2016/17seasonacrossFacebook,InstagramandTwitter.Weuseoursocialfootprintasameanstocommunicatenewsandotherupdates,engagewithourfollowers,identifyactivefollowers,solicitfeedbackfromourusers,tailorfuturedigitalmediaofferingsandenhancetheoverallfollowerexperience.
WeintendtocontinuetoexpandourreachthroughdifferentsocialmediaandmobilechatplatformsbylaunchingadditionalManchesterUnitedbrandedpresencesonglobalplatformsaswellasregionalandlanguage-specificplatforms.
Webelievethiscontinuousexpansionwillenableustobroadenthereachofourbrandandthecontentweproduceaswellasenhanceourengagementwithfollowersinmanyofourkeyinternationalandemergingmarkets.
Whilethereisnoguaranteethatoursocialconnectionswillcontinuetogrowatcomparableratesinthefuture,webelievethecombinationofplatformsonwhichwehaveanofficialpresencewillprovideanincreasingsourceoftraffictoourclubbrandeddigitalmediaservicesande-commerceproperties,enhanceourabilitytoconvertusersintocustomersthroughinternationalmemberships,contentsubscriptionsande-commerce,andcontinuetoprovideextensivepositioningopportunitiesforourpartners.
Customer relationship management
Oneofourongoingstrategicobjectivesistofurtherdevelopourunderstandingofanddeepentherelationshipswithourfollowers.WeoperateaCRMdatabaseinordertobetterunderstandthesize,location,demographicsandcharacteristicsofourfollowerbaseonanaggregatedbasis.OurCRMdatabaseenablesustomoreeffectivelytargetourproductandserviceofferingssuchasdigitalsubscriptionservices,merchandiseandtickets.Adeepunderstandingofourfollowerbaseisalsovaluabletosponsorsandmediapartnerswhoseektoaccessspecificcustomercategorieswithtargetedandrelevantadvertising.
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Broadcasting
Webenefitfromthedistributionandbroadcastingoflivefootballcontentdirectlyfromtherevenuewereceiveandindirectlythroughincreasedglobalexposureforourcommercialpartners.BroadcastingrevenueisderivedfromthecentrallynegotiateddomesticandinternationaltelevisionandradiorightstothePremierLeague,theChampionsLeagueandothercompetitions.Inaddition,ourwholly-ownedglobaltelevisionchannel,MUTV,deliversManchesterUnitedprogrammingtoterritoriesaroundtheworld.
ThePremierLeagueandUEFAnegotiatetheirownmediarightscontractsindependentlyoftheparticipatingclubs.InrespectofthePremierLeague,mediaagreementsaretypicallythreeyearsindurationandarecentrallynegotiatedandenteredintowithmediadistributorsbythePremierLeagueonbehalfofthememberclubs.Undertheagreements,broadcastingrevenueforeachseasonistypicallysharedbetweentheclubsthataretobeinthePremierLeagueforthatseasonandapart-sharefortheclubsthatwererelegatedfromthePremierLeagueinthepreviousfourseasons.AftercertaindeductionsapprovedbythePremierLeague(forexample,donationsto"grassroots"footballdevelopmentandothercauses),theincomefromthesaleofthedomesticbroadcastingrightsisallocatedtothecurrentandrelegatedclubsaccordingtoaformulabasedon,amongotherthings,finishingpositionintheleagueandthenumberoflivetelevisionappearances.RevenuefromthesaleoftherightstotelevisePremierLeaguematchesinternationallybyoverseasbroadcastersandradioissharedequallybetweenthecurrentclubsandapart-sharefortheclubsthatwererelegatedfromthePremierLeagueinthepreviousfourseasons.
IntheChampionsLeagueandEuropaLeague,mediaagreementsarealsotypicallythreeyearsindurationandarecollectivelynegotiatedandenteredintobyUEFAonbehalfoftheparticipatingclubs.Eachclubreceivesafixedamountforqualifyingforthegroupstage,anadditionalamountforeachmatchplayed,andbonusesbasedonperformanceinthegroupandqualificationfortheroundof32(EuropaLeagueonly),roundof16,quarter-finalsandsemi-finals.Therunner-upandwinnerofthecompetitionalsoearnadditionalamounts.Forthecurrent3-yearagreement(whichcommencedinthe2015/16season)amountsaredistributedtoeachclubasfollows:
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Champions
League("UCL") EuropaLeague
("UEL") €'million €'million Bonusforgroupstageparticipation(UCL—32teams;UEL—48teams)
€ 12.70 € 2.60
Bonusforeachgroupstagewin(maximum6) € 1.50 € 0.36Bonusforeachgroupstagedraw(1) € 0.50 € 0.12Bonusforgrouprunners-up N/A € 0.30Bonusforgroupwinners N/A € 0.60Bonusforroundof32participation N/A € 0.50Bonusforroundof16participation € 6.00 € 0.75Bonusforquarter-finalparticipation € 6.50 € 1.00Bonusforsemi-finalparticipation € 7.50 € 1.60Runner-upbonus(inclusiveofticketingrevenueshare)
€ 11.00 € 3.50
Winnerbonus(inclusiveofticketingrevenueshare)
€ 15.50 € 6.50
Maximumtotaloftheabove € 57.20 € 15.71
(1) Intheeventofadraw,thenon-distributedbalance(UCL—€0.5million;UEL—€0.12million)willbeaggregatedandsplitamongtheclubsthatwonmatchesatthegroupstageinproportiontothenumberofmatcheswon.
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Inadditiontotheabovefixedamounts,UEFAallocatesmoniestoamarketpoolwhichisalsodistributedtoclubswhoreachthegroup-stageandbeyond.In2016/17thetotalmarketpoolfortheChampionsLeaguewas€507millionandfortheEuropaLeaguewas€160million.
ThemarketpoolforeachcountryiscalculatedbasedontheproportionalvalueofitsbroadcastingagreementswithUEFArelativetothetotalvalueofbroadcastingagreementsfromallcountriesrepresentedatthegroupstage(andonwardsfortheEuropaLeague).50%ofeachcountrymarketpoolisdistributedtoitsgroup-stagerepresentativesbasedoneachclub'sdomesticperformanceinthepreviousseason.FortheChampionsLeaguethisisbasedonleaguefinishingposition.FortheEuropaLeaguethisisbasedonleaguefinishingpositionandpotentiallybothdomesticcupcompetitions(thewinnersoftheFACup(ifparticipatingintheEuropaLeague)earnthehighestshare).AnyclubwhichqualifiesfortheChampionsLeaguegroup-stagebyvirtueofwinningtheEuropaLeagueinthepreviousseason(suchasourselvesin2016/17)doesnotreceiveadistributionofthe50%marketpoolbasedondomesticperformanceinthepreviousseason.
Theremaining50%ofthemarketpoolisdistributedasfollows:
FortheChampionsLeague,basedonthenumberofgamesplayedinthecurrentcompetitionrelativetoteamsfromthesamecountry.TheEnglishmarketpoolforthe2015/16competition(thelastseasoninwhichwecompeted)wasapproximately€124.9million.Thisamountcanvaryfromseasontoseasonsubjecttothecompositionofthe32clubstakingpartinthegroupstage.
FortheEuropaLeague,splitacrosseachroundofthecompetition(40%togroupstage,20%toroundof32,16%toroundof16,12%toquarter-finals,8%tosemi-finalsand4%tothefinal)whichisdistributedtoteamswhoparticipateintherelevantroundbasedontheproportionalvalueofthecountrybroadcastingrightsrelativetothevalueofallbroadcastingagreementsforcountriesrepresentedateachstage.
Broadcastingrevenueincluding,insomecases,prizemoneyreceivedbyusinrespectofvariouscompetitions,willvaryfromyeartoyearasaresultofvariabilityintheamountofavailableprizemoneyandtheperformanceofourfirstteaminsuchcompetitions.
MUTV
MUTVisourwholly-ownedglobaltelevisionchannelandisbroadcastinnumerouscountries.MUTVbroadcastsawidevarietyofcontentwhichiscompellingtoourglobalcommunityoffollowers,includingnews,gamehighlights,andexclusive"behindthescenes"coverageourclub.
Dependingonthemarket,wemayofferoursuiteofmediarightsasabundlegivingexclusiveaccesstoonemulti-platformmediaproviderorofferMUTVasasingleproducttotelevisiondistributors.MUTVfeaturesarangeofcontentgeneratedfromitsownproductionfacilities.
IntheUnitedKingdom,MUTVisoffereddirectlytoconsumersthroughtheSkyandVirginMediadistributionplatformsanddirecttoconsumersviaasubscriptiontoMUTV.com.OutsidetheUnitedKingdom,weofferMUTVthroughdistributionpartnersaspartofasuiteofmediarights,whichcanbepurchasedonabundledorselectivebasisandcanincludecertainpromotionalrightsandviatheD2Cmobileapplication.
MUTVfeaturesarangeofcontent,theprimarycategoriesofwhichare:
• highlightsfromgamesandothertime-delayedgamefootage(includingfullmatches),bothofwhicharesubjecttocertainholdbackperiodsundertheagreementsbetweenmediadistributors,theparticipatingclubsandthePremierLeagueandUEFA;
• livecoverageofpromotionaltoursandexhibitiongames;
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• lifestyleprogrammingandother"behindthescenes"contentprofilingtheclub,ourhistory,ourmanagerandourplayers;and
• livecoverageofAcademyandYouthgames.
Matchday
Ourstadium,whichwefullyown,iscalledOldTraffordandisknownas"TheTheatreofDreams."WebelieveOldTraffordisoneofthemostfamousandhistoricstadiumsintheworld.FootballfollowerstravelfromallovertheworldtoattendamatchatOldTrafford,whichisthelargestfootballclubstadiumintheUnitedKingdom,withacapacityof75,457.Inthe2016/17season,theclub's31homegameswereattendedbyover2.2millionpeople.Thestadiumhasbeencompletelyrenovatedandhasallthemodernluxuriesofanynewstadium,withapproximately8,000executiveclubseats,including154luxuryboxes,15restaurantsand4sportsbars.
WehaveoneofthehighestcapacityutilizationsamongEnglishclubs,withanaverageattendanceforourhomePremierLeaguematchesof99%foreachseasonsincethe1997/98season.Thesubstantialmajorityofourticketsaresoldtobothgeneraladmissionandexecutiveseasonticketholders,themajorityofwhompayforalltheirticketsinadvanceofthefirstgameoftheseason.Wealsoderiverevenuefromthesaleofhospitalitypackages,food,drinks,eventparkingandprogramsonmatchdays.
OtherMatchdayrevenueincludesmatchdaycatering,eventparking,programsalesaswellasmembershipandtravel,ManchesterUnitedMuseumrevenueandashareoftheticketrevenuefromawaymatchesindomesticcupcompetitions.MatchdayrevenuealsoincludesrevenuefromothereventshostedatOldTrafford,includingothersportingevents(includingfootballmatchesaspartoftheLondon2012OlympicGamesandtheannualRugbySuperLeagueGrandFinal),musicconcertsandentertainmentevents.
Weoperateamembershipprogram.Individualswhobecomeofficialmembershavetheopportunitytoapplyforticketstoallhomematches.Adultofficialmemberspay£32perseasontojointheschemewhilepersonsovertheageof65andundertheageof18receiveadiscount.Attheendofthe2016/17seasonwehadover180,000members.
TheManchesterUnitedMuseumislocatedwithinOldTrafford.ItchroniclesManchesterUnited's139-yearhistoryandhousestheclub'smostpreciousartifactsandtrophies.In2016/17,weestimatethatapproximately330,000peoplevisitedtheManchesterUnitedMuseum,makingitthemostvisitedfootballclubmuseumintheUnitedKingdom.
Weaimtomaximizeticketrevenuebyenhancingthemixofexperiencesavailableateachgameandprovidingarangeofoptionsfromgeneraladmissionticketstomulti-seatfacilitiesandhospitalitysuites.Inparticular,wehaverecentlyincreasedoverallMatchdayrevenuebyrestructuringthecompositionofourstadium,withanemphasisondevelopinghospitalityfacilitieswhichsellatahigherpriceandimproveourmargins.Aspartofthiseffort,wehaveinvestedinnewandrefurbishedmulti-seathospitalitysuitesaswellasimprovementstooursingle-seatfacilities.WeexpectourenhancementstoourhospitalityfacilitiestocontinuetobeakeydriverofourprofitfromMatchdaysalesgoingforward.
UEFAClubLicensingandFinancialFairPlayRegulations("FFPregulations")
In2010,UEFAadoptedtheFFPregulations,whichareintendedtoensurethefinancialself-sufficiencyandsustainabilityoffootballclubsbydiscouragingthemfromcontinuallyoperatingataloss,introducemoredisciplineandrationalityonclubfinances,ensurethatclubssettletheirliabilitiesonatimelybasisandencouraginglongterminvestmentinyouthdevelopmentandsportinginfrastructure.
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TheFFPregulationscontaina"break-even"ruleaimedatencouragingfootballclubstooperateonthebasisoftheirownrevenue.Therefore,ownerinvestmentsofequitywillbeallowedonlywithintheacceptabledeviationthresholds,asdescribedbelow.Inaddition,theFFPregulationsprovidethatfootballclubswhoaregrantedaUEFAlicensebytheirnationalassociation,basedlargelyonphysicalinfrastructureandpersonnelcriteriasetoutbyUEFA,andwhothenqualifyforaUEFAcompetitionbasedonsportinggrounds,willthenberequiredtocomplywitha"monitoring"process.Themonitoringprocessinvolvesthesubmissionofcertainfinancialinformation(abreak-eventestandpayablesanalysis)totheClubFinancialControlBody("CFCB").TheCFCBispartofUEFA'sOrgansfortheAdministrationofJusticeandcomprisesateamofindependentfinancialandlegalexperts.TheCFCBwillreviewfinancialsubmissionsanddecidewhatsanctions,ifany,toapplytonon-compliantclubs.AnyappealmustbemadedirectlytotheCourtofArbitrationforSport.Potentialsanctionsfornon-compliancewiththeFFPregulationsincludeareprimand/warning,withholdingofprizemoney,fines,prohibitiononregisteringnewplayersforUEFAcompetitionsandultimatelyexclusionfromUEFAcompetitions.
AheadofregistrationforUEFAcompetitionsforthe2017/18seasonwesubmittedourpayablesanalysisandbreak-evenassessmentundertheFFPregulations,basedonourfiscalyear2016andfiscalyear2015auditedfinancialstatements.Thebreak-eventestresultwaspositivei.e.asurplus.Thebreak-evenassessmentisbasedonthesumoffinancialinformationforthethreeseasonspriortothecompetitionseason.Thepayablesanalysisiscarriedoutat30Junepriortothecompetitionseasonandisrequiredinrespectofpaymentstootherclubsfortransferfees,paymentstostaffincludingplayersandfootballstaffandpaymentstotaxauthorities.UEFAhasalreadyimposedsanctionsonclubswhohavebreachedtheLicensingandFFPregulations,rangingfrommonetaryfines,restrictionsonwagesandfirstteamsquadsizeandlimitationontransferexpenditures,toexclusionfromUEFAcompetitions.
Withrespecttothebreak-evenassessment,aclubmustdemonstratethatitsrelevant"football"incomeisequaltoorexceedsits"football"expenses.Thepermittedlevelofdeficitislimitedoverthethreeyearassessmentperiodtojust€5million,althoughalargerdeficitofupto€30millionispermittedprovideditisreducedtothe€5millionacceptabledeviationbyequitycontributionsfromequityparticipantsand/orrelatedparties.Anyclubwhichexceedsthe€30millionlimitwillautomaticallybeinbreachofthebreak-evenrule,unlessithassufficientsurplusesinthetwoyearspriortotheassessmentperiod,irrespectiveofanyequitycontributions.
ThecombinednetlossesofEuropeanclubsfellby70%inthethreeseasonsto2013/14comparedtothethreeseasonsto2010/11whichwouldsuggestthattheUEFALicensingandFinancialFairPlayRegulationsareachievingtheirobjectives.However,in2015UEFAannouncedsomechangestotheFFPregulationsaimedprimarilyatclubsundergoingabusinessrestructuring.InsteadofbreachingtheFFPregulationsandbeingsubjecttosanctions,theamendedregulationsenableclubstovoluntarilyapproachtheCFCBwithabusinessplanwhichdemonstrateshowtheyaregoingtoremedytheirshort-termbreachofFFPregulationsandachievebreak-evencomplianceoverafouryeartimeperiod.IfthebusinessplanisapprovedbytheCFCBtheclubwouldnotbesubjecttosanctionsfortherestructuringyearwhichresultsinabreachoftheFFPregulations.
Wesupportandoperatewithinthefinancialfairplayregulations,anddonotbelieveitwilladverselyimpactourabilitytocontinuetoattractsomeofthebestplayersinthecomingyears.
PremierLeagueShortTermCostsControls("STCC")andProfitabilityandSustainabilityRegulations
In2013,thePremierLeagueagreedtoadoptSTCCandProfitabilityandSustainabilityregulations.TheSTCCwasintroducedforaninitialperiodofthreeseasonsendingin2015/16butwerethenextendedforafurtherthreeseasonsthroughthe2018/19season.Forthefirstthree-yearcycle,PremierLeagueteamswererequiredtolimitannualincreasesinaggregateplayerwagecosts,comparedtothe
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2012/13season,to£4millionperseasonforeachofthethreeseasons,andnomorethana£12millionaggregateincreaseoversuchperiod,exceptiffundedby:
• increasesinsuchteam'stotalrevenuecomparedtothe2012/13season,excludingincreasesfromPremierLeaguebroadcastingrevenue;plus
• ifapplicable,anyprofitsfromthedisposalofplayerregistrations.
Forthenextthree-yearcycle,annualplayerwagecostincreaseswillbelimitedto£7millionperseason,againascomparedtothe2012/13season,exceptiffundedby:
• increasesintotalrevenuefromsourcesotherthanPremierLeaguebroadcastingcontracts;plus
• ifapplicable,anyprofitsfromthedisposalofplayerregistrations.
TheProfitabilityandSustainabilityregulationswereintroducedduringthe2015/16season,implementingabreak-evenrulesimilartothebreak-eventestoftheUEFAClubLicensingandFinancialFairPlayRegulationsandaimedatencouragingPremierLeagueclubstooperatewithintheirmeans.Potentialsanctionsfornon-compliancewiththeprofitabilityandsustainabilityregulationsincludesignificantfines,playertransferrestrictionsandPremierLeaguepointsdeduction.
Ourmostrecentbreak-evenassessmentunderthePremierLeagueProfitabilityandSustainabilityregulationswassubmittedinMarch2017,basedonourfiscalyear2015andfiscalyear2016auditedfinancialstatements.Thebreak-eventestisbasedonaclub'sauditedpre-taxearnings.Ifthebreak-eventestresultsarepositive,nofurtheractionisrequireduntilthenextbreak-eventest.Iftheinitialtestisnegative,aclubisre-tested,usingtheUEFAdefinitionof"adjustedearningsbeforetax,"whichallowscreditfordepreciationoftangiblefixedassetsandexpenditureonyouthdevelopmentandcommunityprograms.Ifthesesecondtestresultsarenegativeby£15millionorless,nofurtheractionisrequired.Ifaclub'slossesexceed£15millionbutarenotmorethan£105million,theclub'sownershipmustprovidesecurefundingtoavoidsanctions.Iftheseresultsarenegativebymorethan£105million,regardlessofownershipfunding,PremierLeaguesanctionswillapply.Ourbreak-eventestresultsubmittedinMarch2017waspositive.
AswiththeUEFAClubLicensingandFinancialFairPlayRegulations,wesupportandoperatewithinthePremierLeagueProfitabilityandSustainabilityregulations,anddonotbelieveitwilladverselyimpactourabilitytocontinuetoattractsomeofthebestplayersinthecomingyears.
SocialResponsibility
The Manchester United Foundation
Wearecommittedtoawide-rangingcorporatesocialresponsibilityprogramthroughManchesterUnitedFoundation.Thecharityarmoftheclub,ManchesterUnitedFoundationusesfootballtoengageandinspireyoungpeopletobuildabetterlifeforthemselvesandunitethecommunitiesinwhichtheylive.Dedicatedstaffdeliverfootballcoaching,educationalprogramsandpersonaldevelopment,providingyoungpeoplewithopportunitiestochangetheirlivesforthebetter.TheFoundationhaspartnershipswithover20highschoolsacrossGreaterManchester,inwhichfull-timecoachesarebasedtoworkwiththepupils,feederprimaryschoolsandwithinthelocalcommunitytobuildlastingrelationships.Otherinitiatives,suchasStreetRedseveningfootballprovision,girls-onlysessions,anddisabilityprogram,providefreefootball,alternativeactivities,qualificationsandworkexperienceopportunitiestotheyoungpeopleofGreaterManchester.TheFoundationfulfilsallcharitableactivityforManchesterUnited,includingmanagingtheclub'slong-termpartnershipwithUnicef,whichoperatesundertheUnitedforUnicefbanner.Sincethestartofthepartnershipin1999,ManchesterUnitedandUnicefhavehadapositiveimpactonthelivesofover4millionchildrenincountriesacrosstheglobe,mostrecentlyindisaster-strickenBangladeshandVietnam.
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IntellectualProperty
WeconsiderintellectualpropertytobeimportanttotheoperationofourbusinessandcriticaltodrivinggrowthinourCommercialrevenue,particularlywithrespecttosponsorshiprevenue.Certainofourcommercialpartnershaverightstouseourintellectualproperty.Inordertoprotectourbrandwegenerallyhavecontractualrightstoapproveusesofourintellectualpropertybyourcommercialpartners.
WeconsiderourbrandtobeakeybusinessassetandthereforehaveaportfolioofManchesterUnitedrelatedregisteredtrademarksandtrademarkapplications,withanemphasisonseekingandmaintainingtrademarkregistrationsforthewords"ManchesterUnited"andtheclubcrest.Wealsoactivelyprocurecopyrightprotectionandcopyrightownershipofmaterialssuchasliteraryworks,logos,photographicimagesandaudiovisualfootage.
EnforcementofourtrademarkrightsisimportantinmaintainingthevalueoftheManchesterUnitedbrand.Therearenumerousinstancesofthirdpartiesinfringingourtrademarks,forexample,throughthemanufactureandsaleofcounterfeitproducts.Whileitwouldbecost-prohibitivetotakeactioninallinstances,ouraimistoconsistentlyreducethenumberofManchesterUnitedrelatedtrademarkinfringementsbycarryingoutcoordinated,cost-effectiveenforcementactiononaglobalbasisfollowinginvestigationofsuspectedtrademarkinfringements.Enforcementactiontakesavarietyofforms.IntheUnitedKingdom,weworkwithenforcementauthoritiessuchastradingstandardsandcustomsauthoritiestoseizecounterfeitgoodsandtostoptheactivitiesofunauthorizedsellers.Overseasenforcementactionistakenbyapprovedlawyersandinvestigators.Thoselawyersandinvestigatorsareinstructedtoworkwith,wherefeasible,representativesofotherfootballclubsandbrandsthatareexperiencingsimilarissueswithintherelevantcountryinorderthatourenforcementactioncostscanbeminimizedasfaraspossible.WealsoworkwiththePremierLeagueinrespectofinfringementsthataffectmultiplePremierLeagueclubs,inparticularinAsia.Wealsotakedirectlegalactionagainstinfringers,forexample,byissuingceaseanddesistlettersorseekingcompensationwhenweconsiderthatitisappropriatetodoso.
Inrelationtomaterialsforwhichcopyrightprotectionisavailable(suchasliteraryworks,logos,photographicimagesandaudiovisualfootage),ourcurrentpracticeisgenerallytosecurecopyrightownershipwherepossibleandappropriate.Forexample,whereweareworkingwiththirdpartiesandcopyrightprotectedmaterialsarebeingcreated,wegenerallytrytosecureanassignmentoftherelevantcopyrightaspartofthecommercialcontract.However,itisnotalwayspossibletosecurecopyrightownership.Forexample,inthecaseofaudiovisualfootagerelatingtofootballcompetitions,copyrightwillgenerallyvestinthecompetitionorganizerandanyexploitationbyManchesterUnitedLimitedofsuchfootagewillbethesubjectofalicensefromthecompetitionorganizer.
Aspartofourongoinginvestmentintointellectualproperty,wehaveimplementedaprogramtodetectintellectualpropertyinfringementinadigitalenvironmentandwhichfacilitatestakingactionagainstinfringers.
Competition
Fromabusinessperspective,wecompeteacrossmanydifferentindustriesandwithinmanydifferentmarkets.Webelieveourprimarysourcesofcompetitioninclude,butarenotlimitedto:
• Football clubs: WecompeteagainstotherfootballclubsinthePremierLeagueformatchattendanceandMatchdayrevenue.WecompeteagainstfootballclubsaroundEuropeandtherestoftheworldtoattractthebestplayersandcoachesintheglobaltransferandfootballstaffmarkets.
• Television media: WereceivemediaincomeprimarilyfromthePremierLeagueandUEFAmediacontracts,eachofwhichiscollectivelynegotiated.Furtherdetailsofsucharrangementsareset
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outinthesectionheaded"—RevenueSectors—Broadcasting."Onacollectivelevel,andinrespectofthosemediarightsweretain,wecompeteagainstothertypesoftelevisionprogrammingforbroadcasterattentionandadvertiserincomebothdomesticallyandinothermarketsaroundtheworld.
• Digital media: Wecompeteagainstotherdigitalcontentprovidersforconsumerattentionandleisuretime,advertiserincomeandconsumere-commerceactivity.
• Merchandise and apparel: Wecompeteagainstotherprovidersofsportsapparelandequipment.
• Sponsorship: Asaresultoftheinternationalrecognitionandqualityofourbrand,wecompeteagainstmanydifferentoutletsforcorporatesponsorshipandadvertisingincome,includingothersportsandothersportsteams,otherentertainmentandevents,televisionandothertraditionalanddigitalmediaoutlets.
• Live entertainment: Wecompeteagainstalternativeformsofliveentertainmentforthesaleofmatchdaytickets,includingotherlivesports,concerts,festivals,theatreandsimilarevents.
Asaresult,wedonotbelievethereisanysinglemarketforwhichwehaveawell-definedgroupofcompetitors.
RealProperty
Weownorleasepropertydedicatedtoourfootballandotheroperations.ThemostsignificantofourrealpropertiesisOldTrafford.Thefollowingtablesetsoutourkeyownedandleasedproperties.Inconnectionwithourrevolvingfacility,oursecuredtermloanfacilityandtheseniorsecurednotes,severalofourownedproperties,includingOldTraffordareencumberedwithlandchargesassecurityforallobligationsunderthoseagreements,although:(a)ManchesterInternationalFreightTerminalis
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notencumberedasithasalreadybeengivenassecurityundertheAlderleyFacility;and(b)theAonTrainingComplexisnotencumbered.
TheabovepropertiesareownedorleasedbyeitherManchesterUnitedLimitedorManchesterUnitedFootballClubLimited,apartfromManchesterInternationalFreightTerminalwhichisleasedbyAlderleyUrbanInvestmentsLimited.
LegalProceedings
Weareinvolvedinvariousroutinelegalproceedingsincidenttotheordinarycourseofourbusiness.Webelievethattheoutcomeofallpendinglegalproceedings,intheaggregate,willnothaveamaterialadverseeffectonourbusiness,financialconditionoroperatingresults.Further,webelievethattheprobabilityofanymateriallossesarisingfromtheselegalproceedingsisremote.
Subsidiaries
Ourdirectlyorindirectlywholly-ownedprincipalsubsidiariesare:RedFootballFinanceLimited,RedFootballHoldingsLimited,RedFootballShareholderLimited,RedFootballJointVentureLimited,RedFootballLimited,RedFootballJuniorLimited,ManchesterUnitedLimited,AlderleyUrbanInvestmentsLimited,ManchesterUnitedCommercialEnterprises(Ireland)Limited,ManchesterUnitedFootballClubLimited,ManchesterUnitedInteractiveLimited,ManchesterUnitedCommercialHoldingsLimited,ManchesterUnitedCommercialHoldingsJuniorLimited,MUFinanceplc,MURAMLLimited,andMUTVLimited.AlloftheaboveareincorporatedandoperateinEnglandandWales,withtheexceptionofRedFootballFinanceLimitedwhichisincorporatedandoperatesintheCaymanIslandsandManchesterUnitedCommercialEnterprises(Ireland)LimitedwhichisincorporatedandoperatesinIreland.
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Keypropertyandlocation Primaryfunction Owned/leased Area (approx.m2) OldTraffordFootballStadium,Manchester Footballstadium Owned(freehold) 205,000
AonTrainingComplex,Carrington,Trafford Footballtrainingfacility Owned(freehold) 440,000
LittletonRoadTrainingGround,Salford Footballtrainingfacility Owned(freehold) 84,000
TheCliff,LowerBroughtonRoad,Salford Footballtrainingfacility Owned(freehold) 28,000
ManchesterInternationalFreightTerminal,WestinghouseRoadTraffordPark,Manchester
InvestmentProperty
Leased(throughMarch2071) 107,000
LandandbuildingsatWharfside,TraffordPark,Manchester InvestmentProperty Owned(freehold) 27,100
LandandbuildingsonthesouthwestsideofTraffordWharfRoad,Manchester
OfficesandCarParking Owned(freehold) 23,000
LandandbuildingsatCanalside,TraffordPark,Manchester InvestmentProperty Owned(freehold) 10,800
Officespace,ChesterRoad,Manchester Offices Leased(throughNovember2018) 1,176
Officespace,centralLondon Offices Leased(throughMarch2021) 1,100
Officespace,Washington,D.C.,UnitedStates Offices Leased(throughFebruary2020) 658
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Customers
Ourtopfivecustomersrepresented59.2%,54.4%and54.9%ofourtotalrevenueineachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.Ourtopfivecustomersintheyearended30June2017werethePremierLeague,adidas,GeneralMotors(Chevrolet),UEFAandAon.See"Item3.D.RiskFactors—RisksRelatedtoOurBusiness—Weareexposedtocreditrelatedlossesintheeventofnon-performancebycounterpartiestoPremierLeagueandUEFAmediacontractsaswellasourkeycommercialandtransfercontracts."OurtopcustomerwasthePremierLeague,whorepresented25.4%,19.4%and25.4%ofourtotalrevenueineachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.Oursecondlargestcustomerwasadidas,whorepresented13.6%,14.1%andnilofourtotalrevenueineachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015.OurthirdlargestcustomerwasGeneralMotors(Chevrolet),whorepresented10.2%,11.4%and14.8%ofourtotalrevenueineachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.
ITEM4A.UNRESOLVEDSTAFFCOMMENTS
None.
ITEM5.OPERATINGANDFINANCIALREVIEWANDPROSPECTS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Overview
Weareoneofthemostpopularandsuccessfulsportsteamsintheworld,playingoneofthemostpopularspectatorsportsonEarth.Throughour139-yearheritagewehavewon66trophies,includingarecord20Englishleaguetitles,enablingustodevelopwhatwebelieveisoneoftheworld'sleadingsportsbrandsandaglobalcommunityof659millionfollowers.Ourlarge,passionatecommunityprovidesManchesterUnitedwithaworldwideplatformtogeneratesignificantrevenuefrommultiplesources,includingsponsorship,merchandising,productlicensing,mobile&content,broadcastingandmatchday.Weattractleadingglobalcompaniessuchasadidas,AonandGeneralMotors(Chevrolet)thatwantaccessandexposuretoourcommunityoffollowersandassociationwithourbrand.
HowWeGenerateRevenue
Weoperateandmanageourbusinessasasinglereportingsegment—theoperationofaprofessionalsportsteam.Wereviewourrevenuethroughthreeprincipalsectors—Commercial,BroadcastingandMatchday—andwithintheCommercialrevenuesector,wehavethreerevenuestreamswhichmonetizeourglobalbrand:sponsorshiprevenue;retail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensingrevenue;andmobile&contentrevenue.
Revenue Drivers
Commercial
Commercialrevenueisderivedfromsponsorsandcommercialpartners.WegenerateourCommercialrevenuewithlowfixedcostsandsmallincrementalcostsforeachadditionalsponsor,makingourcommercialoperationsarelativelyhighmarginandscalablepartofourbusinessandadriverofgrowthforouroverallprofitability.TotalCommercialrevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£275.5million.
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Sponsorship
Wemonetizethevalueofourglobalbrandandcommunityoffollowersthroughsponsorshiprelationshipswithleadinginternationalandregionalcompaniesaroundtheglobe.Tobettercapitalizeonthestrengthofourbrand,wehavedevelopedasegmentationsponsorshipstrategy.Globalsponsorsincludeleadingbrandssuchas20thCenturyFox,Aeroflot,Aon,ApolloTyres,ConchayToro,Deezer,DHL,ElectronicArts,Epson,GeneralMotors(Chevrolet),GulfOil,HCL,KansaiPaint,Marathonbet,Mlily,Swissquote,TAGHeuer,ToshibaMedicalSystems,UberandYanmar.Inaddition,wealsohaveregionalsponsorssuchasHongKongJockeyClub,Manda,Nexon,Uni-PresidentandYou-C1000whoaresponsorsacrossavarietyofproductsandcategoriesincertainregionsandlocalmarketsaroundtheworld.
ApartnershipwithManchesterUnitedprovidescorporationswiththeabilitytoassociatethemselveswiththehighlysuccessfulManchesterUnitedbrandandaglobalmarketingplatformtoquicklyandeffectivelyamplifytheirbrandandmessagetotheirpotentialcustomers.
OurcurrentshirtsponsorisGeneralMotors(Chevrolet).Theshirtsponsorshipagreementbeganinthe2014/15seasonandrunsthroughtotheendofthe2020/21season,withtotalfeespayableofapproximately$559million.Wereceivedapproximately$18.6millionineachofthe2012/13and2013/14seasonsrelatingtopre-sponsorshipsupportandexposure,withtheremaining$521.8milliontobereceivedandrecognizedoversevenyearsthroughtotheendofthe2020/21season.
OurcurrenttrainingfacilitiesandtrainingkitpartnerisAon.Aonarealsothepresentingpartnerforallourpre-seasontours.OuragreementwithAonrunsthroughtotheendofthe2020/21season.
Totalsponsorshiprevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£162.3million.
Retail, Merchandising, Apparel & Product Licensing
Ourretail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensingbusinessincludesthesaleofsportsapparel,trainingandleisurewearandotherclothingfeaturingtheManchesterUnitedbrandaswellasotherlicensedproductsfromcoffeemugstobedspreads.TheseproductsaredistributedonaglobalbasisthroughManchesterUnitedbrandedretailstoresande-commerceplatform,aswellasthroughourpartners'wholesaledistributionchannels.
Wehavea10-yearagreementwithadidaswithrespecttoourglobaltechnicalsponsorshipanddual-brandedlicensingrights,whichbeganon1August2015.See"Item4.InformationontheCompany—RevenueSectors—Commercial—Retail,Merchandising,Apparel&ProductLicensing"aboveforadditionalinformationregardingouragreementwithadidas.
Totalretail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensingrevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£104.0million.
Mobile & Content
Duetothestrengthofourbrandandthequalityofourcontent,wehaveformedmobiletelecompartnershipsinnumerouscountries.Inaddition,wemarketcontentdirectlytoourfollowersthroughourwebsite,www.manutd.com,andassociatedmobileproperties.Totalmobile&contentrevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£9.2million.
Broadcasting
Webenefitfromthedistributionoflivefootballcontentdirectlyfromtherevenuewereceiveandindirectlythroughincreasedglobalexposureforourcommercialpartners.BroadcastingrevenueisderivedfromourshareoftheglobalbroadcastingrightsrelatingtothePremierLeague,ChampionsLeagueandothercompetitions.ThegrowingpopularityofthePremierLeagueandChampionsLeague
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ininternationalmarketsandtheassociatedincreasesinmediarightsvalueshavebeenmajordriversoftheincreaseinouroverallBroadcastingrevenueinrecentyears.ThePremierLeague'scurrentdomesticbroadcastingrightscontractwithSkySportsandBTSportisworth£5.136billionfromthe2016/17seasontothe2018/19seasonforitslivedomesticrights.Thedealmarkedasignificantincreaseofover70%onthepreviouscontract,whichwasworth£3.018billionandranfromthe2013/14seasonthroughthe2015/16season,andrepresentsthelargestUKTVrightsdealeversigned.Inaddition,thevalueoftheinternationalbroadcastingrightsfortheseasons2016/17throughto2018/19alsoincreasedsignificantlyto£3.2billionwhichrepresentsanincreaseofover40%comparedtothe£2.2billiongeneratedfromthepreviousthree-yearcycleendedinseason2015/16.OurshareoftherevenueunderthePremierLeaguebroadcastingrightscontractamountedto£143.5million,£95.7millionand£96.6millionforthe2016/17,2015/16and2014/15seasons,respectively,andourshareoftherevenuefrombroadcastingrightsforUEFAcompetitionsamountedto£39.5million,£31.3millionand£2.1million(beingdistributionsfromUEFArelatingtothepreviousseason'scompetition)forthe2016/17,2015/16and2014/15seasons,respectively.OurparticipationinthePremierLeagueandChampionsLeagueand/orEuropaLeague(andconsequently,ourreceiptoftherevenuegeneratedbythesebroadcastingcontracts)ispredicatedonthesuccessofourfirstteam,andifourfirstteamfailstoqualifyfortheseUEFAcompetitionsorisrelegatedfromthePremierLeagueinanygivenseason,ourBroadcastingrevenueforthatandsubsequentfiscalyearswillbeadverselyimpacted,partiallyoffsetbyloweroperatingexpenses.AsaresultofourfirstteamwinningtheEuropaLeagueinthe2016/17season,ourfirstteamwillparticipateinthe2017/18ChampionsLeague.AnyclubwhichqualifiesfortheChampionsLeaguegroup-stagebyvirtueofwinningtheEuropaLeagueinthepreviousseasondoesnotreceiveadistributionofthe50%marketpoolbasedondomesticperformanceinthepreviousseason.Inaddition,ourglobaltelevisionchannel,MUTV,deliversManchesterUnitedprogrammingtoterritoriesaroundtheworld.MUTVgeneratedtotalrevenueof£9.0million,£9.0millionand£7.7millionforeachoftheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.TotalBroadcastingrevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£194.1million.
Matchday
MatchdayrevenueisafunctionofthenumberofgamesplayedatOldTrafford,thesizeandseatingcompositionofOldTrafford,attendanceatourmatchesandthepricesofticketsandhospitalitysales.AsignificantdriverofMatchdayrevenueisthenumberofhomegamesweplayatOldTrafford,whichisbasedon19PremierLeaguematchesandanyadditionalmatchesresultingfromthesuccessofourfirstteamintheFACup,EFLCupandUEFAcompetitions.OurparticipationinthePremierLeagueandUEFAcompetitions(andconsequently,ourreceiptoftherevenuegeneratedbythesematches)ispredicatedonthesuccessofourfirstteam,andifourfirstteamfailstoqualifyforUEFAcompetitionsorisrelegatedfromthePremierLeagueinanygivenseason,ourMatchdayrevenueforthatandsubsequentfiscalyearswillbeadverselyimpacted,partiallyoffsetbylowerresultingexpenses.AverageattendanceforourhomePremierLeaguematcheshasbeenapproximately99%foreachseasonsincethe1997/98season,withstrongattendanceforUEFAcompetitions,FACupandEFLCupmatches.TotalMatchdayrevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£111.6million.
OtherFactorsThatAffectOurFinancialPerformance
Employee benefit expenses
Playerandstaffcompensationcomprisethemajorityofouroperatingcosts.Ofourtotaloperatingcosts,playercosts,whichconsistofsalaries,bonuses,benefitsandnationalinsurancecontributionsaretheprimarycomponent.Compensationtonon-playerstaff,whichincludesourmanagerandcoachingstaff,alsoaccountsforasignificantportion.CompetitionfromtopclubsinthePremierLeagueandEuropehasresultedinincreasesinplayerandmanagersalaries,forcingclubstospendanincreasing
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amountonplayerandstaffcompensation,andweexpectthistrendtocontinue.Inaddition,asourcommercialoperationsgrow,weexpectourheadcountandrelatedexpensestoincreaseaswell.
Other operating expenses
Ourotheroperatingexpensesincludecertainvariablecostssuchasmatchdaycatering,policing,securitystewardingandcleaningatOldTrafford,visitorgatesharefordomesticcups,andcostsrelatedtothedeliveryonmediaandcommercialsponsorshipcontracts.Otheroperatingexpensesalsoincludecertainfixedcosts,suchasoperatingleasecostsandpropertycosts,maintenance,humanresources,traininganddevelopmentscosts,andprofessionalfees.
Amortization and depreciation
Weamortizethecapitalizedcostsassociatedwiththeacquisitionofplayers'andkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistrations.Thesecostsareamortizedovertheperiodoftheemploymentcontractagreedwithaplayer/keyfootballmanagementstaff.Ifaplayerorkeyfootballmanagementstaffextendshiscontractpriortotheendofthepre-existingperiodofemployment,theremainingunamortizedportionoftheacquisitioncostisamortizedovertheperiodofthenewcontract.Changesinamortizationofthecostsofplayers'andkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistrationsfromyeartoyearandperiodtoperiodreflectadditionalfeespaidfortheacquisitionofplayersandkeyfootballmanagementstaff,theimpactofcontractextensionsandthedisposalofregistrations.Assuch,increasedplayers'andkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistrationcostsinanyperiodcouldcausehigheramortizationinthatperiodandinfutureperiodsandhaveanegativeimpactonourresultsofoperations.Moreover,totheextentthattheplayerandkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistrationcostsvaryfromperiodtoperiod,thismaydrivevariabilityinourresultsofoperations.Wealsoamortizethecapitalizedcostsassociatedwiththeacquisitionofotherintangibleassetsovertheirestimatedusefullives,whichistypicallybetween5and10years.
Depreciationprimarilyreflectsastraight-linedepreciationoninvestmentsmadeinproperty,plantandequipment.DepreciationovertheperiodsunderreviewresultsprimarilyfromthedepreciationofOldTrafford,includingincrementalimprovementsmadetoOldTraffordeachseason.
Exceptional items
Exceptionaloperatingcostsarethosecoststhatinmanagement'sjudgmentneedtobeseparatelydisclosedbyvirtueoftheirsize,natureorincidenceinordertoprovideaproperunderstandingofourresultsofoperationsandfinancialcondition.
Profit/(loss) on disposal of intangible assets
Werecognizeprofitsorlossesonthedisposalofintangibleassets(primarilyplayers'registrations)inourincomestatement.Acquisitionsanddisposalsofplayersarediscretionaryandwemaketransferdecisionsbasedupontherequirementsofourfirstteamandtheoverallavailabilityofplayers.Theserequirementsandtheavailabilityofplayers,andresultingprofitsorlossesondisposals,mayvaryfromperiodtoperiod,contributingtovariabilityinourresultsofoperationsbetweenperiods.
Finance costs
Akeycomponentofourexpensesduringeachofthepastthreefiscalyearshasbeeninterestcosts.Weexpectinterestexpensetocontinuetobeasignificantcomponentofourexpenses.Netfinancecostswere£24.3millionfortheyearended30June2017.See"Item5.B.LiquidityandCapitalResources—Indebtedness."
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On26June2015,weissued$425.0millioninaggregateprincipalamountoftheseniorsecurednotes.Theproceedsfromthesaleoftheseniorsecurednoteswereusedtoredeemthe$269.2millioninaggregateprincipalamountofouroutstanding83/8%USdollarseniorsecurednotesdue2017(the"2017DollarNotes")ataredemptionpriceequalto102.09375%oftheprincipalamountofsuchnotesplusaccruedandunpaidinteresttothedateofsuchredemptionandtorepay$90.7millionofourexistingsecuredtermloan.
Taxes
Duringeachofthethreeyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,ourprincipaloperatingsubsidiariesweretaxresidentsintheUK.Duringtheyearended30June2017,weweresubjecttoaweightedUKstatutorytaxrateof19.75%,duringtheyearended30June2016,weweresubjecttoaweightedstatutorytaxrateof20.0%andduringtheyearended30June2015,weweresubjecttoaweightedstatutorytaxrateof20.75%.
AlthoughweareorganizedasaCaymanIslandsexemptedcompany,wereportasaUSdomesticcorporationforUSfederalincometaxpurposes.Asaresult,ourworldwideincomeisalsosubjecttoUStaxesattheUSstatutoryrateof35%.WeexpecttoutilizeacreditintheUnitedStatesfortheUKtaxespaidandthereforewedonotexpecttobedoubletaxedonourincome.Overthenextfewyears,oureffectivetaxratemaybevolatileprimarilyduetothepotentialmismatchintherecognitionofUKcurrenttaxliabilitiesandUSdeferredtaxassets.DuringthesameperiodweexpectourtotalcashtaxratetobelowerthantheUSstatutoryrateof35%duetofutureUStaxdeductionsrelatedtodifferencesinthebookandtaxbasisofourassetsasofthedateofthereorganization.Thereafter,weexpectourcashtaxratetoalignmorecloselywithUSstatutoryrateof35%.
WemayalsobesubjecttoUSstateandlocalincome(franchise)taxesbasedgenerallyuponwherewearedoingbusiness.Thesetaxratesvarybyjurisdictionandthetaxbase.Generally,stateandlocaltaxesaredeductibleforUSfederalincometaxpurposes.Furthermore,becausemostofoursubsidiariesaredisregardedfromtheirownerforUSfederalincometaxpurposes,wearenotabletocontrolthetimingofmuchofourUSfederalincometaxexposure.IncalculatingourliabilityforUSfederalincometax,however,certainofourdeductibleexpensesarehigherthantheamountofthosesameexpensesunderUKcorporationtaxrules,owingtodifferencesintherelevantrulesofthetwojurisdictionsandtherelateddifferenceintheopeningbookversustaxbasisofourassetsandliabilities.Finally,ourUKtaxliabilitycanbecreditedagainstourUSfederalincometaxliabilities,subjecttoUSrulesandlimitations.Nevertheless,overtimeweexpecttopayhigheramountsoftaxthanhadweremainedsolelyliabletotaxintheUnitedKingdom.
Seasonality
Weexperienceseasonalityinourrevenueandcashflow,limitingtheoverallcomparabilityandpredictabilityofinterimfinancialperiods.Inanygiveninterimperiod,ourtotalrevenuecanvarybasedonthenumberofgamesplayedinthatperiod,whichaffectstheamountofMatchdayandBroadcastingrevenuerecognized.Similarly,certainofourcostsderivefromhostinggamesatOldTrafford,andthesecostswillalsovarybasedonthenumberofgamesplayedintheperiod.Wehistoricallyrecognizethemostrevenueinoursecondandthirdfiscalquartersduetotheschedulingofmatches.However,astrongperformancebyourfirstteaminUEFAcompetitionsanddomesticcupscouldresultinsignificantadditionalBroadcastingandMatchdayrevenue,andconsequentlywemayalsorecognizethemostrevenueinourfourthfiscalquarterinthoseyears.Ourcashflowmayalsovaryamonginterimperiodsduetothetimingofsignificantpaymentsfrommajorcommercialagreements.Assuch,thoughwereportinterimresultsofoperationsforourfirst,secondandthirdfiscalquarters,inmanagingourbusiness,settinggoalsandassessingperformancewefocusprimarilyonourfull-yearresultsofoperationsratherthanourinterimresultsofoperations.
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A.OPERATINGRESULTS
Thefollowingtableshowsselectedauditedconsolidatedincomestatementdatafortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015.
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Yearended30June 2017 2016 2015 (£'000) Income Statement Data Revenue 581,204 515,345 395,178
Analyzed as: Commercialrevenue 275,471 268,318 196,931Broadcastingrevenue 194,098 140,440 107,664Matchdayrevenue 111,635 106,587 90,583
Operatingexpenses—beforeexceptionalitems (516,068) (421,574) (384,843)Analyzed as: Employeebenefitexpenses (263,464) (232,242) (202,561)Otheroperatingexpenses (117,942) (91,244) (72,271)Depreciation (10,228) (10,079) (10,324)Amortization (124,434) (88,009) (99,687)
Operatingexpenses—exceptionalitems 4,753 (15,135) (2,336)Totaloperatingexpenses (511,315) (436,709) (387,179)Operatingprofitbeforeprofit/(loss)ondisposalofintangibleassets 69,889 78,636 7,999Profit/(loss)ondisposalofintangibleassets 10,926 (9,786) 23,649Operatingprofit 80,815 68,850 31,648Financecosts (25,013) (20,459) (35,419)Financeincome 736 442 204Netfinancecosts (24,277) (20,017) (35,215)Profit/(loss)onordinaryactivitiesbeforetax 56,538 48,833 (3,567)Tax(expense)/credit (17,361) (12,462) 2,672Profit/(loss)fortheyear 39,177 36,371 (895)
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YearEnded30June2017asComparedtotheYearEnded30June2016
Revenue
Consolidatedrevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£581.2million,anincreaseof£65.9million,or12.8%,comparedtotheyearended30June2016,asaresultofanincreaseinrevenueinalloursectors,asdescribedbelow.
Commercial revenue
Commercialrevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£275.5million,anincreaseof£7.2million,or2.7%,overtheyearended30June2016.
• Sponsorshiprevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£162.3million,anincreaseof£2.2million,or1.4%,overtheyearended30June2016,primarilyduetonewsponsorshipdeals.
• Retail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensingrevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£104.0million,anincreaseof£6.7million,or6.9%,overtheyearended30June2016,primarilyduetoafullyearcontributionfromtheadidasagreement,comparedtoonly11monthsintheprioryear,plusgrowthinMegastorerevenue.
• Mobile&Contentrevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£9.2million,adecreaseof£1.7million,or15.6%,overtheyearended30June2016,primarilyduetotheexpiryofseveralsponsorshipdeals.
Broadcasting revenue
Broadcastingrevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£194.1million,anincreaseof£53.7million,or38.2%,overtheyearended30June2016,primarilyduetothenewPremierLeaguebroadcastingrightsagreementplusprogressionto,andsuccessinwinning,theUEFAEuropaLeaguefinal.
Matchday revenue
Matchdayrevenuefortheyearended30June2017was£111.6million,anincreaseof£5.0million,or4.7%,overtheyearended30June2016,primarilyduetoplayingtwomorehomegamesintheyear.
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Yearended30June
%Change
2017over2016
2017 2016 (in£millions) Revenue 581.2 515.3 12.8%Commercialrevenue 275.5 268.3 2.7%Broadcastingrevenue 194.1 140.4 38.2%Matchdayrevenue 111.6 106.6 4.7%
Totaloperatingexpenses (511.3) (436.6) 17.1%Employeebenefitexpenses (263.5) (232.2) 13.5%Otheroperatingexpenses (117.9) (91.2) 29.3%Depreciation (10.3) (10.1) 2.0%Amortization (124.4) (88.0) 41.4%Exceptionalitems 4.8 (15.1) —
Profit/(loss)ondisposalofintangibleassets 10.9 (9.8) —Netfinancecosts (24.3) (20.0) 21.5%Taxexpense (17.3) (12.5) 38.4%
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Total operating expenses
Totaloperatingexpenses(definedasemployeebenefitexpenses,otheroperatingexpenses,depreciation,amortizationandexceptionalitems)fortheyearended30June2017were£511.3million,anincreaseof£74.7million,or17.1%,overtheyearended30June2016.
Employee benefit expenses
Employeebenefitexpensesfortheyearended30June2017were£263.5million,anincreaseof£31.3million,or13.5%,overtheyearended30June2016,primarilyduetoanincreaseinfirstteamsalaries,followinginvestmentinthefirstteamsquad.
Other operating expenses
Otheroperatingexpensesfortheyearended30June2017were£117.9million,anincreaseof£26.7million,or29.3%,overtheyearended30June2016,primarilyduetotheimpactofplayingmoregamesintheyearasaresultofprogressionindomesticandEuropeancupcompetitions.
Depreciation
Depreciationfortheyearended30June2017amountedto£10.3million,anincreaseof£0.2million,or2.0%,overtheyearended30June2016.
Amortization
Amortization,primarilyofplayers'registrations,fortheyearended30June2017was£124.4million,anincreaseof£36.4million,or41.4%,overtheyearended30June2016.Theincreaseinamortizationwasprimarilyduetoplayeracquisitionsduringfiscalyear2017.Theunamortizedbalanceofregistrationsasof30June2017was£290.6million,ofwhich£125.3millionisexpectedtobeamortizedintheyearending30June2018.Theremainingbalanceisexpectedtobeamortizedoverthethreeyearsending30June2021.Thisdoesnottakeintoaccountplayeracquisitionsafter30June2017,whichwouldhavetheeffectofincreasingtheamortizationexpenseinfutureperiods,nordoesitconsiderplayerdeparturessubsequentto30June2017,whichwouldhavetheeffectofdecreasingfutureamortizationcharges.Furthermore,anycontractrenegotiationswouldalsoimpactfuturecharges.
Exceptional items
Exceptionalitemsfortheyearended30June2017wereacreditof£4.8million,relatingtoareversalofaplayerregistrationimpairmentchargeforaplayerwhowasre-establishedasamemberofthefirstteamsquad.Exceptionalitemsfortheyearended30June2016wereachargeof£15.1million,ofwhich£8.4millionrelatedtocompensationtotheformermanagerandcertainmembersofthecoachingstaffforlossofofficeand£6.7millionrelatedtoaregistrations'impairmentchargeregardingareductioninthecarryingvalueofaplayernolongerconsideredtobeamemberofthefirstteamplayingsquad.
Profit/(loss) on disposal of intangible assets
Profitondisposalofintangibleassetsfortheyearended30June2017was£10.9million,comparedtoalossof£9.8millionfortheyearended30June2016.Theprofitondisposalofintangibleassetsfortheyearended30June2017primarilyrelatedtothedisposalsofMcNair(Sunderland),Schneiderlin(Everton)andSchweinsteiger(ChicagoFire).Thelossondisposalofintangibleassetsfortheyearended30June2016primarilyrelatedtothedisposalofDiMaria(ParisSt-Germain).
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Net finance costs
Netfinancecostsfortheyearended30June2017were£24.3million,anincreaseof£4.3million,or21.5%,overtheyearended30June2016.Theincreasewasprimarilyduetofairvaluemovementsonderivatives,partiallyoffsetbyfavorable,unrealizedforeignexchangemovements.
Tax
Thetaxexpensefortheyearended30June2017was£17.3million,comparedto£12.5millionfortheyearended30June2016,primarilyduetotheincreaseinprofitbeforetaxandareductioninforeignexchangegainsonUSdollardenominateddeferredtaxassets.
YearEnded30June2016asComparedtotheYearEnded30June2015
Revenue
Consolidatedrevenuefortheyearended30June2016was£515.3million,anincreaseof£120.1million,or30.4%,comparedtotheyearended30June2015,asaresultofanincreaseinrevenueinalloursectors,asdescribedbelow.
Commercial revenue
Commercialrevenuefortheyearended30June2016was£268.3million,anincreaseof£71.4million,or36.3%,overtheyearended30June2015.
• Sponsorshiprevenuefortheyearended30June2016was£160.1million,anincreaseof£5.2million,or3.4%,overtheyearended30June2015,primarilyduetotheactivationofseveralnewglobalandregionalsponsorshipdeals.
• Retail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensingrevenuefortheyearended30June2016was£97.3million,anincreaseof£65.7million,or207.9%,overtheyearended30June2015,primarilyduetothecommencementofthenewagreementwithadidason1August2015,whichincludedastep-uponminimumguaranteedrevenuesandcontributionfromseveralbusinessespreviouslyoperatedbyNike.
• Mobile&Contentrevenuefortheyearended30June2016was£10.9million,anincreaseof£0.5million,or4.8%,overtheyearended30June2015.
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Yearended30June
%Change
2016over2015
2016 2015 (in£millions) Revenue 515.3 395.2 30.4%Commercialrevenue 268.3 196.9 36.3%Broadcastingrevenue 140.4 107.7 30.4%Matchdayrevenue 106.6 90.6 17.7%
Totaloperatingexpenses (436.6) (387.2) 12.8%Employeebenefitexpenses (232.2) (202.6) 14.6%Otheroperatingexpenses (91.2) (72.3) 26.1%Depreciation (10.1) (10.3) (1.9)%Amortization (88.0) (99.7) (11.7)%Exceptionalitems (15.1) (2.3) 556.5%
(Loss)/profitondisposalofintangibleassets (9.8) 23.6 —Netfinancecosts (20.0) (35.2) (43.2)%Tax(expense)/credit (12.5) 2.7 —
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Broadcasting revenue
Broadcastingrevenuefortheyearended30June2016was£140.4million,anincreaseof£32.7million,or30.4%,overtheyearended30June2015,primarilyduetoparticipationinUEFAcompetitions.
Matchday revenue
Matchdayrevenuefortheyearended30June2016was£106.6million,anincreaseof£16.0million,or17.7%,overtheyearended30June2015,primarilyduetoparticipationinUEFAcompetitionsplusdomesticcupprogression.
Total operating expenses
Totaloperatingexpenses(definedasemployeebenefitexpenses,otheroperatingexpenses,depreciation,amortizationandexceptionalitems)fortheyearended30June2016were£436.6million,anincreaseof£49.4million,or12.8%,overtheyearended30June2015.
Employee benefit expenses
Employeebenefitexpensesfortheyearended30June2016were£232.2million,anincreaseof£29.6million,or14.6%,overtheyearended30June2015,primarilyduetorenewalsofexistingplayercontracts,coupledwithanupliftinannualplayersalariesduetoparticipationintheChampionsLeague.
Other operating expenses
Otheroperatingexpensesfortheyearended30June2016were£91.2million,anincreaseof£18.9million,or26.1%,overtheyearended30June2015,primarilyduetoretail,merchandising,apparelandlicensingcostsnowbeingrecognizedinternally,plusanincreaseinmatchdaycostsasaresultofplayingeightadditionalhomegamesinthecurrentyear.
Depreciation
Depreciationfortheyearended30June2016amountedto£10.1million,adecreaseof£0.2million,or1.9%,overtheyearended30June2015.
Amortization
Amortization,primarilyofplayers'registrations,fortheyearended30June2016was£88.0million,adecreaseof£11.7million,or11.7%,overtheyearended30June2015.Thedecreaseinamortizationwasprimarilyduetoplayerdisposalsduringfiscalyear2016(mainlyDiMariaandFalcao).Theunamortizedbalanceofregistrationsasof30June2016was£241.7million,ofwhich£110.1millionisexpectedtobeamortizedintheyearending30June2017.Theremainingbalanceisexpectedtobeamortizedoverthethreeyearsending30June2020.Thisdoesnottakeintoaccountplayeracquisitionsafter30June2016,whichwouldhavetheeffectofincreasingtheamortizationexpenseinfutureperiods,nordoesitconsiderplayerdeparturessubsequentto30June2016,whichwouldhavetheeffectofdecreasingfutureamortizationcharges.Furthermore,anycontractrenegotiationswouldalsoimpactfuturecharges.
Exceptional items
Exceptionalitemsfortheyearended30June2016were£15.1million,ofwhich£8.4millionrelatedtocompensationtotheformermanagerandcertainmembersofthecoachingstaffforlossofofficeand£6.7millionrelatedtoaregistrations'impairmentchargeregardingareductioninthe
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carryingvalueofaplayernolongerconsideredtobeamemberofthefirstteamplayingsquad.Exceptionalitemsfortheyearended30June2015were£2.3million,ofwhich£1.2millionrelatedtothepresentvalueoftheadditionalcontributionsweareexpectedtopaytoremedythereviseddeficitoftheFootballLeaguepensionschemeasperthelatesttriennialactuarialvaluationat31August2014and£1.1millionrelatedtoprofessionaladviserfeesrelatedtopublicsalesofourClassAordinaryshares.
(Loss)/profit on disposal of intangible assets
Lossondisposalofintangibleassetsfortheyearended30June2016was£9.8million,comparedtoaprofitof£23.6millionfortheyearended30June2015.Thelossondisposalofintangibleassetsfortheyearended30June2016primarilyrelatedtothedisposalofDiMaria(ParisSt-Germain).Theprofitondisposalofintangibleassetsfortheyearended30June2015primarilyrelatedtothedisposalsofWelbeck(Arsenal)andNani(Fenerbache).
Net finance costs
Netfinancecostsfortheyearended30June2016were£20.0million,adecreaseof£15.2million,or43.2%,overtheyearended30June2015,includingareductionininterestpayableonoursecuredtermloanfacilityandseniorsecurednotesfollowingtherefinancinginJune2015.
Tax
Thetaxexpensefortheyearended30June2016was£12.5million,comparedtoataxcreditof£2.7millionfortheyearended30June2015,primarilyduetotheresultbeforetaxintherespectiveyearsandforeignexchangegainsonthere-measurementofdeferredtaxassetsdenominatedinUSdollars.
CriticalAccountingEstimatesandJudgments
Thepreparationofourfinancialinformationrequiresmanagementtomakeestimates,judgmentsandassumptionsconcerningthefuture.Estimates,judgmentsandassumptionsarecontinuallyevaluatedandarebasedonhistoricalexperienceandotherfactors,includingexpectationsoffutureeventsthatarebelievedtobereasonableunderthecircumstances.Theresultingaccountingestimateswill,bydefinition,seldomequaltherelatedactualresults.
Forasummaryofallofoursignificantaccountingpolicies,seenote2toourauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsasof30June2017and2016andfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015includedelsewhereinthisAnnualReport.
TheJOBSActpermitsan"emerginggrowthcompany"likeustotakeadvantageofanextendedtransitionperiodtocomplywithneworrevisedaccountingstandardsapplicabletopubliccompanies.AttheeffectivedateofourIPO,wechoseto"optout"ofthisprovisionand,asaresult,wearecomplyingwith,andwillcontinuetocomplywith,neworrevisedaccountingstandardsasrequiredwhentheyareadopted.Ourdecisiontooptoutoftheextendedtransitionperiodisirrevocable.
Webelievethatthefollowingaccountingpoliciesreflectthemostcriticaljudgments,estimatesandassumptionsandaresignificanttotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements.
Revenue recognition
Commercial
CommercialrevenuecomprisesrevenuereceivablefromtheexploitationoftheManchesterUnitedbrandthroughsponsorshipandothercommercialagreements,includingminimumguaranteedrevenue,
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revenuereceivablefromretailingManchesterUnitedbrandedmerchandiseintheUKandlicensingthemanufacture,distributionandsaleofsuchgoodsglobally,andfeesfortheManchesterUnitedfirstteamundertakingtours.
Minimumguaranteedrevenueisrecognizedoverthetermofthesponsorshipagreementinlinewiththeperformanceobligationsincludedwithinthecontractandbasedonthesponsorshipbenefitsenjoyedbytheindividualsponsor.Ininstanceswherethesponsorshiprightsremainthesameoverthedurationofthecontract,revenueisrecognizedonastraight-linebasis.
Theminimumguaranteepayablebyadidasoverthetermofouragreementwiththemisequalto£750million,subjecttocertainadjustments.PaymentsdueinaparticularyearmayincreaseifourfirstteamwinscertaincompetitionsordecreaseifourfirstteamfailstoparticipateintheChampionsLeaguefortwoormoreconsecutiveseasons,withthereductionbeing30%oftheapplicablepaymentfortheyearinwhichthesecondorotherconsecutiveseasonofnon-participationfalls.IntheeventofareductioninanyyearduetothefailuretoparticipateintheChampionsLeaguefortwoormoreconsecutiveseasons,thepaymentsrevertbacktotheoriginaltermsuponthefirstteamparticipatingagainintheChampionsLeague.Anyincreaseordecreaseinaparticularyearwouldhavetheeffectofincreasingordecreasingtheminimumguaranteeamountof£750millionpayableoverthetermoftheagreement.Acriticaljudgmentinfuturefinancialyearsthereforewillbemanagement'sassessmentastowhetherornotourfirstteamislikelytofailtoparticipateintheChampionsLeaguefortwoormoreconsecutiveseasonsduringthetermoftheagreement.Suchassessmentsoffutureparticipationmaydifferfromactualparticipation,whichcouldresultinadifferenceintherevenuerecognizedinagivenyear.
CertainsponsorshipcontractsincludeadditionalprofitsharearrangementsbasedoncumulativeprofitsearnedfromtheutilizationoftheManchesterUnitedbrand.Anyadditionalprofitshareonsucharrangementsisonlyrecognizedwhenareliableestimateofthefutureperformanceofthecontractcanbeobtainedandonlytotheextentthattherevenueisconsideredprobable.Inassessingwhetheranyadditionalprofitshareisprobableandshouldthereforeberecognized,managementcarriesoutregularreviewsofthecontractsandfuturefinancialforecasts,havingregardtotheunderlyingriskfactorssuchasteamperformanceandgeneraleconomicconditions.Suchforecastsoffuturefinancialperformancemaydifferfromactualfinancialperformance,whichcouldresultinadifferenceintherevenuerecognizedinagivenyear.
Broadcasting and Matchday
ForouraccountingpoliciesrelatingtoBroadcastingrevenueandMatchdayrevenue,whichmanagementdoesnotconsidertoinvolvecriticalestimatesandjudgments,seenote2toourauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsasof30June2017and2016andfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015includedelsewhereinthisAnnualReport.
Impairment of goodwill and non-current assets
TheCompanyannuallytestswhethergoodwillhassufferedanyimpairmentandmorefrequentlytestswhethereventsorchangesincircumstancesindicateapotentialimpairment.Animpairmentlossisrecognizedwhenthecarryingvalueofgoodwillexceedsitsrecoverableamount.Itsrecoverableamountisthehigheroffairvaluelesscostsofdisposalandvalueinuse.Therecoverableamounthasbeendeterminedbasedonvalue-in-usecalculations.Thesecalculationsrequiretheuseofestimates,bothinarrivingattheexpectedfuturecashflowandtheapplicationofasuitablediscountrateinordertocalculatethepresentvalueoftheseflows.Seenote15toourauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsasof30June2017and2016andfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015includedelsewhereinthisAnnualReport.
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Allothernon-currentassets,includingpropertyplantandequipmentandinvestmentproperty,arereviewedforimpairmentwhenevereventsorchangesincircumstancesindicatethatthecarryingamountmaynotberecoverable.Anyimpairmentchargesarisingarerecognizedintheincomestatementwhenthecarryingamountofanassetisgreaterthantheestimatedrecoverableamount,whichisthehigherofanasset'sfairvaluelesscoststosellandvalueinuse,andarecalculatedwithreferencetofuturediscountedcashflowsthattheassetisexpectedtogeneratewhenconsideredaspartofacash-generatingunit.Animpairmentreviewtriggereventwouldinclude,forexample,ourfailuretoqualifyfortheChampionsLeagueforasustainedperiod.Inrespectofplayerregistrations,afurtherimpairmentreviewtriggereventwouldoccurwhentheplayerisexcludedfromourrevenuegeneration,forexample,asaresultofacareer-endinginjury,andconditionsindicatethattheamortizedcarryingvalueoftheassetisnotrecoverable.
Theimpairmentreviewofgoodwillandothernon-currentassetsconsidersestimatesofthefutureeconomicbenefitsattributabletothem.Suchestimatesinvolveassumptionsinrelationtothefuture,recoverableamountoftheasset,ticketrevenue,broadcastingandsponsorshiprevenueandon-fieldperformance.Anyestimatesoffutureeconomicbenefitsmadeinrelationtonon-currentassetsmaydifferfromthebenefitsthatultimatelyarise,andmateriallyaffecttherecoverablevalueoftheasset.
Intangible assets—registrations
Thecostsassociatedwiththeacquisitionofplayers'andkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistrationsarecapitalizedasintangibleassetsatthefairvalueoftheconsiderationpayable,includinganestimateofthefairvalueofanycontingentconsideration.Subsequentreassessmentsoftheamountofcontingentconsiderationpayablearealsoincludedinthecostoftheindividual'sregistration.Theestimateofthefairvalueofthecontingentconsiderationpayablerequiresmanagementtoassessthelikelihoodofspecificperformanceconditionsbeingmetwhichwouldtriggerthepaymentofthecontingentconsiderationsuchasthenumberofplayerappearances.Thisassessmentiscarriedoutonanindividualbasis.Costsassociatedwiththeacquisitionofplayers'andkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistrationsincludetransferfees,PremierLeaguelevyfees,agents'feesandotherdirectlyattributablecosts.Thesecostsareamortizedovertheperiodcoveredbytheindividual'scontract.Totheextentthatanindividual'scontractisextended,theremainingbookvalueisamortizedovertheremainingrevisedcontractlife.
Tax
TaxiscalculatedonthebasisofthetaxlawsenactedorsubstantivelyenactedatthebalancesheetdateinthecountrieswheretheCompanyanditssubsidiariesoperateandgeneratetaxableincome.Managementestablishesprovisionswhereappropriateonthebasisofamountsexpectedtobepaidto(orrecoveredfrom)thetaxauthorities.FromtimetotimetheGroupisinvolvedindiscussionswithtaxauthoritiesinrelationtoongoingtaxmattersand,whereappropriate,provisionsaremadebasedonmanagement'sassessmentofeachcase.Futuretaxexpenseorcreditmaybehigherorlowerthanestimatesmadewhendeterminingwhetheritisappropriatetorecordaprovisionandtheamounttoberecorded.Furthermore,changesinthelegislativeframeworkorapplicabletaxcaselawmayresultinmanagementreassessingtherecognitionoftaxprovisionsinfutureperiods.
Recognition of deferred tax assets
Werecognizedeferredtaxeffectsoftemporarydifferencesbetweenthefinancialstatementcarryingamountsandthetaxbasisofourassetsandliabilities.
Deferredtaxassetsarerecognizedonlytotheextentthatitisprobablethattheassociateddeductionswillbeavailableforuseagainstfutureprofitsandthattherewillbesufficientfuturetaxableprofitavailableagainstwhichthetemporarydifferencescanbeutilized,providedtheassetcanbe
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reliablyquantified.Inestimatingfuturetaxableprofit,managementuse"basecase"approvedforecastswhichincorporateanumberofassumptions,includingaprudentleveloffutureuncontractedrevenueintheforecastperiod.Inarrivingatajudgmentinrelationtotherecognitionofdeferredtaxassets,managementconsiderstheregulationsapplicabletotaxandadviceontheirinterpretation.Futuretaxableincomemaybehigherorlowerthanestimatesmadewhendeterminingwhetheritisappropriatetorecordataxassetandtheamounttoberecorded.Furthermore,changesinthelegislativeframeworkorapplicabletaxcaselawmayresultinmanagementreassessingtherecognitionofdeferredtaxassetsinfutureperiods.
B.LIQUIDITYANDCAPITALRESOURCES
Ourprimarycashrequirementsstemfromthepaymentoftransferfeesfortheacquisitionofplayers'registrations,capitalexpenditurefortheimprovementoffacilitiesatOldTraffordandtheAonTrainingComplex,paymentofinterestonourborrowings,employeebenefitexpenses,otheroperatingexpensesanddividendsonourClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinaryshares.Historically,wehavemetthesecashrequirementsthroughacombinationofoperatingcashflowandproceedsfromthetransferfeesfromthesaleofplayers'registrations.Ourexistingborrowingsprimarilyconsistofoursecuredtermloanfacilityandourseniorsecurednotes.Additionally,althoughwehavenotneededtodrawanyborrowingsunderourrevolvingfacilitysince2009,wehavenointentionofretiringourrevolvingfacilityandmaydrawonitinthefutureinordertosatisfyourworkingcapitalrequirements.Wemanageourcashflowinterestrateriskwhereappropriateusinginterestrateswapsatcontractlengthsconsistentwiththerepaymentscheduleofourlongtermborrowings.Suchinterestrateswapshavetheeconomiceffectofconvertingborrowingsfromfloatingtofixedrates.WehaveUSdollarborrowingsthatweusetohedgeourUSdollarcommercialrevenueexposure.See"—Indebtedness"below.Wecontinuetoevaluateourfinancingoptionsandmay,fromtimetotime,takeadvantageofopportunitiestorepurchaseorrefinancealloraportionofourexistingindebtednesstotheextentsuchopportunitiesarise.
Infiscalyear2017wepaidaregularsemi-annualcashdividendonourClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinarysharesof$0.09pershare.Weexpecttocontinuepayingregularsemi-annualdividendstoourClassAordinaryshareholdersandClassBordinaryshareholdersoutofouroperatingcashflows.Thedeclarationandpaymentofanyfuturedividends,however,willbeatthesolediscretionofourboardofdirectorsoracommitteethereof,andourexpectationsandpoliciesregardingdividendsaresubjecttochangeasourbusinessneeds,capitalrequirementsormarketconditionschange.
Ourbusinessgeneratesasignificantamountofcashfromourmatchdayrevenuesandcommercialcontractualarrangementsatornearthebeginningofourfiscalyear,withasteadyflowofothercashreceivedthroughoutthefiscalyear.Inaddition,wegenerateasignificantamountofourcashthroughadvancereceipts,includingseasontickets(whichincludegeneraladmissionseasonticketsandseasonalhospitalitytickets),mostofwhicharereceivedpriortotheendofJuneforthefollowingseason.OurbroadcastingrevenuefromthePremierLeagueandUEFAarepaidperiodicallythroughouttheseason,withprimarypaymentsmadeinlatesummer,December,Januaryandtheendofthefootballseason.Oursponsorshipandothercommercialrevenuetendstobepaideitherquarterlyorannuallyinadvance.However,whilewetypicallyhaveahighcashbalanceatthebeginningofeachfiscalyear,thisislargelyattributabletodeferredrevenue,themajorityofwhichfallsundercurrentliabilitiesintheconsolidatedbalancesheet,andthisdeferredrevenueisunwoundthroughtheincomestatementoverthecourseofthefiscalyear.Overthecourseofayear,weuseourcashonhandtopayemployeebenefitexpenses,otheroperatingexpenses,interestpaymentsandotherliabilitiesastheybecomedue.Thistypicallyresultsinnegativeworkingcapitalmovementatcertaintimesduringtheyear.Intheeventiteverbecamenecessarytoaccessadditionaloperatingcash,wealsohaveaccesstocashthroughourrevolvingfacility.Asof30June2017,wehadnoborrowingsunderourrevolvingfacility.
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Pursuanttoourcontractwithadidas,whichbeganon1August2015,theminimumguaranteepayablebyadidasoverthe10-yeartermoftheagreementisequalto£750million,subjecttocertainadjustments.See"Item4.InformationontheCompany—RevenueSectors—Commercial—Retail,Merchandising,Apparel&ProductLicensing"aboveforadditionalinformationregardingouragreementwithadidas.
Wealsomaintainamixtureoflong-termdebtandcapacityunderourrevolvingfacilityinordertoensurethatwehavesufficientfundsavailableforshort-termworkingcapitalrequirementsandforinvestmentintheplayingsquadandothercapitalprojects.
Ourcostbaseismoreevenlyspreadthroughoutthefiscalyearthanourcashinflows.Employeebenefitexpensesandfixedcostsconstitutethemajorityofourcashoutflowsandaregenerallypaidthroughoutthe12monthsofthefiscalyear.OurworkingcapitallevelstendtobeattheirlowestinNovember,inadvanceofPremierLeagueandUEFAbroadcastingreceiptsinDecemberandJanuary.
Inaddition,transferwindowsforacquiringanddisposingofregistrationsoccurinJanuaryandthesummer.Duringtheseperiods,wemayrequireadditionalcashtomeetouracquisitionneedsfornewplayersandwemaygenerateadditionalcashthroughthesaleofexistingregistrations.Dependingonthetermsoftheagreement,transferfeesmaybepaidorreceivedbyusinmultipleinstallments,resultingindeferredcashpaidorreceived.Althoughwehavenothistoricallydrawnonourrevolvingfacilityduringthesummertransferwindow,ifweseektoacquireplayerswithvaluessubstantiallyinexcessofthevaluesofplayersweseektosell,wemayberequiredtodrawonourrevolvingfacilitytomeetourcashneeds.
Acquisitionanddisposalofregistrationsalsoaffectsourcurrenttradereceivablesandpayables,whichaffectsouroverallworkingcapital.Ourcurrenttradereceivablesincludeaccruedrevenuefromsponsorsaswellastransferfeesreceivablefromotherfootballclubs,whereasourtradepayablesincludetransferfeesandotherassociatedcostsinrelationtotheacquisitionofregistrations.
Capital expenditures at Old Trafford
Ourstadium,OldTrafford,remainsoneofourkeyassetsandasignificantpartoftheoverallexperienceweprovidetoourfollowers.OldTraffordhasbeenourhomestadiumsince1910andhasundergonesignificantchangesovertheyears.Tomaintainthequalityofservice,enhancethefanexperienceandincreasematchdayrevenue,wecontinuallyinvestintherefurbishmentandregenerationofOldTrafford.Followingasubstantialdevelopmentpriortothe2006/07season,weexpandedseatingcapacityatOldTraffordfromapproximately68,000to75,457.Inaddition,wehavecontinuedtoinvestinimprovinghospitalitysuitesandcateringfacilitiesthroughrefurbishmentprograms.Werecordtheseinvestmentsascapitalexpenditures.CapitalexpenditureatOldTraffordwas£3.5million,£2.7millionand£2.3millionfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectively.Wetypicallyinvestapproximately£3millionperyearinrefurbishmentcapitalexpenditurewithfurtherinvestmentsinexpansioncapitalexpenditureasrequired.
Inaddition,wespentapproximately£5.4million,£2.3millionand£3.7millionfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,respectivelyinconnectionwithupdatingandexpandingtheAonTrainingComplex,ourtrainingfacility.
Mobile & Content capital expenditure
Weintendtocontinueinvestinginourmobile&contentassets,includingourwebsiteanddigitalmediacapabilities.
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Net intangible asset—registrations capital expenditure
Ouraveragenetintangibleasset—registrationscapitalexpenditureoverthelast10yearshasbeenacashoutflowof£52.1millionperfiscalyear(excludingthesaleofaplayerintheyearended30June2009thatgeneratedasignificantcashinflow,averagenetintangibleasset—registrationscapitalexpenditureoverthesameperiodwouldhavebeenacashoutflowof£60.1millionperfiscalyear).However,netintangibleasset—registrationscapitalexpenditurehasvariedsignificantlyfromperiodtoperiod,asshowninthetablebelow,andwhileweexpectthattrendtocontinue,competitionfortalentedplayersmayforceclubstospendincreasingamountsonplayerregistrationfees.Wemayexplorenewplayeracquisitionsinconnectionwithfuturetransferperiodsthatmaymateriallyincreasetheamountofournetintangibleasset—registrationscapitalexpenditure.Actualcashusedorgeneratedfromnetintangibleasset—registrationscapitalexpenditureisrecordedonourstatementofcashflowundernetcashusedorgeneratedininvestingactivities.
Last10YearsNetIntangibleAsset—RegistrationsCapitalExpenditure(1)
(1) Thenetintangibleasset—registrationscapitalexpendituredatapresentedisthesumofallcashusedforpurchasesofintangibleassets—registrationsandallcashgeneratedfromsalesofintangibleassets—registrationsasdisclosedinourconsolidatedannualfinancialstatements.Fortheyearsended30June2013to30June2017,thedataabovewasderivedfromtheannualfinancialstatementsofManchesterUnitedplc.Fortheyearsended30June2008to30June2012,theabovedatawasderivedfromtheannualfinancialstatementsofRedFootballShareholderLimited.TheannualfinancialstatementsfortheperiodpriortoourtransitiontoIFRSon1July2008werepreparedinaccordancewithGenerallyAcceptedAccountingPracticeintheUnitedKingdom.
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WorkingCapital
Ourdirectorsconfirmedthat,asofthedateofthisAnnualReport,aftertakingintoaccountourcurrentcashandcashequivalentsandouranticipatedcashflowfromoperatingandfinancingactivities,webelievethatwehavesufficientworkingcapitalforourpresentrequirements.
CashFlow
Thefollowingtablesummarizesourcashflowsfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015:
Net cash generated from operating activities
Netcashgeneratedfromoperationsrepresentsouroperatingresultsandnetmovementsinourworkingcapital.Ourworkingcapitalisgenerallyimpactedbythetimingofcashreceivedfromthesaleofticketsandhospitalityandothermatchdayrevenues,broadcastingrevenuefromthePremierLeagueandUEFAandsponsorshipandcommercialrevenue.Cashgeneratedfromoperationsfortheyearended30June2017producedacashinflowof£251.7million,anincreaseof£50.9millionfromacashinflowof£200.8millionfortheyearended30June2016.Cashgeneratedfromoperationsfortheyearended30June2015was£195.0million.
Additionalchangesinnetcashgeneratedfromoperatingactivitiesgenerallyreflectourfinancecosts.Wecurrentlypayfixedratesofinterestonourseniorsecurednotesandvariableratesofinterestonoursecuredtermloanfacility.Weuseinterestrateswapstomanagethecashflowinterestraterisk.Theswapshavetheeconomiceffectofconvertinginterestonoursecuredtermloanfacilityfromvariableratestoafixedrate.Ourrevolvingfacilityisalsosubjecttovariableratesofinterest.
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Yearended30June 2017 2016 2015 (in£millions) Cashflowfromoperatingactivities Cashgeneratedfromoperations 251.7 200.8 195.0Interestpaid (19.5) (13.2) (42.6)Debtfinancecostsrelatingtoborrowings — — (6.5)Interestreceived 0.7 0.5 0.5Taxpaid (5.2) (2.0) (2.5)Netcashgeneratedfromoperatingactivities 227.7 186.1 143.9Cashflowfrominvestingactivities Paymentsforproperty,plantandequipmentandinvestmentproperty(netofproceeds) (9.0) (5.1) (5.5)Paymentsforintangibleassets (193.8) (138.1) (117.4)Proceedsfromsaleofintangibleassets 51.8 38.4 20.6Netcashusedininvestingactivities (151.0) (104.8) (102.3)Cashflowfromfinancingactivities Proceedsfromborrowings — — 272.5Repaymentofborrowings (0.4) (0.4) (227.9)Dividendspaid (23.3) (20.1) —Netcash(usedin)/generatedfromfinancingactivities (23.7) (20.5) 44.6Netincreaseincashandcashequivalents(1) 53.0 60.8 86.2
(1) Excludestheeffectsofexchangeratechangesoncashandcashequivalents.
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Interestpaidwas£19.5millionintheyearended30June2017,anincreaseof£6.3millioncomparedto£13.2millionininterestpaidintheyearended30June2016.Interestonourseniorsecurednotesisnormallypaidsemi-annually,atthebeginningofAugustandatthebeginningofFebruary.Interestontheseniorsecurednotes(the2017DollarNotes)fortheperioduptothe25June2015waspaidattheendofJune2015whenourdebtwasrefinanced.Consequently,interestpaidonourseniorsecurednotesintheyearended30June2016equatedtosevenmonthsinterestuptothebeginningofFebruary2016whereasinterestpaidonourseniorsecurednotesintheyearended30June2017equatedtotwelvemonthsinterestuptothebeginningofFebruary2017.Interestpaidwas£42.6millionfortheyearended30June2015,primarilyduetothehigherinterestratesonthe2017DollarNotesrelativetoourseniorsecurednotes,andonoursecuredtermloanfacilitypriortoourdebtrefinancinginJune2015.
Netcashgeneratedfromoperatingactivitieswas£227.7millionintheyearended30June2017,comparedtonetcashgeneratedfromoperatingactivitiesof£186.1millionfortheyearended30June2016.Netcashgeneratedfromoperatingactivitieswas£143.9millionfortheyearended30June2015.
Net cash used in investing activities
Capitalexpenditurefortheacquisitionofintangibleassetsaswellasforimprovementstoproperty,principallyatOldTraffordandtheAonTrainingComplex,arefundedthroughcashflowgeneratedfromoperations,proceedsfromthesaleofintangibleassetsand,ifnecessary,fromourrevolvingfacility.Capitalexpenditureontheacquisition,disposalandtradingofintangibleassetstendstovarysignificantlyfromyeartoyeardependingontherequirementsofourfirstteam,overallavailabilityofplayers,ourassessmentoftheirrelativevalueandcompetitivedemandforplayersfromotherclubs.Bycontrast,capitalexpenditureonthepurchaseofproperty,plantandequipmenttendstoremainrelativelystableaswecontinuetomakeimprovementsatOldTraffordandtheAonTrainingComplex.
Netcashusedininvestingactivitiesfortheyearended30June2017was£151.0million,anincreaseof£46.2millionfrom£104.8millionfortheyearended30June2016.Netcashusedininvestingactivitiesfortheyearended30June2015was£102.3million.
Fortheyearended30June2017,netcapitalexpenditureonproperty,plantandequipmentandinvestmentpropertywas£9.0million,anincreaseof£3.9millionfromnetexpenditureof£5.1millionfortheyearended30June2016.Netcapitalexpenditurefortheyearsended30June2017and30June2016relatedmainlytorefurbishmentworkatOldTraffordandtheAonTrainingComplex.
Fortheyearended30June2017,netcapitalexpenditureonintangibleassetswas£142.0million,anincreaseof£42.3millionfromnetexpenditureof£99.7millionfortheyearended30June2016.Netcapitalexpenditurefortheyearended30June2017wasmainlycomprisedofpaymentsmadefortheacquisitionsofPogba,Mkhitaryan,MartialandDiMaria,lesspaymentsreceivedrelatingtothedisposalofDiMariaandSchneiderlin.Netcapitalexpenditurefortheyearended30June2016wasmainlycomprisedofpaymentsmadefortheacquisitionsofDiMaria,MartialandSchneiderlin,lesspaymentsreceivedrelatingtothedisposalofDiMariaandWelbeck.
Fortheyearended30June2015,netcapitalexpenditureonproperty,plantandequipmentwas£5.5millionrelatedmainlytorefurbishmentworkatOldTraffordandnewpitchesattheAonTrainingComplex.Netcapitalexpenditureonintangibleassetswas£96.8millionwasmainlycomprisedofpaymentsmadefortheacquisitionsofDiMaria,Rojo,Fellaini,DepayandShawlesspaymentsreceivedrelatingtothedisposalofWelbeckandKagawa.
Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities
Netcashusedinfinancingactivitiesfortheyearended30June2017was£23.7million,anincreaseof£3.2millioncomparedtonetcashusedof£20.5millionfortheyearended30June2016.Duringtheyearended30June2017,werepaidborrowingsof£0.4millionrelatingtotheAlderleyfacilityandpaidtwosemi-annualdividendsamountingto£23.3millionintheaggregate.
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Duringtheyearended30June2016,werepaidborrowingsof£0.4millionrelatingtotheAlderleyfacilityandpaidfourquarterlydividendsamountingto£20.1millionintheaggregate.
Netcashgeneratedfromfinancingactivitiesfortheyearended30June2015was£44.6million.Duringtheyearended30June2015,weissued£267.8million($425.0million)inaggregateprincipalamountoftheseniorsecurednotes.Weusedtheproceedstorepurchaseallofouroutstanding2017DollarNotes,comprisingaprincipalvalueof£169.6million($269.2million)andapremiumonrepurchaseof£3.6million($5.6million).Wealsoamendedthetermsofoursecuredtermloanfacility,reducingtheoutstandingprincipalamountby£57.2million($90.7million),reducingtheinterestratetoLIBORplusanapplicablemarginbetween1.75%perannumand1.25%perannum,andextendingthetermofthefacilitytoJune2025.
Indebtedness
Ourprimarysourcesofindebtednessconsistofoursecuredtermloanfacilityandourseniorsecurednotes.Aspartofthesecurityforoursecuredtermloanfacility,ourseniorsecurednotesandourrevolvingfacility,substantiallyallofourassetsaresubjecttoliensandmortgages.
Description of principal indebtedness
Secured term loan facility
Ourwholly-ownedfinancesubsidiary,MUFinanceplc,hasasecuredtermloanfacilitywithBankofAmerica,N.A.aslender.Asof30June2017thesterlingequivalentof£170.8million(netofunamortizedissuecostsof£2.5million)wasoutstanding.Theoutstandingprincipalamountwas$225.0million.Wehavetheoptiontorepaytheloanatanytime.Theremainingbalanceoftheloanisrepayableon26June2025.
LoansunderthesecuredtermloanfacilitybearinterestatarateperannumequaltoUSdollarLIBOR(providedthatiftherateislessthanzero,LIBORshallbedeemedtobezero)plustheapplicablemargin.Theapplicablemargin,ifnoeventofdefaulthasoccurredandiscontinuing,meansthefollowing:
Whileanyeventofdefaultiscontinuing,theapplicablemarginshallbethehighestlevelsetforthabove.
OursecuredtermloanfacilityisguaranteedbyRedFootballLimited,RedFootballJuniorLimited,ManchesterUnitedLimited,ManchesterUnitedFootballClubLimitedandMUFinanceplcandsecuredagainstsubstantiallyalloftheassetsofthoseentities.Theseentitiesarewhollyownedsubsidiaries.
Thesecuredtermloanfacilitycontainsafinancialmaintenancecovenantrequiringustomaintainconsolidatedprofit/(loss)fortheperiodbeforedepreciation,amortizationof,andprofit/(loss)ondisposalof,intangibleassets,exceptionalitems,netfinancecosts,andtax("EBITDA")ofnotlessthan£65millionforeach12monthtestingperiod.WeareabletoclaimcertaindispensationsfromcomplyingwiththeconsolidatedEBITDAflooruptotwice(innon-consecutiveyears)duringthelifeofthesecuredtermloanfacilityifwefailtoqualifyforthefirstroundgroupstages(oritsequivalentfromtimetotime)oftheChampionsLeague.Thecovenantistestedonaquarterlybasisandwewereincompliancewiththecovenantforeachquarterthroughoutthefinancialyear.
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Totalnetleverageratio(asdefinedinthesecuredtermloanfacilityagreement) Margin%(perannum)
Greaterthan3.5 1.75Greaterthan2.0butlessthanorequalto3.5 1.50Lessthanorequalto2.0 1.25
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Oursecuredtermloanfacilitycontainseventsofdefaulttypicalinfacilitiesofthistype,aswellastypicalcovenantsincludingrestrictionsonincurringadditionalindebtedness,payingdividendsormakingotherdistributionsorrepurchasingorredeemingourstock,sellingassets,includingcapitalstockofrestrictedsubsidiaries,enteringintoagreementsrestrictingoursubsidiaries'abilitytopaydividends,consolidating,merging,sellingorotherwisedisposingofallorsubstantiallyallofourassets,enteringintosaleandleasebacktransactions,enteringintotransactionswithouraffiliatesandincurringliens.Certaineventsofdefaultandcovenantsinthesecuredtermloanfacilityaresubjecttocertainthresholdsandexceptionsdescribedintheagreementgoverningthesecuredtermloanfacility.
Senior secured notes
Ourwholly-ownedfinancesubsidiary,MUFinanceplc,issued$425millioninaggregateprincipalamountof3.79%seniorsecurednotes(whichwerefertothroughoutthisAnnualReportasthe"seniorsecurednotes").Asof30June2017thesterlingequivalentof£323.1million(netofunamortizedissuecostsof£4.1million)wasoutstanding.Theoutstandingprincipalamountwas$425.0million.Theseniorsecurednotesmatureon25June2027.
TheseniorsecurednotesareguaranteedbyRedFootballLimited,RedFootballJuniorLimited,ManchesterUnitedLimited,andManchesterUnitedFootballClubLimitedandaresecuredagainstsubstantiallyalloftheassetsofthoseentitiesandMUFinanceplc.Theseentitiesarewhollyownedsubsidiaries.
Thenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednotescontainsafinancialmaintenancecovenantrequiringustomaintainconsolidatedprofit/(loss)fortheperiodbeforedepreciation,amortizationof,andprofit/(loss)ondisposalof,intangibleassets,exceptionalitems,netfinancecosts,andtax("EBITDA")ofnotlessthan£65millionforeach12monthtestingperiod.WeareabletoclaimcertaindispensationsfromcomplyingwiththeconsolidatedEBITDAflooruptotwice(innon-consecutiveyears)duringthelifeoftheseniorsecurednotesifwefailtoqualifyforthefirstroundgroupstages(oritsequivalentfromtimetotime)oftheChampionsLeague.Thecovenantistestedonaquarterlybasisandwewereincompliancewiththecovenantforeachquarterthroughoutthefinancialyear.
Thenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednotescontainseventsofdefaulttypicalforsecuritiesofthistype,aswellascustomarycovenantsandrestrictionsontheactivitiesofRedFootballLimitedandeachofRedFootballLimited'ssubsidiaries,including,butnotlimitedto,theincurrenceofadditionalindebtedness;dividendsordistributionsinrespectofcapitalstockorcertainotherrestrictedpaymentsorinvestments;enteringintoagreementsthatrestrictdistributionsfromrestrictedsubsidiaries;thesaleordisposalofassets,includingcapitalstockofrestrictedsubsidiaries;transactionswithaffiliates;theincurrenceofliens;andmergers,consolidationsorthesaleofsubstantiallyallofRedFootballLimited'sassets.Thecovenantsinthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednotesaresubjecttocertainthresholdsandexceptionsdescribedinthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednotes.
Theseniorsecurednotesmayberedeemedinpart,inanamountnotlessthan5%oftheaggregateprincipalamountoftheseniorsecurednotesthenoutstanding,orinfull,atanytimeat100%oftheprincipalamountplusa"make-whole"premiumofanamountequaltothediscountedvalue(basedontheUSTreasuryrate)oftheremaininginterestpaymentsdueontheseniorsecurednotesupto25June2027.
Revolving facility
OurrevolvingfacilitiesagreementallowsMUFinanceplc(oranydirectorindirectsubsidiaryofRedFootballLimitedthatbecomesaborrowerthereunder)toborrowupto£125million,plus(subjecttocertainconditions)theabilitytoincurafurther£25millionbywayofincrementalfacilities,froma
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syndicateoflenderswithBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimitedasagentandsecuritytrustee.Asof30June2017,wehadnooutstandingborrowingsandhad£125million(exclusiveofcapacityundertheincrementalfacilities)inborrowingcapacityunderourrevolvingfacilitiesagreement.
Ourinitialrevolvingfacilityisscheduledtoexpireon26June2021(althoughitmaybepossibleforanysubsequentincrementalfacilitythereundertoexpireatalaterdate).Anyamountstilloutstandingatthattimewillbedueinfullimmediatelyontheapplicableexpirydate.
Subjecttocertainconditions,wemayvoluntarilyprepayand/orpermanentlycancelallorpartoftheavailablecommitmentsundertherevolvingfacilitybygivingnotlessthanthreebusinessdays'priornoticetotheAgentunderthefacility.Anyloandrawnundertherevolvingfacilityisrequiredtoberepaidonthelastdayofeachofitsinterestperiods.Amountsrepaidmay(subjecttothetermsoftherevolvingfacilitiesagreement)bere-borrowed.
LoansundertherevolvingfacilitybearinterestatarateperannumequaltoLIBOR(orinrelationtoaloanineuros,EURIBOR)(providedthatifthatrateislessthanzero,LIBORor,asthecasemaybe,EURIBOR,shallbedeemedtobezero)plustheapplicablemargin.
Theapplicablemarginifnoeventofdefaulthasoccurredandiscontinuing,itmeansthefollowing:
Whileanydefaultiscontinuing,theapplicablemarginshallbethehighestlevelsetforthabove.
Acommitmentfeeispayableontheavailablebutundrawnamountoftherevolvingfacility,atarateequalto40%perannumoftheapplicablemargin.
OurrevolvingfacilityisguaranteedbyRedFootballLimited,RedFootballJuniorLimited,ManchesterUnitedLimited,ManchesterUnitedFootballClubLimitedandMUFinanceplcandsecuredagainstsubstantiallyalloftheassetsofthoseentities.Theseentitiesarewhollyownedsubsidiaries.
Inadditiontothegeneralcovenantsdescribedbelow,therevolvingfacilitycontainsafinancialmaintenancecovenantrequiringustomaintainconsolidatedEBITDAofnotlessthan£65millionforeach12monthtestingperiod.WeareabletoclaimcertaindispensationsfromcomplyingwiththeconsolidatedEBITDAflooruptotwice(innon-consecutiveyears)duringthelifeoftherevolvingfacilityifwefailtoqualifyforthefirstroundgroupstages(oritsequivalentfromtimetotime)oftheChampionsLeague.Inaddition,intheeventthatthefinancialcovenantisnotcompliedwith,suchnon-compliancemayalsobecuredwiththecashproceedsofadditionalshareholderfundingorsubordinatedshareholderfundingnolaterthantheendoftheperiod20businessdaysfollowingtheearlierofthedateonwhichthecompliancecertificatesettingoutthecalculationsinrespectoftherelevantcovenantdeterminationisrequiredtobedeliveredandthedateonwhichitisdeliveredunderthetermsoftherevolvingfacilitiesagreement,andnoequitycuresmaybemadeinconsecutivefinancialquarters.
Ourrevolvingfacilitycontainseventsofdefaulttypicalinfacilitiesofthistype,aswellastypicalcovenantsincludingrestrictionsonincurringadditionalindebtedness,payingdividendsormakingotherdistributionsorrepurchasingorredeemingourstock,makinginvestments,sellingassets,includingcapitalstockofrestrictedsubsidiaries,enteringintoagreementsrestrictingoursubsidiaries'abilitytopaydividends,consolidating,merging,sellingorotherwisedisposingofallorsubstantiallyallofourassets,enteringintosaleandleasebacktransactions,enteringintotransactionswithouraffiliatesand
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Totalnetleverageratio(asdefinedintherevolvingfacilitiesagreement) Margin%(perannum)
Greaterthan3.5 1.75Greaterthan2.0butlessthanorequalto3.5 1.50Lessthanorequalto2.0 1.25
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incurringliens.Certaineventsofdefaultandcovenantsintherevolvingfacilityaresubjecttocertainthresholdsandexceptionsdescribedintheagreementgoverningtherevolvingfacility.
Alderley facility
TheAlderleyfacilityconsistsofabankloantoAlderleyUrbanInvestmentsLimited,asubsidiaryofManchesterUnitedLimited.TheloanattractsinterestatLIBORplus1%.Asof30June2017,£4.2millionwasoutstandingundertheAlderleyfacility.£0.5millionoftheloanisrepayableinquarterlyinstallmentsthroughJuly2018,andtheremainingbalanceof£3.7millionisrepayableatparon9July2018.TheloanissecuredagainsttheManchesterInternationalFreightTerminalwhichisownedbyAlderleyUrbanInvestmentsLimited.
Asof30June2017,wewereincompliancewithallcovenantsinrelationtoindebtedness.
C.RESEARCHANDDEVELOPMENT,PATENTSANDLICENSES,ETC.
Wedonotconductresearchanddevelopmentactivities.
D.TRENDINFORMATION
OtherthanasdisclosedelsewhereinthisAnnualReport,wearenotawareofanytrends,uncertainties,demands,commitmentsoreventssince30June2017thatarereasonablylikelytohaveamaterialadverseeffectonourrevenues,income,profitability,liquidityorcapitalresources,orthatwouldcausethedisclosedfinancialinformationtobenotnecessarilyindicativeoffutureoperatingresultsorfinancialconditions.
E.OFFBALANCESHEETARRANGEMENTS
Transfer fees payable
Underthetermsofcertaincontractswithotherfootballclubsinrespectofplayertransfers,additionalamountswouldbepayablebyusifcertainspecificperformanceconditionsaremet.Asnotedabove,weestimatethefairvalueofanycontingentconsiderationatthedateofacquisitionbasedontheprobabilityofconditionsbeingmetandmonitorthisonanongoingbasis.Themaximumadditionalamountthatcouldbepayableasof30June2017is£44.6million.
Transfer fees receivable
Similarly,underthetermsofcontractswithotherfootballclubsforplayertransfers,additionalamountswouldbepayabletousifcertainspecificperformanceconditionsaremet.Inaccordancewiththerecognitioncriteriaforcontingentassets,suchamountsareonlydisclosedbytheCompanywhenprobableandrecognizedwhenvirtuallycertain.Asof30June2017,webelievereceiptof£0.8milliontobeprobable.
Other commitments
Intheordinarycourseofbusiness,weenterintooperatingleasecommitmentsandcapitalcommitments.ThesetransactionsarerecognizedintheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsinaccordancewithIFRS,asissuedbytheIASB,andaremorefullydisclosedtherein.
Asof30June2017,wehadnotenteredintoanyotheroff-balancesheettransactions.
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F.CONTRACTUALOBLIGATIONS
Thefollowingtablesummarizesourcontractualobligationsasof30June2017:
Exceptasdisclosedaboveandinnote29.2toourauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsasof30June2017and2016andfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015includedelsewhereinthisAnnualReport,asof30June2017,wedidnothaveanymaterialcontingentliabilitiesorguarantees.
G.SAFEHARBOR
SeetheSectionentitled"Forward-LookingStatements"atthebeginningofthisAnnualReport.
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Lessthan1year 1-3years 3-5years
Morethanfiveyears
Totalcontractual
cashflows(1)
Totalperconsolidatedfinancialstatements
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Long-termdebtobligations(2) 19,463 41,731 18,988 601,218 681,400 503,354Financeleaseobligations — — — — — —Operatingleaseobligations(3) 2,624 5,820 162 3,968 12,574 —Purchaseobligations(4) 183,531 79,800 6,462 — 269,793 255,780Otherlong-termliabilities — — — — — —Total 205,618 127,351 25,612 605,186 963,767 759,134
(1) Totalcontractualcashflowsreflectcontractualnon-derivativefinancialobligationsincludinginterest,operatingleasepayments,purchaseordercommitmentsandcapitalcommitmentsandthereforediffersfromthecarryingamountsinourconsolidatedfinancialstatements.
(2) Asof30June2017,wehad$225.0millionofoursecuredtermloanfacilityoutstandingand$425.0millionofourseniorsecurednotesoutstanding.Otherlong-termindebtednessconsistsofabankloantoAlderleyUrbanInvestmentsLimited,asubsidiaryofManchesterUnitedLimited.Asof31June2017,wehad£4.2millionoutstandingundertheAlderleyfacility.
(3) Weenterintooperatingleasesinthenormalcourseofbusiness.Mostleasearrangementsprovideuswiththeoptiontorenewtheleasesatdefinedterms.Thefutureoperatingleaseobligationswouldchangeifweweretoexercisetheseoptions,orifweweretoenterintoadditionalnewoperatingleases.Seenote28.1toourauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsasof30June2017and2016andfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015includedelsewhereinthisAnnualReport.
(4) Purchaseobligationsincludecurrentandnon-currentobligationsrelatedtotheacquisitionofregistrations,purchaseordercommitmentsandcapitalcommitments.Purchaseobligationsdonotincludecontingenttransferfeesof£44.6millionwhicharepotentiallypayablebyusifcertainspecificperformanceconditionsaremet.
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ITEM6.DIRECTORS,SENIORMANAGEMENTANDEMPLOYEES
A.DIRECTORSANDSENIORMANAGEMENT
ThefollowingtablelistseachofourcurrentexecutiveofficersanddirectorsandtheirrespectiveagesandpositionsasofthedateofthisAnnualReport.
Thefollowingisabriefbiographyofeachofourexecutiveofficersanddirectors:
AvramGlazer,aged56,isExecutiveCo-ChairmanandaDirectoroftheCompany.HeiscurrentlyadirectorofRedFootballLimitedandCo-ChairmanofManchesterUnitedLimited.Mr.GlazerservedasPresidentandChiefExecutiveOfficerofZapataCorporation,aUSpubliccompanyfromMarch1995toJuly2009andChairmanoftheboardofZapataCorporationfromMarch2002toJuly2009.Mr.GlazerreceivedabusinessdegreefromWashingtonUniversityinSt.Louisin1982.HereceivedalawdegreefromAmericanUniversity,WashingtonCollegeofLawin1985.
JoelGlazer,aged50,isExecutiveCo-ChairmanandaDirectoroftheCompany.HeiscurrentlyadirectorofRedFootballLimitedandCo-ChairmanofManchesterUnitedLimited.Mr.GlazerisCo-ChairmanoftheTampaBayBuccaneers.Mr.GlazerisamemberoftheNFLFinance,InternationalandMediaCommittees.Mr.GlazergraduatedfromAmericanUniversityinWashington,D.C.,in1989withabachelor'sdegree.
EdwardWoodward,aged45,isExecutiveViceChairmanandaDirectoroftheCompany.Hewasappointedtoourboardofdirectorson30April2012andiscurrentlyExecutiveViceChairmanofManchesterUnitedLimited,havingbeenelectedtoitsboardofdirectorsinFebruary2008.In2015hewaselectedtotheBoardofDirectorsoftheEuropeanClubAssociation(ECA)—thesoleindependentbodydirectlyrepresentingfootballclubsataEuropeanlevel.HealsochairstheECAMarketingandCommunicationsWorkingGroup.Mr.WoodwardrepresentstheClubatmeetingsoftheEnglishPremierLeague'sshareholders.Onjoiningtheclubin2005heinitiallymanagedthecapitalstructureofthegroupandadvisedontheoverallfinancialbusinessplan.In2007heassumedresponsibilityforthecommercialandmediaoperationsanddevelopedandimplementedanewoverallcommercialstrategyfortheClub.Thisresultedinanewstructuredapproachtocommercializingthebrand,includingdevelopingthesponsorshipstrategy.Mr.WoodwardformerlyworkedasaseniorinvestmentbankerwithinJ.P.Morgan'sinternationalmergersandacquisitionsteambetween1999and2005.PriortojoiningJ.P.Morgan,Mr.WoodwardworkedforPricewaterhouseCoopersintheAccountingandTaxAdvisorydepartmentbetween1993and1999.HereceivedaBachelorofSciencedegreeinphysicsfromBristolUniversityin1993andqualifiedforhisCharteredAccountancyin1996.
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Name Age PositionAvramGlazer 56 ExecutiveCo-ChairmanandDirectorJoelGlazer 50 ExecutiveCo-ChairmanandDirectorEdwardWoodward 45 ExecutiveViceChairmanandDirectorRichardArnold 46 GroupManagingDirectorandDirectorCliffBaty 47 ChiefFinancialOfficerKevinGlazer 55 DirectorBryanGlazer 52 DirectorDarcieGlazerKassewitz 49 DirectorEdwardGlazer 47 DirectorRobertLeitão 54 IndependentDirectorManuSawhney 50 IndependentDirectorJohnHooks 61 IndependentDirector
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RichardArnold,aged46,istheGroupManagingDirectorandaDirectoroftheCompany.InhiscapacityasGroupManagingDirector,Mr.ArnoldoverseesallcommercialandoperationalaspectsoftheCompany.Mr.ArnoldalsoservesasChairmanoftheManchesterUnitedFoundation.InhispreviousroleasCommercialDirector(until30June2013)hewasresponsibleforthemanagementandgrowthoftheCompany'ssponsorshipbusiness,retail,merchandising,apparel&productlicensingbusiness,andmobile&contentbusiness.InthiscapacityhewasnominatedforSportBusinessInternational'sSportsinnovatoroftheyearlistin2011.Mr.ArnoldwaspreviouslyDeputyManagingDirectorofInterVoiceLtdresponsiblefortheinternationalchannelsalesandmarketingdivisionofInterVoiceInc.,aNASDAQlistedtechnologycompany,between2002and2007.HewasnominatedasafinalistforYoungDirectoroftheYearbytheUnitedKingdomInstituteofDirectorsin2004and2005.PriortoInterVoice,heworkedatGlobalCrossingEuropeLtd,acompanyinthetechnologysector,onitsrestructurebetween1999and2002.PriortothishewasaseniormanagerinthetelecommunicationsandmediapracticeatPricewaterhouseCoopersfrom1993to1999,includingworkingontheprivatizationoftheSaudiTelecommunicationsCorporationandtheInitialPublicOfferingofOrangeintheUnitedKingdom.HereceivedanhonorsBachelorofSciencedegreeinbiologyfromBristolUniversityin1993andreceivedhisCharteredAccountancyqualificationin1996.
CliffBaty,aged47,istheCompany'sChiefFinancialOfficer.HewasappointedinMarch2016.HeisresponsibleformanagingallaspectsoffinancialreportingandfinancialcontroloftheCompany.PriortojoiningtheCompany,Mr.BatyservedasChiefFinancialOfficerandmemberoftheBoardofDirectorsofSportechplc,aleadingpoolbettingoperatorandtechnologysupplier,from2013to2016.PriortoSportech,heworkedatLadbrokesplcfrom2006to2013inanumberofseniorfinancerolesincludingFinanceDirectorofitseGamingandInternationalbusinesses,aswellasLadbrokesbusinessesinSpain,ItalyandSouthAfrica.BeforethathewasGroupFinancialControllerofHiltonGroupplcfrom2004to2006.HequalifiedasaCharteredAccountantwithErnst&Young,whereheworkedfor10years.HereceivedaBachelorofArtsdegreeinChemistryfromOrielCollege,OxfordUniversityin1992.
KevinGlazer,aged55,isaDirectoroftheCompany.HeiscurrentlyadirectorofRedFootballLimitedandadirectorofManchesterUnitedLimited.HeiscurrentlytheCo-ChairmanofFirstAlliedCorporation.Mr.GlazergraduatedfromIthacaCollegein1984withaBachelorofArtsdegree.
BryanGlazer,aged52,isaDirectoroftheCompany.HeiscurrentlyadirectorofRedFootballLimitedandManchesterUnitedLimited.HeistheCo-ChairmanoftheTampaBayBuccaneersandalsoservesontheNFL'sDigitalMediaCommittee.Mr.GlazerservesontheboardofdirectorsoftheGlazerChildren'sMuseum.Hereceivedabachelor'sdegreefromtheAmericanUniversityinWashington,D.C.,in1986andreceivedhislawdegreefromWhittierCollegeSchoolofLawin1989.
DarcieGlazerKassewitz,aged49,isaDirectoroftheCompany.SheiscurrentlyadirectorofRedFootballLimited.Ms.GlazeristheCo-PresidentoftheGlazerFamilyFoundation.ShegraduatedcumlaudefromtheAmericanUniversityin1990andreceivedalawdegreein1993fromSuffolkLawSchool.
EdwardGlazer,aged47,isaDirectoroftheCompany.Heiscurrentlyanon-executivedirectorofRedFootballLimited.HeisCo-ChairmanoftheTampaBayBuccaneersandCo-ChairmanofFirstAlliedCorporation.Mr.GlazerisalsotheCo-PresidentoftheGlazerFamilyFoundation.Mr.Glazerreceivedabachelor'sdegreefromIthacaCollegein1992.
RobertLeitão,aged54,isanIndependentDirectoroftheCompany.HeisHeadofRothschild'sGlobalFinancialAdvisorybusiness.Mr.LeitãojoinedRothschildin1998asaDirectorandwasappointedManagingDirectorin2000,HeadofMergersandAcquisitionsin2001andHeadofUKInvestmentBankingin2008.PriortojoiningRothschild,Mr.LeitãoworkedforMorganGrenfell&Co.LimitedinLondon,wherehewasappointedaDirectorin1995.HealsoservesasChairmanoftheTrusteesofThePenniesFoundation.Mr.LeitãoreceivedaBachelorofScience
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degreeinengineeringfromtheUniversityofLondonin1984.HereceivedhisCharteredAccountancyqualificationin1988.
ManuSawhney,aged50,isanIndependentDirectoroftheCompany.Withover26yearsofrichexperienceintheAsianmedia,entertainmentandconsumerproductsindustry,Mr.SawhneyistheChiefExecutiveOfficeroftheSingaporeSportsHub,oneofthelargestsportingPublic-PrivatePartnershipsintheworld,andthecity-state'spremiersporting,lifestyleandentertainmentdestination.Priortohiscurrentrole,Mr.SawhneywastheManagingDirectorofESPNSTARSports(ESS),a50:50jointventureforAsiabetweenESPNandNewsCorp,andreporteddirectlytotheBoard.Hewasresponsiblefortheoverallbusinessleadership&P&Lofthecompanyacross24countriesinAsia.Mr.SawhneyledESS'sgrowthandexpansionacrossmultipleplatformsinvariousmarketsacrossAsiaincludingbusinessexpansioninTaiwan,start-upofanewjointventureinSouthKorea,consolidationofbusinessinChinaandsecuringlongtermstrategicpartnershipsinIndia,Malaysia,IndonesiaandSingapore.PriortoheadingESS'sAsiaoperations,Mr.SawhneyservedastheExecutiveVicePresidentofProgramming/EventManagement/Marketing/NetworkPresentation,whereinhenegotiatedandsecuredvariousmulti-yearrenewalsofkeyglobalandregionalrights&affiliatedeals.Mr.SawhneyalsopreviouslyservedastheManagingDirectorofESS'sSouthAsiabusinessbasedoutofIndia.BeforejoiningESS,heworkedfor3yearswithITCGlobalHoldings.Aftercompletinghisengineeringdegree,Mr.SawhneyworkedatEicherMotors,aleadingIndianfarmequipmentcompany.Mr.SawhneyholdsaBachelor'sdegreeinMechanicalEngineeringfromtheBirlaInstituteofTechnology&Science,Pilani,India,andreceivedhisMastersinInternationalBusinessfromtheIndianInstituteofForeignTrade,NewDelhi,India.Mr.SawhneyalsoservedontheSteeringCommitteeofthe28thSouthEastAsianGamesandisamemberoftheYoungPresidentsOrganisation(YPO).
JohnHooks,aged61,isanIndependentDirectoroftheCompany.Hehasbeenintheluxuryfashionindustryforover35yearsandhasheldpositionsinsomeofthesector'smostinfluentialcompanies.AftergraduatingfromOxfordUniversity,heenteredthefashionindustrythroughGruppoFinanziarioTessile(GFT)inTurin,Italy.Forthreeyearshewasthecommercialdirectorfortheprêt-à-portercollectionofValentino.From1988to1994,basedinHongKong,hewasresponsiblefortheestablishmentofGFT'sregionalsubsidiariesinJapan,SouthKorea,Taiwan,HongKong,AustraliaaswellasinmainlandChina(in1988,thefirstmajorforeignfashioncompanytoestablishadirectpresenceinthatcountry).From1995to2000hewasCommercialandRegionalDirectorofJilSanderinHamburg,Germany.In2000,Mr.HooksjoinedGiorgioArmaniasGroupCommercialandMarketingDirector,considerablyexpandingthecompany'sglobalwholesaleandretailnetwork.HewassubsequentlyappointedDeputyChairmanoftheGiorgioArmaniGroup.From2011to2014,hewasGroupPresidentofRalphLaurenEuropeandMiddleEast.Mr.HooksiscurrentlyCEOofPacificGlobalManagement(PGM).HeisalsoontheboardofMiroglioFashionandisasenioradvisertoMcKinsey&Company.
FamilyRelationships
OurExecutiveCo-ChairmenandDirectorsAvramGlazerandJoelGlazer,andDirectorsBryanGlazer,KevinGlazer,DarcieGlazerKassewitzandEdwardGlazeraresiblings.
ArrangementsorUnderstandings
Noneofourexecutiveofficersordirectorshaveanyarrangementorunderstandingwithourprincipalshareholders,customers,suppliersorotherpersonspursuanttowhichsuchexecutiveofficerordirectorwasselectedasanexecutiveofficerordirector.
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B.COMPENSATION
WesetoutbelowtheamountofcompensationpaidandbenefitsinkindprovidedbyusoroursubsidiariestoourdirectorsandmembersoftheexecutivemanagementforservicesinallcapacitiestoourCompanyoroursubsidiariesforthe2017fiscalyear,aswellastheamountcontributedbyourCompanyoroursubsidiariestoretirementbenefitplansforourdirectorsandmembersoftheexecutivemanagementboard.
DirectorsandExecutiveManagementCompensation
Thecompensationforeachmemberofourexecutivemanagementiscomprisedofthefollowingelements:basesalary,bonus,contractualbenefitsandpensioncontributions.Thetotalamountofcompensation(includingshare-basedpayments)paidorpayableandbenefitsinkindprovidedtothemembersofourboardofdirectorsandourexecutivemanagementemployeesforthefiscalyear2017was£12.3million.Wedonotcurrentlymaintainanybonusorprofit-sharingplanforthebenefitofthemembersofourexecutivemanagement,however,certainmembersofourexecutivemanagementareeligibletoreceiveannualbonuses(includingshare-basedawards)pursuanttothetermsoftheirserviceagreements.Thetotalamountsetasideoraccruedbyustoprovidepension,retirementorsimilarbenefitstoourdirectorsandourexecutivemanagementemployeeswithrespecttothefiscalyear2017was£0.1million.
EmploymentorServiceAgreements
Wehaveenteredintowrittenemploymentorserviceagreementswitheachofthemembersofourexecutivemanagement,whichagreementsprovide,amongotherthings,forbenefitsuponaterminationofemployment.Inordertoaligntheinterestsofourexecutivemanagementwithourshareholders,membersofourexecutivemanagementareeligibletoreceiveannualshare-basedawards(orcashandshare-basedawards)pursuanttoour2012EquityIncentiveAwardPlan(the"EquityPlan").Theamountoftheawardswillgenerallybesubjecttothediscretionofourboardofdirectorsandourremunerationcommittee.Inordertoencourageretention,theawardsareeligibletobecomevestedoveramulti-yearperiodfollowingthedateofgrant.Inconnectionwiththeirreceiptoftheawards,eachmemberofourexecutivemanagementwillagreetoholdaminimumofthatnumberofClassAordinaryshareswithavalueequaltosuchmember'sannualsalaryforsolongassuchmemberisemployedbyus.
Wehavenotenteredintowrittenemploymentorserviceagreementswithouroutsidedirectors,includinganymemberoftheGlazerfamily.However,wemayinthefutureenterintoemploymentorservicesagreementswithsuchindividuals,thetermsofwhichmayprovidefor,amongotherthings,cashorequitybasedcompensationandbenefits.
Share-BasedCompensationAwards
Wecurrentlyhaveoneshare-basedcompensationawardplan,namelythe2012EquityIncentiveAwardPlan,establishedin2012(the"EquityPlan").
The Equity Plan
TheprincipalpurposeoftheEquityPlanistoattract,retainandmotivateselectedemployees,consultantsandnon-employeedirectorsthroughthegrantingofshare-basedandcash-basedcompensationawards.TheprincipalfeaturesoftheEquityPlanaresummarizedbelow.
Duringtheyearended30June2017certaindirectorsandmembersofexecutivemanagementwereawardedClassAordinaryshares,pursuanttotheEquityPlan.Thesesharesaresubjecttovaryingvestingschedulesoveramulti-yearperiod.Thefairvalueoftheseshareswasthequotedmarketprice
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onthedateofaward.Detailsoftheshareawardsoutstandingandthereforepotentiallyissuableasnewsharesareasfollows:
Thefairvalueofsharesawardedduringtheyearwas$16.02(£12.35)pershare.
Share reserve
UndertheEquityPlan,16,000,000sharesofourClassAordinarysharesarereservedforissuancepursuanttoavarietyofshare-basedcompensationawards,includingshareoptions,shareappreciationrights,orSARs,restrictedshareawards,restrictedshareunitawards,deferredshareawards,deferredshareunitawards,dividendequivalentawards,sharepaymentawardsandothershare-basedawards.Ofthesereservedshares,assumingtheaboveoutstandingshareawardsfullyvest,15,234,579remainavailableforissuanceasof11September2017.
Administration
Theremunerationcommitteeofourboardofdirectors(orothercommitteeasourboardofdirectorsmayappoint)administerstheEquityPlanunlessourboardofdirectorsassumesauthorityforadministration.SubjecttothetermsandconditionsoftheEquityPlan,theadministratorhastheauthoritytoselectthepersonstowhomawardsaretobemade,determinesthetypesofawardstobegranted,thenumberofsharestobesubjecttoawardsandthetermsandconditionsofawards,andmakesallotherdeterminationsandcantakeallotheractionsnecessaryoradvisablefortheadministrationoftheEquityPlan.Theadministratorisalsoauthorizedtoadopt,amendorrescindrulesrelatingtotheadministrationoftheEquityPlan.Ourboardofdirectorshastheauthorityatalltimestoremovetheremunerationcommittee(orotherapplicablecommittee)astheadministratorandreinstateitselfastheauthoritytoadministertheEquityPlan.
Eligibility
TheEquityPlanprovidesthatshareoptions,shareappreciationrights("SARs"),restrictedsharesandallotherawardsmaybegrantedtoindividualswhowillthenbeournon-employeedirectors,officers,employeesorconsultantsorthenon-employeedirectors,officers,employeesorconsultantsofcertainofoursubsidiaries.
Awards
TheEquityPlanprovidesthattheadministratormaygrantorissueshareoptions,SARs,restrictedshares,restrictedshareunits,deferredshares,deferredshareunits,dividendequivalents,sharepaymentsandothershare-basedawards,oranycombinationthereof.Eachawardwillbesetforthinaseparateagreementwiththepersonreceivingtheawardandwillindicatethetype,termsandconditionsoftheaward.
• Share Options providefortherighttopurchaseClassAordinarysharesataspecifiedprice,andusuallywillbecomeexercisable(atthediscretionoftheadministrator)inoneormoreinstallmentsafterthegrantdate,subjecttotheparticipant'scontinuedemploymentorservice
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NumberofClassAordinaryshares
Outstandingatbeginningoftheyear 293,575Awardedduringtheyear 188,677Forfeitedduringtheyear (16,863)Vestedduringtheyear (169,476)Outstandingattheendoftheyear 295,913
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withusand/orsubjecttothesatisfactionofcorporateperformancetargetsand/orindividualperformancetargetsestablishedbytheadministrator.
• Restricted Shares maybegrantedtoanyeligibleindividualselectedbytheadministratorandaremadesubjecttosuchrestrictionsasmaybedeterminedbytheadministrator.Restrictedshares,typically,areforfeitedfornoconsiderationorrepurchasedbyusattheoriginalpurchaseprice(ifapplicable)iftheconditionsorrestrictionsonvestingarenotmet.TheEquityPlanprovidesthatrestrictedsharesgenerallymaynotbesoldorotherwisetransferreduntiltheapplicablerestrictionsareremovedorexpire.Recipientsofrestrictedshares,unlikerecipientsofshareoptions,havevotingrightsandhavetherighttoreceivedividends,ifany,priortothetimewhentherestrictionslapse;however,extraordinarydividendswillgenerallybeplacedinescrow,andwillnotbereleaseduntiltherestrictionsareremovedorexpire.
• Restricted Share Units maybeawardedtoanyeligibleindividualselectedbytheadministrator,typicallywithoutpaymentofconsideration,butsubjecttovestingconditionsbasedoncontinuedemploymentorserviceoronperformancecriteriaestablishedbytheadministrator.TheEquityPlanprovidesthat,likerestrictedshares,restrictedshareunitsmaynotbesold,orotherwisetransferredorhypothecated,untilvestingconditionsareremovedorexpire.Unlikerestrictedshares,ClassAordinarysharesunderlyingrestrictedshareunitsarenotissueduntiltherestrictedshareunitshavevested,andrecipientsofrestrictedshareunitsgenerallyhavenovotingordividendrightspriortothetimewhenvestingconditionsaresatisfiedandtheClassAordinarysharesareissued.
• Deferred Share Awards representtherighttoreceiveClassAordinarysharesonafuturedate.TheEquityPlanprovidesthatdeferredsharesmaynotbesoldorotherwisehypothecatedortransferreduntilissued.Deferredsharesarenotissueduntilthedeferredshareawardhasvested,andrecipientsofdeferredsharesgenerallyhavenovotingordividendrightspriortothetimewhenthevestingconditionsaresatisfiedandtheClassAordinarysharesareissued.Deferredshareawardsgenerallywillbeforfeited,andtheunderlyingClassAordinarysharesofdeferredshareswillnotbeissued,iftheapplicablevestingconditionsandotherrestrictionsarenotmet.
• Deferred Share Unit Awards maybeawardedtoanyeligibleindividualselectedbytheadministrator,typicallywithoutpaymentofconsideration,butsubjecttovestingconditionsbasedoncontinuedemploymentorserviceoronperformancecriteriaestablishedbytheadministrator.EachdeferredshareunitawardentitlestheholderthereoftoreceiveoneshareofourClassAordinarysharesonthedatethedeferredshareunitbecomesvestedoruponaspecifiedsettlementdatethereafter.TheEquityPlanprovidesthat,likedeferredshares,deferredshareunitsmaynotbesoldorotherwisehypothecatedortransferreduntilvestingconditionsareremovedorexpire.Unlikedeferredshares,deferredshareunitsmayprovidethatClassAordinarysharesinrespectofunderlyingdeferredshareunitswillnotbeissueduntilaspecifieddateoreventfollowingthevestingdate.RecipientsofdeferredshareunitsgenerallyhavenovotingordividendrightspriortothetimewhenthevestingconditionsaresatisfiedandtheClassAordinarysharesunderlyingtheawardhavebeenissuedtotheholder.
• Share Appreciation Rights ,orSARs,maybegrantedintheadministrator'sdiscretionseparatelyorinconnectionwithshareoptionsorotherawards.SARsgrantedinconnectionwithshareoptionsorotherawardstypicallyprovideforpaymentstotheholderbaseduponincreasesinthepriceofourClassAordinarysharesoverasetexerciseprice.TherearenorestrictionsspecifiedintheEquityPlanontheexerciseofSARsortheamountofgainrealizabletherefrom,althoughtheEquityPlanprovidesthatrestrictionsmaybeimposedbytheadministratorintheSARagreements.SARsundertheEquityPlanmaybesettledincashorClassAordinaryshares,orinacombinationofboth,attheelectionoftheadministrator.
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• Dividend Equivalents representthevalueofthedividends,ifany,perClassAordinarysharepaidbyus,calculatedwithreferencetothenumberofClassAordinarysharescoveredbytheaward.TheEquityPlanprovidesthatdividendequivalentsmaybesettledincashorClassAordinarysharesandatsuchtimesasdeterminedbytheadministrator.
• Share Payments arepaymentsmadetoemployees,consultantsornon-employeedirectorsintheformofClassAordinarysharesoranoptionorotherrighttopurchaseClassAordinaryshares.Sharepaymentsmaybemadeaspartofabonus,deferredcompensationorotherarrangementandmaybesubjecttoavestingschedule,includingvestingupontheattainmentofperformancecriteria,inwhichcasethesharepaymentwillnotbemadeuntilthevestingcriteriahavebeensatisfied.Sharepaymentsmaybemadeinlieuofcashcompensationthatwouldotherwisebepayabletotheemployee,consultantornon-employeedirectororsharepaymentsmaybemadeasabonuspaymentinadditiontocompensationotherwisepayabletosuchindividuals.
Change in control
TheEquityPlanprovidesthattheadministratormay,initsdiscretion,providethatawardsissuedundertheEquityPlanaresubjecttoacceleration,cash-out,termination,assumption,substitutionorconversionofsuchawardsintheeventofachangeincontrolorcertainotherunusualornonrecurringeventsortransactions.Inaddition,theadministratoralsohascompletediscretiontostructureoneormoreawardsundertheEquityPlantoprovidethatsuchawardsbecomevestedandexercisableorpayableonanacceleratedbasisintheeventsuchawardsareassumedorreplacedwithequivalentawardsbuttheindividual'sservicewithusortheacquiringentityissubsequentlyterminatedwithinadesignatedperiodfollowingthechangeincontrolevent.AchangeincontroleventundertheEquityPlanisgenerallydefinedasamerger,consolidation,reorganizationorbusinesscombinationinwhichweareinvolved,directlyorindirectly(otherthanamerger,consolidation,reorganizationorbusinesscombinationwhichresultsinouroutstandingvotingsecuritiesimmediatelybeforethetransactioncontinuingtorepresentamajorityofthevotingpoweroftheacquiringcompany'soutstandingvotingsecurities)afterwhichapersonorgroup(otherthanourexistingequity-holders)beneficiallyownsmorethan50%oftheoutstandingvotingsecuritiesofthesurvivingentityimmediatelyafterthetransaction,orthesale,exchangeortransferofallorsubstantiallyallofourassets.
Adjustments of awards
Intheeventofanystockdividend,stocksplit,combinationorexchangeofshares,merger,consolidation,spin-off,recapitalization,distributionofourassetstoshareholders(otherthannormalcashdividends)oranyothercorporateeventaffectingthenumberofoutstandingClassAordinarysharesinourcapitalorthesharepriceofourClassAordinarysharesthatwouldrequireadjustmentstotheEquityPlanoranyawardsundertheEquityPlaninordertopreventthedilutionorenlargementofthepotentialbenefitsintendedtobemadeavailablethereunder,theEquityPlanprovidesthattheadministratormaymakeequitableadjustments,asdeterminedinitsdiscretion,totheaggregatenumberandtypeofsharessubjecttotheEquityPlan,thenumberandkindofsharessubjecttooutstandingawardsandthetermsandconditionsofoutstandingawards(including,withoutlimitation,anyapplicableperformancetargetsorcriteriawithrespecttosuchawards),andthegrantorexercisepricepershareofanyoutstandingawardsundertheEquityPlan.
Amendment and termination
TheEquityPlanprovidesthatourboardofdirectorsortheremunerationcommittee(withtheapprovaloftheboardofdirectors)mayterminate,amendormodifytheEquityPlanatanytimeandfromtimetotime.However,theEquityPlangenerallyrequiresustoobtainshareholderapprovaltotheextentrequiredbyapplicablelaw,ruleorregulation(includinganyapplicablestockexchangelaw),
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includinginconnectionwithanyamendmentstoincreasethenumberofsharesavailableundertheEquityPlan(otherthaninconnectionwithcertaincorporateevents,asdescribedabove).
Securities laws
TheEquityPlanisdesignedtocomplywithallapplicableprovisionsoftheSecuritiesActandtheExchangeActand,totheextentapplicable,anyandallregulationsandrulespromulgatedbytheSECthereunder.TheEquityPlanisadministered,andstockoptionswillbegrantedandmaybeexercised,onlyinsuchamannerastoconformtosuchlaws,rulesandregulations.On13August2012,wefiledwiththeSECaregistrationstatementonFormS-8coveringClassAordinarysharesissuableundertheEquityPlan.
UK Subplan
Ourboardofdirectorsapprovedthe2012UKCompanyShareOptionUKSub-Planon10September2013.Thisisasub-plantotheEquityPlanwhichallowsforthegrantofstockoptionsinataxefficientmannertoemployeeswhoareUKresidents.ItderivesitspowersandauthorityfromtheEquityPlananddoesnotcreateanyenhancedoradditionalrights.Thissub-plandoesnotincreasethesharereserveundertheEquityPlan.
C.BOARDPRACTICES
BoardofDirectors
Wecurrentlyhave11directors,threeofwhomareindependentdirectors,onourboardofdirectors.AnydirectoronourboardmayberemovedbywayofanordinaryresolutionofshareholdersorbyourshareholdersholdingamajorityofthevotingpowerofouroutstandingordinarysharesbynoticeinwritingtotheCompany.AnyvacanciesonourboardofdirectorsoradditionstotheexistingboardofdirectorscanbefilledbyourshareholdersholdingamajorityofthevotingpowerofouroutstandingordinarysharesbynoticeinwritingtotheCompany.Eachofourdirectorsholdsofficeuntilheresignsorisrecusedfromofficeasdiscussedabove.
CommitteesoftheBoardofDirectorsandCorporateGovernance
Ourboardofdirectorshasestablishedanauditcommitteeandaremunerationcommittee.Thecompositionandresponsibilitiesofeachcommitteearedescribedbelow.Memberswillserveonthesecommitteesuntiltheirresignationoruntilotherwisedeterminedbyourboardofdirectors.Inthefuture,ourboardofdirectorsmayestablishothercommittees,asitdeemsappropriate,toassistwithitsresponsibilities.
Audit committee
OurauditcommitteeconsistsofMessrs.RobertLeitão,ManuSawhneyandJohnHooks.OurboardofdirectorsdeterminedthatMessrs.RobertLeitão,ManuSawhneyandJohnHookssatisfythe"independence"requirementssetforthinRule10A-3undertheExchangeAct.Mr.RobertLeitãoactsaschairmanofourauditcommitteeandsatisfiesthecriteriaofanauditcommitteefinancialexpertassetforthundertheapplicablerulesoftheExchangeAct.Acopyofourauditcommitteecharterisavailableonourwebsite.TheinclusionofourwebsiteinthisAnnualReportdoesnotincludeorincorporatebyreferencetheinformationonourwebsiteintothisAnnualReport.Theauditcommittee
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overseesouraccountingandfinancialreportingprocessesandtheauditsofourfinancialstatements.Theauditcommitteeisresponsiblefor,amongotherthings:
• selectingourindependentregisteredpublicaccountingfirmandpre-approvingallauditingandnon-auditingservicespermittedtobeperformedbyourindependentregisteredpublicaccountingfirm;
• reviewingwithourindependentregisteredpublicaccountingfirmanyauditissuesordifficultiesandmanagement'sresponse;
• discussingtheannualauditedfinancialstatementswithmanagementandourindependentregisteredpublicaccountingfirm;
• reviewingmajorissuesastotheadequacyofourinternalcontrolsandanyspecialauditstepsadoptedinlightofsignificantcontroldeficiencies;
• annuallyreviewingandreassessingtheadequacyofourauditcommitteecharter;
• suchothermattersthatarespecificallydelegatedtoourauditcommitteebyourboardofdirectorsfromtimetotime;and
• meetingseparatelyandperiodicallywithmanagement,ourinternalauditorsandourindependentregisteredpublicaccountingfirm.
Remuneration committee
OurremunerationcommitteeconsistsofMessrs.JoelGlazer,AvramGlazerandRobertLeitão.Mr.JoelGlazeristhechairmanofourremunerationcommittee.Acopyofourremunerationcommitteecharterisavailableonourwebsite.TheinclusionofourwebsiteinthisAnnualReportdoesnotincludeorincorporatebyreferencetheinformationonourwebsiteintothisAnnualReport.Theremunerationcommitteeisresponsiblefor,amongotherthings:
• determiningthelevelsofremunerationforeachofourexecutiveofficersanddirectors;however,nomemberoftheremunerationcommitteewillparticipateindecisionsrelatingtohisorherremuneration;
• establishingandreviewingtheobjectivesofourmanagementcompensationprogramsandcompensationpolicies;
• reviewingandapprovingcorporategoalsandobjectivesrelevanttotheremunerationofseniormanagement,includingannualandlong-termperformancegoalsandobjectives;
• evaluatingtheperformanceofmembersofseniormanagementandrecommendingandmonitoringtheremunerationofmembersofseniormanagement;and
• reviewing,approvingandrecommendingtheadoptionofanyequity-basedornon-equitybasedcompensationplanforouremployeesorconsultantsandadministeringsuchplan.
WehaveavailedourselvesofcertainexemptionsaffordedtoforeignprivateissuersunderNewYorkStockExchangerules,whichexemptusfromtherequirementthatwehavearemunerationcommitteecomposedentirelyofindependentdirectors.
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D.EMPLOYEES
Employees
Theaveragemonthlynumberofemployeesduringtheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015,includingdirectors,wasasfollows:
Wearenotasignatorytoanylaborunioncollectivebargainingagreement.Wealsoengagedapproximately2,053,2,124and2,275temporaryemployeesinfiscalyears2017,2016and2015,respectively,onaregularbasistoperform,amongotherthings,catering,security,ticketing,hospitalityandmarketingservicesduringMatchdaysatOldTrafford.Compensationtofull-timeandtemporaryemployeesisaccountedforinouremployeebenefitexpenses.
E.SHAREOWNERSHIP
Thefollowingtableshowsthenumberofsharesownedbyourdirectorsandmembersofourexecutivemanagementasof11September2017:
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2017
Number 2016
Number 2015
Number Averagenumberofemployees: Football—players 74 74 73Football—technicalandcoaching 136 94 89Commercial 120 111 122Media 90 94 89Administrationandother 445 426 440Averagemonthlynumberofemployees 865 799 813
ClassAOrdinaryShares %
ClassBOrdinaryShares %
%ofTotalVotingPower(1)
AvramGlazer(2) 707,613 1.76% 20,899,366 16.85% 16.38%JoelGlazer(3) 1,707,614 4.25% 20,899,366 16.85% 16.46%EdwardWoodward (*) (*) — — (*)RichardArnold (*) (*) — — (*)CliffBaty (*) (*) — — (*)KevinGlazer(4) — — 20,899,366 16.85% 16.33%BryanGlazer(5) — — 20,899,365 16.85% 16.33%DarcieGlazerKassewitz(6) 603,806 1.50% 20,899,365 16.85% 16.37%EdwardGlazer(7) — — 19,503,172 15.73% 15.23%RobertLeitão — — — — —ManuSawhney — — — — —JohnHooks — — — — —
(1) PercentageoftotalvotingpowerrepresentsvotingpowerwithrespecttoallofourClassAandClassBordinaryshares,asasingleclass.TheholdersofourClassBordinarysharesareentitledto10votespershare,andholdersofourClassAordinarysharesareentitledtoonevotepershare.
(2) SharesownedbyAvramGlazerIrrevocableExemptTrust,ofwhichAvramGlazeristhesoletrustee,andAAGTHoldingsLLC,ofwhichAvramGlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustisthesolemember.
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ITEM7.MAJORSHAREHOLDERSANDRELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONS
A.MAJORSHAREHOLDERS
Thefollowingtableshowsourmajorshareholders(shareholdersthatarebeneficialownersof5%ormoreofeachclassoftheCompany'svotingshares)asof11September2017,basedonnotificationsmadetotheCompanyorpublicfilings:
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(3) SharesownedbyJoelM.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrust,ofwhichJoelGlazeristhesoletrustee,andJMGTHoldingsLLC,ofwhichJoelM.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustisthesolemember.
(4) SharesownedbyKevinGlazerIrrevocableExemptFamilyTrust,ofwhichKevinGlazeristhesoletrustee,andKEGTHoldingsLLC,ofwhichKevinGlazerIrrevocableExemptFamilyTrustisthesolemember.
(5) SharesownedbyBryanG.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrust,ofwhichBryanGlazeristhesoletrustee,andBGGTHoldingsLLC,ofwhichBryanG.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustisthesolemember.
(6) SharesownedbyDarcieS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrust,ofwhichDarcieGlazerKassewitzisthesoletrustee,andDSGTHoldingsLLC,ofwhichDarcieS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustisthesolemember.
(7) SharesownedbyEdwardS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrust,ofwhichEdwardGlazeristhesoletrustee,andESGTHoldingsLLC,ofwhichEdwardS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustisthesolemember.
(*) Thesedirectorsandmembersofourexecutivemanagementindividuallyownlessthan1%ofourClassAordinaryshares.
ClassAOrdinaryShares %
ClassBOrdinaryShares %
%ofTotalVotingPower(1)
BaronCapitalGroup,Inc. 15,089,806 37.54% — — 1.18%LindsellTrainLimited 7,446,852 18.53% — — 0.58%LansdownePartnersLimited 4,941,440 12.30% — — 0.39%JupiterAssetManagementLimited 2,779,723 6.92% — — 0.22%AvramGlazer(2) 707,613 1.76% 20,899,366 16.85% 16.38%JoelM.Glazer(3) 1,707,614 4.25% 20,899,366 16.85% 16.46%KevinGlazer(4) — — 20,899,366 16.85% 16.33%BryanG.Glazer(5) — — 20,899,365 16.85% 16.33%DarcieS.Glazer(6) 603,806 1.50% 20,899,365 16.85% 16.37%EdwardS.Glazer(7) — — 19,503,172 15.73% 15.23%
(1) PercentageoftotalvotingpowerrepresentsvotingpowerwithrespecttoallofourClassAandClassBordinaryshares,asasingleclass.TheholdersofourClassBordinarysharesareentitledto10votespershare,andholdersofourClassAordinarysharesareentitledtoonevotepershare.
(2) SharesownedbyAvramGlazerIrrevocableExemptTrust,ofwhichAvramGlazeristhesoletrustee,andAAGTHoldingsLLC,ofwhichAvramGlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustisthesolemember.
(3) SharesownedbyJoelM.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrust,ofwhichJoelGlazeristhesoletrustee,andJMGTHoldingsLLC,ofwhichJoelM.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustisthesolemember.
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Since11September2014,theonlysignificantchangesofwhichwehavebeennotifiedinthepercentageownershipofoursharesbyourmajorshareholdersdescribedabovewerethat:
• on12December2014,theEdwardS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld450,000ofourClassAordinarysharesand50,000ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing0.07%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30January2015,Blackrock,Inc.madeapublicfilingthatitheld2,411,645ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.19%oftotalvotingpower;
• on13February2015,TybourneCapitalManagement(HK)LimitedmadeapublicfilingthatitnolongerheldanyofourClassAordinaryshares;
• on13February2015,FMRLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitheld3,977,700ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.31%oftotalvotingpower;
• on17February2015,LansdownePartners(UK)LLPmadeapublicfilingthatitheld3,931,445ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.31%oftotalvotingpower;
• on17February2015,BaronCapitalGroup,Inc.madeapublicfilingthatitheld16,094,792ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing1.26%oftotalvotingpower;
• on17February2015,RedFootballLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitheld7,569,033ofourClassAordinarysharesand106,450,000ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing83.77%oftotalvotingpower;
• on20February2015,JupiterAssetManagementLimitedmadeapublicfilingthatitheld2,172,182ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.17%oftotalvotingpower;
• on10March2015,Blackrock,Inc.madeapublicfilingthatitheld908,760ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.07%oftotalvotingpower;
• on13August2015,LansdownePartners(UK)LLPmadeapublicfilingthatitheld3,931,445ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.31%oftotalvotingpower;
• on14August2015,AvramGlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld7,000,000ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing5.47%oftotalvotingpower;
• on14August2015,JoelM.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld7,000,000ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing5.47%oftotalvotingpower;
• on14August2015,KevinGlazerIrrevocableExemptFamilyTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld7,000,000ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing5.47%oftotalvotingpower;
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(4) SharesownedbyKevinGlazerIrrevocableExemptFamilyTrust,ofwhichKevinGlazeristhesoletrustee,andKEGTHoldingsLLC,ofwhichKevinGlazerIrrevocableExemptFamilyTrustisthesolemember.
(5) SharesownedbyBryanG.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrust,ofwhichBryanGlazeristhesoletrustee,andBGGTHoldingsLLC,ofwhichBryanG.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustisthesolemember.
(6) SharesownedbyDarcieS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrust,ofwhichDarcieGlazerKassewitzisthesoletrustee,andDSGTHoldingsLLC,ofwhichDarcieS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustisthesolemember.
(7) SharesownedbyEdwardS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrust,ofwhichEdwardGlazeristhesoletrustee,andESGTHoldingsLLC,ofwhichEdwardS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustisthesolemember.
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• on14August2015,BryanG.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld7,000,000ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing5.47%oftotalvotingpower;
• on14August2015,DarcieS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld7,000,000ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing5.47%oftotalvotingpower;
• on14August2015,EdwardS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld4,000,000ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing3.13%oftotalvotingpower;
• on14August2015,BaronCapitalGroupInc.madeapublicfilingthatitheld16,149,730ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing1.26%oftotalvotingpower;
• on25August2015,FMRLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitheld3,979,700ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.31%oftotalvotingpower;
• on8January2016,LansdownePartners(UK)LLPmadeapublicfilingthatitheld4,941,440ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.39%oftotalvotingpower;
• on12February2016,FMRLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitheld2,912,144ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.23%oftotalvotingpower;
• on12February2016,JupiterAssetManagementLimitedmadeapublicfilingthatitheld2,723,839ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.21%oftotalvotingpower;
• on12February2016,RedFootballLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitheld8,019,033ofourClassAordinarysharesand85,000,000ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing67.03%oftotalvotingpower;
• on16February2016,BaronCapitalGroupInc.madeapublicfilingthatitheld15,748,438ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing1.23%oftotalvotingpower;
• on10August2016,JupiterAssetManagementLimitedmadeapublicfilingthatitheld2,806,959ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.22%oftotalvotingpower;
• on11August2016,FMRLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitheld2,436,475ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.19%oftotalvotingpower;
• on15August2016,BaronCapitalGroupInc.madeapublicfilingthatitheld15,089,806ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing1.18%oftotalvotingpower;
• on2February2017,JupiterAssetManagementLimitedmadeapublicfilingthatitheld2,768,764ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.22%oftotalvotingpower;
• on14February2017,BaronCapitalGroupInc.madeapublicfilingthatitheld14,622,085ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing1.14%oftotalvotingpower;
• on10August2017,FMRLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitnolongerheldanyofourClassAordinaryshares;
• on11August2017,JupiterAssetManagementLimitedmadeapublicfilingthatitheld2,779,723ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.22%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30August2017,AvramGlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld9,410,375ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing35.5%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30August2017,JoelM.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld10,410,376ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing37.1%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30August2017,KevinGlazerIrrevocableExemptFamilyTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld16,311,894ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing34.3%oftotalvotingpower;
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• on30August2017,BryanG.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld15,349,034ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing34.3%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30August2017,DarcieS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld18,514,274ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing35.3%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30August2017,EdwardS.GlazerIrrevocableExemptTrustmadeapublicfilingthatitheld11,055,706ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing32.8%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30August2017,AAGTHoldingsLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitheld707,613ofourClassAordinarysharesand11,488,991ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing23.7%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30August2017,JMGTHoldingsLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitheld1,707,614ofourClassAordinarysharesand10,488,990ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing24.1%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30August2017,KEGTHoldingsLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitheld4,587,472ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing10.3%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30August2017,BGGTHoldingsLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitheld5,550,331ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing12.2%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30August2017,DSGTHoldingsLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitheld2,385,091ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing7.0%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30August2017,ESGTHoldingsLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitheld8,447,466ofourClassBordinaryshares,representing17.4%oftotalvotingpower;
• on30August2017,RedFootballLLCmadeapublicfilingthatitnolongerheldanyofourClassAorClassBordinaryshares;and
• on7September2017,LindsellTrainLimitedmadeapublicfilingthatitheld7,446,852ofourClassAordinaryshares,representing0.58%oftotalvotingpower.
U.S. Resident Shareholders of Record
Asanumberofoursharesareheldinbook-entryform,wearenotawareoftheidentityofallourshareholders.Asof11September2017,wehad40,192,596ClassAordinarysharesheldby2,740U.S.residentshareholdersofrecord,representingapproximately3.14%oftotalvotingpowerand124,000,000ClassBordinarysharesheldby12U.S.residentshareholdersofrecord,representingapproximately96.86%oftotalvotingpower.
Shareholders' Arrangements
Asof11September2017,theCompanywasnotawareofanyshareholders'arrangementswhichmayresultinachangeofcontroloftheCompany.
ITEM8.FINANCIALINFORMATION
A.CONSOLIDATEDFINANCIALSTATEMENTSANDOTHERFINANCIALINFORMATION
ConsolidatedFinancialStatements
See"Item18.FinancialStatements."
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LegalandArbitrationProceedings
Therehavebeennogovernmental,judicialorarbitrationproceedings(includinganysuchproceedingswhicharependingorthreatenedofwhichweareaware)duringtheperiodbetween1July2014andthedateofthisAnnualReportwhichmayhave,orhavehadintherecentpast,significanteffectsonourfinancialpositionandprofitability.
DividendPolicy
Infiscalyear2017,wepaidtwosemi-annualcashdividendsonourClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinarysharesof$0.09pershare.Wecurrentlyintendtocontinuepayingregularsemi-annualcashdividendsonourClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinarysharesof$0.09persharefromouroperatingcashflows.Thedeclarationandpaymentofanyfuturedividends,however,willbeatthesolediscretionofourboardofdirectorsoracommitteethereofbasedonitsconsiderationofnumerousfactors,includingouroperatingresults,financialconditionandanticipatedcapitalrequirements,inadditiontothevariousotherconsiderationsdiscussedbelow.
IfwedopayacashdividendonourClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinarysharesinthefuture,wewillpaysuchdividendoutofourprofitsorsharepremium(subjecttosolvencyrequirements)aspermittedunderCaymanIslandslaw.Ourboardofdirectorshascompletediscretionregardingthedeclarationandpaymentofdividends,andtheholdersofourClassBordinaryshareswillbeabletoinfluenceourdividendpolicy.
Thedecisionbyourboardofdirectors(oracommitteethereof)todeclareandpaydividendsinthefutureandtheamountofanyfuturedividendpaymentswemaymakewilldependon,amongotherfactors,ourstrategy,futureearnings,financialcondition,cashflow,workingcapitalrequirements,capitalexpendituresandapplicableprovisionsofouramendedandrestatedmemorandumandarticlesofassociation.Anyprofitsorsharepremiumwedeclareasdividendswillnotbeavailabletobereinvestedinouroperations.Moreover,weareaholdingcompanythatdoesnotconductanybusinessoperationsofourown.Asaresult,wearedependentuponcashdividends,distributionsandothertransfersfromoursubsidiariestomakedividendpayments,andthetermsofoursubsidiaries'debtandotheragreementsrestricttheabilityofoursubsidiariestomakedividendsorotherdistributionstous.Specifically,pursuanttotheourrevolvingfacility,oursecuredtermloanfacilityandthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningourseniorsecurednotes,therearerestrictionsonoursubsidiaries'abilitytodistributedividendstous,anddividenddistributionsbyoursubsidiariesaretheprincipalmeansbywhichwewouldhavethenecessaryfundstopaydividendsonourClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinarysharesfortheforeseeablefuture.See"Item5.OperatingandFinancialReviewandProspects—B.LiquidityandCapitalResources—Indebtedness."Asaconsequenceoftheselimitationsandrestrictions,wemaynotbeabletomake,ormayhavetoreduceoreliminate,thepaymentofdividendsonourClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinaryshares.
AnydividendswedeclareinthefutureonourordinaryshareswillbeinrespectofbothourClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinaryshares,andwillbedistributedsuchthataholderofoneofourClassBordinaryshareswillreceivethesameamountofthedividendsthatarereceivedbyaholderofoneofourClassAordinaryshares.WewillnotdeclareanydividendwithrespecttotheClassAordinaryshareswithoutdeclaringadividendontheClassBordinaryshares,andviceversa.
B.SIGNIFICANTCHANGES
Registrations
Theplayingregistrationsofcertainfootballershavebeendisposedof,subsequentto30June2017,fortotalproceeds,netofassociatedcosts,of£19,941,000.Thisamountincludesanycontingentconsiderationreceivableafter30June2017inrespectofpreviousplayingregistrationdisposals.Theassociatednetbookvaluewas£2,844,000.
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Subsequentto30June2017theplayingregistrationsofcertainplayerswereacquiredorextendedforatotalconsideration,includingassociatedcosts,of£126,793,000.Paymentsareduewithinthenext5years.
Secondaryoffering
On9August2017,ManchesterUnitedplcenteredintoanunderwritingagreementrelatingtothesaleof5,000,000ofourClassAOrdinarySharesbyRedFootballLLCpursuanttoapublicoffering.Wedidnotreceiveanyoftheproceedsfromthesaleoftheseshares.
ITEM9.THEOFFERANDLISTING
PriceHistoryofStock
Ordinary shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange
OurshareswereapprovedforlistingontheNewYorkStockExchangeon10August2012.Priortothislisting,nopublicmarketexistedforourordinaryshares.ThetablebelowshowsthequotedhighandlowclosingsalespricesinUSdollarsontheNewYorkStockExchangeforoursharesfortheindicatedperiods.
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PerShare High Low (inUSD) Annual FY2017 17.80 14.20FY2016 18.99 13.30FY2015 19.63 14.78FY2014 18.78 14.47FY2013(10August2012through30June2013) 19.04 12.18Quarterly FY2018
First Quarter (through 7 September 2017) 17.55 16.00FY2017
First Quarter 17.32 15.49Second Quarter 17.04 14.20Third Quarter 17.35 14.70Fourth Quarter 17.80 16.05
FY2016 First Quarter 18.80 17.16Second Quarter 18.99 17.30Third Quarter 17.50 13.30Fourth Quarter 17.73 13.79
Monthly 2017
March 16.95 16.35April 16.95 16.05May 17.80 16.25June 17.00 16.10July 17.30 16.00August 17.55 16.35September (through 7 September 2017) 17.10 16.65
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Markets
WeareincorporatedundertheCompaniesLaw(2011Revision)oftheCaymanIslands,asamendedandrestatedfromtimetotimeandoursharesarelistedontheNewYorkStockExchangeunderthesymbol"MANU".Asof11September2017wehad164,194,754ordinaryshareslisted(comprising40,194,754ClassAordinarysharesand124,000,000ClassBordinaryshares).
ITEM10.ADDITIONALINFORMATION
A.SHARECAPITAL
Notapplicable.
B.MEMORANDUMANDARTICLESOFASSOCIATIONANDOTHERSHAREINFORMATION
AcopyofouramendedandrestatedmemorandumandarticlesofassociationisattachedasExhibit1.1tothisAnnualReport.TheinformationcalledforbythisItemhasbeenreportedpreviouslyinourRegistrationStatementonFormF-1(FileNo.333-182535),filedwiththeSECon3July2012,asamended,undertheheading"DescriptionofShareCapital,"andisincorporatedbyreferenceintothisAnnualReport.
C.MATERIALCONTRACTS
Thefollowingisasummaryofeachmaterialcontract,otherthanmaterialcontractsenteredintointheordinarycourseofbusiness,towhichweareorhavebeenaparty,forthetwoyearsimmediatelyprecedingthedateofthisAnnualReport:
• Agreement ,dated19May2008,betweenTheRoyalBankofScotlandplc,asagentforNationalWestminsterBankplc,andAlderleyUrbanInvestments.AcopyoftheAgreementisincludedasExhibit4.1tothisAnnualReport.
• Amendment and Restatement Agreement relating to the Secured Term Facility, dated15May2015,amongRedFootballLimited,BankofAmerica,N.A.,asOriginalAgent,andBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandLender.AcopyoftheAgreementisincludedasExhibit4.2tothisAnnualReport.
• New Revolving Facilities Agreement, dated22May2015,amongRedFootballLimited,MUFinanceplc,theguarantorspartythereto,BankofAmerica,N.A.,asArranger,theOriginalLendersnamedtherein,andBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandSecurityTrustee.AcopyoftheAgreementisincludedasExhibit4.3tothisAnnualReport.
• Note Purchase Agreement, dated27May2015,amongMUFinanceplc,theguarantorspartythereto,thepurchaserslistedthereinandtheBankofNewYorkMellon,asPayingAgent.AcopyoftheAgreementisincludedasExhibit4.4tothisAnnualReport.
• Term Facility Amendment Letter ,dated26June2015,betweenRedFootballLimitedandBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandLender.AcopyoftheLetterisincludedasExhibit4.5tothisAnnualReport.
• Second Term Facility Amendment Letter ,dated11September2015,betweenRedFootballLimitedandBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandLender.AcopyoftheLetterisincludedasExhibit4.6tothisAnnualReport.
• Revolving Facilities Amendment Letter, dated7October2015,betweenRedFootballLimitedandBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandLender.AcopyoftheAgreementisincludedasExhibit4.7tothisAnnualReport.
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• 2012EquityIncentiveAwardPlan.AcopyofthePlanisincludedasExhibit4.8tothisAnnualReport.
• Premier League Handbook, Season 2016/17. AsamemberoftheFootballAssociationPremierLeague,wearesubjecttothetermsofthePremierLeagueHandbook,Season2016/17.AcopyoftheHandbookisincludedasExhibit4.9tothisAnnualReport.
• Premier League Handbook, Season 2017/18. AsamemberoftheFootballAssociationPremierLeague,wearesubjecttothetermsofthePremierLeagueHandbook,Season2017/18.AcopyoftheHandbookisincludedasExhibit4.10tothisAnnualReport.
D.EXCHANGECONTROLS
TherearenoCaymanIslandsexchangecontrolregulationsthatwouldaffecttheimportorexportofcapitalortheremittanceofdividends,interestorotherpaymentstonon-residentholdersofourshares.
E.TAXATION
ThefollowingisasummaryofmaterialUSfederalincometaxconsequencesrelevanttoUSHoldersandNon-USHolders(eachasdefinedbelow)acquiring,holdinganddisposingoftheCompany'sClassAordinaryshares.ThissummaryisbasedontheCode,final,temporaryandproposedUSTreasuryregulationsandadministrativeandjudicialinterpretations,allofwhicharesubjecttochange,possiblywithretroactiveeffect.Furthermore,wecanprovidenoassurancethatthetaxconsequencescontainedinthissummarywillnotbechallengedbytheInternalRevenueService(the"IRS")orwillbesustainedbyacourtifchallenged.
ThissummarydoesnotdiscussallaspectsofUSfederalincometaxationthatmayberelevanttoinvestorsinlightoftheirparticularcircumstances,suchasinvestorssubjecttospecialtaxrules,includingwithoutlimitationthefollowing,allofwhommaybesubjecttotaxrulesthatdiffersignificantlyfromthosesummarizedbelow:
• financialinstitutions;
• insurancecompanies;
• dealersinstocks,securities,orcurrenciesornotionalprincipalcontracts;
• regulatedinvestmentcompanies;
• realestateinvestmenttrusts;
• tax-exemptorganizations;
• partnershipsandotherpass-throughentities,orpersonsthatholdClassAordinarysharesthroughpass-throughentities;
• investorsthatholdClassAordinarysharesaspartofastraddle,conversion,constructivesaleorotherintegratedtransactionforUSfederalincometaxpurposes;
• USholdersthathaveafunctionalcurrencyotherthantheUSdollar;and
• USexpatriatesandformerlong-termresidentsoftheUnitedStates.
Thissummarydoesnotaddressalternativeminimumtaxconsequencesornon-incometaxconsequences,suchasestateorgifttaxconsequences,anddoesnotaddressstate,localornon-UStaxconsequences.ThissummaryonlyaddressesinvestorsthatholdClassAordinarysharesandnotClassBordinaryshares,anditassumesthatinvestorsholdtheirClassAordinarysharesascapitalassets(generally,propertyheldforinvestment).
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Forpurposesofthissummary,a"USHolder"isabeneficialowneroftheCompany'sClassAordinarysharesthatis,forUSfederalincometaxpurposes:
• anindividualwhoisacitizenorresidentoftheUnitedStates,
• acorporationcreatedin,ororganizedunderthelawsof,theUnitedStates,anystatethereofortheDistrictofColumbia,
• anestatetheincomeofwhichisincludibleingrossincomeforUSfederalincometaxpurposesregardlessofitssource,or
• atrustthat(i)issubjecttotheprimarysupervisionofaUScourtandthecontrolofoneormoreUSpersonsor(ii)hasavalidelectionineffectunderapplicableTreasuryregulationstobetreatedasaUSperson.
A"Non-USHolder"isabeneficialowneroftheCompany'sClassAordinarysharesthatisnotaUSHolder.
IfanentityorotherarrangementtreatedasapartnershipforUSfederalincometaxpurposesholdstheCompany'sClassAordinaryshares,thetaxtreatmentofapartnerinthepartnershipgenerallywilldependuponthestatusofthepartnerandtheactivitiesofthepartnership.PartnersofpartnershipsconsideringaninvestmentintheClassAordinarysharesareencouragedtoconsulttheirtaxadvisorsregardingthetaxconsequencesoftheownershipanddispositionofClassAordinaryshares.
TreatmentoftheCompanyasaDomesticCorporationforUSFederalIncomeTaxPurposes
EventhoughtheCompanyisorganizedasaCaymanIslandsexemptedcompany,duetothecircumstancesofitsformationandtheapplicationofSection7874oftheCode,theCompanyreportsasadomesticcorporationforUSfederalincometaxpurposes.Thishasimplicationsforallshareholders;theCompanyissubjecttoUSfederalincometaxasifitwereaUScorporation,anddistributionsmadebytheCompanyaregenerallytreatedasUS-sourcedividendsasdescribedbelowandgenerallysubjecttoUSdividendwithholdingtax.
USHolders
Distributions
DistributionsmadebytheCompanyinrespectofitsClassAordinaryshareswillbetreatedasUS-sourcedividendsincludibleinthegrossincomeofaUSHolderasordinaryincometotheextentoftheCompany'scurrentandaccumulatedearningsandprofits,asdeterminedunderUSfederalincometaxprinciples.TotheextenttheamountofadistributionexceedstheCompany'scurrentandaccumulatedearningsandprofits,thedistributionwillbetreatedfirstasanon-taxablereturnofcapitaltotheextentofaUSHolder'sadjustedtaxbasisintheClassAordinarysharesandthereafterasgainfromthesaleofsuchshares.Subjecttoapplicablelimitationsandrequirements,dividendsreceivedontheClassAordinarysharesgenerallyshouldbeeligibleforthe"dividendsreceiveddeduction"availabletocorporateshareholders.AdividendpaidbytheCompanytoanon-corporateUSHoldergenerallywillbeeligibleforpreferentialratesifcertainholdingperiodrequirementsaremet.
TheUSdollarvalueofanydistributionmadebytheCompanyinforeigncurrencywillbecalculatedbyreferencetotheexchangerateineffectonthedateoftheUSHolder'sactualorconstructivereceiptofsuchdistribution,regardlessofwhethertheforeigncurrencyisinfactconvertedintoUSdollars.IftheforeigncurrencyisconvertedintoUSdollarsonsuchdateofreceipt,theUSHoldergenerallywillnotrecognizeforeigncurrencygainorlossonsuchconversion.IftheforeigncurrencyisnotconvertedintoUSdollarsonthedateofreceipt,suchUSHolderwillhaveabasisintheforeigncurrencyequaltoitsUSdollarvalueonthedateofreceipt.Anygainorlossona
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subsequentconversionorothertaxabledispositionoftheforeigncurrencygenerallywillbeUS-sourceordinaryincomeorlosstosuchUSHolder.
Sale or other disposition
AUSHolderwillrecognizegainorlossforUSfederalincometaxpurposesuponasaleorothertaxabledispositionofitsClassAordinarysharesinanamountequaltothedifferencebetweentheamountrealizedfromsuchsaleordispositionandtheUSHolder'sadjustedtaxbasisintheClassAordinaryshares.AUSHolder'sadjustedtaxbasisintheClassAordinarysharesgenerallywillbetheUSHolder'scostfortheshares.AnysuchgainorlossgenerallywillbeUS-sourcecapitalgainorlossandwillbelong-termcapitalgainorlossif,onthedateofsaleordisposition,suchUSHolderheldtheClassAordinarysharesformorethanoneyear.Long-termcapitalgainsderivedbynon-corporateUSHoldersareeligiblefortaxationatreducedrates.Thedeductibilityofcapitallossesissubjecttosignificantlimitations.
Information reporting and backup withholding
PaymentsofdividendsonorproceedsarisingfromthesaleorothertaxabledispositionofClassAordinarysharesgenerallywillbesubjecttoinformationreportingandbackupwithholdingifaUSHolder(i)failstofurnishsuchUSHolder'scorrectUStaxpayeridentificationnumber(generallyonIRSFormW-9),(ii)furnishesanincorrectUStaxpayeridentificationnumber,(iii)isnotifiedbytheIRSthatsuchUSHolderhaspreviouslyfailedtoproperlyreportitemssubjecttobackupwithholding,or(iv)failstocertifyunderpenaltyofperjurythatsuchUSHolderhasfurnisheditscorrectUStaxpayeridentificationnumberandthattheIRShasnotnotifiedsuchUSHolderthatitissubjecttobackupwithholding.
Backupwithholdingisnotanadditionaltax.AnyamountswithheldunderthebackupwithholdingrulesgenerallywillbeallowedasacreditagainstaUSHolder'sUSfederalincometaxliabilityorwillberefunded,iftheUSHolderfurnishestherequiredinformationtotheIRSinatimelymanner.
Non-USHolders
Distributions
Subjecttothediscussionunder"—ForeignAccountTaxComplianceAct"below,distributionstreatedasdividends(see"—USHolders—Distributions"above)bytheCompanytoNon-USHolderswillbesubjecttoUSfederalwithholdingtaxata30%rate,exceptasmaybeprovidedbyanapplicableincometaxtreaty.ToobtainareducedrateofUSfederalwithholdingunderanapplicableincometaxtreaty,aNon-USHolderwillberequiredtocertifyitsentitlementtobenefitsunderthetreaty,generallyonaproperlycompletedIRSFormW-8BENorW-8BEN-E,asapplicable.
However,dividendsthatareeffectivelyconnectedwithaNon-USHolder'sconductofatradeorbusinesswithintheUnitedStatesand,whererequiredbyanincometaxtreaty,areattributabletoapermanentestablishmentorfixedbaseoftheNon-USHolder,arenotsubjecttothewithholdingtaxdescribedinthepreviousparagraph,butinsteadaresubjecttoUSfederalnetincometaxatgraduatedrates,providedtheNon-USHoldercomplieswithapplicablecertificationanddisclosurerequirements,generallybyprovidingaproperlycompletedIRSFormW-8ECI.Non-USHoldersthatarecorporationsmayalsobesubjecttoanadditionalbranchprofitstaxata30%rate,exceptasmaybeprovidedbyanapplicableincometaxtreaty.
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Sale or other disposition
Subjecttothediscussionunder"—ForeignAccountTaxComplianceAct"below,aNon-USHolderwillnotbesubjecttoUSfederalincometaxinrespectofanygainonasaleorotherdispositionoftheClassAordinarysharesunless:
• thegainiseffectivelyconnectedwiththeNon-USHolder'sconductofatradeorbusinesswithintheUnitedStatesand,whererequiredbyanincometaxtreaty,isattributabletoapermanentestablishmentorfixedbaseoftheNon-USHolder;
• theNon-USHolderisanindividualwhoispresentintheUnitedStatesfor183daysormoreinthetaxableyearofthesaleorotherdispositionandcertainotherconditionsaremet;or
• theCompanyisorhasbeena"USrealpropertyholdingcorporation"duringtheshorterofthefive-yearperiodprecedingthedispositionandtheNon-USHolder'sholdingperiodfortheClassAordinaryshares.
Non-USHoldersdescribedinthefirstbulletpointabovewillbesubjecttotaxonthenetgainderivedfromthesaleunderregulargraduatedUSfederalincometaxratesand,iftheyareforeigncorporations,maybesubjecttoanadditional"branchprofitstax"ata30%rateorsuchlowerrateasmaybespecifiedbyanapplicableincometaxtreaty.Non-USHoldersdescribedinthesecondbulletpointabovewillbesubjecttoaflat30%taxonanygainderivedonthesaleorothertaxabledisposition,whichgainmaybeoffsetbycertainUS-sourcecapitallosses.TheCompanybelievesitisnot,anddoesnotanticipatebecoming,a"USrealpropertyholdingcorporation"forUSfederalincometaxpurposes.
Information reporting and backup withholding
Generally,theCompanymustreportannuallytotheIRSandtoNon-USHolderstheamountofdistributionsmadetoNon-USHoldersandtheamountofanytaxwithheldwithrespecttothosepayments.CopiesoftheinformationreturnsreportingsuchdistributionsandwithholdingmayalsobemadeavailabletothetaxauthoritiesinthecountryinwhichaNon-USHolderresidesundertheprovisionsofanapplicableincometaxtreatyortaxinformationexchangeagreement.
ANon-USHolderwillgenerallynotbesubjecttobackupwithholdingwithrespecttopaymentsofdividends,providedtheCompanyreceivesaproperlycompletedstatementtotheeffectthattheNon-USHolderisnotaUSpersonandtheCompanydoesnothaveactualknowledgeorreasontoknowthattheholderisaUSperson.TherequirementsforthestatementwillbemetiftheNon-USHolderprovidesitsnameandaddressandcertifies,underpenaltiesofperjury,thatitisnotaUSperson(whichcertificationmaygenerallybemadeonIRSFormW-8BENorW-8BEN-E)orifafinancialinstitutionholdingtheClassAordinarysharesonbehalfoftheNon-USHoldercertifies,underpenaltiesofperjury,thatsuchstatementhasbeenreceivedbyitandfurnishestheCompanyoritspayingagentwithacopyofthestatement.
Exceptasdescribedbelowunder"—ForeignAccountTaxComplianceAct",thepaymentofproceedsfromadispositionofClassAordinarysharestoorthroughanon-USofficeofanon-USbrokerwillnotbesubjecttoinformationreportingorbackupwithholdingunlessthenon-USbrokerhascertaintypesofrelationshipswiththeUnitedStates.InthecaseofapaymentofproceedsfromthedispositionofClassAordinarysharestoorthroughanon-USofficeofabrokerthatiseitheraUSpersonorsuchaUS-relatedperson,USTreasuryregulationsrequireinformationreporting(butnotbackupwithholding)onthepaymentunlessthebrokerhasdocumentaryevidenceinitsfilesthattheNon-USHolderisnotaUSpersonandthebrokerhasnoknowledgetothecontrary.
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Backupwithholdingisnotanadditionaltax.AnyamountswithheldunderthebackupwithholdingruleswillbeallowedasarefundoracreditagainstaNon-USHolder'sUSfederalincometaxliability,providedtherequiredinformationistimelyfurnishedtotheIRS.
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
PursuanttotheForeignAccountTaxComplianceAct("FATCA"),withholdingtaxesmayapplytocertaintypesofpaymentsmadeto"foreignfinancialinstitutions"(asdefinedunderthoserules)andcertainothernon-USentities.Thefailuretocomplywithadditionalcertification,informationreportingandotherspecifiedrequirementscouldresultinawithholdingtaxbeingimposedonpaymentsofdividendsandsalesproceedstoforeignintermediariesandcertainNon-USHolders.A30%withholdingtaxmaybeimposedondividendson,orgrossproceedsfromthesaleorotherdispositionof,ourClassAordinarysharespaidtoaforeignfinancialinstitutionortoanon-financialforeignentity,unless(i)theforeignfinancialinstitutionundertakescertaindiligenceandreportingobligations,(ii)thenon-financialforeignentityeithercertifiesitdoesnothaveanysubstantialUSownersorfurnishesidentifyinginformationregardingeachsubstantialUSowner,or(iii)theforeignfinancialinstitutionornon-financialforeignentityotherwisequalifiesforanexemptionfromtheserules.Ifthepayeeisaforeignfinancialinstitutionandissubjecttothediligenceandreportingrequirementsinclause(i)above,itgenerallymustenterintoanagreementwiththeUSTreasuryrequiring,amongotherthings,thatitundertaketoidentifyaccountsheldbycertainUSpersonsorUS-ownedforeignentities,annuallyreportcertaininformationaboutsuchaccountsandwithhold30%onpaymentstonon-compliantforeignfinancialinstitutionsandcertainotheraccountholders.ForeignfinancialinstitutionslocatedinjurisdictionsthathaveanintergovernmentalagreementwiththeUnitedStatesconcerningFATCAmaybesubjecttodifferentrules.
UndertheapplicableTreasuryregulationsandadministrativeguidance,thewithholdingprovisionsdescribedabovegenerallyapplytopaymentsofdividendsonourClassAordinaryshares,andalsowillapplyonorafter1January2019topaymentsofgrossproceedsfromasaleorotherdispositionofClassAordinaryshares.ProspectiveinvestorsareencouragedtoconsulttheirtaxadvisorsregardingthepotentialapplicationofwithholdingunderFATCAtoaninvestmentinourClassAordinaryshares.
MaterialCaymanIslandsTaxConsiderations
Thereis,atpresent,nodirecttaxationintheCaymanIslandsandinterest,dividendsandgainspayabletotheCompanywillbereceivedfreeofallCaymanIslandstaxes.TheCompanyhasreceivedanundertakingfromtheGovernorinCabinetoftheCaymanIslandstotheeffectthat,foraperiodoftwentyyearsfromthedateofsuchundertaking,nolawthatthereafterisenactedintheCaymanIslandsimposinganytaxordutytobeleviedonprofits,incomeorongainsorappreciation,oranytaxinthenatureofestatedutyorinheritancetax,willapplytoanypropertycomprisedinoranyincomearisingundertheCompany,ortotheshareholdersthereof,inrespectofanysuchpropertyorincome.
F.DIVIDENDSANDPAYINGAGENTS
AmericanStockTransfer&TrustCompanyisthepayingagentforanydividendspayableonourClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinarysharesintheUnitedStates.
Whileourdividendpolicycontemplatesasemi-annualdividend,wehavenospecificprocedureforsettingthedateofanydividendentitlement,thoughwewillsetarecorddateforstockownershiptodetermineentitlementtoanydividendsthatmaybedeclaredfromtimetotime,inaccordancewithapplicablelaws,rulesandregulations.Thedeclarationandpaymentoffuturesemi-annualdividends,ifany,willbeatthesolediscretionofourboardofdirectorsoracommitteethereofbasedonitsconsiderationofnumerousfactors,includingouroperatingresults,financialconditionandanticipated
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capitalrequirementsandtheadditionalfactorsdiscussedabove.See"Item8.FinancialInformation—A.ConsolidatedFinancialStatementsandOtherFinancialInformation—DividendPolicy."
G.STATEMENTSBYEXPERTS
Notapplicable.
H.DOCUMENTSONDISPLAY
YoumayreadandcopyanyreportsorotherinformationthatwefileattheSEC'sPublicReferenceRoomat100FStreet,N.E.,Washington,D.C.20549.InformationontheoperationofthePublicReferenceRoommaybeobtainedbycallingtheSECat1-800-SEC-0330.Inaddition,theSECmaintainsanInternetwebsitethatcontainsreports,proxystatementsandotherinformationaboutissuers,likeus,thatfileelectronicallywiththeSEC.Theaddressofthatsiteiswww.sec.gov.
Wealsomakeavailableonourwebsite,freeofcharge,ourannualreportsonForm20-FandthetextofourreportsonForm6-K,includinganyamendmentstothesereports,aswellascertainotherSECfilings,assoonasreasonablypracticableaftertheyareelectronicallyfiledwithorfurnishedtotheSEC.Ourwebsiteaddressiswww.manutd.com.Theinformationcontainedonourwebsiteisnotincorporatedbyreferenceinthisdocument.
ITEM11.QUANTITATIVEANDQUALITATIVEDISCLOSURESABOUTMARKETRISK
MarketRisk
Ouroperationsareexposedtoavarietyoffinancialrisksthatincludecurrencyrisk,interestrateriskandcashflowrisk.Wereviewandagreepoliciesformanagingtheserisks,whicharethenimplementedbyourfinancedepartment.Pleaserefertonote31toourauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsasof30June2017and2016andfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015includedelsewhereinthisAnnualReportforafullerquantitativeandqualitativediscussiononthemarketriskstowhichwearesubjectandourpolicieswithrespecttomanagingthoserisks.Thepoliciesaresummarizedbelow:
Currency risk
Weareexposedtobothtranslationalandtransactionalriskoffluctuationsinforeignexchangerates.AsignificantcurrencyriskwefacerelatestotherevenuereceivedinEurosasaresultofparticipationinUEFAcompetitions.Weseektohedgeeconomicallythemajorityofthecurrencyriskofthisrevenueeitherbyusingcontractedfutureforeigncurrencyexpensesorbyplacingforwardcontractsatthepointatwhichitbecomesreasonablycertainthatwewillreceivetherevenue.
WealsoreceiveasignificantamountofsponsorshiprevenuedenominatedinUSdollars.WeseektohedgetheforeignexchangeriskonfutureUSdollarrevenueswheneverpossibleusingourUSdollarnetborrowingsasthehedginginstrument.TheforeignexchangegainsorlossesarisingonretranslationofourUSdollarnetborrowingsusedinthehedgeareinitiallyrecognizedinothercomprehensiveincome,ratherthanbeingrecognizedintheincomestatementimmediately.Amountspreviouslyrecognizedinothercomprehensiveincomeandaccumulatedinahedgingreservearesubsequentlyreclassifiedintotheincomestatementinthesameaccountingperiod,andwithinthesameincomestatementline(i.e.Commercialrevenue),astheunderlyingfutureUSdollarrevenues.Theforeignexchangegainsorlossesarisingonre-translationofourunhedgedUSdollarborrowingsarerecognizedintheincomestatementimmediately.
Asof30June2017,theamountaccumulatedinthehedgingreserverelatingtotheabovehedgewasadebitof£48.0million(thisamountisstatedgrossbeforedeductingrelatedtax).
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Basedonexchangeratesexistingasof30June2017,a10%appreciationofpoundssterlingcomparedtotheUSdollarwouldhaveresultedinacredittothehedgingreserveinrespectoftheabovehedgeofapproximately£21.0millionfortheyearended30June2017.Conversely,a10%depreciationofpoundssterlingcomparedtotheUSdollarwouldhaveresultedinadebittothehedgingreserveinrespectoftheabovehedgeofapproximately£25.6millionfortheyearended30June2017.
Paymentandreceiptsoftransferfeesmayalsogiverisetoforeigncurrencyexposures.Duetothenatureofplayertransferswemaynotalwaysbeabletopredictsuchcashflowuntilthetransferhastakenplace.Wherepossibleanddependingonthepaymentprofileoftransferfeespayableandreceivablewewillseektoeconomicallyhedgefuturepaymentsandreceiptsatthepointitbecomesreasonablycertainthatthepaymentswillbemadeortherevenuewillbereceived.Whenhedgingrevenuetobereceived,wealsotakeaccountofthecreditriskofthecounterparty.
Interest rate risk
Ourinterestrateriskrelatestochangesininterestratesforborrowings.Borrowingsissuedatvariableinterestratesexposeustocashflowinterestraterisk.Borrowingsissuedatfixedratesexposeustofairvalueinterestraterisk.Ourborrowingsunderourrevolvingfacility,oursecuredtermloanfacilityandourAlderleyfacilitybearinterestatvariablerates.Asof30June2017,wehad£170.8millionofvariablerateindebtednessoutstandingunderoursecuredtermloanfacilityand£4.2millionofvariablerateindebtednessoutstandingunderourAlderleycreditfacility.Wemanageourcashflowinterestraterisk,whereappropriate,usinginterestrateswapsatcontractlengthsconsistentwiththerepaymentscheduleoftheborrowings.Suchinterestrateswapshavetheeconomiceffectofconvertingborrowingsfromfloatingratestofixedrates.Consequently,ahypotheticalonepercentagepointincreaseininterestratesonourvariablerateindebtednesswouldnothaveamaterialimpactonourannualinterestexpense.
Otherthanasdisclosedherein,wehavenoadditionalhedgingpolicies.
DerivativeFinancialInstruments
Foreign currency forward contracts
WetypicallyenterintoforeigncurrencyforwardcontractstopurchaseandsellforeigncurrencyinordertominimizetheimpactofcurrencymovementsonourfinancialperformanceprimarilyforourexposuretoBroadcastingrevenuereceivedinEurosforourparticipationinUEFAcompetitionsandfortransferfeespayableandreceivableinforeigncurrency.
Interest rate swaps
Wehaveinterestrateswapsinplaceinrespectofoursecuredtermloanfacility.Asof30June2017,thefairvalueofoutstandinginterestrateswapswasanetliabilityof£0.7million.
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives
WehaveanumberofcurrencybasedembeddedderivativesinhostCommercialrevenuecontracts.Theseareseparatelyrecognizedinthefinancialstatementsatfairvaluesincetheyarenotcloselyrelatedtothehostcontract.Asof30June2017,thefairvalueofsuchderivativeswasanetassetof£1.7million.
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ITEM12.DESCRIPTIONOFSECURITIESOTHERTHANEQUITYSECURITIES
A.DEBTSECURITIES
Notapplicable.
B.WARRANTSANDRIGHTS
Notapplicable.
C.OTHERSECURITIES
Notapplicable.
D.AMERICANDEPOSITARYSHARES
Notapplicable.
PARTII
ITEM13.DEFAULTS,DIVIDENDARREARAGESANDDELINQUENCIES
None.
ITEM14.MATERIALMODIFICATIONSTOTHERIGHTSOFSECURITYHOLDERSANDUSEOFPROCEEDS
None.
ITEM15.CONTROLSANDPROCEDURES
Wehavecarriedoutanevaluationoftheeffectivenessofthedesignandoperationofourdisclosurecontrolsandprocedures(assuchtermisdefinedinRules13a-15(e)and15d-15(e)undertheSecuritiesExchangeActof1934)underthesupervisionandtheparticipationoftheexecutiveboardofmanagement,whichisresponsibleforthemanagementoftheinternalcontrols,andwhichincludesthePrincipalExecutiveOfficerandthePrincipalFinancialOfficer.Thereareinherentlimitationstotheeffectivenessofanysystemofdisclosurecontrolsandprocedures,includingthepossibilityofhumanerrorandthecircumventionoroverridingofthecontrolsandprocedures.Accordingly,eveneffectivedisclosurecontrolsandprocedurescanonlyprovidereasonableassuranceofachievingtheircontrolobjectives.Baseduponourevaluationasof30June2017,thePrincipalExecutiveOfficerandPrincipalFinancialOfficerhaveconcludedthatthedisclosurecontrolsandprocedures(i)wereeffectiveatareasonablelevelofassuranceasoftheendoftheperiodcoveredbythisAnnualReportonForm20-Finensuringthatinformationrequiredtoberecorded,processed,summarizedandreportedinthereportsthatarefiledorsubmittedundertheExchangeAct,isrecorded,processed,summarizedandreportedwithinthetimeperiodsspecifiedintheCommission'srulesandformsand(ii)wereeffectiveatareasonablelevelofassuranceasoftheendoftheperiodcoveredbythisAnnualReportonForm20-FinensuringthatinformationtobedisclosedinthereportsthatarefiledorsubmittedundertheExchangeActisaccumulatedandcommunicatedtothemanagementoftheCompany,includingthePrincipalExecutiveOfficerandthePrincipalFinancialOfficer,toallowtimelydecisionsregardingrequireddisclosure.
Management'sAnnualReportonInternalControloverFinancialReporting
Ourexecutiveboardofmanagementisresponsibleforestablishingandmaintainingadequateinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting.Ourinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingisaprocessdesigned,underthesupervisionofthePrincipalExecutiveOfficerandthePrincipalFinancialOfficer,
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toprovidereasonableassuranceregardingthereliabilityoffinancialreportingandthepreparationofourfinancialstatementsforexternalreportingpurposesinaccordancewithgenerallyacceptedaccountingprinciples.
Ourinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingincludespoliciesandproceduresthatpertaintothemaintenanceofrecordsthat,inreasonabledetail,accuratelyandfairly,reflecttransactionsanddispositionsofassets,providereasonableassurancethattransactionsarerecordedinthemannernecessarytopermitthepreparationoffinancialstatementsinaccordancewithgenerallyacceptedaccountingprinciples,andthatreceiptsandexpendituresareonlycarriedoutinaccordancewiththeauthorizationofourexecutiveboardofmanagementanddirectors,andprovidereasonableassuranceregardingthepreventionortimelydetectionofanyunauthorizedacquisition,useordispositionofourassetsandthatcouldhaveamaterialeffectonourfinancialstatements.
Becauseofitsinherentlimitations,internalcontroloverfinancialreportingmaynotpreventordetectallmisstatements.Moreover,projectionsofanyevaluationoftheeffectivenessofinternalcontroltofutureperiodsaresubjecttoariskthatcontrolsmaybecomeinadequatebecauseofchangesinconditionsandthatthedegreeofcompliancewiththepoliciesorproceduresmaydeteriorate.
OurexecutiveboardofmanagementhasassessedtheeffectivenessofinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingbasedontheInternalControl—IntegratedFrameworkissuedbytheCommitteeofSponsoringOrganizationsoftheTreadwayCommission(COSO)2013.Basedonthisassessment,ourexecutiveboardofmanagementhasconcludedthatourinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingasof30June2017waseffective.
ThisAnnualReportdoesnotincludeanattestationreportoftheCompany'sregisteredpublicaccountingfirmbecausewequalifyasanemerginggrowthcompanyand,assuch,areexemptfromsuchattestation.
ChangesinInternalControloverFinancialReporting
Duringtheperiodcoveredbythisreport,wehavenotmadeanychangetoourinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingthathavemateriallyaffected,orarereasonablylikelytomateriallyaffect,ourinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting.
ITEM16A.AUDITCOMMITTEEFINANCIALEXPERT
OurboardofdirectorshasdeterminedthatMr.RobertLeitãosatisfiesthe"independence"requirementssetforthinRule10A-3undertheExchangeAct.OurboardofdirectorshasalsodeterminedthatMr.RobertLeitãoisan"auditcommitteefinancialexpert"asdefinedinItem16AofForm20-FundertheExchangeAct.
ITEM16B.CODEOFETHICS
WehaveadoptedaCodeofBusinessConductandEthicsthatappliestoallouremployees,officersanddirectors,includingourprincipalexecutive,principalfinancialandprincipalaccountingofficers.OurcodeofBusinessConductandEthicsaddresses,amongotherthings,competitionandfairdealing,conflictsofinterest,financialmattersandexternalreporting,companyfundsandassets,confidentialityandcorporateopportunityrequirementsandtheprocessforreportingviolationsoftheCodeofBusinessConductandEthics,employeemisconduct,conflictsofinterestorotherviolations.OurCodeofBusinessConductandEthicsisintendedtomeetthedefinitionof"codeofethics"underItem16Bof20-FundertheExchangeAct.
OurCodeofBusinessConductandEthicsisavailableonourwebsiteathttp://ir.manutd.com/.TheinformationcontainedonourwebsiteisnotincorporatedbyreferenceinthisAnnualReport.
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ITEM16C.PRINCIPALACCOUNTANTFEESANDSERVICES
PricewaterhouseCoopersLLP("PwC")actedasourindependentauditorforthefiscalyearsended30June2017and2016.ThetablebelowsetsoutthetotalamountbilledtousbyPwC,forservicesperformedintheyearsended30June2017and2016,andbreaksdowntheseamountsbycategoryofservice:
Audit Fees
Auditfeesfortheyearsended30June2017and2016wererelatedtotheauditofourconsolidatedandsubsidiaryfinancialstatementsandotherauditorinterimreviewservicesprovidedinconnectionwithstatutoryandregulatoryfilingsorengagements.
Tax Fees
Taxfeesfortheyearsended30June2017and2016wererelatedtotaxcomplianceandtaxplanningservices.
All Other Fees
Allotherfeesintheyearsended30June2017and2016relatedtoservicesinconnectionwithcorporatecompliancematters.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
TheadvanceapprovaloftheAuditCommitteeormembersthereof,towhomapprovalauthorityhasbeendelegated,isrequiredforallauditandnon-auditservicesprovidedbyourauditors.
AllservicesprovidedbyourauditorsareapprovedinadvancebyeithertheAuditCommitteeormembersthereof,towhomauthorityhasbeendelegated,inaccordancewiththeAuditCommittee'spre-approvalpolicy.
ITEM16D.EXEMPTIONSFROMTHELISTINGSTANDARDSFORAUDITCOMMITTEES
Notapplicable.
ITEM16E.PURCHASESOFEQUITYSECURITIESBYTHEISSUER
Notapplicable.
ITEM16F.CHANGEINREGISTRANT'SCERTIFYINGACCOUNTANT
None.
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2017£'000
2016£'000
AuditFees 503 462TaxFees 392 690AllOtherFees 456 143Total 1,351 1,295
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ITEM16G.CORPORATEGOVERNANCE
OurClassAordinarysharesarelistedontheNewYorkStockExchange.WebelievethefollowingtobethesignificantdifferencesbetweenourcorporategovernancepracticesandthoseapplicabletoUScompaniesundertheNewYorkStockExchangelistingstandards.
Ingeneral,undertheNewYorkStockExchangecorporategovernancestandards,foreignprivateissuers,asdefinedundertheExchangeAct,arepermittedtofollowhomecountrycorporategovernancepracticesinsteadofthecorporategovernancepracticesoftheNewYorkStockExchange.Accordingly,wefollowcertaincorporategovernancepracticesofourhomecountry,theCaymanIslands,inlieuofcertainofthecorporategovernancerequirementsoftheNewYorkStockExchange.Specifically,wedonothaveaboardofdirectorscomposedofamajorityofindependentdirectorsoraremunerationcommitteeornominatingandcorporategovernancecommitteecomposedentirelyofindependentdirectors.
Theforeignprivateissuerexemptiondoesnotmodifytheindependencerequirementsfortheauditcommittee,andwecomplywiththerequirementsoftheSarbanes-OxleyActandtheNewYorkStockExchangerules,whichrequirethatourauditcommitteebecomposedofthreeindependentdirectors.
Ifatanytimeweceasetobea"foreignprivateissuer"undertherulesoftheNewYorkStockExchangeandtheExchangeAct,asapplicable,ourboardofdirectorswilltakeallactionnecessarytocomplywiththeNewYorkStockExchangecorporategovernancerules.
Duetoourstatusasaforeignprivateissuerandourintenttofollowcertainhomecountrycorporategovernancepractices,ourshareholdersdonothavethesameprotectionsaffordedtoshareholdersofcompaniesthataresubjecttoalltheNewYorkStockExchangecorporategovernancestandards.
ITEM16H.MINESAFETYDISCLOSURE
Notapplicable.
PARTIII
ITEM17.FINANCIALSTATEMENTS
Notapplicable.
ITEM18.FINANCIALSTATEMENTS
TheauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsasrequiredunderItem18areattachedheretostartingonpageF-1ofthisAnnualReport.TheauditreportofPricewaterhouseCoopersLLP,independentregisteredpublicaccountingfirm,isincludedhereinprecedingtheauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatements.
ITEM19.EXHIBITS
ThefollowingexhibitsarefiledaspartofthisAnnualReport:
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1.1 AmendedandRestatedMemorandumandArticlesofAssociationofManchesterUnitedplcdatedasof8August2012(includedasExhibit3.1toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-1/A(FileNo.333-182535),filedwiththeSECon30July2012,asamended).
2.1 SpecimenOrdinaryShareCertificateofManchesterUnitedplc(includedasExhibit4.1toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-1/A(FileNo.333-182535),filedwiththeSECon30July2012,asamended).
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4.1 Agreement,dated19May2008,betweenTheRoyalBankofScotlandplc,asagentforNationalWestminsterBankplc,andAlderleyUrbanInvestments(includedasExhibit10.3toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-1/A(FileNo.333-182535),filedwiththeSECon16July2012,asamended).
4.2 AmendmentandRestatementAgreementrelatingtotheSecuredTermFacility,dated15May2015,amongRedFootballLimited,BankofAmerica,N.A.,asOriginalAgent,andBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandLender(includedasExhibit10.1toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-3(FileNo.333-206985),filedwiththeSECon17September2015).
4.3 RevolvingFacilitiesAgreement,dated22May2015,amongRedFootballLimited,MUFinanceplc,theguarantorspartythereto,BankofAmerica,N.A.,asArranger,theOriginalLendersnamedtherein,andBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandSecurityTrustee(includedasExhibit10.2toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-3(FileNo.333-206985),filedwiththeSECon17September2015).
4.4 NotePurchaseAgreement,dated27May2015,amongMUFinanceplc,theguarantorspartythereto,thepurchaserslistedthereinandtheBankofNewYorkMellon,asPayingAgent(includedasExhibit4.3toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-3(FileNo.333-206985),filedwiththeSECon17September2015).
4.5 TermFacilityAmendmentLetter,dated26June2015,betweenRedFootballLimitedandBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandLender(includedasExhibit10.3toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-3(FileNo.333-206985),filedwiththeSECon17September2015).
4.6 SecondTermFacilityAmendmentLetter,dated11September2015,betweenRedFootballLimitedandBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandLender(includedasExhibit4.7toourAnnualReportonForm20-F(FileNo.333-183277),filedwiththeSECon15October2015).
4.7 RevolvingFacilitiesAmendmentLetter,dated7October2015,betweenRedFootballLimitedandBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandLender(includedasExhibit4.8toourAnnualReportonForm20-F(FileNo.333-183277),filedwiththeSECon15October2015).
4.8 2012EquityIncentiveAwardPlan(includedasExhibit4.2toourRegistrationStatementonFormS-8(FileNo.333-183277),filedwiththeSECon13August2012).
4.9 PremierLeagueHandbook,Season2016/17(includedasExhibit4.11toourAnnualReportonForm20-F(FileNo.001-35627),filedwiththeSECon15September2016).
4.10 PremierLeagueHandbook,Season2017/18.
8.1 Listofsignificantsubsidiaries(includedinnote33toourauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsincludedinthisAnnualReport).
12.1 Rule13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)CertificationofPrincipalExecutiveOfficer.
12.2 Rule13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)CertificationofPrincipalFinancialOfficer.
13.1 CertificationofChiefExecutiveOfficerpursuantto18U.S.C.Section1350,asadoptedpursuanttoSection906oftheSarbanes-OxleyActof2002.
13.2 CertificationofChiefFinancialOfficerpursuantto18U.S.C.Section1350,asadoptedpursuanttoSection906oftheSarbanes-OxleyActof2002.
15.1 ConsentofPricewaterhouseCoopersLLP.
TableofContents
IndextoConsolidatedfinancialstatements
F-1
ReportofIndependentRegisteredPublicAccountingFirm F-2
Consolidatedincomestatementfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015
F-3
Consolidatedstatementofcomprehensiveincomefortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015
F-4
Consolidatedbalancesheetasat30June2017and2016
F-5
Consolidatedstatementofchangesinequityfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015
F-7
Consolidatedstatementofcashflowsfortheyearsended30June2017,2016and2015
F-8
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements
F-9
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ReportofIndependentRegisteredPublicAccountingFirm
TotheBoardofDirectorsandShareholdersofManchesterUnitedplc
Inouropinion,theaccompanyingconsolidatedbalancesheetandtherelatedconsolidatedincomestatement,consolidatedstatementsofcomprehensiveincome,ofchangesinequityandofcashflowspresentfairly,inallmaterialrespects,thefinancialpositionofManchesterUnitedplcanditssubsidiariesasof30June2017and2016,andtheresultsoftheiroperationsandtheircashflowsforeachofthethreeyearsintheperiodended30June2017inconformitywithInternationalFinancialReportingStandardsasissuedbytheInternationalAccountingStandardsBoard.ThesefinancialstatementsaretheresponsibilityoftheCompany'smanagement.Ourresponsibilityistoexpressanopiniononthesefinancialstatementsbasedonouraudits.WeconductedourauditsofthesestatementsinaccordancewiththestandardsofthePublicCompanyAccountingOversightBoard(UnitedStates).Thosestandardsrequirethatweplanandperformtheaudittoobtainreasonableassuranceaboutwhetherthefinancialstatementsarefreeofmaterialmisstatement.Anauditincludesexamining,onatestbasis,evidencesupportingtheamountsanddisclosuresinthefinancialstatements,assessingtheaccountingprinciplesusedandsignificantestimatesmadebymanagement,andevaluatingtheoverallfinancialstatementpresentation.Webelievethatourauditsprovideareasonablebasisforouropinion.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopersLLP
Manchester,UnitedKingdom
13October2017
F-2
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Consolidatedincomestatement
Seeaccompanyingnotestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements.
F-3
Yearended30June
Note 2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Revenue 4 581,204 515,345 395,178Operatingexpenses 5 (511,315) (436,709) (387,179)Profit/(loss)ondisposalofintangibleassets 8 10,926 (9,786) 23,649
Operatingprofit 80,815 68,850 31,648
Financecosts (25,013) (20,459) (35,419)Financeincome 736 442 204
Netfinancecosts 9 (24,277) (20,017) (35,215)
Profit/(loss)onordinaryactivitiesbeforetax 56,538 48,833 (3,567)Tax(expense)/credit 10 (17,361) (12,462) 2,672
Profit/(loss)fortheyear 39,177 36,371 (895)
Earnings/(loss)pershareduringtheyear Basicearnings/(loss)pershare(pence) 11 23.88 22.19 (0.55)Dilutedearnings/(loss)pershare(pence)(1) 11 23.82 22.13 (0.55)
(1) Fortheyearended30June2015,potentialordinarysharesareanti-dilutive,astheirinclusioninthedilutedlosspersharecalculationwouldreducethelosspershare,andhencehavebeenexcluded.Fortheyearsended30June2017and2016,potentialordinaryshareshavebeentreatedasdilutive,astheirinclusioninthedilutedearningspersharecalculationdecreasesearningspershare.
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Consolidatedstatementofcomprehensiveincome
Seeaccompanyingnotestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements.
F-4
Yearended30June
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Profit/(loss)fortheyear 39,177 36,371 (895)Othercomprehensiveincome/(loss): Itemsthatmaybesubsequentlyreclassifiedtoprofitorloss Cashflowhedges(note31.2) 1,946 (58,025) (32,602)Tax(expense)/creditrelatingtocashflowhedges(note31.2) (681) 20,307 11,413Othercomprehensiveincome/(loss)fortheyear,netoftax 1,265 (37,718) (21,189)Totalcomprehensiveincome/(loss)fortheyear 40,442 (1,347) (22,084)
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Consolidatedbalancesheet
Seeaccompanyingnotestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements.
F-5
Asof30June
Note 2017£'000
2016£'000
ASSETS Non-currentassets Property,plantandequipment 13 244,738 245,714Investmentproperty 14 13,966 13,447Intangibleassets 15 717,544 665,634Derivativefinancialinstruments 18 1,666 3,760Tradeandotherreceivables 19 15,399 11,223Deferredtaxasset 25 142,107 145,460
1,135,420 1,085,238Currentassets Inventories 16 1,637 926Derivativefinancialinstruments 18 3,218 7,888Tradeandotherreceivables 19 103,732 128,657Cashandcashequivalents 20 290,267 229,194
398,854 366,665Totalassets 1,534,274 1,451,903
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Consolidatedbalancesheet(continued)
Seeaccompanyingnotestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements.
F-6
Asof30June
Note 2017£'000
2016£'000
EQUITYANDLIABILITIES Equity Sharecapital 21 53 52Sharepremium 68,822 68,822Mergerreserve 249,030 249,030Hedgingreserve (31,724) (32,989)Retainedearnings 191,436 173,367
Totalequity 477,617 458,282
Non-currentliabilities Derivativefinancialinstruments 18 655 10,637Tradeandotherpayables 23 83,587 41,450Borrowings 24 497,630 484,528Deferredrevenue 39,648 38,899Deferredtaxliabilities 25 20,828 14,364
642,348 589,878
Currentliabilities Derivativefinancialinstruments 18 1,253 2,800Taxliabilities 9,772 6,867Tradeandotherpayables 23 190,315 199,668Borrowings 24 5,724 5,564Deferredrevenue 207,245 188,844
414,309 403,743
Totalequityandliabilities 1,534,274 1,451,903
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Consolidatedstatementofchangesinequity
Movementsonthehedgingreserveareprovidedinnote31.2.
Seeaccompanyingnotestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements.
F-7
Sharecapital£'000
Sharepremium£'000
Mergerreserve£'000
Hedgingreserve£'000
Retainedearnings£'000
Totalequity£'000
Balanceat1July2014 52 68,822 249,030 25,918 154,828 498,650Lossfortheyear — — — — (895) (895)Cashflowhedges — — — (32,602) — (32,602)Taxexpenserelatingtocashflowhedges — — — 11,413 — 11,413Totalcomprehensivelossfortheyear — — — (21,189) (895) (22,084)Equity-settledshare-basedpayments(note22) — — — — 1,352 1,352Balanceat30June2015 52 68,822 249,030 4,729 155,285 477,918Profitfortheyear — — — — 36,371 36,371Cashflowhedges — — — (58,025) — (58,025)Taxcreditrelatingtocashflowhedges — — — 20,307 — 20,307Totalcomprehensivelossfortheyear — — — (37,718) 36,371 (1,347)Equity-settledshare-basedpayments(note22) — — — — 1,795 1,795Dividendspaid(note12) — — — — (20,084) (20,084)Balanceat30June2016 52 68,822 249,030 (32,989) 173,367 458,282Profitfortheyear — — — — 39,177 39,177Cashflowhedges — — — 1,946 — 1,946Taxexpenserelatingtocashflowhedges — — — (681) — (681)Totalcomprehensiveincomefortheyear — — — 1,265 39,177 40,442Equity-settledshare-basedpayments(note22) — — — — 2,187 2,187Dividendspaid(note12) — — — — (23,295) (23,295)Proceedsfromsharesissued(note21) 1 — — — — 1Balanceat30June2017 53 68,822 249,030 (31,724) 191,436 477,617
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Consolidatedstatementofcashflows
Seeaccompanyingnotestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements.
F-8
Yearended30June
Note 2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Cashflowsfromoperatingactivities Cashgeneratedfromoperations 26 251,759 200,864 195,021Interestpaid (19,523) (13,219) (42,624)Debtfinancecostsrelatingtoborrowings — — (6,508)Interestreceived 736 487 502Taxpaid (5,312) (2,040) (2,466)Netcashgeneratedfromoperatingactivities 227,660 186,092 143,925Cashflowsfrominvestingactivities Paymentsforproperty,plantandequipment (8,373) (5,101) (5,466)Proceedsfromsaleofproperty,plantandequipment — 19 —Paymentsforinvestmentproperty (641) — —Paymentsforintangibleassets(1) (193,825) (138,095) (117,446)Proceedsfromsaleofintangibleassets 51,871 38,357 20,649Netcashusedininvestingactivities (150,968) (104,820) (102,263)Cashflowsfromfinancingactivities Proceedsfromborrowings — — 272,539Repaymentofborrowings (395) (371) (227,950)Dividendspaid (23,295) (20,084) —Netcash(usedin)/generatedfromfinancingactivities (23,690) (20,455) 44,589Netincreaseincashandcashequivalents 53,002 60,817 86,251Cashandcashequivalentsatbeginningofyear 229,194 155,752 66,365Exchangegainsoncashandcashequivalents 8,071 12,625 3,136Cashandcashequivalentsatendofyear 20 290,267 229,194 155,752
(1) Paymentsforintangibleassetsprimarilyrelatetoplayerandkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistrations.Whenacquiringplayers'andkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistrationsitisnormalindustrypracticeforpaymentstermstospreadovermorethanoneyear.Duringtheyearended30June2017registrationsadditionstotalled£205,091,000(2016:£167,089,000;2015:£150,914,000)—seenote15.Tradepayablesinrelationtotheacquisitionofregistrationsatthebalancesheetdateareprovidedinnote23.
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements
1Generalinformation
ManchesterUnitedplc(the"Company")anditssubsidiaries(togetherthe"Group")isaprofessionalfootballclubtogetherwithrelatedandancillaryactivities.TheCompanyincorporatedundertheCompaniesLaw(2011Revision)oftheCaymanIslands,asamendedandrestatedfromtimetotime.TheaddressofitsprincipalexecutiveofficeisSirMattBusbyWay,OldTrafford,ManchesterM160RA,UnitedKingdom.TheCompany'ssharesarelistedontheNewYorkStockExchange.
Thesefinancialstatementsarepresentedinpoundssterlingandallvaluesareroundedtothenearestthousand(£'000)exceptwhenotherwiseindicated.
ThesefinancialstatementswereapprovedbytheAuditCommitteeon13October2017.
2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies
Theprincipalaccountingpoliciesappliedinthepreparationoftheseconsolidatedfinancialstatementsaresetoutbelow.Thesepolicieshavebeenconsistentlyappliedtoalltheyearspresented,unlessotherwisestated.
2.1Basisofpreparation
TheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsofManchesterUnitedplchavebeenpreparedonagoingconcernbasisandinaccordancewithInternationalFinancialReportingStandards("IFRS"),asissuedbytheInternationalAccountingStandardsBoard("IASB")andIFRSInterpretationsCommittee("IFRSIC")interpretations.Theconsolidatedfinancialstatementshavebeenpreparedunderthehistoricalcostconvention,asmodifiedbytherevaluationofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilities(includingderivativefinancialinstruments)whicharerecognizedatfairvaluethroughprofitandloss,unlesscashflowhedgeaccountingapplies.
ThepreparationoffinancialstatementsinconformitywithIFRSrequirestheuseofcertaincriticalaccountingestimates.ItalsorequiresmanagementtoexerciseitsjudgmentintheprocessofapplyingtheGroup'saccountingpolicies.Theareasinvolvingahigherdegreeofjudgmentorcomplexity,orareaswhereassumptionsandestimatesaresignificanttotheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsaredisclosedinnote3.
2.1.1Changesinaccountingpolicyanddisclosures
a) New standards, amendments and interpretations
Nonewstandards,amendmentsorinterpretations,effectiveforthefirsttimeforthefinancialyearbeginningonorafter1July2016,havehadamaterialimpactontheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsoftheGroup.
b) New standards, amendments and interpretations not yet adopted
Anumberofnewstandardsandamendmentstostandardsandinterpretationsareeffectiveforannualperiodsbeginningafter1July2016,andhavenotbeenappliedinpreparingtheseconsolidatedfinancialstatements.NoneoftheseisexpectedtohaveasignificanteffectontheconsolidatedfinancialstatementsoftheGroup,exceptassetoutbelow.
• IFRS9,"Financialinstruments",addressestheclassification,measurementandrecognitionoffinancialassetsandfinancialliabilities.TheimpactofIFRS9iscurrentlybeingassessed,
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies(Continued)
however,managementdoesnotexpectthenewstandardtohaveasignificanteffectontheclassificationandmeasurementoffinancialassetsandfinancialliabilitiesanditwouldappearthattheGroup'scurrenthedgerelationshipswouldqualifyascontinuinghedgesupontheadoptionofIFRS9.Thenewstandardalsointroducesexpandeddisclosurerequirementsandchangesinpresentation.TheseareexpectedtochangethenatureandextentoftheGroup'sdisclosuresaboutitsfinancialinstrumentsparticularlyintheyearofadoptionofthenewstandard.TheGroupexpectstoadoptIFRS9from1July2018.
• IFRS15,"Revenuefromcontractswithcustomers",dealswithrevenuerecognitionandestablishesprinciplesforreportingusefulinformationtousersoffinancialstatementsaboutthenature,amount,timinganduncertaintyofrevenueandcashflowsfromanentity'scontractswithcustomers.TheimpactofIFRS15iscurrentlybeingassessedbymanagement.ImplementationofIFRS15requiresathoroughreviewofexistingcontractualarrangements.Atpresent,theGroupanticipatestheremaybesomechangesintherecognitionofrevenuealthoughtheamountsinvolvedareimmaterial.TheGroupexpectstoadoptIFRS15from1July2018.
• IFRS16,"Leases"addressesthedefinitionofalease,recognitionandmeasurementofleasesandestablishesprinciplesforreportingusefulinformationtousersoffinancialstatementsabouttheleasingactivitiesofbothlesseesandlessors.AkeychangearisingfromIFRS16isthatmostoperatingleaseswillbeaccountedforonbalancesheetforlessees.Asatthereportingdate,theGrouphasnon-cancellableoperatingleasecommitments,however,theGrouphasnotyetdeterminedtowhatextentthesecommitmentswillresultintherecognitionofanassetandaliabilityforfuturepaymentsandhowthiswillaffecttheGroup'sprofitandclassificationofcashflows.TheGroupexpectstoadoptIFRS16from1July2019.
2.2Consolidation
SubsidiariesareallentitiesoverwhichtheGrouphascontrol.TheGroupcontrolsanentitywhentheGroupisexposedto,orhasrightsto,variablereturnsfromitsinvolvementwiththeentityandhastheabilitytoaffectthosereturnsthroughitspowerovertheentity.SubsidiariesarefullyconsolidatedfromthedateonwhichcontrolistransferredtotheGroup.Theyaredeconsolidatedfromthedatethatcontrolceases.
TheGroupappliestheacquisitionmethodtoaccountforbusinesscombinations.Theconsiderationtransferredfortheacquisitionofasubsidiaryisthefairvaluesoftheassetstransferred,theliabilitiesincurredtotheformerownersoftheacquireeandtheequityinterestsissuedbytheGroup.Theconsiderationtransferredincludesthefairvalueofanyassetorliabilityresultingfromacontingentconsiderationarrangement.Identifiableassetsacquiredandliabilitiesandcontingentliabilitiesassumedinabusinesscombinationaremeasuredinitiallyattheirfairvaluesattheacquisitiondate.TheGrouprecognizesanynon-controllinginterestintheacquireeonanacquisition-by-acquisitionbasis,eitheratfairvalueoratthenon-controllinginterest'sproportionateshareoftherecognizedamountsoftheacquiree'sidentifiablenetassets.
Acquisition-relatedcostsareexpensedasincurred.
Theexcessoftheconsiderationtransferred,theamountofanynon-controllinginterestintheacquireeandtheacquisitiondatefairvalueofanypreviousinterestintheacquireeoverthefairvalueoftheidentifiablenetassetsacquiredisrecordedasgoodwill.Ifthetotalconsiderationtransferred,non-controllinginterestrecognizedandpreviouslyheldinterestmeasuredislessthanthefairvalueof
F-10
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies(Continued)
thenetassetsofthesubsidiaryacquiredinthecaseofabargainpurchase,thedifferenceisrecognizeddirectlyintheincomestatement.
Inter-companytransactions,balancesandunrealizedgainsandlossesontransactionsbetweenGroupcompaniesareeliminated.AccountingpoliciesofsubsidiarieshavebeenchangedwherenecessarytoensureconsistencywiththepoliciesadoptedbytheGroup.
2.3Segmentreporting
TheGrouphasonereportablesegment,beingtheoperationofaprofessionalfootballclub.TheChiefOperatingDecisionMaker(beingtheBoardandexecutiveofficersofManchesterUnitedplc),whoisresponsibleforallocatingresourcesandassessingperformanceobtainsfinancialinformation,beingtheConsolidatedincomestatement,ConsolidatedbalancesheetandConsolidatedstatementofcashflows,andtheanalysisofchangesinnetdebt,abouttheGroupasawhole.TheGrouphasinvestmentproperty,however,thisisnotconsideredtobeamaterialbusinesssegmentandisthereforenotreportedassuch.
2.4Foreigncurrencytranslation
a) Functional and presentation currency
ItemsincludedinthefinancialstatementsofeachoftheGroup'sentitiesaremeasuredusingthecurrencyoftheprimaryeconomicenvironmentinwhichtheentityoperates(the"functionalcurrency").Theconsolidatedfinancialstatementsarepresentedinpoundssterling,whichistheGroup'spresentationcurrency.
b) Transactions and balances
Foreigncurrencytransactionsaretranslatedintothefunctionalcurrencyusingtheexchangeratesprevailingatthedatesofthetransactionsorvaluationwheresettlementsofsuchtransactions,andfromthetranslationatyear-endexchangeratesitems,arere-measured.Foreignexchangegainsandlossesresultingfromthesettlementofmonetaryassetsandliabilitiesdenominatedinforeigncurrenciesarerecognizedintheincomestatement,exceptwhendeferredinothercomprehensiveincomeasqualifyingcashflowhedges.Foreignexchangegainsandlossesthatrelatetounhedgedborrowingsarepresentedintheincomestatementwithinfinancecostsorincome.Allotherforeignexchangegainsandlossesarepresentedintheincomestatementwithinoperatingexpenses.
c) Group companies
TheresultsandfinancialpositionofalltheGroupentities(noneofwhichhasthecurrencyofahyperinflationaryeconomy)thathaveafunctionalcurrencydifferentfromthepresentationalcurrencyaretranslatedintothepresentationalcurrencyasfollows:
(i) assetsandliabilitiesforeachbalancesheetpresentedaretranslatedattheclosingrateatthedateofthatbalancesheet;
(ii) incomeandexpensesforeachincomestatementaretranslatedataverageexchangerates(unlessthisaverageisnotareasonableapproximationofthecumulativeeffectoftheratesprevailingonthetransactiondates,inwhichcaseincomeandexpensesaretranslatedattherateonthedatesofeachtransaction);and
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies(Continued)
(iii) allresultingexchangedifferencesarerecognizedinothercomprehensiveincome.
Ondisposalofaforeignoperationanycumulativeexchangedifferencesheldinequityarereclassifiedtotheincomestatement.
d) Exchange rates
Themostimportantexchangeratesper£1.00thathavebeenusedinpreparingthefinancialstatementsare:
2.5Revenuerecognition
RevenueismeasuredatthefairvalueofconsiderationreceivedorreceivablefromtheGroup'sprincipalactivitiesexcludingtransferfeesandvalueaddedtax.TheGroup'sprincipalrevenuestreamsareCommercial,BroadcastingandMatchday.TheGrouprecognizesrevenuewhentheamountofrevenuecanbereliablymeasured;whenitisprobablethatfutureeconomicbenefitswillflowtotheentity;andwhenspecificcriteriahavebeenmetforeachoftheGroup'sactivitiesasdescribedbelow.
a) Commercial
Commercialrevenue(whethersettledincashorvalueinkind)comprisesrevenuereceivablefromtheexploitationoftheManchesterUnitedbrandthroughsponsorshipandothercommercialagreements,includingminimumguaranteedrevenue,revenuereceivablefromretailingManchesterUnitedbrandedmerchandiseintheUKandlicensingthemanufacture,distributionandsaleofsuchgoodsglobally,andfeesfortheManchesterUnitedfirstteamundertakingtours.
Forsponsorshipcontractsanyadditionalrevenuereceivableoverandabovetheminimumguaranteedrevenuecontainedinthesponsorshipandlicensingagreementsistakentorevenuewhenareliableestimateofthefutureperformanceofthecontractcanbeobtainedanditisprobablethattheamountswillnotberecoupedbythesponsorinfutureyears.
Revenueisrecognizedoverthetermofthesponsorshipagreementinlinewiththeperformanceobligationsincludedwithinthecontractandbasedonthesponsorshiprightsenjoyedbytheindividualsponsor.Ininstanceswherethesponsorshiprightsremainthesameoverthedurationofthecontract,revenueisrecognizedonastraight-linebasis.Inrespectofcontractswithmultipleelements,theGroupallocatesthetotalconsiderationreceivabletoeachseparatelyidentifiableelementbasedontheirrelativefairvalues,andthenrecognizestheallocatedrevenueonastraight-linebasisovertherelevantperiodofeachelement.
TheGrouphasa10-yearagreementwithadidaswhichbeganon1August2015.Theminimumguaranteepayablebyadidasoverthetermoftheagreementis£750million,subjecttocertainadjustments.Paymentsdueinaparticularyearmayincreaseiftheclub'sfirstteamwinsthePremierLeague,FACuporChampionsLeague,ordecreaseiftheclub'sfirstteamfailstoparticipateintheChampionsLeaguefortwoormoreconsecutiveseasonswiththemaximumpossibleincreasebeing£4millionperyearandthemaximumpossiblereductionbeing30%oftheapplicablepaymentforthe
F-12
Closingrate Averagerate 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Euro 1.1379 1.2009 1.4102 1.1663 1.3363 1.3180USDollar 1.2988 1.3332 1.5712 1.2774 1.4774 1.5815
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies(Continued)
yearinwhichthesecondorotherconsecutiveseasonofnon-participationfalls.Revenueiscurrentlybeingrecognizedbasedonmanagement'sestimatethatthefullminimumguaranteeamountwillbereceived,asmanagementdoesnotexpecttwoconsecutiveseasonsofnon-participationintheChampionsLeague.
Retailrevenueisrecognizedatthepointofsalewhilelicenserevenueisrecognizedintheperiodinwhichthegoodsandservicesareprovided.
Mobile&contentrevenueisrecognizedoverthetermofthecommercialagreementinlinewiththeperformanceobligationsincludedwithinthecontractandbasedonthecommercialrightsenjoyedbytheindividualpartner.Ininstanceswherethecommercialrightsremainthesameoverthedurationofthecontract,revenueisrecognizedonastraight-linebasis.
Commercialrevenuewhichisreceivedinadvanceofaperiodendbutrelatingtofutureperiodsistreatedasdeferredrevenue.Thedeferredrevenueisthenreleasedtorevenueonanaccrualsbasisinaccordancewiththesubstanceoftherelevantagreements.
b) Broadcasting
BroadcastingrevenuerepresentsrevenuereceivablefromallUKandoverseasbroadcastingcontracts,includingcontractsnegotiatedcentrallybythePremierLeagueandUEFA.
DistributionsfromthePremierLeaguecompriseafixedelement(whichisrecognizedevenlyasdomestichomeleaguematchesareplayed),facilityfeesforlivecoverageandhighlightsofdomestichomeandawaymatches(whicharerecognizedwhentherespectivematchisplayed),andmeritawards(basedonfinishingpositionintheleague,whicharerecognizedwhentheyareknownattheendofeachfootballseason).
DistributionsfromUEFArelatingtoparticipationinUEFAcompetitionscomprisemarketpoolpayments(whicharerecognizedoverthematchesplayedinthecompetition,aportionofwhichreflectsManchesterUnited'sperformancerelativetotheotherPremierLeagueclubsinthecompetition)andfixedamountsforparticipationinindividualmatches(whicharerecognizedwhenthematchesareplayed).
Broadcastingrevenuewhichisreceivedinadvanceofaperiodendbutrelatingtofutureperiodsistreatedasdeferredrevenue.Thedeferredrevenueisthenreleasedtorevenueonanaccrualsbasisinaccordancewiththesubstanceoftherelevantagreements.
c) Matchday
Matchdayrevenueisrecognizedbasedonmatchesplayedthroughouttheyearwithrevenuefromeachmatchbeingrecognizedonlywhenthematchhasbeenplayed.RevenuefromrelatedactivitiessuchasConferenceandEventsortheMuseumisrecognizedastheeventorserviceisprovidedorthefacilityisused.
MatchdayrevenueincludesrevenuereceivablefromalldomesticandEuropeanmatchdayactivitiesfromManchesterUnitedgamesatOldTrafford,togetherwiththeGroup'sshareofgatereceiptsfromdomesticcupmatchesnotplayedatOldTrafford,andfeesforarrangingothereventsattheOldTraffordstadium.AstheGroupactsastheprincipalinthesaleofmatchtickets,theshareofgatereceiptspayabletotheotherparticipatingclubandcompetitionorganiserfordomesticcupmatchesplayedatOldTraffordistreatedasanoperatingexpense.
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies(Continued)
Matchdayrevenuewhichisreceivedinadvanceofaperiodendbutrelatingtofutureperiods(mainlythesaleofseasonalfacilitiesforfirstteammatchesatOldTrafford)istreatedasdeferredrevenue.Thedeferredrevenueisthenreleasedtorevenueasthematchesareplayed.
d) Finance income
Financeincomeisrecognizedusingtheeffectiveinterestratemethod.
e) Accrued revenue
Revenuefrommatchdayactivities,broadcastingandcommercialcontracts,whichisreceivedaftertheperiodtowhichitrelates,isaccruedasearned.
f) Deferred revenue
Revenuefrommatchdayactivities,broadcastingandcommercialcontracts,receivedorreceivablepriortotheperiodendinrespectoffutureperiods,isdeferred.
2.6Operatingleases
Leasesinwhichasignificantportionoftherisksandrewardsofownershipareretainedbythelessorareclassifiedasoperatingleases.Paymentsmadeunderoperatingleases(netofanyincentivesreceivedfromthelessor)arechargedtotheincomestatementonastraight-linebasisovertheperiodofthelease.
Rentalsreceivableundersub-tenancyagreements(netofanyincentivesgiventothelessee)arecreditedtotheincomestatementonastraight-linebasisovertheleaseterm.Theriskandrewardsofownershiponthesub-letpropertyremainwiththethirdpartylessor.
2.7Exceptionalitems
ExceptionalitemsaredisclosedseparatelyinthefinancialstatementswhereitisnecessarytodosotoprovidefurtherunderstandingofthefinancialperformanceoftheGroup.Theyarematerialitemsofincomeorexpensethathavebeenshownseparatelyduetothesignificanceoftheirnatureoramount.
2.8Pensioncosts
TheGroupisoneofanumberofparticipatingemployersinTheFootballLeagueLimitedPensionandLifeAssuranceScheme('thescheme'—seenote30.1).TheGroupisunabletoidentifyitsshareoftheassetsandliabilitiesoftheschemeandthereforeaccountsforitscontributionsasiftheywerepaidtoadefinedcontributionscheme.TheGroup'scontributionsintothisschemearereflectedwithintheincomestatementwhentheyfalldue.FullprovisionhasbeenmadefortheadditionalcontributionsthattheGrouphasbeenrequestedtopaytohelpfundtheschemedeficit.
TheGroupalsooperatesadefinedcontributionscheme.TheassetsoftheschemeareheldseparatelyfromthoseoftheGroupinanindependentlyadministeredfund.TheGroup'scontributionsintothisschemearereflectedwithintheincomestatementwhentheyfalldue.
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2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies(Continued)
2.9Share-basedpayments
TheGroupoperatesashare-basedcompensationplanunderwhichtheentityreceivesservicesfromemployeesasconsiderationforequityinstrumentsoftheGroup.
Equity-settledshare-basedpaymentstoemployeesaremeasuredatthefairvalueoftheequityinstrumentsatthegrantdate.Thefairvalueexcludestheeffectofnon-marketbasedvestingconditions.Thefairvaluedeterminedatthegrantdateoftheequity-settledshare-basedpaymentsisexpensedonastraight-linebasisoverthevestingperiod,basedontheGroup'sestimateofequityinstrumentsthatwilleventuallyvest.Ateachbalancesheetdate,theGrouprevisesitsestimateofthenumberofequityinstrumentsexpectedtovestasaresultoftheeffectofnon-marketbasedvestingconditions.Theimpactoftherevisionoftheoriginalestimates,ifany,isrecognizedintheincomestatementsuchthatthecumulativeexpensereflectstherevisedestimate,withacorrespondingadjustmenttoequityreserves.
Forcash-settledshare-basedpaymentstoemployees,aliabilityisrecognizedfortheservicesacquired,measuredinitiallyatthefairvalueoftheliability.Ateachbalancesheetdateuntiltheliabilityissettled,andatthedateofsettlement,thefairvalueoftheliabilityisremeasured,withanychangesinfairvaluerecognizedinprofitorlossfortheyear.
Detailsregardingthedeterminationofthefairvalueofshare-basedtransactionsaresetoutinnote22.
2.10Currentanddeferredtax
Thetaxexpenseorcreditfortheperiodcomprisescurrentanddeferredtax.Taxisrecognizedintheincomestatement,excepttotheextentthatitrelatestoitemsrecognizedinothercomprehensiveincome,inwhichcasethetaxisalsorecognizedinothercomprehensiveincome.
ThecurrenttaxexpenseorcreditiscalculatedonthebasisofthetaxlawsenactedorsubstantivelyenactedatthebalancesheetdateinthecountrieswheretheCompanyanditssubsidiariesoperateandgeneratetaxableincome.AlthoughtheCompanyisorganizedasaCaymanIslandscorporation,itreportsasaUSdomesticcorporationforUSfederalincometaxpurposesandissubjecttoUSfederalincometaxontheGroup'sworldwideincome.Inaddition,theGroupissubjecttoincomeandothertaxesinvariousotherjurisdictions,includingtheUK.Managementperiodicallyevaluatespositionstakenintaxreturnswithrespecttosituationsinwhichapplicabletaxregulationissubjecttointerpretation.Itestablishesprovisionswhereappropriateonthebasisofamountsexpectedtobepaidto(orrecoveredfrom)thetaxauthorities.
Deferredtaxisrecognizedontemporarydifferencesarisingbetweenthetaxbasesofassetsandliabilitiesandtheircarryingamountsinthefinancialstatements.Deferredtaxisdeterminedusingtaxrates(andlaws)thathavebeenenactedorsubstantivelyenactedbythebalancesheetdateandareexpectedtoapplywhentherelateddeferredtaxassetisrealisedorthedeferredliabilityissettled.
Deferredtaxassetsarerecognizedonlytotheextentthatitisprobablethatfuturetaxableprofitwillbeavailableagainstwhichthetemporarydifferencescanbeutilised.
Deferredtaxassetsandliabilitiesareoffsetwhenthereisalegallyenforceablerighttooffsetcurrenttaxassetsagainstcurrenttaxliabilitiesandwhenthedeferredtaxassetsandliabilitiesrelatetotaxesleviedbythesametaxationauthorityoneitherthesametaxableentityordifferenttaxableentitieswherethereisanintentiontosettlethebalancesonanetbasis.
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies(Continued)
2.11Dividenddistribution
DividenddistributionstotheCompany'sshareholdersarerecognizedwhentheybecomelegallypayable.Inthecaseofinterimdividends,thisiswhentheyarepaid.
2.12Property,plantandequipment
Property,plantandequipmentisinitiallymeasuredatcost(comprisingthepurchaseprice,afterdeductingdiscountsandrebates,andanydirectlyattributablecosts)andissubsequentlycarriedatcostlessaccumulateddepreciationandanyprovisionforimpairment.
Subsequentcosts,forexample,capitalimprovementsandrefurbishment,areincludedintheasset'scarryingamountorrecognizedasaseparateasset,asappropriate,onlywhenitisprobablethatfutureeconomicbenefitsassociatedwiththeitemwillflowtotheGroupandthecostoftheitemcanbemeasuredreliably.Whereappropriate,thecarryingamountofthereplacedpartisderecognized.Allotherrepairsandmaintenancearechargedtotheincomestatementduringthefinancialperiodinwhichtheyareincurred.
Landisnotdepreciated.Withtheexceptionoffreeholdpropertyacquiredbefore1August1999,depreciationiscalculatedusingthestraight-linemethodtowrite-downassetstotheirresidualvalueovertheestimatedusefullivesasfollows:
Freeholdpropertyacquiredbefore1August1999isdepreciatedonareducingbalancebasisatanannualrateof1.33%.
Theassets'residualvaluesandusefullivesarereviewed,andadjustedifappropriate,attheendofeachreportingperiod.
Assetsarereviewedforimpairmentwhenevereventsorchangesincircumstancesindicatethatthecarryingamountmaynotberecoverable.Anyimpairmentchargesarisingarerecognizedintheincomestatementwhenthecarryingamountofanassetisgreaterthantheestimatedrecoverableamount,whichisthehigherofanasset'sfairvaluelesscoststosellandvalueinuse,andarecalculatedwithreferencetofuturediscountedcashflowsthattheassetisexpectedtogeneratewhenconsideredaspartofacash-generatingunit.Priorimpairmentsarereviewedforpossiblereversalateachbalancesheetdate.
Gainsandlossesondisposalsaredeterminedbycomparingtheproceedswiththecarryingamountandarerecognizedwithinoperatingexpenseswithintheincomestatement.
2.13Investmentproperty
Propertythatisheldforlong-termrentalyieldsorforcapitalappreciationorboth,andthatisnotoccupiedbytheGroup,isclassifiedasinvestmentproperty.
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Freeholdproperty 75yearsComputerequipmentandsoftware(includedwithinPlantandmachinery) 3yearsPlantandmachinery 4-5yearsFixturesandfittings 7years
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies(Continued)
Investmentpropertyisinitiallymeasuredatcost(comprisingthepurchaseprice,afterdeductingdiscountsandrebates,andanydirectlyattributablecosts)andissubsequentlycarriedatcostlessaccumulateddepreciationandanyprovisionforimpairment.Investmentpropertyisdepreciatedusingthestraight-linemethodover50years.
Investmentpropertiesarereviewedforimpairmentwhenthereisatriggeringeventsuchasadeclineinthepropertymarket.Animpairmentchargeisrecognizedfortheamountbywhichtheasset'scarryingamountexceedsitsrecoverableamount.Priorimpairmentsarereviewedforpossiblereversalateachbalancesheetdate.Ifanimpairmentchargesubsequentlyreverses,thecarryingamountoftheassetisincreasedtotherevisedestimateofitsrecoverableamount,butsothattheincreasedcarryingamountdoesnotexceedthecarryingamountthatwouldhavebeendeterminedhadnoimpairmentchargebeenrecognizedfortheassetinprioryears.
2.14Intangibleassets—goodwill
a) Initial recognition
GoodwillrepresentstheexcessofthecostofanacquisitionoverthefairvalueoftheGroup'sshareofthenetidentifiableassetsoftheacquiredsubsidiaryatthedateofacquisition.
b) Impairment
Managementconsiderstheretobeonematerialcashgeneratingunitforthepurposesoftheannualimpairmentreview,beingtheoperationofaprofessionalfootballclub.
Goodwillisnotsubjecttoamortizationandistestedannuallyforimpairmentormorefrequentlyifeventsorchangesincircumstancesindicateapotentialimpairment.Animpairmentlossisrecognizedintheincomestatementwhenthecarryingvalueofgoodwillexceedsitsrecoverableamount.Itsrecoverableamountisthehigheroffairvaluelesscostsofdisposalandvalueinuse.Priorimpairmentsarenotsubsequentlyreviewedforpossiblereversalateachbalancesheetdate.
2.15Intangibleassets—registrationsandfootballstaffremuneration
a) Remuneration
Remunerationischargedtooperatingexpensesonastraight-linebasisoverthecontractperiodsbasedontheamountpayabletoplayersandkeyfootballmanagementstaffforthatperiod.AnyperformancebonusesarerecognizedwhentheCompanyconsidersthatitisprobablethattheconditionrelatedtothepaymentwillbeachieved.
Signing-onfeesaretypicallypaidtoplayersandkeyfootballmanagementstaffinequalannualinstallmentsoverthetermofthecontract.Installmentsarepaidatornearthebeginningofeachfinancialyearandrecognizedasprepaymentswithintradeandotherreceivables.Theyaresubsequentlychargedtotheincomestatement(asoperatingexpenses)onastraight-linebasisoverthefinancialyear.Signing-onfeespaidformpartofcashflowsfromoperatingactivities.
Loyaltyfeesarebonuseswhicharepaidtoplayersandkeyfootballmanagementstaffeitheratthebeginningofarenewedcontractorininstallmentsoverthetermoftheircontractinrecognitionforeitherpastorfutureperformance.Loyaltybonusesforpastservicearetypicallypaidinalumpsumamountuponrenewalofacontract.Theseloyaltybonusesrequirenofutureserviceandarenotsubjecttoanyclaw-backprovisionsweretheindividualtosubsequentlyleavetheclubduringtheirnewcontract
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies(Continued)
term.TheyareexpensedoncetheCompanyhasapresentlegalorconstructiveobligationtomakethepayment.Loyaltybonusesforongoingservicearetypicallypaidinarrearsinequalannualinstallmentsoverthetermofthecontract.Thesearepaidatthebeginningofthenextfinancialyearandtherelatedchargeisrecognizedwithinoperatingexpensesintheincomestatementonastraight-linebasisoverthecurrentfinancialyear.
b) Initial recognition
Thecostsassociatedwiththeacquisitionofplayers'andkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistrationsarecapitalizedatthefairvalueoftheconsiderationpayable.Costsincludetransferfees,PLlevyfees,agents'feesincurredbytheclubandotherdirectlyattributablecosts.Costsalsoincludethefairvalueofanycontingentconsideration,whichisprimarilypayabletotheplayer'sformerclub(withassociatedlevyfeespayabletothePL),oncepaymentbecomesprobable.Subsequentreassessmentsoftheamountofcontingentconsiderationpayablearealsoincludedinthecostoftheplayer'sregistration.Theestimateofthefairvalueofthecontingentconsiderationpayablerequiresmanagementtoassessthelikelihoodofspecificperformanceconditionsbeingmetwhichwouldtriggerthepaymentofthecontingentconsideration.Thisassessmentiscarriedoutonanindividualplayerbasis.Theadditionalamountofcontingentconsiderationpotentiallypayable,inexcessoftheamountsincludedinthecostofregistrations,isdisclosedinnote29.2.Costsarefullyamortizedusingthestraight-linemethodovertheperiodcoveredbytheplayer'sandkeyfootballmanagementstaffcontract.
c) Renegotiation
Whereacontractisextended,anycostsassociatedwithsecuringtheextensionareaddedtotheunamortizedbalance(atthedateoftheamendment)andtherevisedbookvalueisamortizedovertheremainingrevisedcontractlife.
d) Disposals and loan income
Assetsavailableforsale(principallyplayers'registrations)areclassifiedasassetsheldforsalewhentheircarryingvalueisexpectedtoberecoveredprincipallythroughasaletransactionandasaleisconsideredtobehighlyprobable.Highlyprobableisdefinedasbeingactivelymarketedbytheclub,withunconditionaloffershavingbeenreceivedpriortoaperiodend.Theseassetswouldbestatedatthelowerofthecarryingamountandfairvaluelesscoststosell.
Gainsandlossesondisposalofplayers'andkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistrationsaredeterminedbycomparingthefairvalueoftheconsiderationreceivable,netofanytransactioncosts,withthecarryingamountandarerecognizedseparatelyintheincomestatementwithinprofitondisposalofintangibleassets.Whereapartoftheconsiderationreceivableiscontingentonspecifiedperformanceconditions,thisamountisrecognizedintheincomestatementwhenreceiptisvirtuallycertain.
Loanincomeonplayerstemporarilyloanedtootherfootballclubsisrecognizedseparatelyintheincomestatementwithinprofit/(loss)ondisposalofintangibleassets.
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies(Continued)
e) Impairment
Managementdoesnotconsiderthatitispossibletodeterminethevalueinuseofanindividualplayerorkeyfootballmanagementstaffinisolationasthatindividual(unlessviaasaleorinsurancerecovery)cannotgeneratecashflowsonhisown.Whilemanagementdoesnotconsideranyindividualcanbeseparatedfromthesinglecashgeneratingunit("CGU"),beingtheoperationsoftheGroupasawhole,theremaybecertaincircumstanceswhereanindividualistakenoutoftheCGU,whenitbecomesclearthattheywillnotparticipatewiththeclub'sfirstteamagain,forexample,aplayersustainingacareerthreateninginjuryorispermanentlyremovedfromthefirstteamplayingsquadforanotherreason.Ifsuchcircumstancesweretoarise,thecarryingvalueoftheindividualwouldbeassessedagainsttheGroup'sbestestimateoftheindividual'sfairvaluelessanycoststosellandanimpairmentchargemadeinoperatingexpensesreflectinganylossarising.
2.16Otherintangibleassets
Otherintangibleassetscomprisewebsite,mobileapplicationsandtrademarkregistrationcostsandareinitiallymeasuredatcostandaresubsequentlycarriedatcostlessaccumulatedamortizationandanyprovisionforimpairment.
Amortizationiscalculatedusingthestraight-linemethodtowrite-downassetstotheirresidualvalueovertheestimatedusefullivesasfollows:
Theassets'residualvaluesandusefullivesarereviewedandadjustedifappropriateateachbalancesheetdate.
2.17Derivativefinancialinstrumentsandhedgingactivities
Derivativesareinitiallyrecognizedatfairvalueonthedateaderivativecontractisenteredintoandaresubsequentlyre-measuredattheirfairvalue.Theresultinggainorlossisrecognizedintheincomestatementimmediatelyunlessthederivativeisdesignatedandeffectiveasahedginginstrument,inwhicheventthetimingoftherecognitionintheincomestatementdependsonthenatureofthehedgingrelationship.TheGroupdesignatescertainderivativesashedgesofaparticularriskassociatedwitharecognizedassetorliabilityorahighlyprobableforecasttransaction(cashflowhedge).
TheGrouphedgestheforeignexchangeriskonaportionofcontracted,andhencehighlyprobable,futureUSdollarrevenueswheneverpossibleusingaportionoftheGroup'sUSdollarnetborrowingsasthehedginginstrument.Foreignexchangegainsorlossesarisingonre-translationoftheGroup'sUSdollarnetborrowingsusedinthehedgeareinitiallyrecognizedinothercomprehensiveincome,ratherthanbeingrecognizedintheincomestatementimmediately.Theforeignexchangegainsorlossesarisingonre-translationoftheGroup'sunhedgedUSdollarborrowingsarerecognizedintheincomestatementimmediately.
TheGrouphedgesitscashflowinterestrateriskwhereappropriateusinginterestrateswapsatcontractlengthsconsistentwiththerepaymentscheduleoftheborrowings.Suchinterestrateswapshavetheeconomiceffectofconvertingborrowingsfromfloatingratestofixedrates.Theeffectiveportionofchangesinthefairvalueoftheinterestrateswapisinitiallyrecognizedinother
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Websiteandmobileapplications 5yearsTrademarkregistrations 10years
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies(Continued)
comprehensiveincome,ratherthanbeingrecognizedintheincomestatementimmediately.Thegainorlossrelatingtoanyineffectiveportionisrecognizedintheincomestatementimmediately.
TheGroupdocumentsattheinceptionofthetransactiontherelationshipbetweenhedginginstrumentsandhedgeditems,aswellasitsriskmanagementobjectiveandstrategyforundertakingvarioushedgingtransactions.TheGroupalsodocumentsitsassessment,bothathedgeinceptionandonanongoingbasis,ofwhetherthederivativesthatareusedinhedgingtransactionsarehighlyeffectiveinoffsettingchangesinfairvalueorcashflowsofhedgeditems.TheGroupusesavarietyofmethodstoassesshedgeeffectivenessdependingonthenatureandtypeofthehedgingrelationship,includingcriticaltermscomparison,dollaroffsetmethodandregressionanalysis.
Derivativesembeddedinotherfinancialinstrumentsorhostcontractsaretreatedasseparatederivativeswhentheirrisksandcharacteristicsarenotcloselyrelatedtothoseofthehostcontractsandthehostcontractsarenotmeasuredatfairvaluethroughprofitorloss.
Thefairvaluesofvariousderivativeinstrumentsaredisclosedinnote18.Movementsonthehedgingreserveinothercomprehensiveincomeareshowninthestatementofchangesinequity.Thefullfairvalueofahedgingderivativeisclassifiedasanon-currentassetorliabilitywhentheremainingmaturityofthehedgeditemismorethan12months,andasacurrentassetorliabilitywhentheremainingmaturityofthehedgeditemislessthan12months.
Theeffectiveportionofchangesinthefairvalueofderivativesthataredesignatedandqualifyascashflowhedgesisrecognizedinothercomprehensiveincome.Thegainorlossrelatingtoanyineffectiveportionisrecognizedimmediatelyintheincomestatement.
Amountspreviouslyrecognizedinothercomprehensiveincomeandaccumulatedinthehedgingreservewithinequityarereclassifiedtotheincomestatementintheperiodswhenthehedgeditemaffectstheincomestatement(forexample,whentheforecasttransactionthatishedgedtakesplace).Whenahedginginstrumentexpiresorissold,orwhenahedgenolongermeetsthecriteriaforhedgeaccounting,anycumulativegainorlossexistinginequityatthattimeremainsinequityandisrecognizedwhenthehedgeditemisultimatelyrecognizedintheincomestatement.Whenaforecasttransactionisnolongerexpectedtooccur,thecumulativegainorlossthatwasreportedinequityisimmediatelytransferredtotheincomestatement.
2.18Inventories
Inventoriesarestatedatthelowerofcostandnetrealizablevalue.Costisdeterminedusingthefirst-in,first-out(FIFO)method.Thecostoffinishedgoodscomprisescostofpurchaseand,whereappropriate,otherdirectlyattributablecosts.Itexcludesborrowingcosts.Netrealizablevalueistheestimatedsellingpriceintheordinarycourseofbusiness,lessapplicablevariablesellingexpenses.
2.19Tradeandotherreceivables
Tradeandotherreceivablesareamountsduefromcustomersforgoodssoldorservicesperformedintheordinarycourseofbusiness.Tradeandotherreceivablesarerecognizedinitiallyatfairvalue,andsubsequentlymeasuredatamortizedcostusingtheeffectiveinterestmethod,lessprovisionforimpairment.Ifcollectionisexpectedinoneyearorless,theyareclassifiedascurrentassets.Ifnot,theyarepresentedasnon-currentassets.
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
2Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies(Continued)
2.20Cashandcashequivalents
Cashandcashequivalentsincludescashinhand,depositsheldatcallwithbanks,and,ifapplicable,othershort-termhighlyliquidinvestmentswithoriginalmaturitiesofthreemonthsorless.
2.21Sharecapitalandreserves
Ordinarysharesareclassifiedasequity.Incrementalcostsdirectlyattributabletotheissueofnewsharesareshowninequityasadeductionfromtheproceedsoftheissue.
Themergerreservearoseasaresultofreorganizationtransactionsandrepresentsthedifferencebetweentheequityoftheacquiredcompany(RedFootballShareholderLimited)andtheinvestmentbytheacquiringcompany(ManchesterUnitedplc).Thehedgingreserveisusedtoreflecttheeffectiveportionofchangesinthefairvalueofderivativesthataredesignatedandqualifyascashflowhedges.
2.22Tradeandotherpayables
Tradeandotherpayablesareobligationstopayforgoodsandservicesthathavebeenacquiredintheordinarycourseofbusinessfromsuppliers.Tradepayablesarerecognizedinitiallyatfairvalueandsubsequentlymeasuredatamortizedcostusingtheeffectiveinterestmethod.Amountspayableareclassifiedascurrentliabilitiesifpaymentisduewithinoneyearorless.Ifnottheyarepresentedasnon-currentliabilities.
2.23Borrowings
Borrowingsarerecognizedinitiallyatfairvalue,netoftransactioncostsincurred.Borrowingsaresubsequentlycarriedatamortizedcost;anydifferencesbetweentheproceeds(netoftransactioncosts)andtheredemptionvalueisrecognizedintheincomestatementovertheperiodoftheborrowingsusingtheeffectiveinterestratemethod.
Feespaidontheestablishmentofloanfacilitiesarerecognizedastransactioncostsoftheloantotheextentthatitisprobablethatsomeorallofthefacilitywillbedrawndown.Inthiscasethefeeisdeferreduntildraw-downoccurs.Totheextentthereisnoevidencethatitisprobablethatsomeorallofthefacilitywillbedrawndown,thefeeiscapitalizedasaprepaymentforliquidityservicesandamortizedovertheperiodofthefacilitytowhichitrelates.
3Criticalaccountingestimatesandjudgments
Estimates,judgmentsandassumptionsarecontinuallyevaluatedandarebasedonhistoricalexperienceandotherfactors,includingexpectationsoffutureeventsthatarebelievedtobereasonableunderthecircumstances.
3.1Criticalaccountingestimatesandassumptions
TheGroupmakesestimatesandassumptionsconcerningthefuture.Theresultingaccountingestimateswill,bydefinition,seldomequaltherelatedactualresults.Theestimatesandassumptionsthathaveasignificantriskofcausingamaterialadjustmenttothecarryingamountsofassetsandliabilitieswithinthenextfinancialyearareaddressedbelow.
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
3Criticalaccountingestimatesandjudgments(Continued)
a) Revenue recognition—minimum guarantee
Minimumguaranteedrevenueisrecognizedoverthetermofthesponsorshipagreementinlinewiththeperformanceobligationsincludedwithinthecontractandbasedonthesponsorshipbenefitsenjoyedbytheindividualsponsor.Ininstanceswherethesponsorshiprightsremainthesameoverthedurationofthecontract,revenueisrecognizedonastraight-linebasis.
Theminimumguaranteepayablebyadidasissubjecttocertainadjustments.Paymentsdueinaparticularyearmayincreaseiftheclub'sfirstteamwinscertaincompetitionsordecreaseiftheclub'sfirstteamfailstoparticipateintheChampionsLeaguefortwoormoreconsecutiveseasonswiththereductionbeing30%oftheapplicablepaymentfortheyearinwhichthesecondorotherconsecutiveseasonofnon-participationfalls.Management'scurrentbestestimateisthatthefullminimumguaranteeamountwillbereceived,asmanagementdoesnotexpecttwoconsecutiveseasonsofnon-participationintheChampionsLeague.
b) Intangible assets—goodwill
TheGroupannuallytestswhethergoodwillhassufferedanyimpairmentormorefrequentlyifeventsorchangesincircumstancesindicateapotentialimpairment,inaccordancewithitsaccountingpolicy.Therecoverableamountofthecash-generatingunithasbeendeterminedbasedonavalue-in-usecalculation.Thiscalculationrequirestheuseofestimates,bothinarrivingattheexpectedfuturecashflowsandtheapplicationofasuitablediscountrateinordertocalculatethepresentvalueoftheseflows.Thesecalculationshavebeencarriedoutinaccordancewiththeassumptionssetoutinnote15.
c) Intangible assets—registrations
Thecostsassociatedwiththeacquisitionofplayers'andkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistrationsarecapitalizedatthefairvalueoftheconsiderationpayable,includinganestimateofthefairvalueofanycontingentconsideration.Subsequentreassessmentsoftheamountofcontingentconsiderationpayablearealsoincludedinthecostoftheplayer'sandkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistration.Theestimateofthefairvalueofthecontingentconsiderationpayablerequiresmanagementtoassessthelikelihoodofspecificperformanceconditionsbeingmetwhichwouldtriggerthepaymentofthecontingentconsideration.Thisassessmentiscarriedoutonanindividualbasis.Themaximumadditionalamountthatcouldbepayableasof30June2017isdisclosedinnote29.2.
TheGroupwillperformanimpairmentreviewonintangibleassets,includingplayerandkeyfootballmanagementstaffregistrations,ifadverseeventsindicatethattheamortizedcarryingvalueoftheassetmaynotberecoverable.Whilenoindividualcanbeseparatedfromthesinglecashgeneratingunit("CGU"),beingtheoperationsoftheGroupasawhole,theremaybecertaincircumstanceswhereanindividualistakenoutoftheCGU,whenitbecomesclearthattheywillnotparticipatewiththeclub'sfirstteamagain,forexample,aplayersustainingacareerthreateninginjuryorispermanentlyremovedfromthefirstteamsquadforanotherreason.Ifsuchcircumstancesweretoarise,thecarryingvalueoftheindividualwouldbeassessedagainsttheGroup'sbestestimateoftheindividual'sfairvaluelessanycoststosell.
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
3Criticalaccountingestimatesandjudgments(Continued)
d) Tax
TaxiscalculatedonthebasisofthetaxlawsenactedorsubstantivelyenactedatthebalancesheetdateinthecountrieswheretheCompanyanditssubsidiariesoperateandgeneratetaxableincome.Managementestablishesprovisionswhereappropriateonthebasisofamountsexpectedtobepaidto(orrecoveredfrom)thetaxauthorities.FromtimetotimetheGroupisinvolvedindiscussionswithtaxauthoritiesinrelationtoongoingtaxmattersand,whereappropriate,provisionsaremadebasedonmanagement'sassessmentofeachcase.Futuretaxexpenseorcreditmaybehigherorlowerthanestimatesmadewhendeterminingwhetheritisappropriatetorecordaprovisionandtheamounttoberecorded.Furthermore,changesinthelegislativeframeworkorapplicabletaxcaselawmayresultinmanagementreassessingtherecognitionoftaxprovisionsinfutureperiods.
e) Recognition of deferred tax assets
Deferredtaxassetsarerecognizedonlytotheextentthatitisprobablethattheassociateddeductionswillbeavailableforuseagainstfutureprofitsandthattherewillbesufficientfuturetaxableprofitavailableagainstwhichthetemporarydifferencescanbeutilized,providedtheassetcanbereliablyquantified.Inestimatingfuturetaxableprofit,managementuse"basecase"approvedforecastswhichincorporateanumberofassumptions,includingaprudentleveloffutureuncontractedrevenueintheforecastperiod.Inarrivingatajudgmentinrelationtotherecognitionofdeferredtaxassets,managementconsiderstheregulationsapplicabletotaxandadviceontheirinterpretation.Futuretaxableincomemaybehigherorlowerthanestimatesmadewhendeterminingwhetheritisappropriatetorecordataxassetandtheamounttoberecorded.Furthermore,changesinthelegislativeframeworkorapplicabletaxcaselawmayresultinmanagementreassessingtherecognitionofdeferredtaxassetsinfutureperiods.
4Segmentinformation
TheprincipalactivityoftheGroupistheoperationofaprofessionalfootballclub.AlloftheactivitiesoftheGroupsupporttheoperationofthefootballclubandthesuccessofthefirstteamiscriticaltotheongoingdevelopmentoftheGroup.ConsequentlytheChiefOperatingDecisionMakerregardstheGroupasoperatinginonematerialsegment,beingtheoperationofaprofessionalfootballclub.
AllrevenuederivesfromtheGroup'sprincipalactivityintheUnitedKingdom.Revenuecanbeanalysedintoitsthreemaincomponentsasfollows:
Revenuederivedfromentitiesaccountingformorethan10%ofrevenueineither2017,2016or2015wereasfollows:
Allnon-currentassets,otherthanUSdeferredtaxassets,areheldwithintheUnitedKingdom.
F-23
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Commercial 275,471 268,318 196,931Broadcasting 194,098 140,440 107,664Matchday 111,635 106,587 90,583
581,204 515,345 395,178
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
PremierLeague 147,875 99,767 100,534adidas 79,214 72,746 —GeneralMotors(Chevrolet) 59,396 58,896 58,534
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
5Operatingexpenses
Inadditiontotheauditors'remunerationchargesdisclosedabovefortheyearended30June2015areamountsof£609,000relatingtotaxplanningadvice,generalassuranceandotheradviceinconnectionwiththepublicsaleofClassAordinarysharesandeitherchargedasexceptionalitemswhentheyarenotdirectlyattributabletotheissueofnewshares(seenote6)oroffsetagainstsharepremiumwhentheyaredirectlyattributabletotheissueofnewshares,andadviceinconnectionwiththedebtrefinancinginJune2015andeitherchargedasfinancecostsorcarriedforwardinthebalancesheetasunamortizeddebtissuecosts.
6Exceptionalitems
Aregistrationsimpairmentchargeamountingto£6,693,000wasoriginallymadeintheyearended30June2016inrespectofaplayerwhowasnolongerconsideredtobeamemberofthefirstteamplayingsquad.Thisimpairmentwasreversedduringtheyearended30June2017astheplayerwasre-establishedasamemberofthefirstteamplayingsquad.Thereversalwascalculatedtoincreasethecarryingvalueoftheplayer'sregistrationtothevaluethatwouldhavebeenrecognizedhadtheoriginal
F-24
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Employeebenefitexpense(note7) (263,464) (232,242) (202,561)Operatingleasecosts (2,316) (2,392) (2,631)Auditors'remuneration:auditofparentcompanyandconsolidatedfinancialstatements (27) (26) (23)Auditors'remuneration:auditoftheCompany'ssubsidiaries (476) (436) (382)Auditors'remuneration:taxcomplianceservices (392) (690) (243)Auditors'remuneration:otherservices (456) (143) —Foreignexchange(losses)/gains (2,646) 7,760 (4,914)Lossondisposalofproperty,plantandequipment (43) (126) (5)Depreciation—property,plantandequipment(note13) (10,106) (9,967) (10,212)Depreciation—investmentproperty(note14) (122) (112) (112)Amortization(note15) (124,434) (88,009) (99,687)Sponsorship,othercommercialandbroadcastingcosts (28,491) (21,043) (14,613)Externalmatchdaycosts (26,892) (22,244) (14,683)Propertycosts (19,329) (19,180) (16,060)Otheroperatingexpenses(individuallylessthan£10,000,000) (36,874) (32,724) (18,717)Exceptionalitems(note6) 4,753 (15,135) (2,336)
(511,315) (436,709) (387,179)
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Impairmentreversal/(charge)—registrations(note15) 4,753 (6,693) —Compensationpaidforlossofoffice — (8,442) —FootballLeaguepensionschemedeficit(note30) — — (1,247)ProfessionaladviserfeesrelatingtopublicsaleofClassAordinaryshares — — (1,089)
4,753 (15,135) (2,336)
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
6Exceptionalitems(Continued)
impairmentnotoccurred(thatisaftertakingaccountofnormalamortizationthatwouldhavebeenchargedhadnoimpairmentoccurred).
Compensationpaidforlossofofficerelatestoamountspayabletoformerteammanagersandcertainmembersofthecoachingstaff.
TheFootballLeaguepensionschemedeficitreflectsthepresentvalueoftheadditionalcontributionstheGroupisexpectedtopaytoremedythereviseddeficitoftheschemeasperthelatesttriennialactuarialvaluationat31August2014.
ProfessionaladviserfeesrelatingtothepublicsaleofClassAordinarysharesarerecognizedasanexpensewhentheyarenotdirectlyattributabletotheissueofnewsharesorwhenaparticularofferisnolongerbeingpursued.Thefeesfortheyearended30June2015include£359,000relatingtoservicesprovidedbytheGroup'sauditors.
7Employees
7.1Employeebenefitexpenseandaveragenumberofpeopleemployed
DetailsofthepensionarrangementsofferedbytheCompanyandtheGrouparedisclosedinnote30.
Theaveragenumberofemployeesduringtheyear,includingdirectors,wasasfollows:
TheGroupalsoemploysapproximately2,053temporarystaffonmatchdays(2016:2,124;2015:2,275),thecostsofwhichareincludedintheemployeebenefitexpenseabove.
F-25
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Wagesandsalaries(includingbonuses) (229,605) (202,982) (178,637)Socialsecuritycosts (27,334) (23,499) (18,869)Share-basedpayments(note22) (4,090) (3,334) (2,591)Pensioncosts—definedcontributionschemes(note30.2) (2,435) (2,427) (2,464)
(263,464) (232,242) (202,561)
2017
Number 2016
Number 2015
Number Byactivity: Football—players 74 74 73Football—technicalandcoaching 136 94 89Commercial 120 111 122Media 90 94 89Administrationandother 445 426 440Averagenumberofemployees 865 799 813
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
7Employees(Continued)
7.2Keymanagementcompensation
Keymanagementincludesdirectors(executiveandnon-executive)oftheCompanyandexecutivedirectorsandofficersoftheGroup'smainoperatingcompany,ManchesterUnitedLimited.Thecompensationpaidorpayabletokeymanagementforemployeeservices,whichisincludedintheemployeebenefitexpensetableabove,isshownbelow:
8Profit/(loss)ondisposalofintangibleassets
9Netfinancecosts
F-26
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Short-termemployeebenefits (8,601) (7,908) (7,324)Share-basedpayments (3,654) (3,131) (2,366)Post-employmentbenefits (71) (70) (61)
(12,326) (11,109) (9,751)
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Profit/(loss)ondisposalofregistrations 9,876 (9,786) 19,675Playerloanincome 1,050 — 3,974
10,926 (9,786) 23,649
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Interestpayableonbankloansandoverdrafts (1,502) (1,381) (1,840)Interestpayableonsecuredtermloanfacilityandseniorsecurednotes (18,784) (17,306) (21,055)Amortizationofissuecostsonsecuredtermloanfacilityandseniorsecurednotes (608) (544) (5,978)Premiumonrepurchaseofseniorsecurednotes — — (3,552)Costsassociatedwithdebtfinancing — — (1,443)Foreignexchangegains/(losses)onretranslationofunhedgedUSdollarborrowings 1,816 (4,136) (288)Unwindingofdiscountrelatingtoregistrations (2,401) (2,380) (2,708)Fairvaluemovementsonderivativefinancialinstruments: Embeddedforeignexchangederivatives (3,534) 5,288 1,280Interestrateswaps — — 165
Totalfinancecosts (25,013) (20,459) (35,419)Totalfinanceincome—interestreceivableonshort-termbankdeposits 736 442 204Netfinancecosts (24,277) (20,017) (35,215)
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
10Tax(expense)/credit
Areconciliationofthetotaltax(expense)/creditisasfollows:
F-27
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Currenttax: Currenttaxonprofit/(loss)fortheyear (19,722) (4,633) (223)Adjustmentinrespectofpreviousyears(1) (2,651) (2,476) (547)Foreigntax (2,103) (1,279) (684)Totalcurrenttaxexpense (24,476) (8,388) (1,454)Deferredtax: USdeferredtax: Originationandreversaloftemporarydifferences (3,371) (3,879) (978)Adjustmentinrespectofpreviousyears(1) 1,782 5,039 152TotalUSdeferredtax(expense)/credit(note25) (1,589) 1,160 (826)UKdeferredtax: Originationandreversaloftemporarydifferences 6,171 (5,258) 4,790Adjustmentinrespectofpreviousyears(1) 938 (2,687) 162ImpactofchangeinUKcorporationtaxrate 1,595 2,711 —TotalUKdeferredtaxcredit/(expense)(note25) 8,704 (5,234) 4,952Totaldeferredtaxcredit/(expense) 7,115 (4,074) 4,126Totaltax(expense)/credit (17,361) (12,462) 2,672
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Profit/(loss)beforetax 56,538 48,833 (3,567)Profit/(loss)beforetaxmultipliedbyUScorporatetaxrateof35.0%(2016:35.0%;2015:35.0%) (19,789) (17,092) 1,249
Taxeffectsof: Adjustmentinrespectofpreviousyears(1) 69 (124) (233)DifferenceintaxratesonnonUSoperations 244 (612) 48ForeignexchangegainsonUSdollardenominatedtaxbasis(2) 2,362 5,755 1,783Expensesnotdeductiblefortaxpurposes (247) (389) (175)Totaltax(expense)/credit (17,361) (12,462) 2,672
(1) Fromtimetotime,theGroupisinvolvedindiscussionsinrelationtoongoingmatterswiththerelevantauthorities.Whereappropriate,theDirectorsmakeprovisionsbasedontheirassessmentofeachcase.Intheyearended30June2017aprovisionwasmadeinrespectofongoingenquiriesrelatingtoprioryears.TheimpactinrespectoftheongoingenquiriesistoincreasetheUKcurrenttaxexpenseby£2,668,000(2016:£2,302,000)andUKdeferredtaxexpenseby£76,000(2016:£2,702,000).ThisisfullyoffsetbyacorrespondingincreaseintheUSdeferredtaxcreditof£2,744,000(2016:£5,004,000).Theoverallprioryearadjustmentcreditof£69,000(2016:expenseof£124,000)relatestostandardprovisiontotaxreturntrueups.
(2) ForeignexchangegainsonUSdollardenominatedtaxbasisarisebecausetheassociateddeferredtaxassethastoberetranslatedateachbalancesheetdate.
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
10Tax(expense)/credit(Continued)
Inadditiontotheamountrecognizedintheincomestatement,thefollowingamountsrelatingtotaxhavebeenrecognizeddirectlyinothercomprehensiveincome:
11Earnings/(loss)pershare
(a) Basic
Basicearnings/(loss)pershareiscalculatedbydividingtheprofit/(loss)fortheyearbytheweightedaveragenumberofordinarysharesinissueduringtheyear.
(b) Diluted
Dilutedearnings/(loss)pershareiscalculatedbyadjustingtheweightedaveragenumberofordinarysharesinissueduringtheyeartoassumeconversionofalldilutivepotentialordinaryshares.TheCompanyhasonecategoryofdilutivepotentialordinaryshares:shareawardspursuanttothe2012EquityIncentivePlan(the"EquityPlan").ShareawardspursuanttotheEquityPlanareassumedtohavebeenconvertedintoordinarysharesatthebeginningofthefinancialyear.
F-28
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Currenttax 16,251 1,466 4USdeferredtax(note25) (1,764) 10,660 4,835UKdeferredtax(note25) (15,168) 8,181 6,574Totaltax(expense)/creditrecognizedinothercomprehensiveincome (681) 20,307 11,413
2017 2016 2015 ClassAordinaryshares(thousands) 40,025 39,890 39,795ClassBordinaryshares(thousands) 124,000 124,000 124,000
164,025 163,890 163,795Profit/(loss)attributabletoownersoftheparent(£'000) 39,177 36,371 (895)Basicearnings/(loss)pershare(pence) 23.88 22.19 (0.55)
2017 2016 2015 ClassAordinaryshares(thousands) 40,025 39,890 39,795AdjustmentforassumedconversionintoClassAordinaryshares(thousands) 468 429 —(1)ClassBordinaryshares(thousands) 124,000 124,000 124,000
164,493 164,319 163,795Profit/(loss)attributabletoownersoftheparent(£'000) 39,177 36,371 (895)Dilutedearnings/(loss)pershare(pence) 23.82 22.13 (0.55)
(1) Fortheyearended30June2015,potentialordinarysharesareanti-dilutive,astheirinclusioninthedilutedlosspersharecalculationwouldreducethelosspershare,andhencehavebeenexcluded.Fortheyearsended30June2017and2016,potentialordinaryshareshavebeentreatedasdilutive,astheirinclusioninthedilutedearningspersharecalculationdecreasesearningspershare.
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
12Dividends
Dividendspaidintheyearwere$29,525,000(2016:$29,501,000;2015:$nil)equivalentto$0.18(2016:$0.18;2015:$nil)pershare.Thepoundssterlingequivalentswere£23,295,000(2016:£20,084,000;2015:£nil)equivalentto£0.14(2016:£0.12;2015:£nil)pershare.
13Property,plantandequipment
FreeholdpropertyprimarilycomprisestheOldTraffordstadiumandtheAonTrainingComplex.
Property,plantandequipmentwithanetbookamountof£199,990,000(2016:£213,200,000)hasbeenpledgedtosecurethesecuredtermloanfacilityandseniorsecurednotesborrowingsoftheGroup(seenote24).
Capitalcommitmentsatthebalancesheetdatearedisclosedinnote29.1.
F-29
Freeholdproperty£'000
Plantandmachinery
£'000
Fixturesandfittings
£'000 Total£'000 At1July2015 Cost 270,047 39,826 40,269 350,142Accumulateddepreciation (40,228) (34,091) (25,197) (99,516)Netbookamount 229,819 5,735 15,072 250,626Yearended30June2016 Openingnetbookamount 229,819 5,735 15,072 250,626Additions 216 418 4,604 5,238Transfers (604) 600 4 —Disposals (19) (133) (31) (183)Depreciationcharge (3,486) (2,379) (4,102) (9,967)Closingnetbookamount 225,926 4,241 15,547 245,714At30June2016 Cost 269,369 36,728 43,809 349,906Accumulateddepreciation (43,443) (32,487) (28,262) (104,192)Netbookamount 225,926 4,241 15,547 245,714Yearended30June2017 Openingnetbookamount 225,926 4,241 15,547 245,714Additions 3 1,578 7,592 9,173Disposals — (7) (36) (43)Depreciationcharge (3,301) (2,427) (4,378) (10,106)Closingnetbookamount 222,628 3,385 18,725 244,738At30June2017 Cost 269,372 34,475 50,236 354,083Accumulateddepreciation (46,744) (31,090) (31,511) (109,345)Netbookamount 222,628 3,385 18,725 244,738
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
14Investmentproperty
Investmentpropertywasexternallyvaluedasof30June2017inaccordancewiththeRoyalInstitutionofCharteredSurveyors("RICS")Valuation—ProfessionalStandards,January2014.Thevaluationsupportedthecarryingamountasof30June2017andconsequentlytherewerenochangestothenetbookvalue.TheexternalvaluationwascarriedoutonthebasisofMarketValue,asdefinedintheRICSValuation—ProfessionalStandards,January2014.Fairvalueofinvestmentpropertyisdeterminedusinginputsthatarenotbasedonobservablemarketdata,consequentlytheassetiscategorizedasLevel3(seenote31.4).Thefairvalueofinvestmentpropertyasof30June2017was£14,868,000(2016:£13,447,000).
ThepropertyrentalrevenueearnedbytheGroupfromitsinvestmentpropertyamountedto£1,260,000(2016:£1,336,000;2015:£1,262,000).Directoperatingexpensesarisingoninvestmentproperty,allofwhichgeneratedrentalincome,intheyearamountedto£679,000(2016:£652,000;2015:£603,000).Thefutureaggregateminimumrentalsreceivableundernon-cancellableoperatingleasesaredisclosedinnote28.2.
Investmentpropertywithanetbookamountof£6,660,000(2016:£6,691,000)hasbeenpledgedtosecurethesecuredbankloanborrowingsoftheGroup(seenote24).
Asof30June2017,theGrouphadnocontractualobligationstopurchase,constructordevelopinvestmentproperty(2016:£nil).Asof30June2017,theGrouphadnomaterialcontractualobligationsforrepairs,maintenanceorenhancementstoinvestmentproperty(2016:notmaterial).
F-30
£'000 At1July2015 Cost 19,128Accumulateddepreciationandimpairment (5,569)Netbookamount 13,559Yearended30June2016 Openingnetbookamount 13,559Depreciationcharge (112)Closingnetbookamount 13,447At30June2016 Cost 19,128Accumulateddepreciationandimpairment (5,681)Netbookamount 13,447Yearended30June2017 Openingnetbookamount 13,447Additions 641Depreciationcharge (122)Closingnetbookamount 13,966At30June2017 Cost 19,769Accumulateddepreciationandimpairment (5,803)Netbookamount 13,966
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
15Intangibleassets
Impairment tests for goodwill
GoodwillaroselargelyinrelationtotheGroup'sacquisitionofManchesterUnitedLimitedin2005.Goodwillisnotsubjecttoamortizationandistestedannuallyforimpairment(normallyattheendofthethirdfiscalquarter)ormorefrequentlyifeventsorchangesincircumstancesindicateapotentialimpairment.
Animpairmenttesthasbeenperformedonthecarryingvalueofgoodwillbasedonvalue-in-usecalculations.Thevalue-in-usecalculationshaveusedpost-taxcashflowprojectionsbasedonthefinancialbudgetsapprovedbymanagementcoveringafiveyearperiod.Thebudgetsarebasedonpastexperienceinrespectofrevenues,variableandfixedcosts,registrationsandothercapitalexpenditureandworkingcapitalassumptions.Foreachaccountingperiod,cashflowsbeyondthefiveyearperiodareextrapolatedusingaterminalgrowthrateof2.5%(2016:2.5%),whichdoesnotexceedthelongtermaveragegrowthratefortheUKeconomyinwhichthecashgeneratingunitoperates.
F-31
Goodwill£'000
Registrations£'000
Other£'000
Total£'000
At1July2015 Cost 421,453 465,830 951 888,234Accumulatedamortization — (227,684) (153) (227,837)Netbookamount 421,453 238,146 798 660,397Yearended30June2016 Openingnetbookamount 421,453 238,146 798 660,397Additions — 167,089 1,815 168,904Disposals — (68,965) — (68,965)Amortizationcharge — (87,853) (156) (88,009)Impairmentcharge(note6) — (6,693) — (6,693)Closingbookamount 421,453 241,724 2,457 665,634At30June2016 Cost 421,453 511,893 2,766 936,112Accumulatedamortization — (270,169) (309) (270,478)Netbookamount 421,453 241,724 2,457 665,634Yearended30June2017 Openingnetbookamount 421,453 241,724 2,457 665,634Additions — 205,091 3,853 208,944Disposals — (37,353) — (37,353)Amortizationcharge — (123,695) (739) (124,434)Reversalofimpairment(note6) — 4,753 — 4,753Closingbookamount 421,453 290,520 5,571 717,544At30June2017 Cost 421,453 645,433 6,619 1,073,505Accumulatedamortization — (354,913) (1,048) (355,961)Netbookamount 421,453 290,520 5,571 717,544
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
15Intangibleassets(Continued)
Theotherkeyassumptionsusedinthevalueinusecalculationsforeachperiodarethepre-taxdiscountrate,whichhasbeendeterminedat8.6%(2016:10.1%)foreachperiod,andcertainassumptionsaroundprogressionindomesticandUEFAcompetitions,andregistrationscapitalexpenditure.
Managementdeterminedbudgetedrevenuegrowthbasedonhistoricalperformanceanditsexpectationsofmarketdevelopment.Thediscountratesarepre-taxandreflectthespecificrisksrelatingtothebusiness.
Thefollowingsensitivityanalysiswasperformed:
• increasethediscountrateby2%(post-tax);
• moreprudentassumptionsaroundqualificationforUEFAcompetitions.
Ineachofthesescenariostheestimatedrecoverableamountsubstantiallyexceedsthecarryingvalueforthecashgeneratingunitandaccordinglynoimpairmentwasidentified.
Havingassessedthefutureanticipatedcashflows,managementbelievesthatanyreasonablypossiblechangesinkeyassumptionswouldnotresultinanimpairmentofgoodwill.
Registrations
Theunamortizedbalanceofexistingregistrationsasof30June2017was£290.5million,ofwhich£125.3millionisexpectedtobeamortizedintheyearended30June2018.Theremainingbalanceisexpectedtobeamortizedoverthethreeyearsto30June2021.Thisdoesnottakeintoaccountplayeradditionsafter30June2017,whichwouldhavetheeffectofincreasingtheamortizationexpenseinfutureperiods,nordoesitconsiderdisposalssubsequentto30June2017,whichwouldhavetheeffectofdecreasingfutureamortizationcharges.Furthermore,anycontractrenegotiationswouldalsoimpactfuturecharges.
Other intangible assets
Otherintangibleassetsincludeinternallygeneratedassetswhosecostandaccumulatedamortizationasof30June2017was£1,026,000and£nilrespectively(2016:£585,000and£nilrespectively).
Capitalcommitmentsatthebalancesheetdatearedisclosedinnote29.1.
16Inventories
Thecostofinventoriesrecognizedasanexpenseandincludedinoperatingexpensesfortheyearamountedto£8,598,000(2016:£7,228,000;2015:£nil).
Reversal/write-downofinventoriestonetrealizablevalueamountedtoareversalof£173,000(2016:write-downof£177,000;2015:£nil).Thesewererecognizedasacredit(reversal)orexpense(write-down)duringtheyearandincludedinoperatingexpenses.
F-32
2017£'000
2016£'000
Finishedgoods 1,637 926
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
17Financialinstrumentsbycategory
TheGroup'sexposuretovariousrisksassociatedwiththefinancialinstrumentsisdiscussedinnote31.Themaximumexposuretocreditriskattheendofthereportingperiodisthecarryingamountofeachclassoffinancialassetsmentionedabove.
F-33
Note 2017£'000
2016£'000
Assetsasperbalancesheet Atfairvaluethroughprofitandloss: Derivativefinancialinstruments 18 4,884 11,648Loansandreceivables: Tradeandotherreceivablesexcludingprepayments(1) 19 105,631 127,275Cashandcashequivalents 20 290,267 229,194
400,782 368,117Liabilitiesasperbalancesheet Derivativesusedforhedging: Derivativefinancialinstruments 18 655 9,710Atfairvaluethroughprofitandloss: Derivativefinancialinstruments 18 1,253 3,727Otherfinancialliabilitiesatamortizedcost: Tradeandotherpayablesexcludingsocialsecurityandothertaxes(2) 23 255,779 225,354Borrowings 24 503,354 490,092
761,041 728,883
(1) Prepaymentsareexcludedfromthetradeandotherreceivablesbalance,asthisanalysisisrequiredonlyforfinancialinstruments.
(2) Socialsecurityandothertaxesareexcludedfromthetradeandotherpayablesbalance,asthisanalysisisrequiredonlyforfinancialinstruments.
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
18Derivativefinancialinstruments
Theineffectiveportionrecognizedinprofitorlossthatarisesfromcashflowhedgesamountsto£nil(2016:£nil).
Furtherdetailsofderivativefinancialinstrumentsareprovidedinnote31.
19Tradeandotherreceivables
Nettradereceivablesincludetransferfeesreceivablefromotherfootballclubsof£46,343,000(2016:£46,646,000)ofwhich£15,399,000(2016:£11,223,000)isreceivableaftermorethanoneyear.Nettradereceivablesalsoinclude£26,241,000(2016:£54,860,000)ofdeferredrevenuethatis
F-34
2017 2016
Assets£'000
Liabilities£'000
Assets£'000
Liabilities£'000
Derivativesusedforhedging: Interestrateswaps — (655) — (9,710)Derivativesatfairvaluethroughprofitorloss: Embeddedforeignexchangederivatives 1,714 — 5,248 —Forwardforeignexchangecontracts 3,170 (1,253) 6,400 (3,727)
4,884 (1,908) 11,648 (13,437)Lessnon-currentportion: Derivativesusedforhedging: Interestrateswaps — (655) — (9,710)Derivativesatfairvaluethroughprofitorloss: Embeddedforeignexchangederivatives 855 — 3,052 —Forwardforeignexchangecontracts 811 — 708 (927)Non-currentderivativefinancialinstruments 1,666 (655) 3,760 (10,637)Currentderivativefinancialinstruments 3,218 (1,253) 7,888 (2,800)
2017£'000
2016£'000
Tradereceivables 90,719 116,242Less:provisionforimpairmentoftradereceivables (14,113) (6,451)Nettradereceivables 76,606 109,791Otherreceivables 270 927Accruedrevenue 28,755 16,557
105,631 127,275Prepayments 13,500 12,605
119,131 139,880Less:non-currentportion: Tradereceivables 15,399 11,223Non-currenttradeandotherreceivables 15,399 11,223Currenttradeandotherreceivables 103,732 128,657
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
19Tradeandotherreceivables(Continued)
contractuallypayabletotheGroup,butrecordedinadvanceoftheearningsprocess,withcorrespondingamountsrecordedasdeferredrevenueliabilities.
Informationabouttheimpairmentoftradeandotherreceivables,theircreditqualityandtheGroup'sexposuretoforeigncurrencyrisk,interestrateriskandcreditriskcanbefoundinnote31.
Thefairvalueofnettradereceivablesasat30June2017was£77,351,000(2016:£110,085,000)beforediscountingofcashflows.Thefairvalueofotherreceivablesisnotmateriallydifferenttotheircarryingamount.
20Cashandcashequivalents
Cashandcashequivalentsforthepurposesoftheconsolidatedstatementofcashflowsareasabove.
21Sharecapital
TheCompanyhastwoclassesofordinarysharesoutstanding:ClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinaryshares,eachwithaparvalueof$0.0005pershare.TherightsoftheholdersofClassAordinarysharesandClassBordinarysharesareidentical,exceptwithrespecttovotingandconversion.EachClassAordinaryshareisentitledtoonevotepershareandisnotconvertibleintoanyothershares.EachClassBordinaryshareisentitledto10votespershareandisconvertibleintooneClassAordinaryshareatanytime.Inaddition,ClassBordinaryshareswillautomaticallyconvertintoClassAordinarysharesuponcertaintransfersandotherevents,includinguponthedatewhenholdersofallClassBordinarysharesceasetoholdClassBordinarysharesrepresenting,intheaggregate,atleast10%ofthetotalnumberofClassAandClassBordinarysharesoutstanding.Forspecialresolutions(whicharerequiredforcertainimportantmattersincludingmergersandchangestotheCompany'sgoverningdocuments),whichrequirethevoteoftwo-thirdsofthevotescast,atanytimethatClassBordinarysharesremainoutstanding,thevotingpowerpermittedtobeexercisedbytheholdersoftheClassBordinaryshareswillbeweightedsuchthattheClassBordinarysharesshallrepresent,intheaggregate,67%ofthevotingpowerofallshareholders.AllsharesissuedbytheCompanyarefullypaid.
Asof30June2017,theCompany'sissuedsharecapitalcomprised40,194,754ClassAordinarysharesand124,000,000ClassBordinaryshares.
F-35
2017£'000
2016£'000
Cashatbankandinhand 290,267 229,194
Numberofshares
(thousands)
Ordinaryshares£'000
At1July2015 163,873 52Employeeshare-basedcompensationawards—issueofshares 152 —At30June2016 164,025 52Employeeshare-basedcompensationawards—issueofshares 170 1At30June2017 164,195 53
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
22Share-basedpayments
TheCompanyoperatesashare-basedawardplan,the2012EquityIncentiveAwardPlan(the"EquityPlan"),establishedin2012.UndertheEquityPlan,16,000,000sharesofourClassAordinaryshareshaveinitiallybeenreservedforissuancepursuanttoavarietyofshare-basedawards,includingshareoptions,shareappreciationrights,orSARs,restrictedshareawards,restrictedshareunitawards,deferredshareawards,deferredshareunitawards,dividendequivalentawards,sharepaymentawardsandothershare-basedawards.Ofthesereservedshares,15,234,579remainavailableforissuance.
Certaindirectors,membersofexecutivemanagementandselectedemployeeshavebeenawardedClassAordinaryshares,pursuanttotheEquityPlan.Thesesharesaresubjecttovaryingvestingschedulesovermulti-yearperiods.Employeesarenotentitledtodividendsuntiltheawardsvest.Thefairvalueoftheseshareswasthequotedmarketpriceonthedateofaward,adjustedwhereapplicableforexpecteddividendsi.e.thefairvalueoftheawardswasreduced.Itisassumedthatsemi-annualdividendswillbepaidfortheforeseeablefuture.TheCompanymaychoosewhethertosettletheawardswhollyinsharesorreducethenumberofsharesawardedbyavalueequaltotherecipient'sliabilitytoanyincometaxandsocialsecuritycontributionsthatwouldariseifallthesharesduetovesthadvested.Accordinglytheawardsmaybeeitherequity-settledorcash-settled.
Movementsinthenumberofshareawardsoutstandingandthereforepotentiallyissuableasnewsharesareasfollows:
Thefairvalueofthesharesawardedduringtheyearwas$16.02(£12.35)pershare.
Fortheyearended30June2017theGrouprecognizedtotalexpensesrelatedtoequity-settledshare-basedpaymenttransactionsof£2,187,000(2016:£1,795,000;2015:£1,352,000)andtotalexpensesrelatedtocash-settledshare-basedpaymenttransactionsof£1,903,000(2016:£1,539,000;2015:£1,239,000).
F-36
NumberofClassAordinaryshares
At1July2016 293,575Awarded 188,677Forfeited (16,863)Vested (169,476)At30June2017 295,913
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
23Tradeandotherpayables
Tradepayablesincludetransferfeesandotherassociatedcostsinrelationtotheacquisitionofregistrationsof£179,133,000(2016:£156,292,000)ofwhich£82,866,000(2016:£40,304,000)isdueaftermorethanoneyear.Oftheamountdueaftermorethanoneyear,£76,821,000(2016:£20,048,000)isexpectedtobepaidbetween1and2years,andthebalanceof£6,045,000(2016:£20,256,000)isexpectedtobepaidbetween2and5years.
Accruedexpensesinclude£3,274,000(2016:£2,677,000)relatedtoshare-basedpaymenttransactionsexpectedtobecash-settled.
Thefairvalueoftradepayablesasat30June2017was£194,052,000(2016:£169,106,000)beforediscountingofcashflows.Thefairvalueofotherpayablesisnotmateriallydifferenttotheircarryingamount.
24Borrowings
F-37
2017£'000
2016£'000
Tradepayables 191,359 167,733Otherpayables 3,258 2,865Accruedexpenses 61,162 54,756
255,779 225,354Socialsecurityandothertaxes 18,123 15,764
273,902 241,118Less:non-currentportion: Tradepayables 82,866 40,304Otherpayables 721 1,146Non-currenttradeandotherpayables 83,587 41,450Currenttradeandotherpayables 190,315 199,668
2017£'000
2016£'000
Seniorsecurednotes 323,113 314,341Securedtermloanfacility 170,767 166,018Securedbankloan 4,169 4,564Accruedinterestonseniorsecurednotes 5,305 5,169
503,354 490,092Less:non-currentportion: Seniorsecurednotes 323,113 314,341Securedtermloanfacility 170,767 166,018Securedbankloan 3,750 4,169Non-currentborrowings 497,630 484,528Currentborrowings 5,724 5,564
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
24Borrowings(Continued)
Theseniorsecurednotesof£323,113,000(2016:£314,341,000)isstatednetofunamortizedissuecostsamountingto£4,112,000(2016:£4,441,000).Theoutstandingprincipalamountoftheseniorsecurednotesis$425,000,000(2016:$425,000,000).Theseniorsecurednoteshaveafixedcouponrateof3.79%perannumandinterestispaidsemi-annually.Theseniorsecurednotesmatureon25June2027.
TheGrouphastheoptiontoredeemtheseniorsecurednotesinpart,inanamountnotlessthan5%oftheaggregateprincipalamountoftheseniorsecurednotesthenoutstanding,orinfull,atanytimeat100%oftheprincipalamountplusa"make-whole"premiumofanamountequaltothediscountedvalue(basedontheUSTreasuryrate)oftheremaininginterestpaymentsdueontheseniorsecurednotesupto25June2027.
TheseniorsecurednoteswereissuedbyMUFinanceplc,andareguaranteedbyRedFootballLimited,RedFootballJuniorLimited,ManchesterUnitedLimited,andManchesterUnitedFootballClubLimitedandaresecuredagainstsubstantiallyalloftheassetsofthoseentitiesandMUFinanceplc.Theseentitiesarewhollyownedsubsidiaries.
Thesecuredtermloanfacilityof£170,767,000(2016:£166,018,000)isstatednetofunamortizedissuecostsamountingto£2,470,000(2016:£2,749,000).Theoutstandingprincipalamountofthesecuredtermloanfacilityis$225,000,000(2016:$225,000,000).ThesecuredtermloanfacilityattractsinterestofUSdollarLIBORplusanapplicablemarginofbetween1.25%and1.75%perannumandinterestispaidmonthly.Theremainingbalanceofthesecuredtermloanfacilityisrepayableon26June2025,althoughtheGrouphastheoptiontorepaythesecuredtermloanfacilityatanytime.
ThesecuredtermloanfacilitywasprovidedtoMUFinanceplc,andisguaranteedbyRedFootballLimited,RedFootballJuniorLimited,ManchesterUnitedLimited,ManchesterUnitedFootballClubLimitedandMUFinanceplcandissecuredagainstsubstantiallyalloftheassetsofeachofthoseentities.Theseentitiesarewhollyownedsubsidiaries.
Thesecuredbankloanof£4,169,000(2016:£4,564,000)comprisesabankloanwithinAlderleyUrbanInvestmentsLimited,asubsidiaryofManchesterUnitedLimited,thatattractsinterestofLIBOR+1%perannum.£525,000(2016:£920,000)isrepayableinquarterlyinstallmentsthroughtoJuly2018,withtheremainingbalanceof£3,644,000(2016:£3,644,000)beingre-payableatparon9July2018.TheloanissecuredbywayofafirstlegalchargeoveraGroupinvestmentproperty,knownastheManchesterInternationalFreightTerminal,andtheloanisalsoguaranteedbyManchesterUnitedLimited.
TheGroupalsohasanundrawncommittedborrowingfacilityofupto£125,000,000plus(subjecttocertainconditions)theabilitytoincurafurther£25,000,000bywayofincrementalfacilities.Thefacilityterminateson26June2021(althoughitmaybepossibleforanyincrementalfacilitiestoterminateaftersuchdate).DrawdownswouldattractinterestofLIBORorEURIBORplusanapplicablemarginofbetween1.25%and1.75%perannum(dependingonthetotalnetleverageratioatthattime).Nodrawdownsweremadefromthesefacilitiesduring2017or2016.
TheGroup'srevolvingfacility,thesecuredtermloanfacilityandthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednoteseachcontaincertaincovenants,includingafinancialmaintenancecovenantthatrequirestheGrouptomaintainaconsolidatedprofit/lossfortheperiodbeforedepreciation,amortizationof,andprofitondisposalof,registrations,exceptionalitems,netfinancecostsandtax("EBITDA")ofnotlessthan£65millionforeach12monthtestingperiod,aswellascustomarycovenants,including(butnotlimitedto)restrictionsonincurringadditionalindebtedness;
F-38
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
24Borrowings(Continued)
payingdividendsormakingotherdistributions,repurchasingorredeemingourcapitalstockormakingotherrestrictedpayments;sellingassets,includingcapitalstockofrestrictedsubsidiaries;enteringintoagreementsthatrestrictdistributionsofrestrictedsubsidiaries;consolidating,merging,sellingorotherwisedisposingofallorsubstantiallyallassets;enteringintosaleandleasebacktransactions;enteringintotransactionswithaffiliates;andincurringliens.Asof30June2017,theGroupwasincompliancewithallcovenantsunderitsrevolvingfacility,thesecuredtermloanfacilityandthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednotes.
Analysisofchangesinnetdebt
Netdebtisdefinedasnon-currentandcurrentborrowingsminuscashandcashequivalents.NetdebtisafinancialperformanceindicatorthatisusedbytheGroup'smanagementtomonitorliquidityrisk.TheGroupbelievesthatnetdebtismeaningfulforinvestorsasitprovidesaclearoverviewofthenetindebtednesspositionoftheGroupandisusedbytheChiefOperatingDecisionMakerinmanagingthebusiness.
ThefollowingtablesprovideareconciliationofthemovementintheGroup'snetdebt.
Non-cashmovementslargelycompriseaforeignexchangelossarisingontranslationoftheUSdollardenominatedsecuredtermloanfacilityandseniorsecurednotes,amortizationofdebtissuecostsandthemovementonaccruedinterestonseniorsecurednotes,partiallyoffsetbyaforeignexchangegainarisingontranslationofforeigncurrencydenominatedcashandcashequivalents.
Non-cashmovementslargelycompriseaforeignexchangelossarisingontranslationoftheUSdollardenominatedsecuredtermloanfacilityandseniorsecurednotes,amortizationofdebtissuecosts,andthemovementonaccruedinterestonseniorsecurednotes,partiallyoffsetbyaforeignexchangegainarisingontranslationofforeigncurrencydenominatedcashandcashequivalents.
F-39
At1July2016£'000
Cashflows£'000
Non-cashmovements
£'000
At30June2017£'000
Non-currentborrowings 484,528 — 13,102 497,630Currentborrowings 5,564 (16,660) 16,820 5,724Less:cashandcashequivalents (229,194) (53,002) (8,071) (290,267)
260,898 (69,662) 21,851 213,087
At1July2015£'000
Cashflows£'000
Non-cashmovements
£'000
At30June2016£'000
Non-currentborrowings 410,482 — 74,046 484,528Currentborrowings 485 (12,622) 17,701 5,564Less:cashandcashequivalents (155,752) (60,817) (12,625) (229,194)
255,215 (73,439) 79,122 260,898
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
25Deferredtax
DeferredtaxassetsanddeferredtaxliabilitiesareoffsetwheretheGrouphasalegallyenforceablerighttodoso.Thefollowingistheanalysisofthedeferredtaxbalances(afterallowableoffset):
Themovementindeferredtaxassetsanddeferredtaxliabilitiesduringtheyearisasfollows:
ThemovementinUSnetdeferredtaxassetsareasfollows:
Deferredtaxassetsarerecognizedonlytotheextentthatitisprobablethattheywillbeavailableforuseagainstfutureprofitsandthattherewillbesufficientfuturetaxableprofitavailableagainstwhichtemporarydifferencescanbeutilized.At30June2017,thecurrentforecastsindicatethatthe
F-40
2017£'000
2016£'000
USdeferredtaxassets (142,107) (145,460)UKdeferredtaxliabilities 20,828 14,364At30June (121,279) (131,096)
2017£'000
2016£'000
At1July (131,096) (116,329)(Credited)/expensedtoincomestatement(note10) (7,115) 4,074Expensed/(credited)toothercomprehensiveincome 16,932 (18,841)At30June (121,279) (131,096)
Foreigntaxcredits
£'000
Netoperatinglosses£'000
Unrealizedforeignexchange
andderivativemovements
£'000
Intangibleassets£'000
Deferredrevenue£'000
Other(1)£'000
Total£'000
At1July2015 (22,592) (35,117) (55) (69,355) (5,163) (1,358) (133,640)(Credited)/expensedtoincomestatement(note10) (13,834) 13,459 (7,473) 8,764 — (2,076) (1,160)
Expensed/(credited)toothercomprehensiveincome(note10) 9,650 — (20,310) — — — (10,660)
At30June2016 (26,776) (21,658) (27,838) (60,591) (5,163) (3,434) (145,460)(Credited)/expensedtoincomestatement(note10) (14,354) 20,588 (5,702) 13,344 (10,296) (1,991) 1,589
Expensedtoothercomprehensiveincome(note10) 1,083 — 681 — — — 1,764
At30June2017 (40,047) (1,070) (32,859) (47,247) (15,459) (5,425) (142,107)
(1) The"Other"deferredtaxassetbalanceof£5,425,000primarilycomprisesbaddebtprovisionnotalloweduntilwrittenoffof£4,597,000,bonusprovisionsnotalloweduntilpaidof£3,890,000,andupwardsrevaluationoftaxbasesofrealestateatthetimeoftheIPOin2012of£4,892,000,partiallyoffsetbytemporarydifferencesarisingondepreciationof£10,887,000.
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
25Deferredtax(Continued)
GroupwillutilizeUSforeigntaxcredits,netoperatinglossesandothertemporarydifferencesandaccordingly,theassociateddeferredtaxbalanceshaverecognized.USnetoperatinglossescanbecarriedforwarduptotwentyyearsandwillfullyexpireiftheyarenotutilizedbeforehand.USforeigntaxcreditscanbecarriedforwarduptotenyearsfromthedatewhentheycrystalliseandoffsetagainstfutureUStaxableprofits.
ThemovementinUKnetdeferredtaxliabilitiesareasfollows:
Deferredtaxassetsarerecognizedonlossescarriedforwardonlytotheextentthatitisprobablethattheywillbeavailableforuseagainstfutureprofitsandthattherewillbesufficientfuturetaxableprofitavailableagainstwhichthetemporarydifferencescanbeutilised.At30June2017theGrouphadnounrecognizeddeferredtaxassets(2016:£nil).
F-41
Acceleratedtax
depreciation£'000
Rolledovergainonplayerdisposal£'000
Nonqualifyingproperty£'000
Propertyfairvalueadjustment
£'000
Netoperatinglosses£'000
Other(1)£'000
Total£'000
At1July2015 (981) 2,932 14,224 16,766 (5,883) (9,747) 17,311Expensed/(credited)toincomestatement(note10) 1,665 326 (1,619) (1,937) 4,088 2,711 5,234
Creditedtoothercomprehensiveincome(note10) — — — — — (8,181) (8,181)
At30June2016 684 3,258 12,605 14,829 (1,795) (15,217) 14,364(Credited)/expensedtoincomestatement(note10) 152 1,918 (704) (1,253) 1,768 (10,585) (8,704)
Expensedtoothercomprehensiveincome(note10) — — — — — 15,168 15,168
At30June2017 836 5,176 11,901 13,576 (27) (10,634) 20,828
(1) The"Other"deferredtaxassetbalanceof£10,634,000primarilycompriseslossescarriedforwardarisingfromUKtaxlegislationintroducedduringtheyearended30June2017.
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
26Cashgeneratedfromoperations
27Contingencies
At30June2017,theGrouphadnomaterialcontingentliabilitiesinrespectoflegalclaimsarisingintheordinarycourseofbusiness.Contingentfeesaredisclosedinnote29.2.
28Operatingleasearrangements
28.1Thegroupaslessee
TheGroupleasesvariouspremisesandplantandequipmentundernon-cancellableoperatingleaseagreements.Themajorityoftheleaseagreementsarerenewableattheendoftheleaseperiodatmarketrate.Theleaseexpenditurechargedtotheincomestatementduringtheyearisdisclosedin
F-42
Notes 2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Profit/(loss)beforetax 56,538 48,833 (3,567)Adjustmentsfor: Depreciation 13,14 10,228 10,079 10,324Impairment(reversal)/charge 6 (4,753) 6,693 —Amortization 15 124,434 88,009 99,687(Profit)/lossondisposalofintangibleassets (10,926) 9,786 (23,649)Netfinancecosts 24,277 20,017 35,215Lossondisposalofproperty,plantandequipment 43 126 5Equity-settledshare-basedpayments 22 2,187 1,795 1,352Foreignexchangelosses/(gains)onoperatingactivities 2,646 (7,660) 4,914Reclassifiedfromhedgingreserve 4,765 1,382 (4,713)Changesinworkingcapital: Inventories (711) (926) —Tradeandotherreceivables(1) 17,525 (31,741) 58,503Tradeandotherpayablesanddeferredrevenue(1) 25,506 54,471 16,950
Cashgeneratedfromoperations 251,759 200,864 195,021
(1) Theseamountsexcludenon-cashmovementsandmovementsinrespectofitemsreportedelsewhereintheconsolidatedstatementofcashflows,primarilyininvestingactivities(wherethetimingofacquisitionsanddisposalsandrelatedcashflowscandiffer),resultingin:
• areductioninchangestotradeandotherreceivablesof£3,224,000(2016:£20,676,000;2015:£20,806,000);and
• areductioninchangestotradeandotherpayablesanddeferredrevenueof£26,428,000(2016:£26,838,000;2015:£29,662,000).
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
28Operatingleasearrangements(Continued)
note5.Thefutureaggregateminimumleasepaymentsundernon-cancellableoperatingleasesareasfollows:
28.2Thegroupaslessor
TheGroupleasesoutitsinvestmentproperties.Thefutureaggregateminimumrentalsreceivableundernon-cancellableoperatingleasesareasfollows:
29Capitalcommitmentsandcontingentfees
29.1Capitalcommitments
Asof30June2017,theGrouphadcapitalcommitmentsrelatingtoproperty,plantandequipmentamountingto£6.8million(2016:£5.4million)andtootherintangibleassetsamountingto£nil(2016:£nil).
29.2Contingentfees
Underthetermsofcertaincontractswithotherfootballclubsandagentsinrespectofplayertransfers,additionalamounts,inexcessoftheamountsincludedinthecostofregistrations,wouldbepayablebytheGroupifcertainsubstantiveperformanceconditionsaremet.TheseexcessamountsareonlyrecognizedwithinthecostofregistrationswhentheCompanyconsidersthatitisprobablethattheconditionrelatedtothepaymentwillbeachieved.Themaximumadditionalamountsthatcouldbepayableis£44,633,000(2016:£41,582,000).Nomaterialadjustmentwasrequiredtotheamountsincludedinthecostofregistrationsduringtheyear(2016:nomaterialadjustments)andconsequentlytherewasnomaterialimpactontheamortizationofregistrationchargesintheincomestatement
F-43
2017£'000
2016£'000
Nolaterthan1year 2,256 2,635Laterthan1yearandnolaterthan5years 4,557 4,688Laterthan5years 3,968 4,028
10,781 11,351
2017£'000
2016£'000
Nolaterthan1year 1,257 1,434Laterthan1yearandnolaterthan5years 4,617 2,641Laterthan5years 9,929 9,953
15,803 14,028
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
29Capitalcommitmentsandcontingentfees(Continued)
(2016:nomaterialimpact).Asof30June2017thepotentialamountpayablebytypeofconditionandcategoryofplayerwas:
Asof30June2016thepotentialamountpayablebytypeofconditionandcategoryofplayerwas:
Similarly,underthetermsofcontractswithotherfootballclubsforplayertransfers,additionalamountswouldbepayabletotheGroupifcertainspecificperformanceconditionsaremet.Inaccordancewiththerecognitioncriteriaforcontingentassets,suchamountsareonlydisclosedbytheGroupwhenprobableandrecognizedwhenvirtuallycertain.Asof30June2017,theamountofsuchreceiptconsideredtobeprobablewas£0.8million(2016:£1.6million).
30Pensionarrangements
30.1Definedbenefitscheme
TheGroupparticipatesintheFootballLeaguePensionandLifeAssuranceScheme('theScheme').TheSchemeisafundedmulti-employerdefinedbenefitscheme,with92participatingemployers,andwheremembersmayhaveperiodsofserviceattributabletoseveralparticipatingemployers.TheGroupisunabletoidentifyitsshareoftheassetsandliabilitiesoftheSchemeandthereforeaccountsforitscontributionsasiftheywerepaidtoadefinedcontributionscheme.TheGrouphasreceivedconfirmationthattheassetsandliabilitiesoftheSchemecannotbesplitbetweentheparticipatingemployers.TheGroupisadvisedonlyoftheadditionalcontributionsitisrequiredtopaytomakegoodthedeficit.ThesecontributionscouldincreaseinthefutureifoneormoreoftheparticipatingemployersexitstheScheme.
ThelasttriennialactuarialvaluationoftheSchemewascarriedoutat31August2014wherethetotaldeficitontheongoingvaluationbasiswas£21.8million.TheaccrualofbenefitsceasedwithintheSchemeon31August1999,thereforetherearenocontributionsrelatingtocurrentaccrual.TheGrouppaysmonthlycontributionsbasedonanotionalsplitofthetotalexpensesanddeficitcontributionsoftheScheme.
F-44
Firstteamsquad£'000
Other£'000
Total£'000
Typeofcondition: MUFCappearances/teamsuccess/newcontract 26,845 6,453 33,298Internationalappearances 11,288 47 11,335
38,133 6,500 44,633
Firstteamsquad£'000
Other£'000
Total£'000
Typeofcondition: MUFCappearances/teamsuccess/newcontract 26,133 4,462 30,595Internationalappearances 10,827 160 10,987
36,960 4,622 41,582
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
30Pensionarrangements(Continued)
Achargeof£nil(2016:£nil;2015:£1,247,000)hasbeenmadetotheincomestatementduringtheyear,representingthepresentvalueoftheadditionalcontributionstheGroupisexpectedtopaytoremedythereviseddeficitoftheScheme.
TheGroupcurrentlypaystotalcontributionsof£437,000perannumand,basedontheactuarialvaluationassumptions,willbesufficienttopayoffthedeficitby28February2020.
Asof30June2017,thepresentvalueoftheGroup'soutstandingcontributions(i.e.itsfutureliability)is£1,146,000(2016:£1,566,000).Thisamountsto£425,000(2016:£420,000)duewithinoneyearand£721,000(2016:£1,146,000)dueaftermorethanoneyearandisincludedwithinotherpayables.
ThefundingobjectiveoftheTrusteesoftheSchemeistohavesufficientassetstomeettheTechnicalProvisionsoftheScheme.Inordertoremovethedeficitrevealedatthepreviousactuarialvaluation(dated31August2014),deficitcontributionsarepayablebyallparticipatingclubs.Paymentsaremadeinaccordancewithapensioncontributionschedule.AstheSchemeisclosedtoaccrual,therearenoadditionalcostsassociatedwiththeaccruingofmembers'futurebenefits.InthecaseofaclubbeingrelegatedfromtheFootballLeagueandbeingunabletosettleitsdebtthentheremainingclubsmay,inexceptionalcircumstances,havetosharethedeficit.
Uponthewind-upoftheSchemewithasurplus,anysurpluswillbeusedtoaugmentbenefits.Underthemorelikelyscenariooftherebeingadeficit,thiswillbesplitamongsttheclubsinlinewiththeircontributionschedule.ShouldanindividualclubchoosetoleavetheScheme,theywouldberequiredtopaytheirshareofthedeficitbasedonaproxybuyoutbasis(i.e.valuingthebenefitsonabasisconsistentwithbuyingoutthebenefitswithaninsurancecompany).
30.2Definedcontributionschemes
Contributionsmadetodefinedcontributionpensionarrangementsarechargedtotheincomestatementintheperiodinwhichtheybecomepayableandfortheyearended30June2017amountedto£2,435,000(2016:£2,427,000;2015:£2,464,000).Asat30June2017,contributionsof£284,000(2016:£247,000)dueinrespectofthecurrentreportingperiodhadnotbeenpaidovertothepensionschemes.
TheassetsofallpensionschemestowhichtheGroupcontributesareheldseparatelyfromtheGroupinindependentlyadministeredfunds.
31Financialriskmanagement
31.1Financialriskfactors
TheGroup'sactivitiesexposeittoavarietyoffinancialrisks:marketrisk(includingcurrencyriskandinterestraterisk),creditriskandliquidityrisk.TheGroup'soverallriskmanagementprogramfocusesontheunpredictabilityoffinancialmarketsandseekstominimisepotentialadverseeffectsontheGroup'sfinancialperformance.TheGroupusesderivativefinancialinstrumentstohedgecertainriskexposures.
Thepolicyforeachoftheaboverisksisdescribedinmoredetailbelow.
F-45
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
31Financialriskmanagement(Continued)
a) Market risk
(i) Currency risk
TheGroupisexposedtothefollowingcurrencyrisks:
• SignificantrevenuereceivedinEurosprimarilyasaresultofparticipationinUEFAcompetitions.Duringtheyearended30June2017theGroupreceivedatotalof€47.2millionofrevenuedenominatedinEuros(2016:€48.1million;2015:€6.2million).TheGroupseekstohedgethemajorityofthecurrencyriskofthisrevenueeitherbyusingcontractedfuturecurrencyexpensesorbyplacingforwardcontracts,atthepointatwhichitbecomesreasonablycertainthatitwillreceivetherevenue.
• SignificantamountofcommercialrevenuedenominatedinUSdollars.Duringtheyearended30June2017theGrouprecognizedatotalof$157.9millionofrevenuedenominatedinUSdollars(2016:$182.6million;2015:$189.2million).ThecurrencyriskontheseUSdollarrevenuesishedgedtotheextentpossible(seenote31.2below).
• RisksarisingfromtheUSdollardenominatedsecuredtermloanfacilityandseniorsecurednotes(seenote24).At30June2017thesecuredtermloanfacilityandseniorsecurednotesincludedprincipalamountsof$650,000,000(2016:$650,000,000)denominatedinUSdollars.ThecurrencyriskontheseUSdollarborrowings(netoftheGroup'sUSdollarcashbalances)ishedgedtotheextentpossible(seenote31.2below).InterestispaidontheseborrowingsinUSdollars.
• Paymentsandreceiptsoftransferfeesmayalsogiverisetoforeigncurrencyexposures.DuetothenatureofplayertransferstheGroupmaynotalwaysbeabletopredictsuchcashflowsuntilthetransferhastakenplace.WherepossibleanddependingonthepaymentprofileoftransferfeespayableandreceivabletheGroupwillseektohedgefuturepaymentsandreceiptsatthepointitbecomesreasonablycertainthatthepaymentswillbemadeortheincomewillbereceived.Whenhedgingincometobereceived,theGroupalsotakesaccountofthecreditriskofthecounterparty.
• RisksarisingfromUSdollardenominateddeferredtaxassetsinrespectofnetoperatinglosses.At30June2017thecarryingvalueoftheseassetswas$4,632,000(2016:$88,014,000).
ItisthepolicyoftheGrouptoenterintoforwardforeignexchangecontractstocoverspecificforeigncurrencypaymentsandreceipts.Thefollowingtabledetailstheforwardforeigncurrencycontractsoutstandingatthebalancesheetdate:
F-46
2017 2016
Averageexchange
rate
Foreigncurrency€'000
Notionalvalue£'000
Fairvalue£'000
Averageexchange
rate
Foreigncurrency€'000
Notionalvalue£'000
Fairvalue£'000
BuyEuro 1.1647 (115,283) (98,980) 3,170 1.3122 (83,667) (63,758) 6,400SellEuro 1.3262 10,000 7,540 (1,253) 1.3426 39,000 29,048 (3,727)
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
31Financialriskmanagement(Continued)
ThecarryingamountsoftheGroup'smaterialforeigncurrencydenominatedmonetaryassetsandmonetaryliabilitiesareasfollows:
At30June2017:
• ifpoundssterlinghadstrengthenedby10%againsttheEuro,withallothervariablesheldconstant,equityandpost-taxprofitfortheyearwouldhavebeen£6.0millionhigher(2016:£2.0millionhigher).
• ifpoundssterlinghadweakenedby10%againsttheEuro,withallothervariablesheldconstant,equityandpost-taxprofitfortheyearwouldhavebeen£7.3millionlower(2016:£2.4millionlower).
• ifpoundssterlinghadstrengthenedby10%againsttheUSdollar,withallothervariablesheldconstant,equityandpost-taxprofitfortheyearwouldhavebeen£18.6millionhigher(2016:£27.0millionhigher).
• ifpoundssterlinghadweakenedby10%againsttheUSdollar,withallothervariablesheldconstant,equityandpost-taxprofitfortheyearwouldhavebeen£22.8millionlower(2016:£33.0millionlower).
TheGroupalsohasanumberofembeddedforeignexchangederivativesinhostCommercialrevenuecontracts.Thesearerecognizedseparatelyinthefinancialstatementsatfairvaluesincetheyarenotcloselyrelatedtothehostcontract.Asof30June2017thefairvalueofsuchderivativeswasanetassetof£1,714,000(2016:£5,248,000).
(ii) Interest rate risk
TheGrouphasnosignificantinterestbearingassetsotherthancashondepositwhichattractsinterestatasmallmarginaboveUKbaserates.
TheGroup'sinterestrateriskarisesfromitsborrowings.BorrowingsissuedatvariableinterestratesexposetheGrouptocashflowinterestraterisk.BorrowingsissuedatfixedratesexposetheGrouptofairvalueinterestraterisk.TheGroup'sborrowingsaredenominatedinUSdollarandpoundssterling.FulldetailsoftheGroup'sborrowingsandassociatedinterestratescanbefoundinnote24.
TheGroupmanagesitscashflowinterestrateriskwhereappropriateusinginterestrateswapsatcontractlengthsbroadlyconsistentwiththerepaymentscheduleoftheborrowings.Suchinterestrateswapshavetheeconomiceffectofconvertingborrowingsfromfloatingratestofixedrates.Consequently,theimpactonequityandpost-taxprofitofa1.0%shiftininterestrateswouldnotbematerialtoanyperiodspresented.Detailsoftheinterestrateswapscommittedtoatthebalancesheetdateareprovidedinnote31.2below.
F-47
2017 2016
Euro€'000
USDollar$'000
Euro€'000
USDollar$'000
Monetaryassets 70,457 244,826 116,596 265,565Monetaryliabilities (185,960) (654,507) (142,406) (661,324)
(115,503) (409,681) (25,810) (395,759)
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
31Financialriskmanagement(Continued)
b) Credit risk
CreditriskismanagedonaGroupbasisandarisesfromfavorablederivativefinancialinstruments,tradeandotherreceivables(excludingprepayments)andcashandcashequivalents.Managementdoesnotexpectanymateriallossesfromnon-performancebythesecounterparties.
AsubstantialmajorityoftheGroup'sBroadcastingrevenueisderivedfrommediacontractsnegotiatedbythePremierLeagueandUEFAwithmediadistributors,andalthoughthePremierLeagueobtainsguaranteestosupportcertainofitsmediacontracts,typicallyintheformoflettersofcreditissuedbycommercialbanks,itremainstheGroup'ssinglelargestcreditexposure.TheGroupderivescommercialandsponsorshiprevenuefromcertaincorporatesponsors,includingglobal,regional,mobile,mediaandsuppliersponsorsinrespectofwhichtheGroupmaymanageitscreditriskbyseekingadvancepayments,installmentsand/orbankguaranteeswhereappropriate.Thesubstantialmajorityofthisrevenueisderivedfromalimitednumberofsources.TheGroupisalsoexposedtootherfootballclubsgloballyforthepaymentoftransferfeesonplayers.Dependingonthetransaction,someofthesefeesarepaidtotheGroupininstallments.TheGrouptriestomanageitscreditriskwithrespecttothoseclubsbyrequiringpaymentsinadvanceor,inthecaseofpaymentsoninstallment,requiringbankguaranteesonsuchpaymentsincertaincircumstances.However,theGroupcannotensuretheseeffortswilleliminateitscreditexposuretootherclubs.AchangeincreditqualityatoneofthemediabroadcastersforthePremierLeagueorUEFA,oneoftheGroup'ssponsorsoraclubtowhomtheGrouphassoldaplayercanincreasetheriskthatsuchcounterpartyisunableorunwillingtopayamountsowedtotheGroup.DerivativefinancialinstrumentsandcashandcashequivalentsareplacedwithcounterpartieswithaminimumMoody'sratingofAa3.
CredittermsofferedbytheGroupvarydependingonthetypeofsale.Forseasonalmatchdayfacilitiesandsponsorshipcontracts,paymentisusuallyrequiredinadvanceoftheseasontowhichthesalerelates.Forothersalesthecredittermstypicallyrangefrom14-30days,althoughspecificagreementsmaybenegotiatedinindividualcontractswithtermsbeyond30days.Forplayertransferactivities,credittermsaredeterminedonacontractbycontractbasis.Ofthenettotaltradereceivablebalanceof£76,606,000(2016:£109,791,000),£46,343,000(2016:£46,646,000)relatestoamountsreceivablefromvariousotherfootballclubsinrelationtoplayertrading.
Asof30June2017,tradereceivablesof£54,501,000(2016:£90,304,000)wereneitherpastduenorimpaired.Managementconsidersthat,basedonhistoricalinformationaboutdefaultratesandthecurrentstrengthofrelationships(anumberofwhicharerecurringlongtermrelationships)thecreditqualityoftradereceivablesthatareneitherpastduenorimpairedisgood.
Asof30June2017,tradereceivablesof£22,104,000(2016:£19,487,000)werepastduebutnotimpaired.Theserelatetoindependentcustomersforwhomthereisnorecenthistoryofdefault.Theageinganalysisofthesetradereceivablesisasfollows:
Asof30June2017,tradereceivablesof£14,113,000(2016:£6,451,000)wereimpairedandfullyprovidedfor.Theindividuallyimpairedreceivableslargelyrelatetoatransferfeereceivableof£
F-48
2017£'000
2016£'000
Upto3monthspastdue 20,670 14,283Over3monthspastdue 1,434 5,204
22,104 19,487
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
31Financialriskmanagement(Continued)
2,197,000(€2,500,000)(2016:£2,082,000(€2,500,000))duefromonefootballclub.Theageingofthesereceivables,basedonduedate,isasfollows:
Movementsontheprovisionforimpairmentoftradereceivablesareasfollows:
Thecreationandreleaseofprovisionforimpairedreceivableshavebeenincludedin'otheroperatingexpenses'intheincomestatement(note5).
Theotherclasseswithintradeandotherreceivablesdonotcontainimpairedassets.
c) Liquidity risk
TheGroup'spolicyistomaintainabalanceofcontinuityoffundingandflexibilitythroughtheuseofsecuredtermloanfacilities,seniorsecurednotesandotherborrowingsasapplicable.Theannualcashflowiscyclicalinnaturewithasignificantportionofcashinflowsbeingreceivedpriortothestartoftheplayingseason.UltimateresponsibilityforliquidityriskmanagementrestswiththeexecutivedirectorsofManchesterUnitedplc.Thedirectorsusemanagementinformationtoolsincludingbudgetsandcashflowforecaststoconstantlymonitorandmanagecurrentandfutureliquidity.
CashflowforecastingisperformedonaregularbasiswhichincludesrollingforecastsoftheGroup'sliquidityrequirementstoensurethattheGrouphassufficientcashtomeetoperationalneedswhilemaintainingsufficientheadroomonitsundrawncommittedborrowingfacilitiesatalltimessothattheGroupdoesnotbreachborrowinglimitsorcovenantsonanyofitsborrowingfacilities.TheGroup'sborrowingfacilitiesaredescribedinnote24.FinancingfacilitieshavebeenagreedatappropriatelevelshavingregardtotheGroup'soperatingcashflowsandfuturedevelopmentplans.
SurpluscashheldbytheoperatingentitiesoverandabovethatrequiredforworkingcapitalmanagementareinvestedbyGroupfinanceininterestbearingcurrentaccountsormoneymarketdeposits.Asof30June2017,theGroupheldcashandcashequivalentsof£290,267,000(2016:£229,194,000).
F-49
2017£'000
2016£'000
Upto3months 5,519 —Over3months 8,594 6,451
14,113 6,451
2017£'000
2016£'000
Broughtforward 6,451 3,897Provisionforreceivablesimpairment 336 3,680Receivablesoffsetagainstdeferredrevenue 6,807 —Foreignexchangelossesonretranslation 519 —Unusedamountsreversed — (1,126)Carriedforward 14,113 6,451
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Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
31Financialriskmanagement(Continued)
ThetablebelowanalysestheGroup'snon-derivativefinancialliabilitiesandnet-settledderivativefinancialliabilitiesintorelevantmaturitygroupingsbasedontheremainingperiodatthebalancesheetdatetothecontractualmaturitydate.Theamountsdisclosedinthetablearethecontractualundiscountedcashflowsincludinginterestandthereforediffersfromthecarryingamountsintheconsolidatedbalancesheet.
31.2Hedgingactivities
TheGroupusesderivativefinancialinstrumentstohedgecertainexposures,andhasdesignatedcertainderivativesashedgesofcashflows(cashflowhedge).
TheGrouphedgestheforeignexchangeriskoncontractedfutureUSdollarrevenueswheneverpossibleusingtheGroup'sUSdollarnetborrowingsasthehedginginstrument.Theforeignexchangegainsorlossesarisingonre-translationoftheGroup'sUSdollarnetborrowingsusedinthehedgeareinitiallyrecognizedinothercomprehensiveincome,ratherthanbeingrecognizedintheincomestatementimmediately.Amountspreviouslyrecognizedinothercomprehensiveincomeandaccumulatedinthehedgingreservearesubsequentlyreclassifiedintotheincomestatementinthesameaccountingperiod,andwithinthesameincomestatementline(i.e.commercialrevenue),asthe
F-50
Lessthan1year£'000
Between1and2years
£'000
Between2and5years
£'000
Over5years£'000
Tradeandotherpayablesexcludingsocialsecurityandothertaxes(1) 172,173 71,282 14,981 —Borrowings 19,463 22,743 37,977 601,218
191,636 94,025 52,958 601,218
Non-trading(2)andnetsettledderivativefinancialinstruments: cashoutflow 2,453 905 281 187cashinflow (1,253) — — —At30June2017 192,836 94,930 53,239 601,405Tradeandotherpayablesexcludingsocialsecurityandothertaxes(1) 183,894 21,012 21,778 —Borrowings 18,967 18,990 40,753 519,921
202,861 40,002 62,531 519,921
Non-trading(2)andnetsettledderivativefinancialinstruments: cashoutflow 6,685 4,812 7,770 7,770cashinflow (5,692) (708) — —At30June2016 203,854 44,106 70,301 527,691
(1) Socialsecurityandothertaxesareexcludedfromtradeandotherpayablesbalance,asthisanalysisisrequiredonlyforfinancialinstruments.
(2) Non-tradingderivativesareincludedattheirfairvalueatthebalancesheetdate.
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
31Financialriskmanagement(Continued)
underlyingfutureUSdollarrevenues,whichgiventhevaryinglengthsofthecommercialrevenuecontractswillbebetweenJuly2017toJune2023.Theforeignexchangegainsorlossesarisingonre-translationoftheGroup'sunhedgedUSdollarborrowingsarerecognizedintheincomestatementimmediately(withinnetfinancecosts).Thetablebelowdetailsthenetborrowingsbeinghedgedatthebalancesheetdate:
TheGrouphedgesitscashflowinterestrateriskwhereappropriateusinginterestrateswapsatcontractlengthsconsistentwiththerepaymentscheduleoftheborrowings.Suchinterestrateswapshavetheeconomiceffectofconvertingborrowingsfromfloatingratestofixedrates.Theeffectiveportionofchangesinthefairvalueoftheinterestrateswapisinitiallyrecognizedinothercomprehensiveincome,ratherthanbeingrecognizedintheincomestatementimmediately.Amountspreviouslyrecognizedinothercomprehensiveincomeandaccumulatedinthehedgingreservearesubsequentlyreclassifiedintotheincomestatementinthesameaccountingperiod,andwithinthesameincomestatementline(i.e.financecosts),astheunderlyinginterestpayments,whichgiventhetermoftheswapwillbebetweenJuly2017toJune2024.Thefollowingtabledetailstheinterestrateswapsatthebalancesheetdatethatareusedtohedgeborrowings:
Asof30June2017thefairvalueoftheaboveinterestrateswapswasaliabilityof£655,000(2016:£9,710,000).
TheGroupseekstohedgethemajorityofthecurrencyriskonrevenuearisingasaresultofparticipationinUEFAcompetitions,eitherbyusingcontractedfutureforeigncurrencyexpensesorbyplacingforwardforeignexchangecontracts,atthepointatwhichitbecomesreasonablycertainthatitwillreceivetherevenue.
F-51
2017$'000
2016$'000
USDborrowings 650,000 650,000HedgedUSDcash (125,300) (100,800)NetUSDdebt 524,700 549,200HedgedfutureUSDrevenues (299,533) (394,690)UnhedgedUSDborrowings 225,167 154,510ClosingUSDexchangerate($:£) 1.2988 1.3332
2017 2016Currentprincipalvalueofloanoutstanding($'000) 225,000 225,000Ratereceived 1month$LIBOR 1month$LIBORRatepaid Fixed2.032% Fixed2.032%Expirydate 30June2024 30June2024
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
31Financialriskmanagement(Continued)
Detailsofmovementsonthehedgingreserveareasfollows:
Basedonexchangeratesexistingasof30June2017,a10%appreciationoftheUKpoundssterlingcomparedtotheUSdollarwouldhaveresultedinacredittothehedgingreserveinrespectoffutureUSdollarrevenuesofapproximately£20,966,000(2016:£26,913,000)beforetax.Conversely,a10%depreciationoftheUKpoundssterlingcomparedtotheUSdollarwouldhaveresultedinadebittothehedgingreserveinrespectofUSdollarfuturerevenuesofapproximately£25,625,000(2016:£32,894,000)beforetax.
31.3Capitalriskmanagement
TheGroupmanagesitscapitaltoensurethatentitiesintheGroupwillbeabletocontinueasgoingconcernswhilemaximisingthereturntoshareholdersthroughtheoptimisationofthedebtandequitybalance.Capitaliscalculatedas"equity"asshowninthebalancesheetplusnetdebt.Netdebtiscalculatedastotalborrowings(including"currentandnon-currentborrowings"asshowninthebalancesheet)lesscashandcashequivalentsandisusedbymanagementinmonitoringthenetindebtednessoftheGroup.Areconciliationofnetdebtisshowninnote24.
F-52
FutureUSdollarrevenues£'000
Interestrateswap£'000
Other£'000
Total,beforetax
£'000 Tax£'000
Total,aftertax£'000
Balanceat1July2014 40,021 (147) — 39,874 (13,956) 25,918Foreignexchangedifferencesonhedgedcurrencyrisks (27,925) — — (27,925) 9,774 (18,151)Reclassifiedtoincomestatement (4,713) 2,060 — (2,653) 930 (1,723)Fairvaluemovement — (2,024) — (2,024) 709 (1,315)Movementrecognizedinothercomprehensiveloss (31,638) 36 — (32,602) 11,413 (21,189)Balanceat1July2015 7,383 (111) — 7,272 (2,543) 4,729Foreignexchangedifferencesonhedgedcurrencyrisks (49,808) — — (49,808) 17,431 (32,377)Reclassifiedtoincomestatement 1,382 2,665 — 4,047 (1,416) 2,631Fairvaluemovement — (12,264) — (12,264) 4,292 (7,972)Movementrecognizedinothercomprehensiveloss (48,426) (9,599) — (58,025) 20,307 (37,718)Balanceat30June2016 (41,043) (9,710) — (50,753) 17,764 (32,989)Foreignexchangedifferencesonhedgedcurrencyrisks (11,998) — 124 (11,874) 3,775 (7,012)Reclassifiedtoincomestatement 5,040 — (275) 4,765 (1,287) 2,391Fairvaluemovement — 9,055 — 9,055 (3,169) 5,886Movementrecognizedinothercomprehensiveincome (6,958) 9,055 (151) 1,946 (681) 1,265Balanceat30June2017 (48,001) (655) (151) (48,807) 17,083 (31,724)
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
31Financialriskmanagement(Continued)
Asof30June2017,theGrouphadtotalborrowingsof£503.4million(2016:£490.1million).Asdescribedinnote24above,theGroup'srevolvingfacility,thesecuredtermloanfacilityandthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednoteseachcontaincertaincovenantsthatrestricttheactivitiesofRedFootballLimitedanditssubsidiaries.Asof30June2017,theGroupwasincompliancewithallcovenantsunderitsrevolvingfacility,thesecuredtermloanfacilityandthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednotes.
31.4Fairvalueestimation
Thefollowingtablepresentsthefinancialinstrumentscarriedatfairvalue.Thedifferentlevelsusedinmeasuringfairvaluehavebeendefinedasfollows:
• Level1—quotedprices(unadjusted)inactivemarketsforidenticalassetsorliabilities;
• Level2—inputsotherthanquotedpricesincludedwithinlevel1thatareobservablefortheassetorliability,eitherdirectly(thatis,asprices)orindirectly(thatis,derivedfromprices);
• Level3—inputsfortheassetorliabilitythatarenotbasedonobservablemarketdata(thatis,unobservableinputs).
Thefairvalueoffinancialinstrumentsthatarenottradedinanactivemarketisdeterminedbyusingvaluationtechniques.Thesevaluationtechniquesmaximisetheuseofobservablemarketdatawhereitisavailableandrelyaslittleaspossibleonentityspecificestimates.Ifallsignificantinputsrequiredtofairvalueaninstrumentareobservable,theinstrumentiscategorisedasLevel2.
AllofthefinancialinstrumentsdetailedabovearecategorisedasLevel2.Specificvaluationtechniquesusedinclude:
• Thefairvalueofembeddedforeignexchangederivativesisdeterminedasthechangeinthefairvalueoftheembeddedderivativeatthecontractinceptiondateandthefairvalueoftheembeddedderivativeatthebalancesheetdate;thefairvalueoftheembeddedderivativeisdeterminedusingforwardexchangerateswiththeresultingvaluediscountedtopresentvalue;
• Thefairvalueofforwardforeignexchangecontractsisdeterminedusingforwardexchangeratesatthebalancesheetdate,withtheresultingvaluediscountedbacktopresentvalue;
• Thefairvalueofinterestrateswapsiscalculatedasthepresentvalueoftheestimatedfuturecashflowsbasedonobservableyieldcurves.
F-53
2017£'000
2016£'000
Assets Derivativesatfairvaluethroughprofitorloss(note18): Embeddedforeignexchangederivatives 1,714 5,248Forwardforeignexchangecontracts 3,170 6,400Liabilities Derivativeusedforhedging(note18): Interestrateswaps (655) (9,710)Derivativesatfairvaluethroughprofitorloss(note18): Forwardforeignexchangecontracts (1,253) (3,727)
2,976 (1,789)
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
32Relatedpartytransactions
TrustsandotherentitiescontrolledbysixlinealdescendantsofMr.MalcolmGlazercollectivelyown7.51%ofourissuedandoutstandingClassAordinarysharesandallofourissuedandoutstandingClassBordinaryshares,representing97.10%ofthevotingpowerofouroutstandingcapitalstock.
33Subsidiaries
ThefollowingcompaniesarethesubsidiaryundertakingsoftheCompanyasof30June2017:
AlloftheaboveareincorporatedandoperateinEnglandandWales,withtheexceptionofRedFootballFinanceLimitedwhichisincorporatedandoperatesintheCaymanIslandsandManchesterUnitedCommercialEnterprises(Ireland)LimitedwhichisincorporatedandoperatesinIreland.Theregisteredofficeorprincipalexecutiveofficeofalltheabove,withtheexceptionofManchesterUnitedCommercialEnterprises(Ireland)Limited,isSirMattBusbyWay,OldTrafford,Manchester,M160RA,UnitedKingdom.TheregisteredofficeofManchesterUnitedCommercialEnterprises(Ireland)Limitedis4thFloor,8-34PercyPlace,Dublin4,RepublicofIreland.
34Eventsafterthebalancesheetdate
34.1Registrations
Theplayingregistrationsofcertainfootballershavebeendisposedof,subsequentto30June2017,fortotalproceeds,netofassociatedcosts,of£19,941,000.Thisamountincludesanycontingentconsiderationreceivableafter30June2017inrespectofpreviousplayingregistrationdisposals.Theassociatednetbookvaluewas£2,844,000.
F-54
Subsidiaries Principalactivity Descriptionofshare
classesownedRedFootballFinanceLimited* Financecompany 100%OrdinaryRedFootballHoldingsLimited* Holdingcompany 100%OrdinaryRedFootballShareholderLimited Holdingcompany 100%OrdinaryRedFootballJointVentureLimited Holdingcompany 100%OrdinaryRedFootballLimited Holdingcompany 100%OrdinaryRedFootballJuniorLimited Holdingcompany 100%OrdinaryManchesterUnitedLimited Commercialcompany 100%OrdinaryAlderleyUrbanInvestmentsLimited Propertyinvestment 100%OrdinaryManchesterUnitedCommercialEnterprises(Ireland)Limited Dormantcompany 100%OrdinaryManchesterUnitedFootballClubLimited Professionalfootballclub 100%OrdinaryManchesterUnitedInteractiveLimited Dormantcompany 100%OrdinaryMU099Limited Dormantcompany 100%OrdinaryMUCommercialHoldingsLimited Holdingcompany 100%OrdinaryMUCommercialHoldingsJuniorLimited Holdingcompany 100%OrdinaryMUFinanceplc Debt-holdingcompany 100%OrdinaryMURAMLLimited Retailandlicensingcompany 100%OrdinaryMUTVLimited SubscriptionTVchannel 100%Ordinary
* DirectinvestmentofManchesterUnitedplc,othersareheldbysubsidiaryundertakings.
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
34Eventsafterthebalancesheetdate(Continued)
Subsequentto30June2017theplayingregistrationsofcertainplayerswereacquiredorextendedforatotalconsideration,includingassociatedcosts,of£126,793,000.Paymentsareduewithinthenext5years.
34.2Secondaryoffering
On9August2017,ManchesterUnitedplcenteredintoanunderwritingagreementrelatingtothesaleof5,000,000ofourClassAOrdinarySharesbyRedFootballLLCpursuanttoapublicoffering.TheGroupdidnotreceiveanyoftheproceedsfromthesaleoftheseshares.
35Additionalinformation—FinancialStatementScheduleI
ScheduleIhasbeenprovidedpursuanttotherequirementsofSecuritiesandExchangeCommission("SEC")RegulationS-XRule12-04(a),whichrequirecondensedfinancialinformationastofinancialposition,cashflowsandresultsofoperationsofaparentcompanyasofthesamedatesandforthesameperiodsforwhichauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementshavebeenpresented,astherestrictednetassetsofManchesterUnitedplc'sconsolidatedsubsidiariesasof30June2017exceededthe25%threshold.
Asof30June2017,theGrouphadtotalborrowingsof£503.4million(2016:£490.1million).Asdescribedinnote24above,theGroup'srevolvingfacility,thesecuredtermloanfacilityandthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednoteseachcontaincertaincovenantsthatrestricttheactivitiesofRedFootballLimitedanditssubsidiaries,includingrestrictedpaymentcovenants.Therestrictedpaymentcovenantsallowdividendsincertaincircumstances,includingtotheextentdividendsdonotexceed50%ofthecumulativeconsolidatednetincomeofRedFootballLimitedanditsrestrictedsubsidiaries,providedthereisnoeventofdefaultandRedFootballLimitedisabletomeettheprincipalandinterestpaymentsonitsdebtunderafixedchargecoveragetest.Asof30June2017,theGroupwasincompliancewiththerestrictedpaymentcovenantsandallothercovenantsunderitsrevolvingfacility,thesecuredtermloanfacilityandthenotepurchaseagreementgoverningtheseniorsecurednotes.
CertaininformationandfootnotedisclosuresnormallyincludedinfinancialstatementspreparedinaccordancewithInternationalFinancialReportingStandardshavebeencondensedoromitted.Thefootnotedisclosurescontainsupplementalinformationonlyand,assuch,thesestatementsshouldbereadinconjunctionwiththenotestotheaccompanyingconsolidatedfinancialstatements.
Thecondensedfinancialinformationhasbeenpreparedusingthesameaccountingpoliciesassetoutintheconsolidatedfinancialstatements,exceptthatinvestmentsinsubsidiariesareincludedatcostlessanyprovisionforimpairmentinvalue.
Asof30June2017,2016and2015therewerenomaterialcontingencies,significantprovisionsoflong-termobligations,mandatorydividendorredemptionrequirementsofredeemablestocksorguaranteesoftheCompany,exceptforthosewhichhavebeenseparatelydisclosedintheconsolidatedfinancialstatements,ifany.
Duringtheyearended30June2017,cashdividendsequivalentto$0.18(2016:$0.18;2015:$nil)pershareweredeclaredandpaidbytheCompany.Thepoundssterlingequivalentswere£0.14(2016:£0.12;2015:£nil)pershare.
F-55
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
35Additionalinformation—FinancialStatementScheduleI(Continued)
CondensedincomestatementoftheCompany
Therewerenoitemsofothercomprehensivelossorincomeintheyearsended30June2017,2016or2015andthereforenostatementofcomprehensiveincomehasbeenpresented.
CondensedbalancesheetoftheCompany
F-56
Yearended30June
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Revenue — —Operatingexpenses (2,013) (84) (144)Exceptionalitems — — (1,089)Operatingloss (2,013) (84) (1,233)Incomefromsharesingroupundertakings 23,295 20,084 —Profit/(loss)onordinaryactivitiesbeforetax 21,282 20,000 (1,233)Taxexpense — — —Profit/(loss)fortheyear 21,282 20,000 (1,233)
Asof30June
2017£'000
2016£'000
ASSETS Non-currentassets Investmentinsubsidiaries 319,265 319,265
319,265 319,265Currentassets Otherreceivables 1,123 124Cashandcashequivalents 522 221
1,645 345Totalassets 320,910 319,610EQUITYANDLIABILITIES Equity Sharecapital 53 52Sharepremium 68,822 68,822Retainedearnings 248,314 248,140
317,189 317,014Currentliabilities Otherpayables 3,721 2,596
3,721 2,596Totalequityandliabilities 320,910 319,610
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
35Additionalinformation—FinancialStatementScheduleI(Continued)
CondensedstatementofchangesinequityoftheCompany
F-57
Sharecapital£'000
Sharepremium£'000
Retainedearnings£'000
Totalequity£'000
Balanceat1July2014 52 68,822 246,310 315,184Lossfortheyear — — (1,233) (1,233)Totalcomprehensivelossfortheyear — — (1,233) (1,233)Equity-settledsharebasedpayments — — 1,352 1,352Balanceat30June2015 52 68,822 246,429 315,303Profitfortheyear — — 20,000 20,000Totalcomprehensiveincomefortheyear — — 20,000 20,000Equity-settledsharebasedpayments — — 1,795 1,795Dividendspaid — — (20,084) (20,084)Balanceat30June2016 52 68,822 248,140 317,014Profitfortheyear — — 21,282 21,282Totalcomprehensiveincomefortheyear — — 21,282 21,282Equity-settledsharebasedpayments — — 2,187 2,187Dividendspaid — — (23,295) (23,295)Proceedsfromsharesissued 1 — — 1Balanceat30June2017 53 68,822 248,314 317,189
TableofContents
Notestotheconsolidatedfinancialstatements(Continued)
35Additionalinformation—FinancialStatementScheduleI(Continued)
CondensedstatementofcashflowsoftheCompany
ThefollowingreconciliationsareprovidedasadditionalinformationtosatisfytheScheduleISECrequirementsforparent-onlyfinancialinformation.
F-58
Yearended30June
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
Cashflowsfromoperatingactivities Profit/(loss)beforetax 21,282 20,000 (1,233)Adjustmentsfor: Equity-settledshare-basedpayments 2,187 1,795 1,352Foreignexchangelossesonoperatingactivities 42 — —Changesinworkingcapital: Otherreceivables (998) (124) —Otherpayables 1,125 (1,590) (101)Netcashgeneratedfromoperatingactivities 23,638 20,081 18Cashflowsfromfinancingactivities Dividendspaid (23,295) (20,084) —Netcashusedinfinancingactivities (23,295) (20,084) —Netincrease/(decrease)incashandcashequivalents 343 (3) 18Cashandcashequivalentsatbeginningofyear 221 224 206Exchangelossesoncashandcashequivalents (42) — —Cashandcashequivalentsatendofyear 522 221 224
2017£'000
2016£'000
2015£'000
IFRSprofit/(loss)reconciliation: Parentonly—IFRSprofit/(loss)fortheyear 21,282 20,000 (1,233)Additionalprofitifsubsidiarieshadbeenaccountedforontheequitymethodofaccountingasopposedtocost 17,895 16,371 338
ConsolidatedIFRSprofit/(loss)fortheyear 39,177 36,371 (895)IFRSequityreconciliation: Parentonly—IFRSequity 317,189 317,014 315,303Additionalprofitifsubsidiarieshadbeenaccountedforontheequitymethodofaccountingasopposedtocost 160,428 141,268 162,615
Consolidated—IFRSequity 477,617 458,282 477,918
TableofContents
EXHIBITS
1.1 AmendedandRestatedMemorandumandArticlesofAssociationofManchesterUnitedplcdatedasof8August2012(includedasExhibit3.1toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-1/A(FileNo.333-182535),filedwiththeSECon30July2012,asamended).
2.1 SpecimenOrdinaryShareCertificateofManchesterUnitedplc(includedasExhibit4.1toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-1/A(FileNo.333-182535),filedwiththeSECon30July2012,asamended).
4.1 Agreement,dated19May2008,betweenTheRoyalBankofScotlandplc,asagentforNationalWestminsterBankplc,andAlderleyUrbanInvestments(includedasExhibit10.3toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-1/A(FileNo.333-182535),filedwiththeSECon16July2012,asamended).
4.2 AmendmentandRestatementAgreementrelatingtotheSecuredTermFacility,dated15May2015,amongRedFootballLimited,BankofAmerica,N.A.,asOriginalAgent,andBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandLender(includedasExhibit10.1toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-3(FileNo.333-206985),filedwiththeSECon17September2015).
4.3 RevolvingFacilitiesAgreement,dated22May2015,amongRedFootballLimited,MUFinanceplc,theguarantorspartythereto,BankofAmerica,N.A.,asArranger,theOriginalLendersnamedtherein,andBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandSecurityTrustee(includedasExhibit10.2toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-3(FileNo.333-206985),filedwiththeSECon17September2015).
4.4 NotePurchaseAgreement,dated27May2015,amongMUFinanceplc,theguarantorspartythereto,thepurchaserslistedthereinandtheBankofNewYorkMellon,asPayingAgent(includedasExhibit4.3toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-3(FileNo.333-206985),filedwiththeSECon17September2015).
4.5 TermFacilityAmendmentLetter,dated26June2015,betweenRedFootballLimitedandBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandLender(includedasExhibit10.3toourRegistrationStatementonFormF-3(FileNo.333-206985),filedwiththeSECon17September2015).
4.6 SecondTermFacilityAmendmentLetter,dated11September2015,betweenRedFootballLimitedandBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandLender(includedasExhibit4.7toourAnnualReportonForm20-F(FileNo.333-183277),filedwiththeSECon15October2015).
4.7 RevolvingFacilitiesAmendmentLetter,dated7October2015,betweenRedFootballLimitedandBankofAmericaMerrillLynchInternationalLimited,asAgentandLender(includedasExhibit4.8toourAnnualReportonForm20-F(FileNo.333-183277),filedwiththeSECon15October2015).
4.8 2012EquityIncentiveAwardPlan(includedasExhibit4.2toourRegistrationStatementonFormS-8(FileNo.333-183277),filedwiththeSECon13August2012).
4.9 PremierLeagueHandbook,Season2016/17(includedasExhibit4.11toourAnnualReportonForm20-F(FileNo.001-35627),filedwiththeSECon15September2016).
4.10 PremierLeagueHandbook,Season2017/18.
8.1 Listofsignificantsubsidiaries(includedinnote33toourauditedconsolidatedfinancialstatementsincludedinthisAnnualReport).
12.1 Rule13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)CertificationofPrincipalExecutiveOfficer.
12.2 Rule13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)CertificationofPrincipalFinancialOfficer.
TableofContents
13.1 CertificationofChiefExecutiveOfficerpursuantto18U.S.C.Section1350,asadoptedpursuanttoSection906oftheSarbanes-OxleyActof2002.
13.2 CertificationofChiefFinancialOfficerpursuantto18U.S.C.Section1350,asadoptedpursuanttoSection906oftheSarbanes-OxleyActof2002.
15.1 ConsentofPricewaterhouseCoopersLLP.
TableofContents
SIGNATURES
TheregistrantherebycertifiesthatitmeetsalloftherequirementsforfilingonForm20-Fandthatithasdulycausedandauthorizedtheundersignedtosignthisannualreportonitsbehalf.
ManchesterUnitedplc(Registrant)
Date:13October2017 By: /s/EDWARDWOODWARD
Name: EdwardWoodward Title: Executive Vice Chairman
TheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimitedSeason2017/18BoardofDirectorsRichardScudamore(ExecutiveChairman)ClaudiaArney(Non-ExecutiveDirector)KevinBeeston(Non-ExecutiveDirector)AuditorsDeloitteLLP2NewStreetSquareLondonEC4A3BZBankersBarclaysBankplc27thFloor1ChurchillPlaceLondonE145HPRegisteredOffice30GloucesterPlaceLondonW1U8PLRegd.No.2719699Telephone02078649000Facsimile02078649001Websitewww.premierleague.comPublishedbyTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimited©TheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimited2017
PremierLeagueChairmen’sCharterSeason2017/18ForewordTheChairmen’sCharterisastatementofourcommitmentandaimtorunPremierLeaguefootballtothehighestpossiblestandardsinaprofessionalmannerandwiththeutmostintegrity.Withthataimwe,theChairmenoftheClubsinmembershipofthePremierLeague,aredetermined:•ToconductourrespectiveClub’sdealingswiththeutmostgoodfaithandhonesty.•AtalltimestomaintainaRulebookwhichiscomprehensive,relevantandup-to-date.•Toadoptdisciplinaryprocedureswhichareprofessional,fairandobjective.•Tosubmittopenaltieswhicharefairandrealistic.•TosecurethemonitoringofandcompliancewiththeRulesatalltimes.TheCharterTheChairmen’sChartersetsoutourcommitmenttorunPremierLeaguefootballtothehighestpossiblestandardsandwithintegrity.WewillensurethatourClubs:•Behavewiththeutmostgoodfaithandhonestytoeachother,donotunjustlycriticiseordisparageoneanotherandmaintainconfidences.•WillcomplywiththelawsofthegameandtakeallreasonablestepstoensurethattheManager,hisstaffandPlayersacceptandobservetheauthorityanddecisionsofMatchOfficialsatalltimes.•FollowPremierLeagueandFARulesnotonlytotheletterbutalsototheirspirit,andwillensurethatourClubsandOfficialsarefullyawareofsuchrulesandthatwehaveeffectiveprocedurestoimplementthesame.•Willrespectthecontractualobligationsandresponsibilitiesofeachother’semployeesandnotseektobreachtheseortomakeillegalapproaches.•Willdischargetheirfinancialresponsibilitiesandobligationstoeachotherpromptlyandfullyandnotseektoavoidthem.•Willseektoresolvedifferencesbetweeneachotherwithoutrecoursetolaw.
ClubDirectoryFixturesRulesPremierLeagueRulesPremierLeagueFormsYouthDevelopmentRulesYouthDevelopmentFormsAppendicestotheRules81253357457495MatchOfficialsMemorandum&ArticlesofAssociationMiscellaneousStatistics589561533527654301
AFCBournemouthVitalityStadiumDeanCourtBournemouthBH77AFMainSwitchboard:03445761910Fax:01202726373TicketOffice:03445761910www.afcb.co.ukChairmanJeffMostynHeadofFinanceDavidHoliday01202726321ChiefExecutiveNeillBlakeCommercialDirectorRobMitchell01202726322ClubSecretaryNeilVacherManagerEddieHoweTicketOfficeManagerDanClarke01202726331HeadofMediaandCommunicationsAnthonyMarshall01202726358GeneralManagerElizabethFinneyAcademyManagerandHeadofCoachingJoeRoachHeadofSafeguardingSteveThorpe01202726329HomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:RedandBlackStripes/Shorts:BlackwithRedTrim/Socks:BlackwithRedandWhiteTrimColours:Shirts:SkyBluewithNavyTrim/Shorts:NavywithSkyBlueTrim/Socks:SkyBluewithNavyTrim3
SupporterLiaisonOfficerElizabethFinney01202726309ShirtSponsorM88KitManufacturerUmbroSafetyOfficerAlanJonesGroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason11,360DisabilityAccessOfficerAliceJeans01202726311TeamDoctorDrCraigRobertsMBChB(UCT)MPhil(SportsandExerciseMedicine)(UCT)HeadPhysiotherapistSteveHardBSc(Hons)MSST,MCSP,SRPPitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsJeffMostyn(Chairman)NeillBlake(ChiefExecutive)NickRothwellMikhailPonomarevIgorTikhturovOlegTikhturovJayCoppolettaMattHulsizerRicoSeitzHeadGroundsmanRobinWilcoxBTECDiplomainSportsTurfManagementNationalExaminationsBoardLevel3OfficialCompanyNameandNumberAFCBournemouthLimitedNo.6632170HomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:YellowwithBlackTrim/Shorts:YellowwithBlackTrim/Socks:YellowwithBlackTrimColours:Shirts:BlackwithRedTrim/Shorts:BlackwithRedTrim/Socks:BlackwithRedTrim4ClubDirectory:AFCBournemouth
ArsenalHighburyHouse75DraytonParkLondonN51BUMainSwitchboard:02076195003Fax:02077044001ContactCentre/TicketOffice:02076195000CreditCardBookings:08442773625www.arsenal.comChairmanSirChipsKeswickChiefCommercialOfficerVinaiVenkatesham02076195003ChiefExecutiveOfficerIvanGazidisCommunicationsDirectorMarkGonnella02077044010CompanySecretaryDavidMilesManagerArsèneWengerGeneralCounselSvenjaGeissmar02076195003ChiefOperations/PeopleOfficerTrevorSaving02076195003AssistantManagerSteveBouldAcademyManagerLukeHobbsChiefFinancialOfficerStuartWisely02077044060Media,MarketingandCRMDirectorMichaelLeavey02076195003HomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2Colours:Shirts:Redandwhite/Shorts:White/Socks:RedandwhiteColours:Shirts:Blue/Shorts:Blue/Socks:BlueColours:Shirts:Black/Shorts:Black/Socks:Black5
TicketingandServicesDirectorIvanWorsell02076195003ManagingEditor(Publications)AndyExleyArsenalFootballClub,HighburyHouse75DraytonPark,LondonN51BU02076195003ShirtSponsorEmiratesStadiumandFacilitiesDirectorJohnBeattie02077044030SupporterLiaisonOfficerMarkBrindle02076195003DisabilityLiaisonOfficerAlunFrancis02076195003EventSafetyandSecurityManagerSharonCicco02077044030KitManufacturerPUMAGroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason59,867PitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsSirChipsKeswick(Chairman)StanleyKroenkeIvanGazidis(CEO)KenFriarOBERichardCarrLordHarrisofPeckhamJoshKroenkeMedicalDirector/TeamDoctorDrGaryO’DriscollMBBS,BSc,DipSEM,FFSEM(Ire)HeadofMedicalServicesColinLewinBSc(Hons)MCSP,HCPCHeadGroundsmanPaulAshcroftNationalDiplomainTurf,ScienceandGroundsManagementOfficialCompanyNameandNumberTheArsenalFootballClubPlcNo.109244HomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2Colours:Shirts:Green/Shorts:Green/Socks:GreenColours:Shirts:Orange/Shorts:Orange/Socks:OrangeColours:Shirts:Pink/Shorts:Pink/Socks:Pink6ClubDirectory:Arsenal
Brighton&HoveAlbionTheAmericanExpressCommunityStadiumVillageWay,FalmerBrighton,EastSussexBN19BLMainSwitchboard:01273878288Fax:01273878241(Secretary’sOffice)TicketOfficeNo:08443271901Email:supporter.services@bhafc.co.ukwww.brightonandhovealbion.comChairmanTonyBloomTicketOfficeManagerBrianKearney01273878244HeadofMediaPaulCamillin07747773692ChiefExecutivePaulBarberClubSecretaryDerekJ.AllanManagerChrisHughtonAcademyManagerJohnMorlingHeadofMarketingTomGorringe07891251055SupporterLiaisonOfficerSarahGould03443246282FinanceDirectorDavidJones01273647252HomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2Colours:Shirts:BlueandWhiteStripes/Shorts:Blue/Socks:WhiteColours:Shirts:Gold/Shorts:Gold/Socks:BlackColours:Shirts:Black/Shorts:Black/Socks:Black7
HeadofSafety&SecurityAdrianMorris01273878234AlbionintheCommunityChairmanMartinPerry01273878248GroundsmanSteveWinterburnIOGDiploma(Intermediate)ShirtSponsorAmericanExpressKitManufacturersNikeDisabilityliaisonElliottBatchelor03443246282GroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason30,666PitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresHeadofMedicalServicesAdamBrettTeamDoctorDr.StephenLewisBSc(Hons),MBBS,AFRCSEd,MScSEM,MFSEM(UK),PGDipMedUSDirectorsTonyBloom(Chairman)PaulBarber(ChiefExecutive)RayBloomDerekChapmanRobertComerAdamFranksPeterGodfreyDavidJones(FinanceDirector)MartinPerry(ExecutiveDirector)MarcSugarmanMichelleWalderHeadPhysiotherapistAdamBrettBSc(Hons)SportsScience,BSc(Hons)Physiotherapy,MScSportsPhysiotherapy,MCSP,MACPSEM(GoldLevel)OfficialCompanyNameandNumberTheBrightonandHoveAlbionFootballClubLimitedNo.81077HomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1Colours:Shirts:Orange/Shorts:Black/Socks:BlackColours:Shirts:SkyBlue/Shorts:SkyBlue/Socks:SkyBlue8ClubDirectory:Brighton&HoveAlbion
BurnleyTurfMoorHarryPottsWayBurnleyLancashireBB104BXGeneralEnquiries:01282446800FacsimileNo:01282700014TicketHotline:08448071882Emailenquiries:info@burnleyfc.comwww.burnleyfc.comChairmanMikeGarlickFinancialControllerIanHargreaves01282704714DirectorofCommercialAffairsAnthonyFairclough01282700007ChiefExecutiveDavidBaldwinHeadofFootballandCompanyGovernanceMattWilliamsManagerSeanDycheAssistantManagerIanWoanMarketingandOperationsManagerNickTaylor01282704717TicketOfficeManagerElaineClare01282700020AcademyManagerJonathanPepperHomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2Colours:Shirts:ClaretwithSkySleeves/Shorts:SkywithClaretDetail/Socks:SkyWithClaretDetailColours:Shirts:WhitewithClaretTrim/Shorts:WhitewithClaretTrim/Socks:WhitewithClaretDetailColours:Shirts:SkyBluewithClaretTrim/Shorts:NavyBluewithClaretTrim/Socks:NavyandClaretHoops9
StadiumandOperationsManager/DisabilityAccessOfficerDougMetcalfe01282700021ShirtSponsorDafabetKitManufacturerPUMAGroundSafetyOfficerCliffEdens01282700019GroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason21,944PitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsMichaelGarlick(Chairman)JohnBanaszkiewiczBrendanFloodBarryKilbyCliveHoltBrianNelsonTerryCrabbMediaandPublicationsManagerDarrenBentley01282704701SupporterLiaisonOfficerHarrietHarbidgeMedicalOfficerDrSimonMorrisM.B.,Ch.B.,DipSEM,AREACourseHeadPhysiotherapistAlasdairBeattieBScHonsPhysiotherapy,MCSP,SRPAREACourseOfficialCompanyNameandNumberBurnleyFootball&AthleticCompanyLimited(The)No.54222StadiumHeadGroundsmanPaulBradshawNVQ3SportsTurfManagementHomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2Colours:Shirts:OrangewithBlackTrim/Shorts:OrangewithBlackTrim/Socks:OrangewithBlackDetailColours:Shirts:GreywithPinkTrim/Shorts:GreywithPinkTrim/Socks:GreywithPinkDetailColours:Shirts:BlackwithOrangeTrim/Shorts:BlackwithOrangeTrim/Socks:BlackwithOrangeDetail10ClubDirectory:Burnley
ChelseaStamfordBridgeFulhamRoadLondonSW61HSCorrespondenceAddress:60StokeRoad,StokeD’Abernon,Cobham,Surrey,KT113PTFootballAdministrationFax:01932596180MainSwitchboard:03718111955Fax:02073814831CallCentre/TicketSales:03718111905www.chelseafc.comenquiries@chelseafc.comChairmanBruceBuckHeadofYouthDevelopmentNeilBathMemberofBoardofDirectorsinChargeofFootballMarinaGranovskaiaHeadofCommunicationsandPublicAffairsSteveAtkins01932596101ClubSecretaryDavidBarnardManagerAntonioConteFinanceandOperationsDirectorChrisAlexander02079151969TechnicalDirectorMichaelEmenaloHomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:RushBlueandWhite/Shorts:RushBlueandWhite/Socks:WhiteandRushBlueColours:Shirts:PurePlatinumandRushBlue/Shorts:PurePlatinumandRushBlue/Socks:RushBlueandWhite11
FirstTeamDoctorDrDavidPorterMBBS,MScAFiS(Catalunya),PGDipSEMHeadPhysiotherapistJasonPalmerBPHTY,BHMS(Ed)Hons,MCSPHeadofTicketOperationsKellyWebster02079151941FacilitiesManagerJamieGray02073863375HeadGroundsmanJasonGriffinNVQLevels1&2PublicationsEditorDavidAntill,TrinityMirrorSportMedia02079582168SafetyOfficerJillDawson02075651479HeadofTicketingandSupporterLiaisonOfficerGrahamSmith02079582166ShirtSponsorYokohamaTyresKitManufacturerNikeGroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason41,631PitchDimensionsLength:103metresWidth:67.5metresDirectorsBruceBuckMarinaGranovskaiaEugeneTenenbaumDavidBarnardDisabilityAccessOfficerBobFlatau02075651474OfficialCompanyNameandNumberChelseaFootballClubLimitedNo.01965149HomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:SafetyOrangeandWhite/Shorts:SafetyOrangeandWhite/Socks:SafetyOrangeandWhiteColours:Shirts:TourYellowandBlack/Shorts:TourYellowandBlack/Socks:TourYellowandBlack12ClubDirectory:Chelsea
CrystalPalaceSelhurstParkStadiumHolmesdaleRoadLondonSE256PUMainSwitchboard:02087686000TicketOffice:08712000071info@cpfc.co.ukwww.cpfc.co.ukChairmanSteveParishHeadofFinanceHariJani02087686030ChiefExecutiveOfficerPhilAlexanderClubSecretaryChristineDowdeswellCorporateSalesManagerChrisPowlson02087686010HeadofMarketingandCommunicationsPatrickJubbHeadofConsumerSalesMikePink07903593836ManagerFrankDeBoerAssistantManagersSammyLeeOrlandoTrustfullAcademyDirectorGaryIssottHomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:RedwithBlueStripe/Shorts:Blue/Socks:BluewithRedHoopColours:Shirts:Black/Shorts:Black/Socks:BlackwithRedandBlueHoop13
HeadofTicketingPaulMcGowanContentEditorTerryByfield02087686020ShirtSponsorManBetXStadiumManagerKevinCorner02087686091HeadofSupportersServices/SupporterLiaisonOfficerSharonLacey02087686012DisabilityAccessOfficerSandraClark02087686000HeadofSportsMedicineDrZafarIqbalMBBS,BSc,DCH,DRCOG,MRCGP,MSc(SEM),MFSEM(UK),DIPPCRKitManufacturerMacronGroundCapacityatstartoftheSeasonTobeadvisedPitchDimensionsLength:101metresWidth:68metresDirectorsSteveParishDavidBlitzerJoshuaHarrisOfficialCompanyNameandNumberCPFCLimitedNo.7270793HeadGroundsmanBruceElliot02087686000CommercialDirectorBarryWebber02086345453HeadofPRandMediaJoanneWhittleHomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:Grey/Shorts:Grey/Socks:GreyColours:Shirts:Red/Shorts:Red/Socks:Red14ClubDirectory:CrystalPalace
EvertonGoodisonParkGoodisonRoadLiverpoolL44ELMainSwitchboard:01515561878Fax:01512869112TicketOffice:01515561878CreditCardBookings:01515561878www.evertonfc.comeverton@evertonfc.comChairmanBillKenwrightCBEAcademyChiefOperatingOfficerJoelWaldron01514487664InterimFinanceDirector/HeadofFinanceAnnmarieKearsley01515305211ChiefExecutiveRobertElstoneDeputyChiefExecutiveDrDeniseBarrett-BaxendaleMBEBA(Hons)MBA,EdD,FRSAClubSecretary/HeadofFootballOperationsDavidHarrisonManagerRonaldKoemanDirectorofMarketingandCommunicationsRichardKenyon01515305233HeadofTicketingMattKendall01513302498AssistantManagerErwinKoemanHomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:Blue/Shorts:White/Socks:WhiteColours:Shirts:LightGrey/Shorts:DarkGrey/Socks:LightGrey15
CommunityChiefExecutiveDrDeniseBarrett-BaxendaleMBEBA(Hons)MBA,EdD,FRSA01515305338HeadGroundsmanBobLennonOND,NDH,RHSBroadcastandPublicationsManagerDarrenGriffiths01515305312HeadofStadiumSafetyandSecurityDavidLewis01515305223ShirtSponsorSportPesaHeadofStadiumOperationsAlanBowen01515305267HeadofMediaandCommunicationsBrianDoogan01515305241SupporterLiaisonOfficerRachelMeikle01515305261KitManufacturerUmbroGroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason39,595PitchDimensionsLength:100.48metresWidth:68metresDirectorsBillKenwrightCBE(Chairman)JonWoods(DeputyChairman)AlexanderRyazantsevRobertElstone(ChiefExecutive)DrDeniseBarrett-Baxendale(DeputyChiefExecutive)KeithHarrisOfficialCompanyNameandNumberTheEvertonFootballClubCompanyLimitedNo.36624EqualityandDisabilityPeoplePartnerMichelleKirk01515305261ClubDoctorDrAboulShaheirMBChB,DRCOG,DipSEM,DipTraumaandOrthopaedicsHeadofMedicalServicesMatthewConneryMScMCSPSRPBSc(Hons)HomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:Orange/Shorts:Orange/Socks:OrangeColours:Shirts:Black/Shorts:Black/Socks:Black16ClubDirectory:Everton
HuddersfieldTheJohnSmith’sStadiumStadiumWayHuddersfieldHD16PXTownMainSwitchboard:01484484112Fax:01484484101TicketOffice:01484484123info@htafc.comwww.htafc.comChairmanDeanHoyleChiefExecutiveJulianWinterFinancialControllerGaryKellett01484484191CommercialDirectorSeanJarvis01484484193OperationsDirector/ClubSecretaryAnnHough01484484105TicketOfficeManagerSueBeaumont01484484103HeadCoachDavidWagnerAcademyManagerSteveWeaverHeadofMarketingandCommunicationDavidThrelfall-Sykes01484468202HomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2Colours:Shirts:BlueandWhite/Shorts:BlueandWhite/Socks:BlueandWhiteColours:Shirts:NavyandPink/Shorts:NavyandPink/Socks:NavyandPinkColours:Shirts:RedandBlack/Shorts:RedandBlack/Socks:RedandBlack17
WebsiteEditor/PressOfficerAdamTomlinson01484468203SupporterLiaisonOfficerNathanHosker(MatchDayOnly)01484468204(SupporterPartnershipsDepartment)ShirtSponsorOPESportsKitManufacturersPumaGroundCapacityatStartoftheSeason24,169PitchDimensionsLength:106metresWidth:66.9metresDirectorsDeanHoyleSeanJarvisAnnHoughRogerBurnleyJulianWinterSafetyOfficerJohnRobinson01484484166CommunityManagerDeanGrice01484468204DisabilityLiaisonSueFarrell01484484102OfficialCompanyNameandNumberTheHuddersfieldTownAssociationFootballClubLimitedNo.01771361TeamDoctorDrStephenFeldmanMBChB,MRCGP,DRCOG,Dip,SportsMed,RCSHeadPhysiotherapistIanKirkpatrickMCSP,HCPCGroundsmanPhilRedgwickHomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2Colours:Shirts:GreyandPink/Shorts:GreyandPink/Socks:GreyandPinkColours:Shirts:PinkandBlack/Shorts:PinkandBlack/Socks:PinkandBlackColours:Shirts:OrangeandBlack/Shorts:OrangeandBlack/Socks:OrangeandBlack18ClubDirectory:HuddersfieldTown
LeicesterCityKingPowerStadiumFilbertWayLeicesterLE27FLMainSwitchboard:03448155000Fax:01162915278TicketOfficeNo:03448155000Option1CreditCardBookings:03448155000Options1,2&3www.lcfc.comChairmanVichaiSrivaddhanaprabhaManagerCraigShakespeareAssistantManagerMichaelAppletonViceChairmanAiyawattSrivaddhanaprabhaChiefExecutiveSusanWhelan01162294523DirectorofFootballJonRudkin01162228583FootballOperationsDirectorAndrewNeville01162915154AcademyManagerIanCawley01162228548FinanceDirectorSimonCapper01162294737CommercialDirectorJonathanGregory01162294419HomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2Colours:Shirts:Blue/Shorts:Blue/Socks:BlueColours:Shirts:Black/Shorts:Black/Socks:BlackColours:Shirts:White/Shorts:White/Socks:White19
OperationsDirectorandSafetyOfficerKevinBarclay01162294442ShirtSponsorKingPowerKitManufacturerPUMATicketingManagerVishalDayal01162294400GroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason32,273PitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsVichaiSrivaddhanaprabha(Chairman)AiyawattSrivaddhanaprabha(ViceChairman)ShilaiLiu(ViceChairman)SusanWhelan(ChiefExecutive)SupornthipChoungrangsee(ExecutiveDirector)ApichetSrivaddhanaprabha(ExecutiveDirector)HeadofMediaAnthonyHerlihy01162294944SupporterLiaisonandDisabilityAccessOfficerJimDonnelly01162294555TeamDoctorDrIanPatchettMBChBDip.SportMedHeadPhysiotherapistDaveRennieBSc(Hons)MCSP,HCPCGroundsManagerJohnLedwidgeNVQLevel3SportsTurfManagementOfficialCompanyNameandNumberLeicesterCityFootballClubLimitedNo.4593477HomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2Colours:Shirts:White/Shorts:White/Socks:WhiteColours:Shirts:Orange/Shorts:Orange/Socks:OrangeColours:Shirts:Black/Shorts:Black/Socks:Black20ClubDirectory:LeicesterCity
LiverpoolAnfieldRoadAnfieldLiverpoolL40THCorrespondenceAddress:POBox1959,LiverpoolL693JLMainSwitchboard:01512632361Fax:01512608813TicketOffice/BookingLine:08431705555CustomerServices/Memberships:08431705000www.liverpoolfc.comcustomerservices@liverpoolfc.comChairmanTomWernerChiefOperatingOfficerAndyHughes01512642305ChiefCommercialOfficerBillyHogan02037134901ChiefExecutiveOfficerPeterMooreClubSecretaryDannyStanwayManagerJurgenKloppAssistantManagerZeljkoBuvacHeadofTicketingandHospitalityPhilDutton01512375963StadiumManagerTobeadvisedAcademyDirectorAlexInglethorpeHomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2Colours:Shirts:Red/Shorts:Red/Socks:RedColours:Shirts:White/Shorts:Black/Socks:WhiteColours:Shirts:Orange/Shorts:Orange/Socks:Orange21
ManchesterCityEtihadStadiumEtihadCampusManchesterM113FFCorrespondenceAddress:CityFootballGroup,400AshtonNewRoad,CityFootballAcademy,EtihadCampus,ManchesterM114TQMainSwitchboard:01614441894TicketOffice:01614441894CreditCardBookings:01614441894www.mancity.commancity@mancity.comChairmanH.E.KhaldoonAlMubarakDirectorofFootballTxikiBegiristainChiefExecutiveOfficerFerranSorianoChiefOperatingOfficerOmarBerradaFinanceDirectorAndrewWiddowsonDirectorofMarketingJeffHowarth01614441894OperationsDirectorDannyWilson01614441894HeadofFootballAdministrationAndrewHardmanManagerPepGuardiolaAssistantManagersBrianKiddDomenecTorrentFacilitiesDirectorCliveWilton01614441894HomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:FieldBlue/Shorts:White/Socks:FieldBlueColours:Shirts:TrueBerry/Shorts:TrueBerry/Socks:TrueBerry23
HeadofSafetyandSecuritySteveMcGrath01614441894ProgrammeEditor-in-ChiefChrisBaileyProgrammeEditorDavidClayton01614387861HeadofMediaRelationsSimonHeggie01614441894ShirtSponsorEtihadAirwaysSupporterLiaisonOfficerLisaEaton01614441894DisabilityAccessOfficerDanLovesey01614441894ClubDoctorDrMaxSalaDoctorofMedicine&Surgery(UniversityofFerrara,Italy)withaspecialisationinSportsMedicine(UniversityofPavia)KitManufacturerNikeGroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason55,017PitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsH.E.KhaldoonAlMubarakSimonPearceMartinLeeEdelmanJohnMacbeathMohamedAlMazroueiAlbertoGalassiOfficialCompanyNameandNumberManchesterCityFootballClubLimitedNo.40946SeniorPhysiotherapistLeeNobesBSc(Hons)MCSP,SRP,MAACPHeadGroundsmanLeeJacksonNVQLevel2,3&4Sportsturf,FoundationDegreeinSportsturfScience,Pa1,2&6ChemicalApplicationLicencesHomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:PineGreen/Shorts:PineGreen/Socks:PineGreenColours:Shirts:TourYellow/Shorts:TourYellow/Socks:TourYellow24ClubDirectory:ManchesterCity
SafetyOfficerVaughanPollard01512642494HeadGroundsmanDaveMcCullochNVQlevel3inSportsTurfManagementProgrammeEditorDavidCottrell,TrinityMirrorDirectorofCommunicationsSusanBlack01519079307ShirtSponsorStandardCharteredHeadofPressMattMcCann01512305760SupporterLiaisonOfficerYonitSharabi01519079354DisabilityAccessOfficerSimonThornton01514325678KitManufacturerNewBalanceGroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason53,394PitchDimensionsLength:101metresWidth:68metresDirectorsJohnHenryTomWernerAndyHughesPeterMooreMichaelGordonMikeEganKennyDalglishOfficialCompanyNameandNumberTheLiverpoolFootballClub&AthleticGroundsLimitedNo.35668TeamDoctorDrAndrewMasseyMBBChBAOFFSEM(Ire)MFSEM(UK)MRCGPMSc(SEM)BSc(Hons)PhysiotherapyMCSPHCPCHeadofPhysiotherapyAndyRenshawBSc(Hons)SportandExerciseScience,BSc(Hons)Physiotherapy,MScinMusculoskeletalPhysiotherapy,MCSP,HCPCHomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2Colours:Shirts:Green/Shorts:Green/Socks:GreenColours:Shirts:Black/Shorts:Black/Socks:BlackColours:Shirts:ToxicGreen/Shorts:ToxicGreen/Socks:ToxicGreen22ClubDirectory:Liverpool
ManchesterUnitedSirMattBusbyWayOldTraffordManchesterM160RAMainSwitchboard:01618688000Fax:01618688804TicketOffice:01618688000Option1CreditCardBookings:01618688000Option1www.manutd.co.ukenquiries@manutd.co.ukCo-ChairmenJoelGlazerAvramGlazerGroupManagingDirectorRichardArnold01618688211ChiefFinancialOfficerCliffBaty01618688320ExecutiveViceChairmanEdWoodwardSecretaryJohnAlexanderManagerJoseMourinhoAssistantManagerRuiFariaTicketOfficeManagerSamKelleher01618688000StadiumManagerTobeadvisedHeadofStadiumSafetyandSecurityPhilRainford01618688116AcademyManagerNickyButtHomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2Colours:Shirts:Red/Shorts:White/Socks:BlackColours:Shirts:LightGrey/Shorts:White/Socks:LightGreyColours:Shirts:Black/Shorts:Black/Socks:Black25
DirectorofCommunicationsPhilipTownsend01618688216ShirtSponsorCHEVROLETKitManufactureradidasSupporterLiaisonOfficerJenniferSmith01618688000GroundCapacityatstartofSeason74,994DisabilityAccessOfficerRishiJain01618688036ClubDoctorDrSteveMcNallyB.MedSciBMBSMRCGPDCHDRCOGDOccMedDip.SEM.GB&IMFSEM(RCPI&RCSI)MFSEM(UK)HeadPhysiotherapistTobeadvisedPitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsJoelGlazer(Co-Chairman)AvramGlazer(Co-Chairman)BryanGlazerKevinGlazerEdwardGlazerDarcieGlazerKassewitzEdWoodwardRichardArnoldSirBobbyCharltonCBEDavidGillSirAlexFergusonCBEMichaelEdelsonGroundsManagerAnthonySinclairIntermediateDiplomainSportsgroundStaffProgrammeEditorPaulDaviesSirMattBusbyWay,OldTrafford,ManchesterM160RA01618688551OfficialCompanyNameandNumberManchesterUnitedFootballClubLimitedNo.95489HomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2Colours:Shirts:LegendInk/Shorts:Black/Socks:LegendInkColours:Shirts:Green/Shorts:Green/Socks:GreenColours:Shirts:Cyan/Shorts:Cyan/Socks:Cyan26ClubDirectory:ManchesterUnited
NewcastleUnitedStJames’ParkNewcastleUponTyneNE14ST125YEARSMainSwitchboard:08443721892Fax:01912018600TicketOffice:08443721892(Option1)admin@nufc.co.ukwww.nufc.co.ukManagingDirectorLeeCharnleyHeadofPartnershipsDaleAitchison08443721892(Extn8436)BoxOfficeManagerStephenTickle08443721892(Extn8455)ManagerRafaelBenitezFootballSecretaryRichardHinesAcademyManagerJoeJoyceHeadofFinanceClaireAlexander08443721892(Extn8464)FacilitiesManagerEddieRutherford08443721892(Extn8558)SafetyOfficerSteveStorey08443721892(Extn8528)HomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2Colours:Shirts:BlackandWhite/Shorts:Black/Socks:BlackwithWhiteTurnoverColours:Shirts:SkyBlue/Shorts:DenimBlue/Socks:SkyBluewithDenimBlueTurnoverColours:Shirts:BlackandCharcoalStripe/Shorts:Black/Socks:Black27
HeadofMediaWendyTaylor01912381021ShirtSponsorFun88KitManufacturerPUMASupporterLiaisonOfficerLeeMarshall08443721892(Extn8579)GroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason52,354SeniorPhysiotherapistDerekWrightQualifications:MSCPDipRGRTPGDipSportExMed.HeadGroundsmanMichaelCurranCity&Guilds-Levels1,2,3:AmenityHorticulture&Groundsmanship,IOGNPC,IOGNTCFoundationManagerKateBradley08443721892(Extn8477)PitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsLeeCharnleyOfficialCompanyNameandNumberNewcastleUnitedFootballCompanyLimitedNo.31014ClubDoctorDrPaulCattersonQualifications:MBBS,MRCP,FCEM,DipSEM,MFSEM,DipMSKUSProgrammeEditorRoryMitchinsonStJames’Park,NewcastleUponTyneNE14ST08443721892(Extn8407)HomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2Colours:Shirts:Blue/Shorts:Blue/Socks:BlueColours:Shirts:FluoOrange/Shorts:FluoOrange/Socks:FluoOrangeColours:Shirts:White/Shorts:White/Socks:White28ClubDirectory:NewcastleUnited
SouthamptonStMary’sStadiumBritanniaRoadSouthamptonSO145FPMainSwitchboard:08456889448Fax:02380727727TicketOffice:08456889288CreditCardBookings:02381780780www.saintsfc.co.ukChairmanRalphKruegerCommercialDirectorDavidThomasInterimManagingDirectorTobySteeleTicketOfficeManagerMichaelJolliffe02380727796ClubSecretaryRosWheeler02380711931ManagerMauricioPellegrinoSafetyOfficerMarkHannibalMBE08456889448ClubSpokesmanJordanSibley08456889448AssistantManagerCarlosCompagnucciAcademyManagerMattHaleHomekitAlternativekit1Colours:Shirts:RedandWhite/Shorts:/BlackSocks:RedandWhiteColours:Shirts:BlackandTeal/Shorts:Teal/Socks:BlackandTeal29
SupporterLiaisonOfficer/DisabilityAccessOfficerKhaliParsons08456889448DirectorsKatharinaLiebherrRalphKruegerLesReedTobySteeleDavidThomasRossWilsonTimGreenwellOfficialCompanyNameandNumberSouthamptonFootballClubLimitedNo.53301TeamDoctorDrSteveBaynesBMBS,MRCGP,DipSEM,MFSEM(UK)PhysiotherapistsTomSturdyBSc(Hons),MSc,MCSP,HCPCSteveWrightBSc(Hons),KCMTMCSP,HCPCGroundsManagerAndyGrayNVQL3SportsGroundManagement,NCH-PA1,PA2A&PA6AShirtSponsorVirginMediaKitManufacturerUnderArmourGroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason32,384PitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresHomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2Colours:Shirts:Green/Shorts:Green/Socks:GreenColours:Shirts:Maroon/Shorts:Maroon/Socks:MaroonColours:Shirts:Orange/Shorts:Orange/Socks:Orange30ClubDirectory:Southampton
StokeCitybet365StadiumStanleyMatthewsWayStoke-on-TrentST44EGMainSwitchboard:01782367598Fax(FootballAdministration):01782646988TicketOffice:01782367599www.stokecityfc.cominfo@stokecityfc.comChairmanPeterCoatesAssistantManagerMarkBowenAcademyDirectorGarethJenningsViceChairmanJohnCoatesChiefExecutiveTonyScholesManagingDirector(Property)RichardSmithClubSecretaryAndrewPennHeadofFinanceJohnPelling01782592261ChiefCommercialOfficerPaulLakin01782592219TicketOfficeManagerJoshWhittaker-Vyse01782367599ManagerMarkHughesHomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2Colours:Shirts:RedandWhiteStripes/Shorts:White/Socks:WhiteColours:Shirts:RoyalBlue,WhiteandRed/Shorts:RoyalBlue/Socks:RoyalBlueColours:Shirts:White,RoyalBlueandRed/Shorts:RoyalBlue/Socks:RoyalBlue31
HeadofFacilitiesCraigJepson01782592110ProgrammeEditorMarkMothershaw01782592194ShirtSponsorbet365HeadofHealth,SafetyandSecurityRaviSharma01782592274KitManufacturerMacronHeadofMediaandCommunicationsFraserNicholson01782592172SupporterLiaisonOfficerAnthonyEmmerson01782592135TeamDoctorDrAndrewDentMBCh.B,MRCGP,MFSEM(UK),DipSportsMedicineGroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason30,089PitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsPeterCoatesJohnCoatesTonyScholesRichardSmithSeniorPhysiotherapistDaveWatsonBPHTY,MNZSP,MCSPMOfficialCompanyNameandNumberStokeCityFootballClubLimitedNo.99885HeadGroundsmanAndrewJacksonSportsTurfNVQLevel1&2DisabilityAccessOfficerRobKillingworth01782592169HomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2Colours:Shirts:Purple/Shorts:Purple/Socks:PurpleColours:Shirts:MintGreen/Shorts:MintGreen/Socks:MintGreenColours:Shirts:NeonYellow/Shorts:NeonYellow/Socks:NeonYellow32ClubDirectory:StokeCity
SwanseaCityLibertyStadiumLandoreSwanseaSA12FAMainSwitchboard:01792616600Fax:01792616606TicketOffice:08448156665www.swanseacity.cominfo@swanseacity.comChairmanHuwJenkinsOBEFirstTeamAssistantCoach/HeadofPhysicalPerformanceKarlHalabiAcademyManagerNigelReesViceChairmanLeighDineenChiefOperatingOfficerChrisPearlmanFootballAdministrationManagerAlunCowieSecretaryJackieRockeyChiefFinancialOfficerGarethDaviesGlobalHeadofPartnershipsMarkDaviesDirectorofLegalandBusinessAffairsSamPorterFirstTeamHeadCoachPaulClementStadiumCustomerServices/TicketingCatherineThomas01792616420FirstTeamAssistantCoachesNigelGibbsClaudeMakeleleHomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2Colours:Shirts:White/Shorts:White/Socks:WhiteColours:Shirts:Red/Shorts:Red/Socks:RedColours:Shirts:BlackandGold/Shorts:Black/Socks:Black33
StadiumGeneralManagerAndrewDavies01792616401ProgrammeEditorGarethVincentShirtSponsorLETOUStadiumOperationsManagerMatthewDaniel01792616417KitManufacturerJomaSafetyOfficerMikeAsh07904856209MediaManagerJonathanWilsher01792823531/07831555464SupporterLiaisonOfficerHuwCoozeGroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason21,088PitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsHuwJenkinsOBEStephenKaplanJasonLevienMartinMorganRomieChaudhariRobertHernreichStuartMcDonaldDisabilityAccessOfficerLucyNormanHeadofMedicalDrJezMcCluskeyMBBCh,MRCGP,DRCOG,MSc(SEM)HeadGroundsmanDanKirtonNVQLevel3HorticultureOfficialCompanyNameandNumberSwanseaCityAssociationFootballClubLtdNo.123414HomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2Colours:Shirts:Green/Shorts:Green/Socks:GreenColours:Shirts:SkyBlue/Shorts:SkyBlue/Socks:SkyBlueColours:Shirts:Coral/Shorts:Coral/Socks:Coral34ClubDirectory:SwanseaCity
TottenhamHotspurLilywhiteHouse782HighRoadTottenhamLondonN170BXMainSwitchboard:08444995000Fax:02035448563TicketOffice:08444995000www.tottenhamhotspur.comemail@tottenhamhotspur.comChairmanDanielLevyHeadofAcademyCoachandPlayerDevelopmentJohnMcDermottDirectorofFootballOperationsRebeccaCaplehornFootballSecretaryRebeccaBritain02035448667AcademyManagerDeanRastrickOperationsandFinanceDirectorMatthewCollecottManagerMauricioPochettinoHeadofMarketingEmmaTaylor02083655085AssistantManagerJesúsPérezHeadofTicketingandMembershipIanMurphy02083655095HomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:White/Shorts:Navy/Socks:WhiteColours:Shirts:Navy/Shorts:Navy/Socks:Navy35
StadiumDirectorJonBabbs02083655039HeadofPublicationsJonRayner02035448538ShirtSponsorAIASeniorSafetyOfficerSueTilling02083655082KitManufacturerNikeHeadofCommunicationsSimonFelstein02035448541HeadofSupporterServicesJonathanWaite02083655092DisabilityAccessOfficerJonDyster02083655360GroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason90,000(WembleyStadium)PitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsDanielLevyMatthewCollecottDonna-MariaCullenRebeccaCaplehornHeadofMedicalandSportsScienceDrShabaazMughalMBBS,MRCGP,MSc(SEM),FFSEM(UK),CESR,PGC(MSKUS)OfficialCompanyNameandNumberTottenhamHotspurFootball&AthleticCoLtdNo.57186HeadPhysiotherapistGeoffScottMSc,MBA,MCSPHeadofPlayingSurfacesandEstatesDarrenBaldwinCity&GuildsinGroundsmanship&SportsTurfManagementHomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:Yellow/Shorts:Yellow/Socks:YellowColours:Shirts:Green/Shorts:Green/Socks:Green36ClubDirectory:TottenhamHotspur
WatfordVicarageRoadStadiumWatfordHertfordshireWD180ERMainSwitchboard:01923496000Fax:01923496001TicketOffice:01923223023www.watfordfc.comChairmanandChiefExecutiveOfficerScottDuxburyHeadofSalesPaulO’Brien01923496233TicketOfficeManager/DisabilityAccessOfficerJoanneSimonds01923496250FootballSecretaryGayleVowelsHeadCoachMarcoSilvaAcademyManagerChrisMcGuaneHeadofFinanceKatieWareham01923496241OperationsDirector/StrategicEqualityLeadGlynEvans01923496374HeadofSupporterCommunicationsandSalesRichardWalker01923496220CommercialDirectorSpencerField01923496367HomekitAlternativekit1Colours:Shirts:Yellow/Shorts:Black/Socks:BlackColours:Shirts:PowerRed/Shorts:PowerRed/Socks:PowerRed37
SupporterLiaisonOfficerDaveMessenger01923496397ShirtSponsorFxProKitManufactureradidasOperationsManager(EventSafety)AndyJenkins01923496355GroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason21,000HeadofSafeguardingKimPearce01923496246TeamDoctorDrIanHamiltonMBBS,MRCGP,MSc(SEM),MFSEMPerformanceDirectorGavinBenjafieldPitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsScottDuxburyDavidFransen(Non-executivedirector)StuartTimperley(Non-executivedirector)OfficialCompanyNameandNumberTheWatfordAssociationFootballClubLimitedNo.104194HeadGroundsmanScottTingleyPublicationsManagerSteveScott01923496279HomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2Colours:Shirts:BrightCyan/Shorts:BrightCyan/Socks:BrightCyanColours:Shirts:Black/Shorts:Black/Socks:BlackColours:Shirts:EnergyGreen/Shorts:EnergyGreen/Socks:EnergyGreen38ClubDirectory:Watford
WestBromwichAlbionTheHawthornsWestBromwichWestMidlandsB714LFMainSwitchboard:08712711100Fax:08712719851TicketOffice:01212272227CreditCardBookings:01212272227Clubcall:SMSbreakingnewsalerts–textCLUBWBAto88442(textscost25peach)www.wba.co.ukenquiries@wbafc.co.ukChairmanJohnWilliamsTechnicalDirectorNickHammondAcademyManagerMarkHarrisonChiefExecutiveMartinGoodmanDirectorofFootballAdministrationRichardGarlickGeneralCounsel/ClubSecretarySimonCarringtonHeadCoachTonyPulisFinanceDirectorPeterBandChiefCommercialOfficerSimonKing08712719820HomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:NavyandWhiteStripes(NavyBack)/Shorts:White/Socks:WhiteColours:Shirts:WhitewithRedSleeves/Shorts:Red/Socks:Red39
TicketOfficeManagerJoBarr08712719782ProgrammeEditorDaveBowlerTheHawthorns,WestBromwich,B714LF07813709393ShirtSponsorPalmEco-TownDevelopmentCo.LtdDirectorofOperationsMarkMiles08712719849HealthandSafetyOfficer/DisabilityAccessOfficerChrisHarrisDirectorofCommunicationsMartinSwain08712719833/07710821215SupporterLiaisonOfficerJamesMackay07583005823KitManufactureradidasGroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason26,688PitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsJohnWilliamsMartinGoodmanRichardGarlickSimonCarringtonLiPiyuePeterBandDirectorofPerformanceDrMarkGillettMSc,FRCS,FRCEM,FRSEM(UK&I)DipIMC,RCSEdPerformancePhysioRichardRawlinsBSc(Hons),MSCP,SRPHeadGroundsmanRobLaneOfficialCompanyNameandNumberWestBromwichAlbionFootballClubLimitedNo.03295063HomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:EnergyGreen/Shorts:EnergyGreen/Socks:EnergyGreenColours:Shirts:Black/Shorts:Black/Socks:Black40ClubDirectory:WestBromwichAlbion
WestHamUnitedLondonStadiumQueenElizabethOlympicParkLondonE202STMainSwitchboard:02085482748Fax:02085482758TicketOffice:03330301966www.whufc.comsupporterservices@westhamunited.co.ukJointChairmenDavidSullivanandDavidGoldAcademyManager/HeadofCoachingandPlayerDevelopmentTerryWestleyViceChairmanBaronessBradyCBEOperationsDirectorSteveGotkineChiefFinancialOfficerAndyMollett02085482768ChiefRevenueOfficerRichardLambHeadofMatchdayOperationsBenIllingworthExecutiveDirector,MarketingandCommunicationsTaraWarren02085868234ClubSecretaryAndrewPincherManagerSlavenBilicHeadofTicketingNicolaKeye02085482736AssistantManagerNikolaJurcevicHomekitAlternativekit1Alternativekit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:ClaretwithSkyBlueSleeve/Shorts:White/Socks:WhiteColours:Shirts:BlackwithSkyTrim/Shorts:Black/Socks:Black41
HeadofSafetyandSecurity(LondonStadium)DaveSadler07377361925ProgrammeEditorRobPritchard07595821867ShirtSponsorBetwayKitManufacturerUmbroHeadofMediaRelationsMaxFitzgerald07730033873MedicalOfficersDrRichardWeilerMBChB,FFSEM(UK),MRCGP,MScSEM,PGCME,FHEADrIanBeasleyMBBS,MRCGP,MSc,DipSportsMed.,FFSEM(UK)GroundCapacityatstartoftheSeason60,000PitchDimensionsLength:105metresWidth:68metresDirectorsDavidSullivanDavidGoldBaronessBradyCBEAndyMollettDanielSvanstromDanielHarrisTaraWarrenHeadofMedicalandSportsScienceGaryLewinGradDipPhysMCSPMHCPCMScSupporterServicesOfficerJakeHeath02081142349DisabilityAccessOfficerJuliePidgeon03330300174OfficialCompanyNameandNumberWestHamUnitedFootballClubLimitedNo.66516HeadGroundsmanDougieRobertsonHNCinSportsTurfScienceHomeGoalkeeperGoalkeeperAltkit1GoalkeeperAltkit2TobeadvisedColours:Shirts:Yellow/Shorts:Yellow/Socks:YellowColours:Shirts:Blue/Shorts:Blue/Socks:Blue42ClubDirectory:WestHamUnited
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18Pleasebeawarethatfixturesarealwayssubjecttochangeandthesewillappearinthenationalpressandonpremierleague.com.YouarewelcometocontactourPublicInformationLine(02078649000)foruptodatefixtures.KickofftimesforSaturdaysandBankHolidays-3.00pmunlessstatedotherwise.Kickofftimesforeveninggames-7.45pmunlessstatedotherwise.Friday11August2017ArsenalvLeicesterCity19:45SkySportsSaturday12August2017WatfordChelseaCrystalPalaceEvertonSouthamptonWestBromwichAlbionBrighton&HoveAlbionvvvvvvvLiverpoolBurnleyHuddersfieldTownStokeCitySwanseaCityAFCBournemouthManchesterCity12:30SkySports17:30BTSportSunday13August2017NewcastleUnitedManchesterUnitedvvTottenhamHotspurWestHamUnited13:3016:00SkySportsSkySportsSaturday19August2017SwanseaCityAFCBournemouthBurnleyLeicesterCityLiverpoolSouthamptonStokeCityvvvvvvvManchesterUnitedWatfordWestBromwichAlbionBrighton&HoveAlbionCrystalPalaceWestHamUnitedArsenal12:30SkySports17:30BTSportSunday20August2017HuddersfieldTownTottenhamHotspurvvNewcastleUnitedChelsea13:3016:00SkySportsSkySports45
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18Monday21August2017ManchesterCityvEverton20:00SkySportsSaturday26August2017AFCBournemouthChelseaCrystalPalaceHuddersfieldTownNewcastleUnitedWatfordManchesterUnitedvvvvvvvManchesterCityEvertonSwanseaCitySouthamptonWestHamUnitedBrighton&HoveAlbionLeicesterCity12:30SkySports17:30BTSportSunday27August2017WestBromwichAlbionLiverpoolTottenhamHotspurvvvStokeCityArsenalBurnley13:3016:0016:00SkySportsSkySportsSaturday9September2017ManchesterCityArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionEvertonLeicesterCitySouthamptonStokeCityvvvvvvvLiverpoolAFCBournemouthWestBromwichAlbionTottenhamHotspurChelseaWatfordManchesterUnited12:30SkySports17:30BTSportSunday10September2017BurnleySwanseaCityvvCrystalPalaceNewcastleUnited13:3016:00SkySportsSkySportsMonday11September2017WestHamUnitedvHuddersfieldTown20:00SkySports46Fixtures
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18Friday15September2017AFCBournemouthvBrighton&HoveAlbion20:00SkySportsSaturday16September2017CrystalPalaceHuddersfieldTownLiverpoolNewcastleUnitedWatfordWestBromwichAlbionTottenhamHotspurvvvvvvvSouthamptonLeicesterCityBurnleyStokeCityManchesterCityWestHamUnitedSwanseaCity12:30SkySports17:30BTSportSunday17September2017ChelseaManchesterUnitedvvArsenalEverton13:3016:00SkySportsSkySportsSaturday23September2017WestHamUnitedBurnleyEvertonManchesterCitySouthamptonStokeCitySwanseaCityLeicesterCityvvvvvvvvTottenhamHotspurHuddersfieldTownAFCBournemouthCrystalPalaceManchesterUnitedChelseaWatfordLiverpool12:30SkySports17:30BTSportSunday24September2017Brighton&HoveAlbionvNewcastleUnited16:00SkySportsMonday25September2017ArsenalvWestBromwichAlbion20:00SkySportsSaturday30September2017HuddersfieldTownAFCBournemouthManchesterUnitedStokeCityvvvvTottenhamHotspurLeicesterCityCrystalPalaceSouthampton12:30SkySports47
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18WestBromwichAlbionWestHamUnitedChelseavvvWatfordSwanseaCityManchesterCity17:30BTSportSunday1October2017ArsenalEvertonNewcastleUnitedvvvBrighton&HoveAlbionBurnleyLiverpool12:0014:1516:30BTSportSkySportsSkySportsSaturday14October2017Brighton&HoveAlbionBurnleyCrystalPalaceLeicesterCityLiverpoolManchesterCitySouthamptonSwanseaCityTottenhamHotspurWatfordvvvvvvvvvvEvertonWestHamUnitedChelseaWestBromwichAlbionManchesterUnitedStokeCityNewcastleUnitedHuddersfieldTownAFCBournemouthArsenalSaturday21October2017EvertonChelseaHuddersfieldTownManchesterCityNewcastleUnitedSouthamptonStokeCitySwanseaCityTottenhamHotspurWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvvArsenalWatfordManchesterUnitedBurnleyCrystalPalaceWestBromwichAlbionAFCBournemouthLeicesterCityLiverpoolBrighton&HoveAlbionTobeconfirmed48Fixtures
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18Saturday28October2017AFCBournemouthArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionBurnleyCrystalPalaceLeicesterCityLiverpoolManchesterUnitedWatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvvvvvvvvvChelseaSwanseaCitySouthamptonNewcastleUnitedWestHamUnitedEvertonHuddersfieldTownTottenhamHotspurStokeCityManchesterCitySaturday4November2017ChelseaEvertonHuddersfieldTownNewcastleUnitedSouthamptonStokeCitySwanseaCityTottenhamHotspurWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvManchesterUnitedWatfordWestBromwichAlbionAFCBournemouthBurnleyLeicesterCityBrighton&HoveAlbionCrystalPalaceLiverpoolSunday5November2017ManchesterCityvArsenalTobeconfirmedSaturday18November2017AFCBournemouthArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionBurnleyCrystalPalaceLeicesterCityLiverpoolManchesterUnitedWatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvvvvvvvvvHuddersfieldTownTottenhamHotspurStokeCitySwanseaCityEvertonManchesterCitySouthamptonNewcastleUnitedWestHamUnitedChelsea49
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18Saturday25November2017CrystalPalaceHuddersfieldTownLiverpoolManchesterUnitedNewcastleUnitedSouthamptonSwanseaCityTottenhamHotspurWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvStokeCityManchesterCityChelseaBrighton&HoveAlbionWatfordEvertonAFCBournemouthWestBromwichAlbionLeicesterCitySunday26November2017BurnleyvArsenalTobeconfirmedTuesday28November2017Brighton&HoveAlbionLeicesterCityWatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvvvCrystalPalaceTottenhamHotspurManchesterUnitedNewcastleUnited19:4519:4519:4520:00Wednesday29November2017AFCBournemouthArsenalChelseaEvertonManchesterCityStokeCityvvvvvvBurnleyHuddersfieldTownSwanseaCityWestHamUnitedSouthamptonLiverpool19:4519:4519:4519:4520:0020:00Saturday2December2017AFCBournemouthArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionChelseaEvertonLeicesterCityManchesterCityStokeCityvvvvvvvvSouthamptonManchesterUnitedLiverpoolNewcastleUnitedHuddersfieldTownBurnleyWestHamUnitedSwanseaCity50Fixtures
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18WatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvTottenhamHotspurCrystalPalaceSaturday9December2017BurnleyCrystalPalaceHuddersfieldTownLiverpoolManchesterUnitedNewcastleUnitedSwanseaCityTottenhamHotspurWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvWatfordAFCBournemouthBrighton&HoveAlbionEvertonManchesterCityLeicesterCityWestBromwichAlbionStokeCityChelseaSunday10December2017SouthamptonvArsenalTobeconfirmedTuesday12December2017BurnleyHuddersfieldTownSwanseaCityCrystalPalaceManchesterUnitedvvvvvStokeCityChelseaManchesterCityWatfordAFCBournemouth19:4519:4519:4520:0020:00Wednesday13December2017WestHamUnitedNewcastleUnitedSouthamptonLiverpoolTottenhamHotspurvvvvvArsenalEvertonLeicesterCityWestBromwichAlbionBrighton&HoveAlbion19:4519:4519:4520:0020:0051
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18Saturday16December2017AFCBournemouthArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionChelseaEvertonLeicesterCityManchesterCityStokeCityWatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvvvvvvvvvLiverpoolNewcastleUnitedBurnleySouthamptonSwanseaCityCrystalPalaceTottenhamHotspurWestHamUnitedHuddersfieldTownManchesterUnitedSaturday23December2017ArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionBurnleyEvertonLeicesterCityManchesterCitySouthamptonStokeCitySwanseaCityWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvvLiverpoolWatfordTottenhamHotspurChelseaManchesterUnitedAFCBournemouthHuddersfieldTownWestBromwichAlbionCrystalPalaceNewcastleUnitedTuesday26December2017AFCBournemouthChelseaCrystalPalaceHuddersfieldTownLiverpoolManchesterUnitedNewcastleUnitedTottenhamHotspurWatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvvvvvvvvvWestHamUnitedBrighton&HoveAlbionArsenalStokeCitySwanseaCityBurnleyManchesterCitySouthamptonLeicesterCityEverton52Fixtures
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18Saturday30December2017AFCBournemouthChelseaCrystalPalaceHuddersfieldTownLiverpoolManchesterUnitedNewcastleUnitedTottenhamHotspurWatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvvvvvvvvvEvertonStokeCityManchesterCityBurnleyLeicesterCitySouthamptonBrighton&HoveAlbionWestHamUnitedSwanseaCityArsenalMonday1January2018ArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionBurnleyEvertonLeicesterCityManchesterCitySouthamptonStokeCitySwanseaCityWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvvChelseaAFCBournemouthLiverpoolManchesterUnitedHuddersfieldTownWatfordCrystalPalaceNewcastleUnitedTottenhamHotspurWestBromwichAlbionSaturday13January2018AFCBournemouthChelseaCrystalPalaceHuddersfieldTownLiverpoolManchesterUnitedNewcastleUnitedTottenhamHotspurWatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvvvvvvvvvArsenalLeicesterCityBurnleyWestHamUnitedManchesterCityStokeCitySwanseaCityEvertonSouthamptonBrighton&HoveAlbion53
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18Saturday20January2018ArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionBurnleyEvertonLeicesterCityManchesterCitySouthamptonStokeCitySwanseaCityWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvvCrystalPalaceChelseaManchesterUnitedWestBromwichAlbionWatfordNewcastleUnitedTottenhamHotspurHuddersfieldTownLiverpoolAFCBournemouthTuesday30January2018HuddersfieldTownSwanseaCityWestHamUnitedvvvLiverpoolArsenalCrystalPalace19:4519:4519:45Wednesday31January2018ChelseaEvertonNewcastleUnitedSouthamptonManchesterCityStokeCityTottenhamHotspurvvvvvvvAFCBournemouthLeicesterCityBurnleyBrighton&HoveAlbionWestBromwichAlbionWatfordManchesterUnited19:4519:4519:4519:4520:0020:0020:00Saturday3February2018AFCBournemouthArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionBurnleyCrystalPalaceLeicesterCityvvvvvvStokeCityEvertonWestHamUnitedManchesterCityNewcastleUnitedSwanseaCity54Fixtures
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18LiverpoolManchesterUnitedWatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvvvTottenhamHotspurHuddersfieldTownChelseaSouthamptonSaturday10February2018ChelseaEvertonHuddersfieldTownManchesterCityNewcastleUnitedSouthamptonStokeCitySwanseaCityTottenhamHotspurWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvvWestBromwichAlbionCrystalPalaceAFCBournemouthLeicesterCityManchesterUnitedLiverpoolBrighton&HoveAlbionBurnleyArsenalWatfordSaturday24February2018AFCBournemouthArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionBurnleyCrystalPalaceLeicesterCityLiverpoolManchesterUnitedWatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvvvvvvvvvNewcastleUnitedManchesterCitySwanseaCitySouthamptonTottenhamHotspurStokeCityWestHamUnitedChelseaEvertonHuddersfieldTown55
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18Saturday3March2018Brighton&HoveAlbionBurnleyCrystalPalaceLeicesterCityLiverpoolManchesterCitySouthamptonSwanseaCityTottenhamHotspurWatfordvvvvvvvvvvArsenalEvertonManchesterUnitedAFCBournemouthNewcastleUnitedChelseaStokeCityWestHamUnitedHuddersfieldTownWestBromwichAlbionSaturday10March2018AFCBournemouthArsenalChelseaEvertonHuddersfieldTownManchesterUnitedNewcastleUnitedStokeCityWestBromwichAlbionWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvvTottenhamHotspurWatfordCrystalPalaceBrighton&HoveAlbionSwanseaCityLiverpoolSouthamptonManchesterCityLeicesterCityBurnleySaturday17March2018AFCBournemouthBurnleyHuddersfieldTownLeicesterCityLiverpoolManchesterCityStokeCitySwanseaCityTottenhamHotspurWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvvWestBromwichAlbionChelseaCrystalPalaceArsenalWatfordBrighton&HoveAlbionEvertonSouthamptonNewcastleUnitedManchesterUnited56Fixtures
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18Saturday31March2018ArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionChelseaCrystalPalaceEvertonManchesterUnitedNewcastleUnitedWatfordWestBromwichAlbionWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvvStokeCityLeicesterCityTottenhamHotspurLiverpoolManchesterCitySwanseaCityHuddersfieldTownAFCBournemouthBurnleySouthamptonSaturday7April2018AFCBournemouthArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionChelseaEvertonLeicesterCityManchesterCityStokeCityWatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvvvvvvvvvCrystalPalaceSouthamptonHuddersfieldTownWestHamUnitedLiverpoolNewcastleUnitedManchesterUnitedTottenhamHotspurBurnleySwanseaCitySaturday14April2018BurnleyCrystalPalaceHuddersfieldTownLiverpoolManchesterUnitedNewcastleUnitedSouthamptonSwanseaCityTottenhamHotspurWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvvLeicesterCityBrighton&HoveAlbionWatfordAFCBournemouthWestBromwichAlbionArsenalChelseaEvertonManchesterCityStokeCity57
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18Saturday21April2018AFCBournemouthArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionChelseaEvertonLeicesterCityManchesterCityStokeCityWatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvvvvvvvvvManchesterUnitedWestHamUnitedTottenhamHotspurHuddersfieldTownNewcastleUnitedSouthamptonSwanseaCityBurnleyCrystalPalaceLiverpoolSaturday28April2018BurnleyCrystalPalaceHuddersfieldTownLiverpoolManchesterUnitedNewcastleUnitedSouthamptonSwanseaCityTottenhamHotspurWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvvBrighton&HoveAlbionLeicesterCityEvertonStokeCityArsenalWestBromwichAlbionAFCBournemouthChelseaWatfordManchesterCitySaturday5May2018AFCBournemouthArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionChelseaEvertonLeicesterCityManchesterCityStokeCityWatfordWestBromwichAlbionvvvvvvvvvvSwanseaCityBurnleyManchesterUnitedLiverpoolSouthamptonWestHamUnitedHuddersfieldTownCrystalPalaceNewcastleUnitedTottenhamHotspur58Fixtures
PremierLeagueFixtureListSeason2017/18Sunday13May2018BurnleyCrystalPalaceHuddersfieldTownLiverpoolManchesterUnitedNewcastleUnitedSouthamptonSwanseaCityTottenhamHotspurWestHamUnitedvvvvvvvvvvAFCBournemouthWestBromwichAlbionArsenalBrighton&HoveAlbionWatfordChelseaManchesterCityStokeCityLeicesterCityEverton15:0015:0015:0015:0015:0015:0015:0015:0015:0015:0059
England’sFullInternationalFixtureList2017/18(Alldatessubjecttochange)WorldCup2018–EuropeanQualifyingMaltaEnglandEnglandLithuaniavvvvEnglandSlovakiaSloveniaEnglandFriday1September2017Monday4September2017Thursday5October2017Sunday8October2017TheFootballAssociationChallengeCup(Alldatessubjecttochange)DatesforMatchesinCompetitionProper-Season2017/18RoundOneRoundTwoRoundThreeRoundFourRoundFiveRoundSixSemi-finalsFinalSaturday*4November2017Saturday*2December2017Saturday*6January2018Saturday*27January2018Saturday*17February2018Saturday*17March2018Saturday21andSunday22April2018Saturday19May2018*gamesplayedoverarangeofdaysTheEnglishFootballLeagueCup(Alldatessubjecttochange)Season2017/18RoundOneRoundTwoRoundThreeRoundFourRoundFiveSemi-finals(1stLeg)Semi-finals(2ndLeg)Finalweekcommencing7August2017weekcommencing21August2017weekcommencing18September2017weekcommencing23October2017weekcommencing18December2017weekcommencing8January2018weekcommencing22January2018Sunday25February201861
UEFAClubCompetitionDates2017/18(Alldatessubjecttochange)EnglishRepresentativesUEFAChampionsLeague–Chelsea,TottenhamHotspur,ManchesterCity,LiverpoolandManchesterUnited.EuropaLeague–Arsenal,Everton.UEFAChampionsLeague1stQual.Round(1stLeg)EuropaLeague1stQual.Round(1stLeg)UEFAChampionsLeague1Qual.Round(2ndLeg)EuropaLeague1stQual.Round(2ndLeg)UEFAChampionsLeague2ndQual.Round(1stLeg)EuropaLeague2ndQual.Round(1stLeg)UEFAChampionsLeague2ndQual.Round(2ndLeg)EuropaLeague2ndQual.Round(2ndLeg)UEFAChampionsLeague3rdQual.Round(1stLeg)EuropaLeague3rdQual.Round(1stLeg)UEFAChampionsLeague3rdQual.Round(2ndLeg)EuropaLeague3rdQual.Round(2ndLeg)UEFAChampionsLeaguePlay-Off(1stLeg)EuropaLeaguePlay-Off(1stLeg)UEFAChampionsLeaguePlay-Off(2ndLeg)EuropaLeaguePlay-Off(2ndLeg)UEFAChampionsLeagueGroupStage-Match1EuropaLeagueGroupStage–Match1UEFAChampionsLeagueGroupStage-Match2EuropaLeagueGroupStage–Match2UEFAChampionsLeagueGroupStage-Match3EuropaLeagueGroupStage–Match3UEFAChampionsLeagueGroupStage-Match4EuropaLeagueGroupStage–Match4UEFAChampionsLeagueGroupStage-Match5EuropaLeagueGroupStage–Match5UEFAChampionsLeagueGroupStage-Match6EuropaLeagueGroupStage–Match6UEFAChampionsLeagueRoundof16(1stLeg)EuropaLeague–Roundof32(1stLeg)EuropaLeague–Roundof32(2ndLeg)UEFAChampionsLeagueRoundof16(2ndLeg)EuropaLeague–Roundof16(1stLeg)EuropaLeague–Roundof16(2ndLeg)UEFAChampionsLeagueQuarter-finals(1stLeg)EuropaLeague–Quarter-finals(1stLeg)UEFAChampionsLeagueQuarter-finals(2ndLeg)EuropaLeague–Quarter-finals(2ndLeg)Tues/Wed27/28June2017Thursday29June2017Tues/Wed4/5July2017Thursday6July2017Tues/Wed11/12July2017Thursday13July2017Tues/Wed18/19July2017Thursday20July2017Tues/Thurs25/26July2017Thursday27July2017Tues/Wed1/2August2017Thursday3August2017Tues/Wed15/16August2017Thursday17August2017Tues/Wed22/23August2017Thursday24August2017Tues/Wed12/13September2017Thursday14September2017Tues/Wed26/27September2017Thursday28September2017Tues/Wed17/18October2017Thursday19October2017Tues/Wed31/1October/November2017Thursday2November2017Tues/Wed21/22November2017Thursday23November2017Tues/Wed5/6December2017Thursday7December2017Tues/Wed13/14and20/21February2018Thursday15February2018Thursday22February2018Tues/Wed6/7and13/14March2018Thursday8March2018Thursday15March2018Tues/Wed3/4April2018Thursday5April2018Tues/Wed11/12April2018Thursday13April201862Fixtures
UEFAChampionsLeagueSemi-finals(1stLeg)EuropaLeague–Semi-finals(1stLeg)UEFAChampionsLeagueSemi-finals(2ndLeg)EuropaLeague–Semi-finals(2ndLeg)EuropaLeague–FinalUEFAChampionsLeagueFinalTues/Wed24/25April2018Thursday26April2018Tues/Wed1/2May2018Thursday3May2018Wednesday16May2018Saturday26May201863
LeagueRulesPremier
RulesofthePremierLeagueContentsPremierLeagueRulesDefinitionsandInterpretation81818198999999100100100101103103103104104104105105105106106106107109109109110110110110113113113113113SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretationDefinitionsInterpretationTheLeague:Governance,OperationsandFinanceSectionB:TheLeague–GovernanceNameandMembershipBoardPowersProcedureatGeneralMeetingsRelationshipbetweenClubsandtheLeagueFootballAssociationRepresentationTheLeagueCompetitionTheLeagueCompetitionDeterminationandAccreditationofGoalsTheLeagueChampionshipRelegationPlay-offsTheLeague–FinanceObligationsoftheLeagueObligationsofClubsAccountingPracticeOperatingandOtherExpensesTransmissionofLeagueMatchesDistributionofUKBroadcastingMoneyDistributionofOverseasBroadcastingMoneyDistributionofCommercialContractMoneyDistributionofRadioContractMoneyRelegatedClubsValueAddedTaxDistributionAccountAssignmentsofCentralFundsSectionC:SectionD:Clubs:FinanceandGovernanceSectionE:Clubs–FinancePowertoInspectClubBankAccountsSubmissionofClubAccounts67
ContentsShortTermCostControlHMRCPowertoDeductEventsofInsolvencySportingSanctionGeneralProfitabilityandSustainabilityOwners’andDirectors’TestDisqualifyingEventsSubmissionofDeclarationChangeofDirector’sCircumstancesDisqualificationofaDirectorDisciplinaryProvisionsSuspensionoftheClubAppealagainstDisqualificationofaDirectorPersonsProhibitedbyLawfromenteringtheUnitedKingdometcDisclosureofOwnershipandOtherInterestsDisclosureofOwnershipandOtherInterestsDirectors’ReportsMaterialTransactionsRecordofMaterialTransactionsTransferPolicyAssociationsandInfluenceAssociationsbetweenClubsClubOfficialsDualInterestsClubContractsMiscellaneousEmploymentofOfficialsBettingUEFAClubLicenceApplicantsFootballFoundation117118118119122123123125125127127127128128129130131131133133133133135135135135136137137138138138139139139139139SectionF:SectionG:SectionH:SectionI:SectionJ:Clubs:OperationsSectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsSafetyCertificateOwnershipofGroundandTrainingFacilitiesGroundSharing68RulesIndex
ContentsGroundRegistrationAllSeaterGroundsGroundRegulationsCoveredStadiaDressingRoomsDrug-testingRoomSecurityThePitchPitchProtectionArtificialSurfacesGoalLineTechnologyTrainers’BenchFacilitiesTechnicalAreasSanitaryFacilitiesFacilitiesfortheDisabledCCTVGiantScreensMediaFacilities–GeneralTelevisionGantryUKTVCommentaryPositionsOverseasTVCommentaryPositionsRadioCommentaryPositionsTVBroadcasters’PitchsidePresentationPositionsTunnelInterviewPositionsCameraPositions:MatchCoverageCameraPositions:TeamandSupporterArrivalsTelevisionStudiosTVBroadcasters:ObserverSeatsReporter,FloorManagerandMatchManagerPositionsVisitingClubAnalystPositionsMixedZoneAccesstoTunnelInterviewPositionsHardwiringTransmissionofPre-MatchMediaConferencePowerSupplyCarParkSpacesOutsideBroadcastCompoundOfficialClubTeamSheetsMediaWorkingAreaMediaConferenceRoomPressSeats13914014014014014014014114114214214314314314314314314414714814814914915015015115115115115215215315415415415415415515615615669
ContentsFacilitiesforPhotographersBroadcasterPreviewAccessBroadcasterPreviewPeriods-UKBroadcastersBroadcasterPreviewPeriods-OverseasBroadcastersPre-MatchMediaConferenceInterviews-GeneralMatchdayPre-MatchInterviewsDressingRoomFilmingHalf-timeInterviewsPost-MatchInterviews,MixedZoneandPost-MatchMediaConferencePromotionalPhotographsandFootageLeaguePre-SeasonMediaEventFloodlightsFixturesArrangingFixturesArrangingOtherMatchesOtherCompetitionsPostponementofLeagueMatchesFailuretoPlayaLeagueMatchReplayingaLeagueMatchMatchDelegateFullStrengthTeamsMinimumAgeTeamSheetandPre-MatchBriefingSubstitutePlayersKick-OffCountdowntoKick-OffUseofOfficialBallOccupationoftheTechnicalAreaDurationofLeagueMatchesNotificationofLeagueMatchResultsGateStatementsPenaltiesCompensationforPostponedMatchesProvisionofHospitalityforOfficialsPlayers’IdentificationandStripPlayerIdentificationHomeandAlternativeStripStripAdvertising157157158159160161161161162162165166166171171172172172173173173173173174174175175175175175175176176176176177177177180SectionL:SectionM:70RulesIndex
ContentsSectionN:MatchOfficialsAppointmentofMatchOfficialsRulesbindingonMatchOfficialsPaymentstoMatchOfficialsPre-MatchProceduresCompliancewithInstructionsPost-MatchProceduresMedicalDoctors-GeneralTeamDoctorandMedicalCoordinatorCrowdDoctorPhysiotherapistsMedicalandSafetyActionPlanAttendanceofMedicalPersonnelandProvisionofMedicalFacilitiesConcussiveInjuriesMedicalRecordsMedicalInsuranceManagersCodesofConductCoachingQualificationsContractsofEmploymentandSubmissiontotheBoardContentsofContractsofEmploymentMeetingsReRefereeingMattersandOtherMattersBroadcastersandMediaDisputesAssistantManager/HeadCoachScoutsRegistrationofScoutsIdentificationofScoutsCodeofConductSupporterRelationsSupporterLiaisonOfficerPoliciesDisabilityAccessOfficerReportingTicketingMerchandise181181181181181182182183183183184184185186186187187189189189189189189190190190191191191191193193193193193194196SectionO:SectionP:SectionQ:SectionR:71
ContentsSectionS:TheSafeguardingofVulnerableGroupsandSaferRecruitmentClubs’PoliciesandProceduresfortheSafeguardingofVulnerableGroupsRolesandResponsibilitiesStaffParentalConsentNotificationofReferralstoExternalStatutoryAgenciesandFootballAuthoritiesMonitoringSaferRecruitmentPublicity197197197198199199200201201203203203203203204204204204204205205205205206206206206206207207207207209209Players–Contracts,RegistrationsandTransfersSectionT:Players–ContractsApproachestoPlayersApproachesbyPlayersPublicStatementsInducementsFormofContractLengthofContractPlayers’RemunerationSigning-onFeesLumpSumPaymentsImageContractsSigningtheContractReportingFinesetc.SubmissiontoBoardMutualTerminationAppealagainstTerminationAppealagainstDisciplinaryDecisionDisputesbetweenClubsandPlayersOrdersforCostsAppealEffectofTerminationTestimonialMatchesPlayers–RegistrationsRequirementforRegistrationSectionU:72RulesIndex
ContentsTypesofRegistrationInternationalTransferCertificateEligibilitytoWorkintheUnitedKingdomRegistrationProcedureMultiplicityofRegistrationsMonthlyRegistrationsTerminationofRegistrationsNewRegistrationsRequiringConsentListofPlayersClubsCeasingtobeMembersProhibitionofThirdPartyInvestmentPlayers–TransfersofRegistrationsTransferWindowsTemporaryTransfersContractPlayersRetiredPlayersOutofContractPlayersThePlayer’sOptionsTheClub’sOptionsTheCompensationFeeMethodofPaymentTransferLevy210210210210211211212212213214214217217217219219219220220221222223225225225225225225226226228228231233234235235235SectionV:DisciplinaryandDisputeResolutionSectionW:DisciplinaryPowerofInquiryBoard’sDisciplinaryPowersFixedPenaltyProcedureSummaryJurisdictionProvisionofInformationThePanelAppointingaCommissionCommissionProceduresCommission’sPowersAppealsAppealBoard’sPowersAdmissibilityofEvidenceLegalRepresentationPublicationandPrivilege73
ContentsSectionX:ArbitrationDefinitionsAgreementtoArbitrateStandingCommencementoftheArbitrationAppointingtheArbitratorsAppointingaSingleArbitratorReplacinganArbitratorCommunicationsDirectionsTheTribunal’sGeneralPowersDutyofthePartiesDefaultofthePartiesTheHearingRemediesMajorityDecisionProvisionalAwardsTheAwardCostsChallengingtheAwardRepresentationWaiverManagers’ArbitrationTribunalManagers’ArbitrationTribunalPremierLeagueAppealsCommitteeJurisdictionCompositionoftheCommitteeCommitteeProceduresFeesandExpensesCommittee’sPowers237237237238238238239239239239240240241241241241242242242242242243245245249249249250251251SectionY:SectionZ:PremierLeagueFormsForm1:Form2:Form3:ListofAuthorisedSignatories(RuleA.1.14)NotificationofClubBankAccount(RuleE.2)ReturnofPlayerServicesCostsandImageContractPayments(RuleE.21)25525625774RulesIndex
ContentsForm4:Form4A:Form5:Form6:Form7:Form8:Form8A:Form9:Form10:Form11:Form12:Form13:Form14:Form15:Form16:Form17:Form18:Form19:Form20:Form21:Form22:Form23:Form24:Form25:Form26:Form27:Form28:Form29:Form30:Form31:Form32:Form33:Form34:AppealUnderRuleE.41CalculationofAggregatedAdjustedEarningsBeforeTax(RuleE.53.3)Owners’andDirectors’Declaration(RulesA.1.51,F.2andF.3)DualInterestNotice(RulesG.1andG.4)Directors’Report(RulesH.6,H.7,H.8andH.9)RegistrationofPitchDimensions(RuleK.17)AnnualFloodlightingReport(RuleK.140)TeamSheet(RuleL.21)NotificationofLeagueMatchResult(RuleL.38)GateStatement(RuleL.39)NotificationofShirtNumbersAllocated(RuleM.6)RegistrationofStrips(RuleM.17)NotificationbyVisitingClubtoHomeClubofStrip(RuleM.24)ScoutRegistrationForm(RuleQ.2)CancellationofScoutRegistration(RuleQ.5)SafeguardingRolesandResponsibilities(RulesS.3,S.4andS.21)EnglishFootballLeagueContractPremierLeagueContractPlayerEthnicityMonitoringQuestionnaire(RuleT.23)AmateurRegistrationForm(RuleU.15)OfferofNewContract(RuleV.17.2)ApplicationforFreeTransfer(RuleV.20)ContingentSumNotification(RuleV.36.2)FixedPenaltyNotice(RuleW.4)SummaryJurisdictionNotice(RuleW.9)Complaint(RuleW.26)Answer(RuleW.30)AppealAgainstFixedPenalty(RuleW.66)AppealAgainstCommissionDecision(RuleW.67)RequestforArbitration(RulesX.8orY.3)AppointmentofArbitrator(RulesX.10orY.6)AppointmentofSingleArbitrator(RuleX.15.1)NoticeofPreliminaryMeeting(RulesX.20orY.13)26126226326626726826927727827928028128228328428528631434234334434534634734834935035135235335435535675
ContentsYouthDevelopmentRulesGeneralDefinitionsGeneralApplicationstoOperateAcademiesStrategy,LeadershipandManagementoftheAcademyStrategicDocumentsAcademyPerformancePlanPerformanceManagementApplicationTechnicalBoardAcademies:Licensing,EvaluationandAuditProductivityProfilePerformanceManagement,PlayerDevelopmentandProgressionPerformanceClockIndividualLearningPlansandMulti-disciplinaryReviewsStaffGeneralAcademyManagementTeamAcademyManagerAcademySecretaryHeadofAcademyCoachingCoachesGoalkeepingCoachesSeniorProfessionalDevelopmentCoachCoaches:QualificationsandProfessionalDevelopmentHeadofAcademySportsScienceandMedicineLeadSportsScientistLeadStrengthandConditioningCoachSeniorAcademyPhysiotherapistPhysiotherapistsandSportsTherapistsAcademyDoctorPerformanceAnalysts35935937137137737737737737837937938138138138538538638638838939039039139239339439539539639739776RulesIndex
ContentsHeadofEducationHeadofRecruitmentInterns398399400401401401404405405405406408412414415417417418419419424424425425429429429430431431433434437437439441CoachingCoachingCurriculumCoachingHoursDevelopmentCentresGamesProgrammeGeneralPerformanceAnalysisFoundationPhaseGamesProgrammeYouthDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgrammeProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgrammeProfessionalDevelopmentLeagueGamesProgramme:Postponementetc.ofMatchesEducationandWelfareGeneralInductionEventsReportsonEducationalProgressionDeliveryoftheEducationProgrammeWelfare,SocialDevelopmentandLifestyleManagementPlayerExit/ReleaseStrategySportsScienceandMedicineSportsScienceandMedicineProgrammeTalentIdentificationandRecruitmentScouts:QualificationsScouts:AttendanceatMatchesRegistrationsandProvisionofInformationbytheLeagueTime/DistanceRulesTrialsPre-RegistrationAgreementsRegistrationsEndofSeasonProcedureTerminationofRegistrationScholarshipsApproachesbyandtoClubsandInducements77
ContentsFacilities443443449449449451451FacilitiesFinanceandExpensesFinanceExpensesCompensationCompensationYouthDevelopmentFormsPLYDForm1:ScholarshipAgreementScheduleOneScholarshipAllowanceScheduleTwoDisciplinaryProcedureandPenaltiesScheduleThreeDeclarationbyScholarandParentNotificationofTrialists’Particulars(YouthDevelopmentRule237.2)NoticeofEndingofTrialPeriod(YouthDevelopmentRule246)Pre-registrationAgreement(YouthDevelopmentRule250)AcademyPlayerRegistrationApplication(YouthDevelopmentRule258)FullTimeTrainingModel(YouthDevelopmentRule204)HybridTrainingModel(YouthDevelopmentRule204)AcademyEthnicityMonitoringQuestionnaire(YouthDevelopmentRule259)ListofAcademyPlayers(YouthDevelopmentRule267)Retention/TerminationNotificationforAcademyPlayersEnteringintoAgeGroupsUnder10,Under11,Under12andUnder14(YouthDevelopmentRules268.1)459468469472474476477479483485487488489PLYDForm2:PLYDForm3:PLYDForm4:PLYDForm5:PLYDForm5A:PLYDForm5B:PLYDForm6:PLYDForm7:PLYDForm8:PLYDForm9:Retention/TerminationNotificationforAcademyPlayersEnteringintoAgeGroupsUnder13andUnder15(YouthDevelopmentRule268.2)490PLYDForm10:AcademyPlayer’sRegistration:MutualCancellationNotification(YouthDevelopmentRule272.2)491PLYDForm11:PLYDForm12:ScholarshipOffer(YouthDevelopmentRule282)ResponsetoScholarshipOffer(YouthDevelopmentRule283)492493AppendicestotheRulesAppendix1:Appendix2:Appendix3:Appendix4:ScheduleofOffences(RuleF.1.5.3)InclusionandAnti-DiscriminationPolicy(RuleJ.4)CameraPositions(RuleK.62)MedicalExaminationstobeCarriedOutonContractPlayersandStudentsRegisteredonScholarshipAgreements(RuleO.23)49749849950578RulesIndex
ContentsAppendix4A:Appendix5:Appendix6:Appendix7:PocketConcussionRecognitionTool(RuleO.20)CodeofConductforManagers(RuleP.1)CodeofConductforClubs(RuleP.2)StandardClausesforInclusioninManagers’ContractsofEmployment(RuleP.8.1)CodeofConductforScouts(RuleQ.7)StandardClausesforinclusioninreplicaStripmanufacturers’contracts(RuleR.16)NoticetoManufacturerLicensedtoManufactureandDistributeClubReplicaStrip(RuleR.17)507509512513Appendix8:Appendix9:514515Appendix10:517Appendix11:Appendix12:RegulationsoftheProfessionalFootballCompensationCommitteeCodeofConductforAcademyPlayersofCompulsorySchoolAge(YouthDevelopmentRule190)51852379
DefinitionsandInterpretationSectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation81DefinitionsA.1.IntheseRules:A.1.1.“AccountingReferencePeriod”meanstheperiodinrespectofwhichAnnualAccountsareprepared;A.1.2.“Activity”meansanyactivityorseriesofactivities,organisedorarrangedbyorinthenameofaClub,forChildrenand/orAdultsatRisk(and/ortobeattendedbysuchindividual(s));A.1.3.“theAct”meanstheCompaniesAct2006(saveforinSectionXoftheseRules,whereitshallhavethemeaningsetoutinRuleX.1.1);A.1.4.“the1986Act”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleE.30.1;A.1.5.“AdjustedEarningsBeforeTax”meansEarningsBeforeTaxadjustedtoexcludecosts(orestimatedcostsasthecasemaybe)inrespectofthefollowing:(a)depreciationand/orimpairmentoftangiblefixedassets,amortisationorimpairmentofgoodwillandotherintangibleassets(butexcludingamortisationofthecostsofPlayers’registrations);(b)Women’sFootballExpenditure;(c)YouthDevelopmentExpenditure;and(d)CommunityDevelopmentExpenditure,EachofYouthDevelopmentExpenditure,Women’sFootballExpenditureandCommunityDevelopmentExpenditureshallonlybeexcludedfromthecalculationofAdjustedEarningsBeforeTaxifseparatelydisclosed:(e)bywayofnotestotheAnnualAccounts;or(f)bywayofsupplementaryinformationwhichreconcilestotheAnnualAccountsandwhichhasbeensubjecttoindependentaudit;A.1.6.“AdultatRisk”meansanadultwhoisormaybeinneedofcommunitycareservicesbyreasonofmentalorotherdisability,ageorillnessandwhois,ormaybe,unabletotakecareofhimorherself,orunabletoprotecthimselfagainstsignificantharmorexploitation;A.1.7.“AmateurPlayer”meansanyplayer(otherthananAcademyPlayer)whoisregisteredtoplayorintendstoberegisteredtoplayforaClubandwhoisregisteredwithTheFootballAssociationasanamateurinaccordancewiththeFIFARegulationsontheStatusandTransferofPlayers;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation82Rules:SectionAA.1.8.“AnnualAccounts”means:(a)theaccountswhicheachClub’sdirectorsarerequiredtopreparepursuanttosection394oftheAct;or(b)iftheClubconsidersitappropriateortheBoardsorequests,theGroupAccountsoftheGroupofwhichtheClubisamemberandwhichitisrequiredtopreparepursuanttosection399oftheAct,orwhichitisrequiredtodelivertotheRegistrarofCompaniespursuanttosection400(2)(e)orsection401(2)(f)oftheAct.providedthatineithercasetheaccountsarepreparedtoanaccountingreferencedate(asdefinedinsection391oftheAct)whichfallsbetween31Mayand31Julyinclusive.Iftheaccountingreferencedatefallsatanyothertime,separateaccountsfortheClubortheGroup(asappropriate)mustbepreparedforaperiodoftwelvemonthsendingonadatebetween31Mayand31Julyinclusive,andinsuchacase“AnnualAccounts”meansthoseaccounts.AnnualAccountsmustbepreparedandauditedinaccordancewithalllegalandregulatoryrequirementsapplicabletoaccountspreparedpursuanttosection394oftheAct;A.1.9.“AppealBoard”meansthebodyhavingappellatejurisdictionundertheseRulesappointedbytheBoardundertheprovisionsofRuleW.63;A.1.10.“Articles”meanstheArticlesofAssociationoftheLeagueandreferencetoanumberfollowingtheword‘Article’isareferencetoanarticlesonumberedintheArticles;A.1.11.“ArtificialSurface”meansanyplayingsurfacewhichisnotornotintendedtobepredominantlynaturalgrass;A.1.12.“Associate”means,inrelationtoanindividual,anyotherindividualwhois:(a)thespouseorcivilpartnerofthatindividual;or(b)arelativeofthatindividualorofhisspouseorcivilpartner;or(c)thespouseorcivilpartnerofarelativeofthatindividualoroftheirspouseorcivilpartner;A.1.13.“AssociatedUndertaking”meansanundertakinginwhichanotherundertakinghasaparticipatinginterestandoverwhoseoperatingandfinancialpolicyitexercisesasignificantinfluence,andwhichisnotaParentUndertakingorSubsidiaryUndertaking;A.1.14.“AuthorisedSignatory”meansanOfficialofaClubdulyauthorisedbyaresolutionofitsboardofdirectorstosignFormseitherasrequiredbytheseRulesorinconnectionwithaClub’sapplicationforaUEFAClubLicence,whoseparticularsshallhavefirstbeensubmittedtotheBoardinForm1;A.1.15.“AveragedThreeYearPlayerTradingProfit”meanstheaverageprofitfromplayertradingrealisedbytheCluboverthethreeContractYears:T;T-1;andT-2,asdisclosedintheClub’sAnnualAccounts;A.1.16.“BankruptcyOrder”meansanorderadjudginganindividualbankrupt;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation83A.1.17.“BankruptcyRestrictionOrder”and“InterimBankruptcyRestrictionOrder”meanordersmadeundertheprovisionsofSchedule4Aofthe1986Act;A.1.18.“BasicAwardFund”meansthefundestablishedoutofUKBroadcastingMoneyanddistributedinaccordancewithRuleD.17.1;A.1.19.“Board”meanstheboardofdirectorsforthetimebeingoftheLeague(oritsdesignee);A.1.20.“Broadcaster”meansaRadioBroadcaster,aUKBroadcasteroranOverseasBroadcaster;A.1.21.“BroadcasterPreviewPeriod”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleK.92;A.1.22.“CashLosses”meansaggregateAdjustedEarningsBeforeTaxafter:(a)writebackof:(i)amortisationand/orimpairmentofPlayers’registrations;and(ii)profitorlossonthetransferofPlayers’registrations;and(b)inclusionofnetcashflowinrespectoftransfersofPlayers’registrations;A.1.23.“CentralFunds”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleE.26.1;A.1.24.“Chairman”meansthepersonappointedastheChairmanpursuanttoArticle42oftheArticlesoranyactingChairmanappointedpursuanttoArticle56.1;A.1.25.“Child”and“Children”meananyPersonorPersonsundertheageof18years;A.1.26.“cleardays”inrelationtotheperiodofanoticemeansthatperiodexcludingthedaywhenthenoticeisgivenordeemedtobegivenandthedayforwhichitisgivenoronwhichitistotakeeffect;A.1.27.“CloseSeason”meanstheperiodbetweentheendofoneSeason(ie,fromtheendoftherelevantClub’sfinalLeagueMatchoftheSeasonor,iftherelevantClubqualifiesfortheFACupFinalinthatSeason,theendoftheFACupFinal)andthecommencementofthenextSeason(ie,midnightonthedaybeforethefirstLeagueMatchinthatSeason);A.1.28.“Club”meansanassociationfootballclubinmembershipoftheLeagueand:(a)forthepurposesofRulesE.40toE.50inclusiveincludesanyclubwhichisentitledtobepromotedfromTheFootballLeaguetotheLeague;(b)forthepurposesofRulesA.1.46,A.1.52,A.1.170,andSectionsFandHoftheseRules(includinganyFormsprescribedtherein)includesanyAssociatedUndertaking,FellowSubsidiaryUndertaking,GroupUndertaking,orParentUndertakingofsuchClub;and(c)forthepurposesofSectionGoftheseRules,RulesI.1toI.7andRuleJ.3(andincludinganyFormsprescribedtherein)includesanyAssociatedUndertaking,FellowSubsidiaryUndertaking,GroupUndertaking,ParentUndertakingorSubsidiaryUndertakingofsuchClub;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation84Rules:SectionAA.1.29.“club”meansanassociationfootballclubnotinmembershipoftheLeague;A.1.30.“ClubOwnRevenueUplift”meansanyincreaseinaClub’srevenueinaContractYearwhencomparedwithitsrevenueineither:(1)thepriorContractYear;or(2)ContractYear2012/13,aselectedbytheClubinaccordancewithRuleE.18(ineachcase,excludingCentralFundsfeepaymentsfromitsrevenueinbothrelevantContractYears).TheBoardmayifnecessaryadjustthecalculationofaClubOwnRevenueUplift:(a)toensurethatitiscalculatedonalike-for-likebasis;and/or(b)torestatetoFairMarketValueanyconsiderationwhicharisesfromaRelatedPartyTransaction.TheBoardshallnotmakeanysuchadjustmentwithoutfirsthavinggiventheClubreasonableopportunitytomakesubmissionsastowhethersuchadjustmentisnecessaryand/or(whereparagraph(b)aboveapplies)whatconstitutestheFairMarketValueofthesaidconsideration;A.1.31.“ClubRadioContract”meansanycontractupontermscomplyinginallrespectswithanydirectiveissuedbytheLeaguepursuanttoRuleD.6andmadebetweenanyClubandthelocalorregionalindependentradiostationorBBClocalradiostationwithinwhosetransmissionareatheClub’sStadiumissituated;A.1.32.“ClubShirtSponsorContract”meansanycontractbetweenanyClubandanyPerson(notbeingthemanufacturer,producerordistributorofthatClub’sStrip)providingfortheexhibitionuponthatClub’sStripoftheagreedprimebrandofthatPersoninaccordancewithRuleM.30;A.1.33.“CommercialContract”meansanycontractenteredintobytheLeaguerelatingtosponsorshiporliketransactionsorothermattersmateriallyaffectingthecommercialinterestsofClubsotherthananOverseasBroadcastingContract,aUKBroadcastingContractoraRadioContract;A.1.34.“CommercialContractMoney”meansmoneyreceivedbytheLeagueunderanyCommercialContract;A.1.35.“Commission”meansacommissionappointedbytheBoardundertheprovisionsofRuleW.21;A.1.36.“CommunityDevelopmentExpenditure”means:(a)netexpenditurebyaClubdirectlyattributabletoactivities(whetherintheUnitedKingdomorabroad)forthepublicbenefittopromoteparticipationinsportandadvancesocialdevelopment;and(b)donationsmadebytheClub:(i)toUnitedKingdomcharitiesinaformrecognisedbysuchcharities;and/or(ii)forforeigncharitablepurposesinaformwhich(hadthedonationsbeenmadetoregisteredUnitedKingdomcharities)wouldhavebeenrecognisedascharitable;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation85A.1.37.“CompanySecretary”meansthePersonwhoseparticularsareregisteredorregistrableasthesecretaryoftheLeaguepursuanttosection276oftheAct,andshallincludeanyjoint,assistantordeputysecretary;A.1.38.“CompensationFee”meansanysumofmoneyorotherconsideration(exclusiveofvalueaddedtax)payablebyaTransfereeClubtoaTransferorClubuponthepermanenttransferoftheregistrationofaContractPlayerorinrespectofanOutofContractPlayer;A.1.39.“CompensationFeeAccount”meanstheaccountbearingthatnameatBarclaysBankPlcintowhichCompensationFees,LoanFees(including,inbothcases,instalmentsthereof)andContingentSumsarepayableassetoutinRuleV.29;A.1.40.“ConcertParty”meansanyPersonwithwhichanyrelevantPersonisactinginconcertwithinthemeaningofparagraphs(2)to(5)(inclusive)ofthedefinitionof“actinginconcert”intheCityCodeonTakeoversandMergers,orwouldbesoactinginconcertiftheCityCodeonTakeoversandMergersappliedintherelevantcase;A.1.41.“ConditionalContract”meansaplayingcontractbetweenaClubandaPlayerwhichisdeterminablebythePlayeratanytime;A.1.42.“ConnectedPerson”meansanyPersonwhodirectlyorindirectlypossessesorisentitledtoacquiremorethan30percentof:(a)theissuedordinarysharecapitalofthecompany;or(b)theloancapital(savewhereloancapitalwasacquiredintheordinarycourseofthebusinessoflendingmoney)andissuedsharecapitalofthecompany;or(c)theassetsofthecompanywhichwouldbeavailablefordistributiontoequityholdersintheeventofwindingupofthecompany;A.1.43.“ContingentSum”meansanysumofmoney(exclusiveofvalueaddedtax)additionaltoaCompensationFee,payableuponthehappeningofacontingenteventbyaTransfereeClubtoaTransferorClubconsequentuponthetransferoftheregistrationofaplayer;A.1.44.“ContractPlayer”meansanyplayer(otherthananAcademyPlayer)whohasenteredintoawrittencontractofemploymentwithaClub;A.1.45.“ContractYear”meanstheperiodbeginningon1Julyinanyyearandendingonthefollowing30June;A.1.46.“Control”meansthepowerofaPersontoexercise,ortobeabletoexerciseoracquire,directorindirectcontroloverthepolicies,affairsand/ormanagementofaClub,whetherthatpowerisconstitutedbyrightsorcontracts(eitherseparatelyorincombination)andhavingregardtotheconsiderationsoffactorlawinvolved,and,withoutprejudicetothegeneralityoftheforegoing,Controlshallbedeemedtoinclude:
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation86Rules:SectionA(a)thepower(whetherdirectlyorindirectlyandwhetherbytheownershipofsharecapital,bythepossessionofvotingpower,bycontractorotherwiseincludingwithoutlimitationbywayofmembershipofanyConcertParty)toappointand/orremoveallorsuchofthemembersoftheboardofdirectorsoftheClubasareabletocastamajorityofthevotescapableofbeingcastbythemembersofthatboard;and/or(b)theholdingand/orpossessionofthebeneficialinterestin,and/ortheabilitytoexercisethevotingrightsapplicableto,SharesintheClub(whetherdirectly,indirectly(bymeansofholdingsuchinterestsinoneormoreotherpersons)orbycontractincludingwithoutlimitationbywayofmembershipofanyConcertParty)whichconferinaggregateontheholder(s)thereof30percentormoreofthetotalvotingrightsexercisableatgeneralmeetingsoftheClub.Forthepurposesoftheabove,anyrightsorpowersofaNomineeforanyPersonorofanAssociateofanyPersonorofaConnectedPersontoanyPersonshallbeattributedtothatPerson;A.1.47.“Conviction”meansafindingbyacourtanywhereintheworldthataPersonhascommittedanoffenceorcarriedouttheactforwhichhewascharged,andConvictedshallbeconstruedaccordingly;A.1.48.“CountdowntoKick-Off”means,inrespectofeachLeagueMatch,thedocumentagreedbetweentheHomeClubandtheMatchManager(andapprovedbytheLeague)inadvance,settingoutthetimingsaccordingtowhich(amongotherthings)theparticipatingClubsshouldlineupinthetunnelareaandprocessontothepitch;A.1.49.“CrowdDoctor”meanstheOfficialdescribedinRulesO.9toO.11;A.1.50.“DBS”meanstheDisclosureandBarringService,beinganon-departmentalpublicbodyoftheHomeOfficewhich,amongstotherthings,processesrequestsforcriminalrecordschecksandbarredlistinformation,oranysuccessorbodywhichcarriesoutitsfunctions;A.1.51.“Declaration”meansadeclarationinForm5;A.1.52.SubjecttoRuleA.1.53,“Director”meansanyPersonoccupyingthepositionofdirectorofaClubwhoseparticularsareregisteredorregistrableundertheprovisionsofsection162oftheActandincludesashadowdirector,thatistosay,aPersoninaccordancewithwhosedirectionsorinstructionsthedirectorsoftheClubareaccustomedtoact,oraPersonhavingControlovertheClub,oraPersonexercisingthepowersthatareusuallyassociatedwiththepowersofadirectorofacompany;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation87A.1.53.ForthepurposesofRulesH.1toH.9:(a)aPersonshallbeexcludedfromthedefinitionofDirectorsetoutinRuleA.1.52if(andonlyif):(i)hefallswithinthesaiddefinitionofDirectorsolelybecauseRuleA.1.46(b)appliestohim;and(ii)hisaggregateinterest(ofthekindsetoutinRuleA.1.46(b))intheSharesconferringvotingrightsexercisableatgeneralmeetingsoftheClubislessthan50%;and(b)theOfficialreferredtoinRuleJ.1.1shallbeincludedinthatdefinition;A.1.54.“Disclosure”meanstheserviceprovidedbytheDBStoPersonsregisteredwithit;A.1.55.“EarningsBeforeTax”meansprofitorlossafterdepreciationandinterestbutbeforetax,asshownintheAnnualAccounts;A.1.56.“EventsofInsolvency”meanstheeventssetoutinRuleE.30;A.1.57.“FacilityFeesFund”meansthefundestablishedoutofUKBroadcastingMoneyanddistributedinaccordancewithRuleD.17.3;A.1.58.“Faculty”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleO.10;A.1.59.“F.A.Cup”meanstheFootballAssociationChallengeCupcompetition;A.1.60.“FairMarketValue”meanstheamountforwhichanassetcouldbesold,licensedorexchanged,aliabilitysettled,oraserviceprovided,betweenknowledgeable,willingpartiesinanarm’slengthtransaction;A.1.61.“FellowSubsidiaryUndertaking”hasthemeaningsetoutinsection1161(4)oftheAct;A.1.62.“FIFA”meanstheFédérationInternationaledeFootballAssociation;A.1.63.“FinancialInstitution”meansanyentitywhichisincorporatedin,orformedunderthelawofanypartoftheUnitedKingdom,andwhichhaspermissionunderPart4aoftheFinancialServicesandMarketsAct2000tocarryontheregulatedactivityofacceptingdeposits(withinthemeaningofsection22ofthatstatute,takenwithSchedule2andanyorderundersection22)butsuchdefinitionshallnotinclude:(a)abuildingsociety(withinthemeaningofsection119oftheBuildingSocietiesAct1986);or(b)acreditunion(withinthemeaningofsection31oftheCreditUnionsAct1979);A.1.64.“TheFootballAssociation”meansTheFootballAssociationLimited;
A.1.65.“TheFootballAssociationRules”meanstheRulesandRegulationsforthetimebeingofTheFootballAssociation;A.1.66.“FootballCreditor”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleE.36;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation88Rules:SectionAA.1.67.“TheFootballLeague”meansTheFootballLeagueLimitedand/ortheleaguecompetitionsorganisedbyit,asappropriate;A.1.68.“TheFootballLeagueCup”meansthecupcompetitionorganisedbytheboardofTheFootballLeague;A.1.69.“Form”meanstheappropriateformorsubstantiallythesameformasthatprescribedintheseRules;A.1.70.“FutureFinancialInformation”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleE.11;A.1.71.“GamblingRelatedAgreement”meansanyagreement(i)whichconcernsanyadvertising,marketing,promotion,supplyorprovisionofbetting,gaming,lotteryorothergamblingrelatedproducts,services,brandsorfacilities(whetheraspartofaClubShirtSponsorContract,theappointmentofagamblingpartnerorotherwise);and/or(ii)wherethebusinessactivitiesofanyoftheparties(orofanAssociatedUndertakingorGroupUndertakingofanyoftheparties)tosuchagreementincludetheprovisionofbetting,gaming,lotteryorothergamblingrelatedproducts,servicesorfacilities;A.1.72.“GeneralMeeting”meansanymeetingofthemembersoftheLeaguedulycalledinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArticle18;A.1.73.“GoalLineTechnology”meansallnecessaryequipmentforthepurposeofassistingtherefereetodeterminewhether,inaLeagueMatch,agoalhasbeenscored;A.1.74.“GroupAccounts”meanaccountsthataClubisrequiredtopreparepursuanttosection399oftheAct,orwhichitsParentUndertakingisrequiredtodelivertotheRegistrarofCompaniespursuanttosection400(2)(e)orsection401(2)(f)oftheAct;A.1.75.“GroupUndertaking”hasthemeaningsetoutinsection1161(5)oftheAct;A.1.76.“Hardwiring”meansthepermanentinstallationofcabling,totheLeague’sspecification,toenabletheuninterruptedliveTransmissionofLeagueMatchesand“Hardwired”shallbeconstruedaccordingly;A.1.77.“HeadofSafeguarding”meansthememberofStaffappointedtothatrolebyeachClubinaccordancewithRuleS.4;A.1.78.“HMRC”meansHerMajesty’sRevenueandCustomsorsuchothergovernmentdepartment(s)thatmayreplacethesame;A.1.79.“Holding”meanstheholdingand/orpossessionofthebeneficialinterestin,and/ortheabilitytoexercisethevotingrightsapplicableto,SharesintheClub(whetherdirectly,indirectly(bymeansofholdingsuchinterestsinoneormoreotherPersons)orbycontractincludingwithoutlimitationbywayofmembershipofanyConcertParty)whichconferanyvotingrightsexercisableatgeneralmeetingsoftheClub.Forthepurposesoftheabove,anyrightsorpowersofaNomineeforanyPersonshallbeattributedtothatPerson,thatistosayanyrightsorpowerswhichanotherPersonpossessesonhisbehalformayberequiredtoexerciseathisdirectionoronhisbehalfandanyrightsorpowersofanyotherPersonwhichisaConnectedPersontoanyPersonshallbeattributedtothatPerson;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation89A.1.80.“HomeClub”meanstheClubatwhoseStadiumaLeagueMatchisorwasorshouldbeorshouldhavebeenplayedor,wheretheClubsparticipatinginthatLeagueMatchshareaStadium,theClubwhosenamefirstappearsinrespectofthatLeagueMatchontheLeague’sfixturelist;A.1.81.“HomeGrownPlayer”meansaPlayerwho,irrespectiveofhisnationalityorage,hasbeenregisteredwithanyClub(orclub)affiliatedtoTheFootballAssociationortheFootballAssociationofWalesforaperiod,continuousornot,ofthreeSeasonsor36monthspriortohis21stbirthday(ortheendoftheSeasonduringwhichheturns21)and,forthepurposesofthisdefinitionof“HomeGrownPlayer”,aSeasonwillbedeemedtocommenceonthedateonwhichtherelevantSummerTransferWindowclosesandexpireonthedateofthefinalLeagueMatchoftheSeason;A.1.82.“ImageContract”meansanycontractwherebyaPlayertransferstoanyPersontherighttoexploithisimageorreputationeitherinrelationtofootballornon-footballingactivities;A.1.83.“ImageContractPayment”meansanypaymentmadeorliabilityincurredbyoronbehalfofaClubtosuchaPersoninordertoacquirethatright;A.1.84.“IndividualVoluntaryArrangement”meansanarrangementmadeundertheprovisionsofPartVIIIofthe1986Act;A.1.85.“Intermediary”meansanyPersonwhoqualifiesasanIntermediaryforthepurposesoftheFARegulationsonWorkingwithIntermediaries(asamendedfromtimetotime);A.1.86.“InternationalTransfer”meansthetransferoftheregistrationofaplayertoaClubinrespectofwhichaninternationalregistrationtransfercertificateisrequiredundertheprovisionsoftheFIFARegulationsontheStatusandTransferofPlayers;A.1.87.“InterviewBackdrops”meansbackdropsagainstwhichinterviewsmust,wherespecifiedbytheseRules,beconducted.TheInterviewBackdropswillbeprovidedtoClubsfromtimetotimebytheLeague;A.1.88.“LeadDisclosureOfficer”meansthememberofStaffappointedtothatrolebyeachClubinaccordancewithRuleS.21;A.1.89.“League”meanstheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimited;A.1.90.“LeagueChampions”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleC.11;A.1.91.“LeagueMatch”meansafirstteammatchplayedunderthejurisdictionoftheLeague;A.1.92.“LeagueOffice”meanstheregisteredofficeforthetimebeingoftheLeague;A.1.93.“LicensingManual”meansthemanualinwhicharesetoutproceduresagreedbetweenTheFootballAssociationandtheLeaguerelatingtoapplicationsforandthegrantingoflicencesenablingClubs(orclubs)toplayinUEFAClubCompetitions;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretationGuidanceTheappointmentofaMatchManagerinrelationtoaLeagueMatchdoesnotabsolveClubsfromcompliancewiththeirresponsibilitiesunderRulesL.29andL.30(whichprovideforpromptkick-offsandre-startsofLeagueMatches)orwithanyoftheprovisionsofSectionKconcerningBroadcasteraccessrequirements.90Rules:SectionAA.1.101.“MatchOfficials”meansrefereesandassistantrefereesandincludesreserveofficialsandfourthofficials;A.1.102.“MaterialTransactions”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleH.1;A.1.103.“MedicalCoordinator”meanstheOfficialdescribedinRuleO.7;A.1.104.“Memorandum”meanstheMemorandumofAssociationoftheLeague;A.1.94.“LoanFee”meansanysumofmoney(exclusiveofvalueaddedtax)payablebyaTransfereeClubtoaTransferorClubuponaTemporaryTransfer;A.1.95.“Manager”meanstheOfficialofaClubresponsibleforselectingtheClub’sfirstteam;A.1.96.“Managers’ArbitrationTribunal”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleY.1;A.1.97.“MandatoryMedicalEquipmentForm”meansthedocumentreferredtoRuleO.8,insuchformasprescribedbytheBoardfromtimetotime;A.1.98.“MatchDayInformationSheet”means,inrespectofeachLeagueMatch,theadministrativedocumentproducedbytheLeagueanddistributedtotheHomeClubandVisitingClubinadvance,containingrelevantinformationformatchdayoperationsincluding(butnotlimitedto)approvedStrips,theidentityoftherelevantMatchOfficials,theCountdowntoKick-OffandtheidentitiesandcontactdetailsoftheMatchManagerandotherLeaguerepresentatives;A.1.99.“MatchDayMedicalRequirementsForm”meansthedocumentreferredtoRuleO.7,insuchformasprescribedbytheBoardfromtimetotime;A.1.100.“MatchManager”meansarepresentativeoftheLeaguewhomaybeappointedtoactinrelationtoaLeagueMatchandwhoseresponsibilitiesinclude(withoutlimitation):(a)liaisingwithClubs,MatchOfficials,BroadcastersandanyPersonwithwhomtheLeaguehasenteredintoaCommercialContracttopromotethedeliverybytheLeagueofallmatchdayrequirementsandentitlementsofBroadcastersandsuchPersonspursuanttotheseRules;(b)assistingClubstocomplywiththeirobligationspursuanttoRuleD.3insofarasthoseobligationsmustbefulfilledatLeagueMatches;and(c)workingwithClubsandBroadcasterstoenabletherefereetoensurethatthekick-off,andre-startafterhalf-time,ofeachLeagueMatchtakeplacepromptly;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation91A.1.105.“MeritPaymentsFund”meansthefundestablishedoutofUKBroadcastingMoneyanddistributedinaccordancewithRuleD.17.2;A.1.106.“MixedZone”meanstheareainwhichmediainterviewswithPlayersandManagersmaybeconductedaftertheconclusionofaLeagueMatch,asmoreparticularlydescribedinRulesK.71andK.72;A.1.107.“MonthlyContract”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleT.11.2;A.1.108.“NewRegistration”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleU.14;A.1.109.“Nominee”means,inconnectiontoanyPerson,anotherPersonwhopossessesrightsorpowersonhisbehalf,orwhichhemayberequiredtoexerciseathisdiscretion;A.1.110.“NSPCCStandards”meanstheStandardsforSafeguardingandProtectingChildreninSportpromotedbytheNationalSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoChildren;A.1.111.“Official”meansanydirector,secretary,servantorrepresentativeofaClub,excludinganyPlayer,Intermediaryorauditor;A.1.112.“OutofContractPlayer”meansaContractPlayerwhosecontractofemploymentwithaClubhasexpired;A.1.113.“OutsideBroadcastCompound”meanstheareafortheexclusiveuseofTVBroadcasters’vehiclesmoreparticularlydescribedatRulesK.81toK.83;A.1.114.“OverseasBroadcaster”meansaPersonwithwhomtheLeaguehasenteredintoanOverseasBroadcastingContractandwhoisentitledtoeffecttheTransmissionofLeagueMatchesinaccordancewiththetermsofthatcontract;A.1.115.“OverseasBroadcastingContract”meansanycontractenteredintobytheLeaguefortheTransmissionofLeagueMatchesoutsidetheUnitedKingdom,theRepublicofIreland,theIsleofManandtheChannelIslands;A.1.116.“OverseasBroadcastingMoney”meansmoneyreceivedbytheLeagueunderanyOverseasBroadcastingContract;A.1.117.“OverseasTVCommentaryPositions”meansthecommentarypositionsmoreparticularlydescribedinRulesK.55andK.56;A.1.118.“Panel”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleW.14;A.1.119.“Parent”meansaPersonwhohasparentalresponsibilityforaChild;A.1.120.“ParentUndertaking”hasthemeaningsetoutinsection1162oftheAct;A.1.121.“PAYEandNIC”meansanyandallpaymentsrequiredtobemadebyaClubinrespectofincometaxandnationalinsurancecontributions;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation92Rules:SectionAA.1.122.“Person”includesanynaturalperson,legalentity,firmorunincorporatedassociationandinthecaseofaPersonwhichisincorporatedanyofitsAssociatedUndertaking,FellowSubsidiaryUndertaking,GroupUndertaking,ParentUndertakingorSubsidiaryUndertaking;A.1.123.“PGB”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleB.23;A.1.124.“PGMOL”meanstheProfessionalGameMatchOfficialsLimited;A.1.125.“Player”meansanyContractPlayer,OutofContractPlayer,AmateurPlayerorAcademyPlayerwhoisregisteredtoplayforaClub;A.1.126.“PlayerServicesCosts”means:(a)thetotalofallgrossremunerationandbenefitspayablebyaClubtoorinrespectofitsContractPlayers;(b)(whereapplicable)employer’snationalinsurancecontributionsthereon;and(c)anydirectcontributionsmadebyaClubforaPlayer’sbenefittoapensionschemeortoanemployeebenefittrustoranemployer-financedretirementbenefitscheme;A.1.127.“Player’sImage”meansthePlayer’sname,nickname,fame,image,signature,voiceandfilmandphotographicportrayal,virtualand/orelectronicportrayalimageorrepresentation,reputation,replicaandallothercharacteristicsofthePlayerincludinghisshirtnumber;A.1.128.“Post-MatchMediaConference”hasthemeaningsetoutinRulesK.117toK.120;A.1.129.“Pre-MatchMediaConference”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleK.101;A.1.130.“PremierLeagueAppealsCommittee”meansthecommitteeconstitutedinaccordancewithRuleZ.2;A.1.131.“PremierLeagueMatchCentre”meansthefacility,staffedbyrepresentativesoftheLeagueandPGMOLduringeachLeagueMatch,thatprovidessupportforallon-fieldfootballandtheLeague’smatchdayoperationalmatters;A.1.132.“ProfessionalFootballCompensationCommittee”meansthecommitteeconstitutedinaccordancewiththeRegulationsoftheProfessionalFootballCompensationCommittee;A.1.133.“ProfessionalFootballers’PensionScheme”meansthepensionschemeorganisedbytheProfessionalFootballers’AssociationwhichprovidesbenefitsforPlayersandtheirdependantsduringtheirplayingcareerandaftertheyretire;A.1.134.“ProfessionalGameYouthFund”meansthefundofthatnamemanagedbytheLeaguewhichshallawardgrantsfromthefund’sresourcestoqualifyingClubsandFootballLeagueclubs;A.1.135.“PromotedClub”meansaClubwhichbecameamemberoftheLeagueattheendofthepreviousSeasonpursuanttoRuleB.4;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation93A.1.136.“RadioCommentaryPositions”meansthecommentarypositionsmoreparticularlydescribedinRuleK.57;A.1.137.“RadioContract”meansanycontractenteredintobytheLeagueotherthananOverseasBroadcastingContractoraUKBroadcastingContractfortheRadioTransmissionofLeagueMatches;A.1.138.“RadioContractMoney”meansmoneyreceivedbytheLeagueunderanyRadioContract;A.1.139.“RadioBroadcaster”meansaPersonwithwhomtheLeaguehasenteredintoaRadioContractandwhoisentitledtoeffecttheRadioTransmissionofLeagueMatchesinaccordancewiththetermsofthatcontract;A.1.140.“RadioTransmission”meansanyterrestrialorsatellitebroadcastortransmissionbycableofsoundsofand/orcommentaryuponanyLeagueMatchorinclusionthereofinacableprogrammeserviceand/orontheInternetand/oranyrelayofsoundofand/orcommentaryuponanyLeagueMatchwhethertoanopenorclosedusergroupbyanymeansnowexistingorhereafterinventednotconsistingsolelyofstorageanddistributionofrecordedsoundsintangibleformwhethersuchradiotransmissionisonaliveorrecordedbasisinwholeorasexcerpts;A.1.141.“RelegatedClub”meansaFootballLeagueclubwhichwasrelegatedundertheprovisionsofRuleC.14attheendofanyofthethreepreviousSeasonsandwhichremainsrelegated;A.1.142.“RelatedPartyTransaction”meansatransactiondisclosedinaClub’sAnnualAccountsasarelatedpartytransactionorwhichwouldhavebeendisclosedassuchexceptforanexemptionundertheaccountingstandardsunderwhichtheAnnualAccountswereprepared;A.1.143.“RepresentationContract”meansanagreementtowhichaClubandanIntermediaryarepartyandpursuanttowhichtheIntermediaryactsfortheCluboraPlayerinthecontextofeithertheregistrationortransferoftheregistrationofaPlayerortheemploymentofaPlayerbyaClub;A.1.144.“Resolution”hasthemeaningsetoutinArticle1.2;A.1.145.“Respondent”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleW.24.2;A.1.146.“RetiredPlayer”meansaPlayerwhohasstoppedplayingcompetitivefootball;A.1.147.“Rules”meanstherulesforthetimebeingoftheLeagueandaletterandanumberfollowingareferencetoaRuleidentifiestheSectioninwhichitiscomprisedanditsnumberwithinthatSection;A.1.148.“SafeguardingOfficer”meansthememberofStafftowhomsafeguardingdutiesmaybedelegatedbytheHeadofSafeguardinginaccordancewithRuleS.6;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation94Rules:SectionAA.1.149.“Scout”meansanyPersonemployedorengagedbyaClub(whetheronafull-timeorpart-timebasisandwhetherornotheisremuneratedinanywayforhisservices)whosedutiesincludeidentifyingtohisClubplayerswhoseregistrationhisClubmaywishtosecure;A.1.150.“Season”meanstheperiodcommencingonthedateofthefirstLeagueMatchonthefixturelistoftheLeague’sfirstteamcompetitionandendingonthedateofthelast;A.1.151.“Section”meansaSectionoftheseRules;A.1.152.“SecureFunding”meansfundswhichhavebeenorwillbemadeavailabletotheClubinanamountequaltoorinexcessofanyCashLosseswhichtheClubhasmadeinrespectoftheperiodfromT-2orisforecasttomakeuptotheendofT+2.SecureFundingmaynotbealoanandshallconsistof:(a)contributionsthatanequityparticipanthasmadebywayofpaymentsforsharesthroughtheClub’ssharecapitalaccountorsharepremiumreserveaccount;or(b)anirrevocablecommitmentbyanequityparticipanttomakefuturepaymentsforsharesthroughtheClub’ssharecapitalaccountorsharepremiumreserveaccount.ThisirrevocablecommitmentshallbeevidencedbyalegallybindingagreementbetweentheClubandtheequityparticipantandmayiftheBoardsorequiresbesecuredbyoneofthefollowing:i.apersonalguaranteefromtheultimatebeneficialowneroftheClub,providedthattheBoardissatisfiedthat(a)heisofsufficientstandingand(b)thetermsoftheguaranteearesatisfactory;ii.aguaranteefromtheClub’sParentUndertakingoranothercompanyintheClub’sGroup,providedthattheBoardissatisfiedthat(a)theguaranteeingcompanyisofsufficientstandingand(b)thetermsoftheguaranteearesatisfactory;iii.aletterofcreditfromaFinancialInstitutionofsufficientstandingandanundertakingfromtheClub’sdirectorstothePremierLeaguetocallontheletterofcreditindefaultofthepaymentsfromtheequityparticipantbeingmade;iv.paymentsintoanescrowaccount,tobepaidtotheClubontermssatisfactorytotheBoard;v.suchotherformofsecurityastheBoardconsiderssatisfactory;or(c)suchotherformofSecureFundingastheBoardconsiderssatisfactory;A.1.153.“SeniorSafeguardingLead”meanstheboard-levelrepresentativeappointedtothatrolebyeachClubinaccordancewithRuleS.3;A.1.154.“Shares”meanssharesorotherequitysecurities;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation95A.1.155.“SignificantInterest”meanstheholdingand/orpossessionofthelegalorbeneficialinterestin,and/ortheabilitytoexercisethevotingrightsapplicableto,SharesintheClubwhichconferinaggregateontheholder(s)thereof10percentormoreofthetotalvotingrightsexercisableinrespectofanyclassofSharesoftheClub.Allorpartofanysuchinterestmaybehelddirectlyorindirectlyorbycontractincluding,butnotlimitedto,bywayofmembershipofanyConcertParty,andanyrightsorpowersheldbyanAssociate,NomineeorConnectedPersonshallbeincludedforthepurposesofdeterminingwhetheraninterestorinterestsamountstoa“SignificantInterest”;A.1.156.“Signing-onFee”meansalumpsumpaymentpayableunderthetermsofacontractbetweenaClubandaContractPlayerandwhichisexpressedtobeasigning-onfee;A.1.157.“SpentConviction”meansaconvictioninrespectofwhichtheoffenderistreatedasrehabilitatedforthepurposesoftheRehabilitationofOffendersAct1974or,wherethisstatutedoesnotapplyforanyreason,aconvictionwhichwouldbesotreatedhadtheprovisionsofthestatuteapplied;A.1.158.“SquadList”meansthelistofuptoamaximumof25PlayerseligibletoparticipateinLeagueMatchesduringaSeasonofwhomamaximumof17maynotbeHomeGrownPlayers;A.1.159.“Stadium”meanstheClub’sgroundregisteredwiththeBoardpursuanttoRuleK.5;A.1.160.“Staff”meansanyemployeeofaCluborvolunteerinvolvedinanyActivityonbehalfoforwiththeauthorisationoftheCluband/orwhoworksdirectlywith(and/orhasinfluenceover)VulnerableGroups(oractsontheirbehalfinanyway);A.1.161.“Stakeholders”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleR.2;A.1.162.“Strip”meansPlayers’shirts,shortsandstockings;A.1.163.“SubsidiaryUndertaking”hasthemeaningsetoutinsection1162oftheAct;A.1.164“SummerTransferWindow”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleV.2;A.1.165.“T”meanstheClub’sAccountingReferencePeriodendingintheyearinwhichassessmentpursuanttoRulesE.18toE.22andE.53toE.60takesplace,and:(a)“T-1”meanstheClub’sAccountingReferencePeriodimmediatelyprecedingT;(b)“T-2”meanstheClub’sAccountingReferencePeriodimmediatelyprecedingT-1;(c)“T+1”meanstheClub’sAccountingReferencePeriodimmediatelyfollowingT;and(d)“T+2”meanstheClub’sAccountingReferencePeriodimmediatelyfollowingT+1;A.1.166.“TeamDoctor”meanstheOfficialdescribedinRulesO.4toO.5;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretationGuidanceTheTechnicalSpecificationisthedetailedworkingdocumentshowinghowtherequirementsoftheRuleswillbetranslatedintoworkingfacilitiesateachClub’sStadiumonmatchdays.Forexample,itwillshowthelocationofeachoftherequiredfacilities,suchas:•••••thetelevisioncameras;thededicatedroomsforBroadcasterssuchastheTelevisionStudios;thelocationoftheMixedZone;thelocationofthededicatedcarparkspaces;andthelocationoftheOutsideBroadcastCompound.96Rules:SectionAA.1.168.“TelevisionGantry”meansthetelevisiongantrymoreparticularlydescribedinRulesK.50toK.52;A.1.169.“TemporaryTransfer”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleV.5;A.1.170.“ThirdPartyPayment”meansanypaymentmadeorliabilityincurred(otherthanCompensationFees,remunerationorpaymentstoorforthebenefitofIntermediariesreferredtoinRuleH.1)byoronbehalfofaClubinrespectofaPlayer,includinganImageContractPayment;A.1.171.“TransferAgreement”meansanagreementbetweenaTransferorClubandaTransfereeClubforthepermanenttransferoftheregistrationofaContractPlayer;A.1.172.“TransferWindow”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleV.1;A.1.173.“TransfereeClub”meansaClub(orclub)towhichtheregistrationofaContractPlayeris,oristobeorhasbeentransferred(includingonthebasisofaTemporaryTransfer)orwhich,inthecaseofanOutofContractPlayer,effectshisNewRegistration;A.1.174.“TransferorClub”meansaClub(orclub)fromwhichtheregistrationofaContractPlayeris,oristobeorhasbeentransferred(includingonthebasisofaTemporaryTransfer)orwhich,inthecaseofanOutofContractPlayer,holdshisregistrationundertheprovisionsofRuleU.29.2;A.1.175.“Transmission”meansanyterrestrialorsatellitebroadcastoftelevisionorothermovingpictureswithorwithoutsoundortransmissionbycableofmovingpictureswithorwithoutsoundorinclusionofmovingpictureswithorwithoutsoundinacableprogrammeserviceand/orontheInternetand/orrelayofmovingpictureswithorwithoutsoundwhethertoanopenorclosedusergroupbyanymeansnowexistingorhereafterinventednotconsistingsolelyofthestorageanddistributionofrecordedpictureswithorwithoutsoundintangibleformwhetherthesaidtransmissionisonaliveorrecordedbasisinwholeorasexcerpts.“Transmitted”shallbeconstruedaccordingly;A.1.167.“TechnicalSpecification”meansaspecification,uniquetoeachClub,showinghowthatClubwilldelivereachofthefacilities,infrastructurerequirementsandservicesrequiredofitpursuanttoRulesK.43toK.91andK.121toK.141ontheoccasionofLeagueMatchesplayedatitsStadium;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation97A.1.176.“TVBroadcaster”meansaUKBroadcasteroranOverseasBroadcaster;A.1.177.“UEFA”meanstheUniondesAssociationsEuropéennesdeFootball;A.1.178.“UEFAClubCompetition”meanstheclubcompetitionsorganisedbyUEFA;A.1.179.“UEFAClubLicence”meansthelicencegrantedbyTheFootballAssociationinaccordancewiththeproceduressetoutintheLicensingManualenablingClubs(orclubs)toplayinUEFAClubCompetitions;A.1.180.“UKBroadcaster”meansaPersonwithwhomtheLeaguehasenteredintoaUKBroadcastingContractandwhoisentitledtoeffecttheTransmissionofLeagueMatchesinaccordancewiththetermsofthatContract;A.1.181.“UKBroadcastingContract”meansanycontractenteredintobytheLeaguefortheTransmissionofLeagueMatcheswithintheUnitedKingdom,theRepublicofIreland,theIsleofManandtheChannelIslands;A.1.182.“UKBroadcastingMoney”meansmoneyreceivedbytheLeagueunderanyUKBroadcastingContract;A.1.183.“UKTVCommentaryPositions”meansthecommentarypositionsmoreparticularlydescribedinRuleK.53;A.1.184.“Under21Player”meansaPlayerundertheageof21asat1JanuaryintheyearinwhichtheSeasonconcernedcommences(i.e.forSeason2017/2018bornonorafter1January1996);A.1.185.“VisitingClub”meanstheClubplaying,whichhasplayed,whichshouldplayorwhichshouldhaveplayedaLeagueMatchattheStadiumofaHomeClubor,wheretheClubsparticipatinginthatLeagueMatchshareaStadium,theClubwhosenamelastappearsinrespectofthatLeagueMatchontheLeague’sfixturelist;A.1.186.“VulnerableGroups”meansbothChildrenandAdultsatRisk;A.1.187.“WeekbyWeekContract”meansaplayingcontractbetweenaClubandaPlayerwhichisdeterminablebyeitherpartyonsevendays’writtennotice;A.1.188.“WinterTransferWindow”hasthemeaningsetoutinRuleV.3;A.1.189.“Women’sFootballExpenditure”meansexpenditurebyaClubdirectlyattributabletoactivitiestotrain,educateanddevelopplayersinvolvedin
women’sfootballteams(including,fortheavoidanceofdoubtsuchactivitiesastheyrelatetofemaleplayersundertheageof18);A.1.190.“WorkingDay”meansanydayonwhichtheLeagueOfficeisopenfornormalbusinessbutexcluding,unlesstheBoarddeterminesotherwise,aSaturday,aSundayoraBankorPublicHoliday;
SectionA:DefinitionsandInterpretation98Rules:SectionAA.1.191.Referencesto“written”or“inwriting”shallbeconstruedtoinclude:(a)hardcopy;(b)facsimiletransmission;and(c)subjecttoanyguidanceissuedbytheBoard,email(includinganyattachmenttoanemail),butshallnotincludeanyformofelectroniccommunicationotherthanthoselistedinRules(b)to(c)above.Whereacommunicationissentbyemail,theburdenofproofofreceiptshallbeonthesender;A.1.192.“YouthDevelopmentExpenditure”meansexpenditurebyaClubdirectlyattributabletoactivitiestotrain,educateanddevelopAcademyPlayersnetofanyportionofCentralFundspaidtoClubssolelyforthepurposeofsuchactivities;andA.1.193.“YouthDevelopmentRules”meanstheYouthDevelopmentRuleswhichaccompanyandareincorporatedintotheseRules.InterpretationA.2.TermsdefinedinYouthDevelopmentRule1shallhavethemeaningssetoutinthatrule.A.3.Unlessthecontextotherwiserequires:A.3.1.wordsimportingthesingularnumbershallincludethepluralandviceversa;andA.3.2.wordsimportinganyparticulargendershallincludeallothergenders.A.4.Referencestostatutoryprovisionsshallbeconstruedasreferencestothoseprovisionsastheymaybeamendedorre-enacted.A.5.TheheadingsintheseRulesareforconvenienceonlyandshallnotaffecttheirinterpretation.A.6.Unlessotherwisestated,theprovisionsoftheArticlesshallprevailintheeventofanyconflictwiththeseRules.A.7.TheseRulesshallbegovernedbyandshallbeconstruedinaccordancewithEnglishlaw.StrictlywithoutprejudicetothearbitrationandotherdisputeresolutionprovisionsoftheseRules,disputesrelatingtotheseRulesshallbesubjecttotheexclusivejurisdictionoftheEnglishcourts.
TheLeague:Governance,OperationsandFinanceSectionB:TheLeague–Governance99NameandMembershipB.1.TheLeague’sfirstteamcompetitionshallbecalledthe“PremierLeague”.B.2.TheLeague’sfirstteamcompetitionshallconsistofteamsofthoseassociationfootballclubsplayinginEnglandandWalesnotexceeding20innumberwhicharefromtimetotimemembersoftheLeague.B.3.EachmemberClubshallonrequestgivetotheLeaguetheaddressofitsregisteredofficeandshallprovidetotheLeaguecertifiedtruecopiesof:B.3.1.itscertificateofincorporation;B.3.2.itsmemorandumofassociation;B.3.3.itsarticlesofassociation;andB.3.4.anyamendmentstotheabovedocuments.B.4.AttheendofeachSeasontheBoardshallrequireeachoftheClubsrelegatedinaccordancewithRuleC.14toexecuteaninstrumenttransferringitsordinaryshareintheLeaguetosuchofthethreeclubspromotedtotheLeaguefromTheFootballLeagueastheBoarddirects.B.5.UponsuchsharetransfersbeingregisteredinaccordancewiththeArticleseachofthePromotedClubswillbecomeamemberoftheLeague.B.6.AClubshallceasetobeentitledtobeamemberoftheLeague(anduponregistrationinaccordancewiththeArticlesofthetransferofitsordinaryshareintheLeagueshallceasetobeamemberthereof)following:B.6.1.itsrelegationinaccordancewithRuleC.14;B.6.2.thereceiptofanoticebytheBoardundertheprovisionsofArticle10.1;B.6.3.itsexpulsionundertheprovisionsofRuleB.7;orB.6.4.itsresignationundertheprovisionsofRulesB.8andB.9.B.7.NotwithstandingtheprovisionsofArticle27,theLeaguemayexpelaClubfrommembershipuponaspecialresolutiontothateffectbeingpassedbyamajorityofnotlessthanthree-quartersofsuchmembersas(beingentitledtodoso)votebytheirrepresentativesorbyproxyataGeneralMeetingofwhichnoticespecifyingtheintentiontoproposetheresolutionhasbeendulygiven.B.8.AnyClubintendingtoresignasamemberoftheLeaguemaydosoonlywitheffectfromtheendoftheSeasonuponwhichitisintendedthatsuchresignationistotakeeffectprovidedthatitshallgivenoticeinwritingtothateffecttotheCompanySecretaryonorbeforethe31DecemberprecedingtheendofsuchSeason.B.9.AnyDirectorofaClubgivingnoticeundertheprovisionsofRuleB.8whorepresentstheLeagueontheCouncilofTheFootballAssociationshallvacatethatofficeforthwithuponthegivingofthenotice.
SectionB:TheLeague-Governance100Rules:SectionBB.10.Notearlierthanthe1Marchnorlaterthanthe31MarchfollowingthegivingofanoticeunderRuleB.8,theClubgivingsuchnoticeshallnotifytheCompanySecretaryinwritingwhethersuchnoticeisconfirmedorwithdrawn.Ifnosuchnoticeisgiven,thenoticeunderRuleB.8shallbedeemedtohavebeenwithdrawn.B.11.WithoutprejudicetothepowerscontainedinSectionWoftheseRules(Disciplinary),anyClubpurportingtoresignotherwisethaninaccordancewithRulesB.8andB.9shallondemandindemnifytheLeagueonbehalfofitselfandtheClubsremaininginmembershipoftheLeagueagainstalllosses,damages,liabilities,costsorexpenseswhatsoeversufferedorincurredbytheLeagueorsuchClubsresultingdirectlyorindirectlyfromsuchpurportedresignationincludingwithoutlimitationlossofincomeorprofitsfromanyCommercialContract,UKBroadcastingContract,OverseasBroadcastingContractorRadioContract.BoardPowersB.12.Whereadiscretion,rightorpowerisexpressedintheseRulestobeexercisablebytheBoard,suchdiscretion,rightorpowershall,unlessotherwiseprovidedintheseRulesortheArticles,beexercisablebytheBoardinitssoleandabsolutediscretionorasasolerightorpoweroftheBoardandshallwhenexercisedbefinalandbindingandnotsubjecttoappeal.B.13.TheBoardmayappointanyPersonwhoisnotanOfficialtodeputiseforeithertheChairmanorthechiefexecutivewhentheBoardisrequiredtoexerciseitsfunctionundereitherRuleT.29orRuleT.30orRuleT.31orRuleW.1orYouthDevelopmentRules289,291and292.ProcedureatGeneralMeetingsB.14.SubjecttotheprovisionsoftheArticlesandtheAct,theChairmanmayregulatetheprocedureforGeneralMeetingsashethinksfit.UnlessotherwisedeterminedbytheChairman:B.14.1ClubsmustgivetotheLeaguenotlessthan28cleardays’noticeofanyitemforinclusionontheagendaofaforthcomingGeneralMeeting;andB.14.2tworepresentativesfromeachClubmayattendGeneralMeetings,eachofwhommayspeakbutonlyoneofwhomshallbeentitledtovote.RelationshipbetweenClubsandtheLeagueB.15.MembershipoftheLeagueshallconstituteanagreementbetweentheLeagueandClub(bothonitsownbehalfandonbehalfofitsOfficials)andbetweeneachClubtobeboundbyandcomplywith:B.15.1.theLawsoftheGame;B.15.2.TheFootballAssociationRules;B.15.3.theArticles;B.15.4.theseRules;B.15.5.thestatutesandregulationsofFIFA;
SectionB:TheLeague-Governance101B.15.6.thestatutesandregulationsofUEFA;andB.15.7.theRegulationsoftheProfessionalFootballCompensationCommittee,eachasamendedfromtimetotime.B.16.InallmattersandtransactionsrelatingtotheLeagueeachClubshallbehavetowardseachotherClubandtheLeaguewiththeutmostgoodfaith.B.17.NoClub,eitherbyitself,itsservantsoragents,shallbyanymeanswhatsoeverunfairlycriticise,disparage,belittleordiscreditanyotherClubortheLeagueorineithercaseanyofitsdirectors,officers,employeesoragents.B.18.AClubshallnot,withouttheBoard’spriorwrittenconsent,eitherduringitsmembershipoftheLeagueoratanytimeafteritsmembershiphasterminated,discloseordivulge,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,toanyPersonwhatsoeverorotherwisemakeuseofanyconfidentialinformationastothebusinessorfinancesoftheLeagueoranyotherCluboranyoftheirdealings,transactionsoraffairsorastoanyothermatterswhichmaycometoitsknowledgebyreasonofitsmembership,savetostatutoryandregulatoryauthoritiesorasmayberequiredbylawortosuchOfficialsandAuditorsofthatClubtowhomsuchdisclosureisstrictlynecessaryforthepurposeoftheirdutiesandthenonlytotheextentsonecessary.B.19.WithoutprejudicetotheLeague’spowersofinquiryunderRuleW.1,eachClubshallcomplypromptlyandinfullwithanyrequestforinformationmadebytheLeague(including,fortheavoidanceofdoubt,anysuchrequestmadepursuanttoademandfromastatutoryorregulatoryauthority).FootballAssociationRepresentationB.20.UnderthearticlesofassociationofTheFootballAssociation,theLeagueisentitledtoappointannuallysixrepresentativestotheCouncilofTheFootballAssociation.AnyPersonwhoisaDirectororadirectororofficeroftheLeagueshallbeeligibleforappointment.FivesuchrepresentativesshallbeelectedbyClubsinGeneralMeetingandoneshallbeappointedbytheBoardsubjecttoratificationbyClubsinGeneralMeeting.B.21.UnderthearticlesofassociationofTheFootballAssociation,theLeagueisentitledtoappointannuallyonememberofTheFootballAssociationboardofdirectors.AnyPersonwhoisaFootballAssociationcouncilrepresentativeappointedinaccordancewithRuleB.20or,ifarepresentativeofaregionaldivisionofTheFootballAssociation,aPersonwhoisaDirector,shallbeeligibleforappointment.TheBoardshallappointtherepresentativesubjecttoratificationbyClubsinGeneralMeeting.B.22.UnderthearticlesofassociationofTheFootballAssociation,theLeagueandTheFootballLeagueareentitledtoappointannuallyamutuallyagreeduponmemberofTheFootballAssociationboardofdirectors.TheidentityofsuchindividualshallbedeterminedfollowingconsultationbetweentheLeagueandTheFootballLeagueandappointedbytheBoardsubjecttoratificationbyClubsinGeneralMeeting.
SectionB:TheLeague-Governance102Rules:SectionBB.23.UnderthearticlesofassociationofTheFootballAssociation,theLeagueisentitledtoappointfourmembersoftheProfessionalGameBoard(the“PGB”),acommitteeoftheboardofdirectorsofTheFootballAssociation.TheBoardshallappointthefourmembersofthePGB(oneofwhomshallalwaysbethememberoftheboardofdirectorsofTheFootballAssociationappointedinaccordancewithRuleB.21)subjecttoratificationbyClubsinGeneralMeeting.ProvidedalwaysthatatleasttwooftheappointedPGBmembersshallbeFootballAssociationCouncilrepresentativesappointedinaccordancewithRuleB.20,thefollowingshallbeeligibleforappointment:B.23.1.aDirector;B.23.2.aFootballAssociationcouncilrepresentativeappointedinaccordancewithRuleB.20;andB.23.3.adirectororofficeroftheLeague.
TheLeague:Governance,OperationsandFinanceSectionC:TheLeagueCompetition103TheLeagueCompetitionC.1.EachClubshallplaytwoLeagueMatchesagainsteachotherClubeachSeason,beingtheHomeClubinrespectofonesuchLeagueMatchandtheVisitingClubinrespectoftheother.C.2.ThewinnerofaLeagueMatchshallscorethreepoints.EachClubparticipatinginaLeagueMatchwhichisdrawnshallscoreonepoint.C.3.TheresultsofLeagueMatchesshallberecordedbytheBoardinatablecontaining,inrespectofeachClub,thefollowinginformation:C.3.1.thenumberofLeagueMatchesplayedinthatSeason;C.3.2.thenumberofLeagueMatcheswon,drawnandlostasaHomeClubinthatSeason;C.3.3.thenumberofLeagueMatcheswon,drawnandlostasaVisitingClubinthatSeason;C.3.4.thenumberofgoalsscoredinLeagueMatchesbyandagainstthatClubinthatSeason;andC.3.5.thenumberofpointsscoredinthatSeason.C.4.ThepositionofClubsinthetableshallbedeterminedbythenumberofpointsscoredinthatSeason,theClubhavingscoredthehighestnumberofpointsbeingatthetopofthetableandtheClubhavingscoredthelowestnumberofpointsbeingatthebottom.C.5.IfanytwoormoreClubshavescoredthesamenumberofpointstheirpositioninthetableshallbedeterminedongoaldifference,thatistosay,thedifferencebetweenthetotalnumberofgoalsscoredbyandagainstaClubinLeagueMatchesinthatSeason,andthehigherorhighestplacedClubshallbetheClubwiththehigherorhighestgoaldifference.C.6.IfanytwoormoreClubshavescoredthesamenumberofpointsandhavethesamegoaldifferencethehigherorhighestplacedClubshallbetheClubhavingscoredthemostgoalsinLeagueMatchesinthatSeason.C.7.SubjecttoRuleC.17,ifanytwoormoreClubshavescoredthesamenumberofpoints,havethesamegoaldifferenceandhavescoredthesamenumberofgoalsinLeagueMatchesinthatSeason;theyshallbedeemedtooccupythesamepositioninthetable.DeterminationandAccreditationofGoalsC.8.GoalLineTechnologyshallbeutilisedatLeagueMatches(savethat,fortheavoidanceofdoubt,aLeagueMatchshallproceedevenifGoalLineTechnologyisunavailableforpartorallofit).Thereferee’sdecisionastowhetheragoalhasbeenscoredshallbefinal.C.9.TheLeagueshallkeeparecordofthescorerofeachgoalineachLeagueMatch.
SectionC:TheLeagueCompetition104Rules:SectionCC.10.TheBoardwillreviewallgoalsscoredineveryLeagueMatch,andifthereareanyinrespectofwhichtheidentityofthescoringPlayerisindoubt,thentheissueshallberesolvedbysuchmeansastheBoarddeterminesinadvanceofeachSeason.TheLeagueChampionshipC.11.TheClubwhichisatthetopofthetableattheendoftheSeasonshallbetheLeagueChampions.C.12.TheLeagueChampionsshallreceiveatrophywhichitshallreturntotheBoardingoodorderandconditionnotlaterthanthreeweeksbeforeitsfinalLeagueMatchofthenextSeason.C.13.TheLeagueChampionsshallfurtherreceive40commemorativemedalstobepresentedbytheClubtoitsManagerandtosuchofitsPlayersandOfficialsasitthinksfitprovidedthatanyPlayerwhohasenteredthefieldofplayinaminimumoffiveofitsLeagueMatchesthatSeasonshallreceivefromtheClubacommemorativemedal.AdditionalmedalsmayonlybepresentedwiththeconsentoftheBoardwhichshallonlybegivenifthetotalnumberofPlayerswhohaveenteredthefieldofplaythatSeasoninaminimumoffiveoftheClub’sLeagueMatchesexceeds39.RelegationC.14.SubjecttoRuleC.15,thebottomthreeClubsinthetableattheendoftheSeasonshallberelegatedtoTheFootballLeague.C.15.IfanyClubceasesduringtheSeasontobeamemberoftheLeague,therecordoftheLeagueMatchesinwhichithasparticipatedthatSeasonshallbeexpungedfromthetableandthenumberofClubstoberelegatedattheendofthatSeasonshallbereducedsoastomaintainat20(or,ifless,asneartheretoasmaybe)thenumberofClubsinmembershipoftheLeagueatthebeginningofthenextSeason.C.16.IfanyClubceasestobeamemberoftheLeagueotherthanbyreasonofrelegationaftertheendoftheSeasonbutbeforetheBoardhasfixedthedatesofLeagueMatchesforthenextSeason,theBoardmayinvitetherelegatedclubwhichattainedthehighestpositioninthetablereferredtoinRuleC.3attheendofthepreviousSeasontorejointheLeague.Play-offsC.17.IfattheendoftheSeasoneithertheLeagueChampionsortheClubstoberelegatedorthequestionofqualificationforothercompetitionscannotbedeterminedbecausetwoormoreClubsareequalonpoints,goaldifferenceandgoalsscored,theClubsconcernedshallplayoffoneormoredecidingLeagueMatchesonneutralgrounds,theformat,timingandvenueofwhichshallbedeterminedbytheBoard.
TheLeague:Governance,OperationsandFinanceSectionD:TheLeague–Finance105ObligationsoftheLeagueD.1.SubjecttotheprovisionsofArticle49,theLeagueshallenterintoCommercialContracts,UKBroadcastingContracts,OverseasBroadcastingContractsandRadioContractswiththeintentioninthecaseofeachUKBroadcastingContractfortheliveTransmissionofLeagueMatchesthateachClubshallparticipateinatleastonelivetelevisedLeagueMatcheachSeason.D.2.EachClubandeachContractPlayershallcomplywithanyreasonablerequestmadeonbehalfoftheLeaguetoallowthePlayer’sImagetobeusedtoenabletheLeaguetofulfilitsCommercialContracts,UKBroadcastingContracts,OverseasBroadcastingContractsandRadioContracts,providedthat,wherethesizeoftheproductpermits,theLeagueshallnotusetheimagesoflessthanfourContractPlayers,eachfromadifferentClubs,onanyoneproduct.ObligationsofClubsD.3.SubjecttoRuleD.7,Clubsshallprovidesuchrights,facilitiesandservicesasarerequiredtoenabletheLeaguetofulfilitsCommercialContracts,UKBroadcastingContracts,OverseasBroadcastingContractsandRadioContractsandshallnotbyanyactoromissioninfringeanyexclusiverightsgrantedthereunderorotherwisecauseanybreachthereoftooccur.FortheavoidanceofdoubtonlytheLeaguemayenforcethisRuleagainstaClubandnootherPersonshallhaveanyrightundertheContracts(RightsofThirdParties)Act1999tosoenforceit.D.4.EachClubshallindemnifytheLeagueagainstanyliabilitytheLeaguemayincurintheeventofafindingbyacourtoflaworotherbodyofcompetentjurisdictionthattheLeagueinducedtheClubtobreachacontractwithathirdpartyasaresultofrequiringtheClubtocomplywithRuleD.3.D.5.EachClubshallprovidesuchreasonablerights,facilitiesandservicesateachLeagueMatchtakingplaceatitsStadiumasarereasonablyrequiredandasareauthorisedbyanydirectiveissuedbytheLeaguepursuanttoRuleD.6toenabletheVisitingClubinrespectofthesaidLeagueMatchtocomplywiththetermsofanyClubRadioContracttowhichitisparty.D.6.TheLeagueshallissuefromtimetotimedirectivestoClubssettingoutthoserightswhichmayandmaynotbegrantedbyanyClubinanyClubRadioContractandeachClubshallcomplyinallrespectswithanysuchdirective.D.7.InthecaseofaCommercialContractaClubshallnotbeboundtocomplywithRuleD.3if:D.7.1.todosowouldresultintheClubbeinginbreachofacontractualobligationenteredintobeforethedateoftheArticle49ResolutionauthorisingorapprovingtheCommercialContract;orD.7.2.suchCommercialContracthasnotbeenenteredintobytheLeaguewithinsixmonthsoftheArticle49Resolutionrelatingtoit.
SectionD:TheLeague–Finance106Rules:SectionDAccountingPracticeD.8.SubjecttoRuleD.9,allincomeoftheLeagueshallbeallocatedtoitsfinancialperiodsinaccordancewithgenerallyacceptedaccountingpractice.D.9.NotwithstandingtheforegoingprovisionsofRuleD.8,advancesreceivedorearlypaymentofothercontractedaccountsmaybetreatedasincomeofthefinancialperiodinwhichtheyarereceivedprovidedthatineachcaseaResolutionispassedtothateffect.OperatingandOtherExpensesD.10.TheoperatingandotherexpensesoftheLeagueshallbepaid,atthediscretionoftheBoard,outofOverseasBroadcastingMoney,CommercialContractMoney,RadioContractMoneyoranyotherincomeoftheLeagueexcludingUKBroadcastingMoney.D.11.SubjecttothepriorapprovalofClubsinGeneralMeeting,theBoardshallbeempoweredtorequireClubstopaytotheLeaguefromtimetotimeanysumbywhichitsincome,excludingUKBroadcastingMoney,fallsshortoftheoperatingandotherexpensesoftheLeague.D.12.EachClubandRelegatedClubshallcontributetotheProfessionalGameYouthFundandtothePremierLeagueCharitableFundandothercommunityandcharitableinitiativesandobligationssuchsumasisapprovedbyaGeneralMeeting,suchcontributionstobedeductedfromthedistributionsfortheBasicAwardFundmadepursuanttoRuleD.17.1.TransmissionofLeagueMatchesD.13.NoTransmissionshallbemadeofanyLeagueMatchexcept:D.13.1.inaccordancewithanyUKBroadcastingContractorOverseasBroadcastingContract;D.13.2.aspermittedbyRulesK.37andK.38;orD.13.3.inaccordancewiththetermsofanyexpresslicenseorpermissionissuedinwritingbytheLeague.D.14.NoRadioTransmissionshallbemadeofanyLeagueMatchexceptinaccordancewith:D.14.1.anyRadioContract;D.14.2.anyClubRadioContract;orD.14.3.thetermsofanyexpresslicenceorpermissionissuedinwritingbytheLeague.
SectionD:TheLeague–Finance107DistributionofUKBroadcastingMoneyD.15.TheLeagueshallpayoutofUKBroadcastingMoney:D.15.1.suchsumsasmaybeagreedfromtimetotimeshallbepayabletotheProfessionalFootballers’AssociationforPlayers’educational,insuranceandbenevolentpurposes;andD.15.2.anyothersumapprovedbyaResolution.D.16.ThebalanceofUKBroadcastingMoneyshallbedividedsothat:D.16.1.onehalfshallcomprisetheBasicAwardFund;D.16.2.onequartershallcomprisetheMeritPaymentsFund;andD.16.3.onequartershallcomprisetheFacilityFeesFund.EachoftheBasicAwardFundandtheMeritPaymentsFundshallbedividedintosuchnumberofsharesasshallberequiredineithercasetoputintoeffecttheprovisionsofRulesD.17.1,D.17.2andD.25andtheFacilityFeesFundshallbedistributedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofRuleD.17.3.
SectionD:TheLeague–Finance108Rules:SectionDD.17.InconsiderationofClubsprovidingsuchrights,facilitiesandservicesasarerequiredtoenabletheLeaguetofulfilanyUKBroadcastingContract:D.17.1.subjecttoRulesE.26,E.35andE.39,theBasicAwardFundshallbedistributedbywayoffeessothateachClubreceivesoneshareandeachRelegatedClubthepercentageofonesharesetoutinRuleD.25;D.17.2.assoonaspracticableaftertheendofeachSeason,subjecttoRulesE.26andE.35,theMeritPaymentsFundshallbedistributedbywayoffeesinaccordancewiththefollowingtable:EndofSeasonNumberofsharesLeagueposition12021931841751661571481391210111110129138147156165174183192201D.17.3.theBoardshallinrespectofeachSeasondeterminetheamountstobepaidtoClubsbywayoffacilityfeesforLeagueMatcheswhicharetelevisedliveorofwhichrecordedexcerptsarebroadcast.DuringoraftertheendofeachSeason,subjecttoRulesE.26andE.35,suchfacilityfeesshallbepaidoutoftheFacilityFeesFundtothoseClubswhichhaveparticipatedineachofsuchLeagueMatches,whetherasaHomeCluboraVisitingClub.
SectionD:TheLeague–Finance109DistributionofOverseasBroadcastingMoneyD.18.TheLeagueshallpayoutofOverseasBroadcastingMoney:D.18.1.itsoperatingandotherexpensesinaccordancewithRuleD.10;andD.18.2.anyothersumapprovedbyaResolutionandthebalancethereofshallbedividedintosuchnumberofsharesasshallberequiredtoputintoeffecttheprovisionsofRuleD.19.D.19.InconsiderationofClubsprovidingsuchrights,facilitiesandservicesasarerequiredtoenabletheLeaguetofulfilanyOverseasBroadcastingContract,assoonaspracticableduringoraftertheendofeachSeason,subjecttoRulesE.26,E.35,E.39andK.42,thebalanceofOverseasBroadcastingMoneyshallbedistributedbywayoffeessothateachClubreceivesoneshareandeachRelegatedClubthepercentageofonesharesetoutinRuleD.25.DistributionofCommercialContractMoneyD.20.TheLeagueshallpayoutofCommercialContractMoney:D.20.1.itsoperatingandotherexpensesinaccordancewithRuleD.10;andD.20.2.anyothersumapprovedbyaResolution.D.21.InconsiderationofClubsprovidingsuchrights,facilitiesandservicesasarerequiredtoenabletheLeaguetofulfilanyCommercialContract,assoonaspracticableduringoraftertheendofeachSeason,subjecttoRulesD.22,E.26andE.35,thebalanceofCommercialContractMoneyshallbedistributedbywayoffeesequallybetweenClubs.D.22.CommercialContractMoneyderivedfromaCommercialContractrelatingtotheprovisionofperimeteradvertisingboardsatStadiashallbedistributedtothoseClubsthatprovidesuchboardsinproportionineachcasetotheamountofperimeterboardinventoryprovided.DistributionofRadioContractMoneyD.23.TheLeagueshallpayoutofRadioContractMoney:D.23.1.itsoperatingandotherexpensesinaccordancewithRuleD.10;andD.23.2.anyothersumapprovedbyaResolution.D.24.InconsiderationofClubsprovidingsuchrights,facilitiesandservicesasarerequiredtoenabletheLeaguetofulfilanyRadioContract,assoonaspracticableduringoraftertheendofeachSeason,subjecttoRuleE.26andE.35,thebalanceofRadioContractMoneyshallbedistributedbywayoffeesequallybetweenClubs.
SectionD:TheLeague–FinanceGuidanceFortheavoidanceofdoubt,RulesD.25andD.26willnotapplytoanyRelegatedClubthatwasrelegatedinSeason2014/15,Season2013/14orSeason2012/13.Instead,therelevantfeestobereceivedbysuchRelegatedClubswillbecalculatedinaccordancewiththeequivalentprovisionsofthe2014/15,2013/14or2012/13editionoftheRules,asapplicable.110Rules:SectionDValueAddedTaxD.27.ValueaddedtaxshallbeaddedtoeachfeepaidinaccordancewithRulesD.17,D.19,D.21,D.24andD.25.DistributionAccountD.28.EachdistributionmadeundertheprovisionsofRulesD.17,D.19,D.21,D.22andD.25shallbeaccompaniedbyanaccountshowinghowithasbeencomputed.AssignmentsofCentralFundsD.29.IfaCluboraRelegatedClubproposestocharge,assignorotherwisegrantsecurityoverallorpartofitsentitlementtofuturedistributionsofCentralFunds,itshall:D.29.1.disclosetotheLeaguetheproposeddocumentationwiththelendergivingeffecttosuchcharge,assignmentorothergrantofsecurity;D.29.2.notenterintothesaidproposeddocumentationwithoutthepriorwrittenconsentoftheLeague(nottobeunreasonablywithheld);andD.29.3.procurethatitanditslenderenterintoanagreementwiththeLeaguewherebythelenderwillconfirmthat:D.29.3.1.itunderstandsthattheClub’sentitlementtofuturedistributionsofCentralFundsissubjecttotheprovisionsoftheArticlesandtheseRulesandinparticular(withoutprejudicetothegeneralityoftheforegoing)toRulesE.26,E.35andE.29;RelegatedClubsD.25.SubjecttoRulesD.26,E.26,E.35,andE.39,eachRelegatedClubshallreceivethefollowingfees:D.25.1.inthefirstSeasonafterbeingrelegated,asumequivalentto55%ofoneshareofeachoftheBasicAwardFundandOverseasBroadcastingMoney;D.25.2.inthesecondSeasonafterbeingrelegated,asumequivalentto45%ofoneshareofeachoftheBasicAwardFundandOverseasBroadcastingMoney;andD.25.3.inthethirdSeasonafterbeingrelegated,asumequivalentto20%ofoneshareofeachoftheBasicAwardFundandOverseasBroadcastingMoney.D.26.ARelegatedClubthatwasinmembershipoftheLeagueforonlyoneSeasonimmediatelypriortobeingrelegatedwillnotreceivethefeesetoutinRuleD.25.3.
SectionD:TheLeague–Finance111D.29.3.2.itwaivesanyandallclaimsofwhatevernatureagainsttheLeagueassociatedinanywaywiththeLeague’sapplicationand/orenforcementoftheRulesreferredtoatRuleD.29.3.1;andD.29.3.3.theClubhasdisclosedtoittheClub’scurrentandfutureliabilitiestootherClubs(andclubs)andtheLeaguewillconfirmthatsuchdisclosureaccordswithitsrecordsofsuchliabilities.D.30.RuleD.29shallnotapplytoanyassignment,chargeorothergrantofsecuritybyaClubofitsfutureentitlementtoCentralFundsaspartofafixedandfloatingchargeovertheentiretyofitsassetsandundertakingonusualcommercialterms.TotakeeffectbeginningSeason2018/19:D.31.Withouttheexpress,priorconsentoftheBoard,noCluborRelegatedClubmaycharge,assignorotherwisegrantsecurityoveritsentitlementtoCentralFundsinaccordancewithRuleD.29toanyPersonotherthanaFinancialInstitution.D.32.WithoutprejudicetoRuleD.31,above,theBoardmaystillrefusetopermitanyproposedcharge,assignmentorgrantofsecurityunderRuleD.29byaCluborRelegatedClubtoaFinancialInstitution,wheretheownershiporstructureofthatFinancialInstitutionconflictswithanyoftheseRules.
Clubs:FinanceandGovernanceSectionE:Clubs–Finance113PowertoInspectE.1.WithoutprejudicetoitspowersofinquiryunderRuleW.1,theBoardeitherbyitselforbyanyPersonappointedbyitshallbeempoweredtoinspectthefinancialrecordsofanyClubwhichitreasonablysuspectshasactedinbreachoftheseRules.ClubBankAccountsE.2.EachClubshallsubmittotheBoardForm2signedbytwoDirectorsoftheClubandspecifyingabankaccount,tobeinthenameofandcontrolledbytheClub,intowhichtheLeagueshallpaymoniesduetotheClubfromtheLeagueinaccordancewithandsubjecttotheseRulessavethatifthatClubhasassigneditsentitlementtosuchmoniesoranypartofthem,paymentwillbemadebytheLeagueasdirectedintheassignment.SubmissionofClubAccountsE.3.EachClubshallby1MarchineachSeason,submittotheBoardacopyofitsannualaccountsinrespectofitsmostrecentfinancialyearoriftheClubconsidersitappropriateortheBoardsorequeststheGroupAccountsoftheGroupofwhichitisamember(ineithercasesuchaccountstobepreparedandauditedinaccordancewithapplicablelegalandregulatoryrequirements)togetherwithacopyofthedirectors’reportforthatyearandacopyoftheauditors’reportonthoseaccounts.E.4.TheaccountsreferredtoinRuleE.3shall:E.4.1.includeseparatedisclosurewithinthebalancesheetornotestotheaccounts,orbywayofsupplementaryinformationseparatelyreportedonbyitsauditorsbywayofproceduresspecifiedbytheBoard,ofthetotalsumspayableandreceivableinrespectofCompensationFees,ContingentSumsandLoanFees;andE.4.2.includeabreakdownwithintheprofitandlossaccountorthenotestotheaccounts,orbywayofsupplementaryinformationseparatelyreportedonbyitsauditorsbywayofproceduresspecifiedbytheBoard,ofrevenueinappropriatecategoriessuchasgatereceipts,sponsorshipandadvertising,broadcastingrights,commercialincomeandotherincome.E.5.Iftheauditors’reportontheaccountssubmittedpursuanttoRuleE.3containsanythingotherthananunqualifiedopinionwithoutmodification,theClubshallattheBoard’srequestsubmitsuchfurtherdocumentaryevidenceastheBoardshallrequire(including,butnotlimitedto,FutureFinancialInformation).E.6.IftheannualaccountsofaCluborGroupAccountssubmittedpursuanttoRuleE.3arepreparedtoadatepriorto30NovemberintheSeasonofsubmission,suchCluborGroupshallbythefollowing31MarchsubmittotheBoardinterimaccountscoveringtheperiodcommencingfromitsaccountingreferencedateandendingonadatebetweenthefollowing30Novemberand1March.
SectionE:Clubs–Finance114Rules:SectionEE.7.Theinterimaccountsshall:E.7.1.compriseabalancesheet,aprofitandlossaccount,acashflowstatementandrelevantexplanatorynotes;E.7.2.bepreparedinaccordancewiththeaccountingprinciplesadoptedinthepreparationoftheClub’sannualaccounts;E.7.3.bepresentedinasimilarformattotheannualaccountsincludingasregardsthematterssetoutinRuleE.4;E.7.4.includeintheprofitandlossaccountandcashflowstatementcomparativefiguresforthesameperiodintheprecedingyear;E.7.5.includeabalancesheetasoftheendoftheprecedingfinancialyear;E.7.6.beapprovedinwritingbytheboardofdirectorsofthecompanytowhichtheyrelate;andE.7.7.bereviewedorauditedinaccordancewithapplicableregulatoryrequirements.E.8.RuleE.5shallapplytotheinterimaccounts(withappropriatemodification)iftheauditorshaveissuedanythingotherthananunqualifiedopinionwithoutmodificationonthem.E.9.EachClubmustby7April(orsuchlaterdateastheBoardshallspecify)ineachSeasonprovethat,subjecttoRuleE.10:E.9.1.noCompensationFee,LoanFeeorContingentSumpayablepursuanttoaTransferAgreemententeredintopriortothepreceding31December;andE.9.2.nosumpayabletoorinrespectofanemployeeinrelationtoservicesprovidedpriortothepreceding31December(includingPAYEandNIC),isorwasoverdueasatthepreceding31March.E.10.ForthepurposeofRuleE.9:E.10.1.“employee”meansaPlayer,aManager,anyOfficialreferredtoinRuleJ.1,anAcademyManager,aTeamDoctorandaseniorphysiotherapistreferredtoinRuleO.12,anassistantmanagerorheadcoachreferredtoinRuleP.13andasafetyofficer;andE.10.2.anamountshallnotbetreatedasoverdueasat31MarchifbythatdateithasbeenpaidorthedateforpaymenthasbeenextendedbymeansofawrittenagreementwiththecreditororitisthesubjectofcurrentlitigationorarbitrationproceedingsorhasbeensubmittedtoadisputeresolutionprocedureoftheLeague,TheFootballAssociation,UEFAorFIFA.E.11.By31MarchineachSeason,eachClubshallsubmittotheBoardinrespectofitself(oriftheClubconsidersitappropriateortheBoardsorequestsinrespectoftheGroupofwhichitisamember)futurefinancialinformationcomprisingprojectedprofitandlossaccounts,cashflow,balancesheetsandrelevantexplanatorynotescommencingfromitsaccountingreferencedateor,ifithassubmittedinterimaccountspursuanttoRuleE.6,fromthedatetowhichthoseinterimaccountswerepreparedandexpiringonthenextaccountingreferencedateaftertheendofthefollowingSeason(“FutureFinancialInformation”).Theprojectedprofitandlossaccounts,cashflowandbalancesheetsshallbepreparedatamaximumofquarterlyintervals.
SectionE:Clubs–Finance115E.12.TheFutureFinancialInformationshall:E.12.1.bepreparedinaccordancewiththeaccountingprinciplesadoptedinthepreparationoftheClub’sannualaccounts(exceptwheretheaccountingprinciplesandpoliciesaretobechangedinthesubsequentannualaccounts,inwhichcasethenewaccountingprinciplesandpolicesshouldbefollowed);E.12.2.beapprovedinwritingbytheboardofdirectorsofthecompanytowhichtheyrelate;E.12.3.includeintheexplanatorynotestheretoprincipalassumptionsandrisks;andE.12.4.includeforcomparisonprofitandlossaccountsfortheperiodcoveredbytheannualaccountsandinterimaccountssubmittedpursuanttoRulesE.3andE.6,aforecastforthecurrentfinancialyearandabalancesheetasatthedateoftheinterimaccountssubmittedpursuanttoRuleE.6.E.13.EachPromotedClubshallby30JuneintheyearofitspromotionsubmittotheBoard:E.13.1.copiesofthedocumentsandotherinformationthatitwouldhavebeenrequiredtosubmittotheBoardpursuanttoRulesE.3,E.6andE.9by1MarchofthatyearhaditthenbeenamemberoftheLeague;E.13.2.FutureFinancialInformationcommencingfrom1JulyintheyearofitspromotionandexpiringontheClub’snextaccountingreferencedateaftertheendofthefollowingSeason;andE.13.3.anyfurtherdocumentaryevidencerequiredpursuanttoRulesE.5andE.8.E.14.TheBoardshallhavethepowerssetoutinRuleE.14.1if:E.14.1.theClubhasfailedtosubmittotheBoardannualaccountsasrequiredbyRulesE.3andE.4orRuleE.13;E.14.2.theClubhasfailedtosubmittotheBoardinterimaccountsasrequiredbyRuleE.6orRuleE.13;E.14.3.theClubhasfailedtosubmittotheBoardtheFutureFinancialInformationasrequiredbyRuleE.11orRuleE.13;E.14.4.theBoardhasaskedtheClubtosubmitfurtherdocumentaryevidencepursuanttoRuleE.5,RuleE.8orRuleE.13andtheClubhasfailedtodosowithinsuchreasonabledeadlinethatisspecifiedbytheLeague;E.14.5.theClubhasfailedtosatisfytheBoardthatnosumsofthekindsetoutinRuleE.9(andsubjecttoRuleE.10)wereoverdueasatthepreceding31March;E.14.6.theauditors’reportontheannualaccountsorinterimaccountsoftheClubortheGroupsubmittedpursuanttoRuleE.3andRuleE.6respectivelyorRuleE.13containsanythingotherthananunqualifiedopinionwithoutmodification;or
SectionE:Clubs–Finance116Rules:SectionEE.14.7.asaresultofitsreviewofallthedocumentsandinformationsubmittedbytheClubpursuanttoRulesE.3toE.13,andhavingtakenintoaccountanyfailureoftheClubtosupplyanysuchdocumentsorinformation,initsreasonableopinionitdeterminesthattheClubwillnotoverthecourseofthefollowingSeasonbeableto:E.14.7.1.payitsliabilitiestothecreditorslistedinRuleE.28(insofarastheyareorwillbecomecreditorsoftheClub)andtoitsemployeesastheyfalldue;E.14.7.2.fulfilitsobligationunderRuleC.1toplaytwoLeagueMatchesagainsteachotherClub;orE.14.7.3.fulfilitsobligationsunderRuleD.3toprovidesuchrights,facilitiesandservicesasarerequiredtoenabletheLeaguetofulfilitsCommercialContracts,UKBroadcastingContracts,OverseasBroadcastingContractsandRadioContracts.E.15.ThepowersreferredtoinRuleE.14are:E.15.1.torequiretheClubtosubmit,agreeandadheretoabudgetwhichshallinclude,butnotbelimitedto,thematterssetoutinRuleH.1.1toH.1.3;E.15.2.torequiretheClubtoprovidesuchfurtherinformationastheBoardshalldetermineandforsuchperiodasitshalldetermine;andE.15.3.torefuseanyapplicationbythatClubtoregisteranyPlayeroranynewcontractofanexistingPlayerofthatClubiftheBoardreasonablydeemsthatthisisnecessaryinordertoensurethattheClubcomplieswithitsobligationslistedinRuleE.14.7.E.16.IfanyPersonproposestoacquireControlofaClub:E.16.1.theClubshallsubmittotheBoardup-to-dateFutureFinancialInformationpreparedtotakeintoaccounttheconsequencesofthechangeofControlontheClub’sfuturefinancialpositionasfarinadvanceofthechangeofControlasreasonablypossibleor,ifsuchsubmissionisnotreasonablypracticablepriortothechangeofControl,nolaterthan10WorkingDaysthereafter;andE.16.2.theBoardshallhavepowertorequirethePersonwhoproposestoacquireorhasacquiredControltoappearbeforeitandtoprovideevidenceofthesourceandsufficiencyofanyfundswhichthatPersonproposestoinvestinorotherwisemakeavailabletotheClub.E.17.InrelationtoanyproposedacquisitionofControlofaClubbyaPerson,theBoardshallhavethepowerssetoutinRuleE.15and/ortheabilitytoimposesuchotherconditionsasineachcaseitmaydetermineinordertomonitorand/orensurecompliancewithSectionsE,F,Gand/orIoftheseRules(andtheirsuccessororreplacementprovisions).
SectionE:Clubs–FinanceGuidancePursuanttoRulesE.18toE.20,theBoardmayrequirefurtherinformationfromtheClubincluding(butnotlimitedto):a)b)confirmationthatClubOwnRevenueUplifthasbeencalculatedonalike-for-likebasis;andsatisfactoryevidencethatrevenueincludedwithinthecalculationofClubOwnRevenueUplifthasnotbeenartificiallyinflated.Inaddition,theBoardmayadjustaClubOwnRevenueUpliftbyassessinganyrevenuewithinitfromRelatedPartyTransactionstoFairMarketValue.AssetoutinthedefinitionofClubOwnRevenueUplift(RuleA.1.30),theBoardmustgivetheClubtheopportunitytomakesubmissionsbeforeitdoesso.117E.21.Onorbefore1MarchineachSeason,eachClubshallsubmitForm3totheBoard.ShortTermCostControlE.18.IfinanyofContractYears2016/17,2017/18and2018/19,thesumofaClub’sPlayerServicesCostsandImageContractPaymentsexceeds£67m,£74mor£81m,respectively,therelevantClubmustelecttoeither:(a)beassessedbytheBoardonthe‘PriorYearBasis’(inwhichcase,RuleE.19applies);or(b)beassessedbytheBoardonthe‘2012/13BaseYearBasis’(inwhichcase,RuleE.20applies).E.19.WheretheClubhaselectedtobeassessedonthe‘PriorYearBasis’,theClubmustsatisfytheBoardofanyofthefollowing:E.19.1.thatthesumoftheClub’sPlayerServicesCostsandImageContractPaymentshasnotincreasedbymorethan£7mwhencomparedtothepreviousContractYear;E.19.2.thattheexcessincrease,overandabovethe£7mreferredtoatRuleE.19.1,arisesasaresultofcontractualcommitmentsenteredintoonorbefore31January2013,and/orhasbeenfundedonlybyClubOwnRevenueUpliftascomparedtothepreviousContractYearand/orAveragedThreeYearPlayerTradingProfit;orE.19.3.thattheexcessincrease,overandabovethefiguressetoutinRuleE.18,asapplicable,hasbeenfundedonlybyClubOwnRevenueUpliftand/orAveragedThreeYearPlayerTradingProfit.E.20.WheretheClubhaselectedtobeassessedonthe‘2012/13BaseYearBasis’,theClubmustsatisfytheBoardofany
ofthefollowing:E.20.1.thatthesumoftheClub’sPlayerServicesCostsandImageContractPaymentshasnotincreasedbymorethan£19m(inContractYear2016/17),£26m(inContractYear2017/18)or£33m(inContractYear2018/19),asapplicable,whencomparedwithContractYear2012/13;E.20.2.thattheexcessincrease,overandabovethefiguresreferredtoatRuleE.20.1,arisesasaresultofcontractualcommitmentsenteredintoonorbefore31January2013,and/orhasbeenfundedonlybyClubOwnRevenueUpliftascomparedwiththelikefiguresinContractYear2012/13and/orAveragedThreeYearPlayerTradingProfit.
SectionE:Clubs–FinanceGuidanceThefirstreportingviaForm3undertherevisedShortTermCostControlRules,asadoptedforSeasons2016/17,2017/18and2018/19,willtakeplaceinMarch2018inrespectofContractYear2016/17.Clubs’attentionisdrawntoRuleT.15withregardtothefailuretosubmitForm3.118Rules:SectionEE.22.WhenrequestedbytheLeague,theinformationsetoutinForm3shallbereporteduponbytheClub’sauditorsand/oritsboardofdirectors,inaccordancewithproceduresspecifiedbytheLeaguefromtimetotime.HMRCE.23.EachClubshallprovidequarterlycertificationinsuchformastheBoardmayrequestfromtimetotimetoconfirmthatitsliabilitiestoHMRCinrespectofPAYEandNICarenomorethan28daysinarrears.E.24.EachClubshallpromptlyonrequestfromtheBoard:E.24.1.provideconfirmation(tobesignedbytwoDirectors)astowhetherithasanyoutstandingliabilitiestoHMRC,andifithasitshallprovidetheBoardwithfulldetailsthereof(includingdetailsofanyagreementswhichareinplacewithHMRCasregardssuchliabilities);andE.24.2.provideHMRCwithwrittenpermissioninsuchformasHMRCmayrequireforHMRCtoshareinformationabouttheClub’sliabilitiestoHMRCwiththeLeague.E.25.WheretheBoardreasonablybelievesthataClub’sliabilitiesinrespectofPAYE&NICaremorethan28daysinarrearsitmayexercisethepowerssetoutinRuleE.15.PowertoDeductE.26.IftheBoardisreasonablysatisfiedthataCluborRelegatedClub(“thedebtorClub”)hasfailedtomakeanypaymentduetoanycreditorofthedescriptionsetoutinRuleE.28,theBoardshallbeempoweredto:E.26.1.deducttheamountofanysuchpaymentfromanydistributionofUKBroadcastingMoney,OverseasBroadcastingMoney,CommercialContractMoneyorRadioContractMoney(“CentralFunds”)payabletothedebtorClub,payingthesametothecreditortowhichitisdue;andE.26.2.withholdanydistributionofCentralFundsotherwiseduetothedebtorClubtotheextentofanyliabilitiesfallingduefromthedebtorClubtoanycreditorofthedescriptionsetoutinRuleE.28withintheperiodof60daysaftertheduedateofthedistributionoftheCentralFundstothedebtorClub,andpaythesametothecreditoronthedatewhenitisduetothatcreditorshouldthedebtorClubfailtodoso.E.27.TheBoardshallonlyhavethepowerssetoutinRuleE.26.2ifthedebtorClubhasfailedtomakeanypaymentwhendue(whetherornotpaidthereafter)toacreditorofthedescriptionsetoutinRuleE.28withintheperiodof120daysimmediatelypriortotheduedateofdistributionoftheCentralFundstothedebtorClub.
SectionE:Clubs–Finance119E.28.ThecreditorstowhichRuleE.26appliesare:E.28.1.anotherClub(orclub);E.28.2.theLeague;E.28.3.anyAssociatedUndertaking,FellowSubsidiaryUndertaking,GroupUndertaking,orSubsidiaryUndertakingoftheLeague;E.28.4.anypensionorlifeassuranceschemeadministeredbyoronbehalfoftheLeague;E.28.5.TheFootballLeague;E.28.6.anyAssociatedUndertaking,FellowSubsidiaryUndertaking,GroupUndertaking,orSubsidiaryUndertakingofTheFootballLeague;orE.28.7.theFootballFoundation.E.29.IfanyTransfereeClubactsinbreachofRulesV.29orV.32toV.36inclusive:E.29.1.RuleV.37shallapply;andE.29.2.outofanymoniesheldbytheBoardfororonbehalfofortotheorderofthatTransfereeClub(whetherintheCompensationFeeAccountorotherwise),theBoardshallhavepowertopaytoitsTransferorClubanyamountnotexceedingthesumduetoitfromtheTransfereeClubundertheprovisionsofthisSectionoftheseRules.EventsofInsolvencyE.30.SubjecttoRuleE.38,theBoardshallhavepowertosuspendaClubbygivingtoitnoticeinwritingtothateffectifitoritsParentUndertakingsuffersanEventofInsolvency,thatistosay:E.30.1.itentersintoa‘CompanyVoluntaryArrangement’pursuanttoPart1oftheInsolvencyAct1986(“the1986Act”)oracompromiseorarrangementwithitscreditorsunderPart26ofthe1986Actorentersintoanycompromiseagreementwithitscreditorsasawhole;E.30.2.itoritsshareholdersorDirectorslodgea‘NoticeofIntentiontoAppointanAdministrator’or‘NoticeofAppointmentofanAdministratorattheCourt’inaccordancewithparagraph26orparagraph29ofScheduleB1tothe1986ActorwhereitoritsshareholdersorDirectorsmakeanapplicationtotheCourtforan‘AdministrationOrder’underparagraph12ofScheduleB1tothe1986ActorwhereanAdministratorisappointedoran‘AdministrationOrder’ismadeinrespectofit(‘Administrator’and‘AdministrationOrder’havingthemeaningsattributedtothemrespectivelybyparagraphs1and10ofScheduleB1tothe1986Act);E.30.3.an‘AdministrativeReceiver’(asdefinedbysection251ofthe1986Act),a‘LawofPropertyActReceiver’(appointedundersection109oftheLawofPropertyAct1925)orany‘Receiver’appointedbytheCourtundertheSupremeCourtAct1981oranyother‘Receiver’isappointedoveranyofitsassetswhich,intheopinionoftheBoard,arematerialtotheClub’sabilitytofulfilitsobligationsasamemberoftheLeague;
SectionE:Clubs–Finance120Rules:SectionEE.30.4.itsshareholderspassaresolutionpursuanttosection84(1)ofthe1986Acttovoluntarilywinditup;E.30.5.ameetingofitscreditorsisconvenedpursuanttosection95orsection98ofthe1986Act;E.30.6.awindinguporderismadeagainstitbytheCourtundersection122ofthe1986Actoraprovisionalliquidatorisappointedoveritundersection135ofthe1986Act;E.30.7.itceasesorformsanintentiontoceasewhollyorsubstantiallytocarryonitsbusinesssaveforthepurposeofreconstructionoramalgamationorotherwiseinaccordancewithaschemeofproposalswhichhavepreviouslybeensubmittedtoandapprovedinwritingbytheBoard;orE.30.8.itentersintoorisplacedintoanyinsolvencyregimeinanyjurisdictionoutsideEnglandandWaleswhichisanalogouswiththeinsolvencyregimesdetailedinRulesE.30.1toE.30.6hereof.E.31.AClubshallforthwithgivewrittennoticetotheBoarduponthehappeningofanyoftheeventsreferredtoinRuleE.30.E.32.AtthediscretionoftheBoardexercisedinaccordancewithRuleE.38,asuspensionmaytakeeffectfromthegivingofthenoticeoritmaybepostponedsubjectto:E.32.1.aconditionthatwhilethesuspensionispostponedtheClubmaynotapplytoregisterorhavetransferredtoittheregistrationofanyPlayer;andE.32.2.suchotherconditionsastheBoardmayfromtimetotimeduringthepostponementofthesuspensionthinkfittoimpose.E.33.Unlessasuspensionispostponed,asuspendedClubshallnotplayin:E.33.1.anyLeagueMatch;E.33.2.anymatchesorganisedaspartoftheGamesProgrammesormatchesintheProfessionalDevelopmentLeagues(asthosetermsaredefinedintheYouthDevelopmentRules);E.33.3.anyofthecompetitionssetoutinRulesL.9;orE.33.4.anyothermatch.E.34.ForthepurposesoftheLeaguecompetition,theBoardshallhavepowertodeterminehowthecancellationofaLeagueMatchcausedbythesuspensionofoneoftheClubswhichshouldhaveparticipatedinitshallbetreated.
SectionE:Clubs–Finance121E.35.WhilepursuanttothisSectionoftheseRulesaClubissuspendedoritssuspensionispostponed,theBoardshallhavepower,subjecttoRuleE.38,tomakesuchpaymentsasitmaythinkfittotheClub’sFootballCreditorsoutof:E.35.1.anyUKBroadcastingMoneypayabletothesuspendedClubundertheprovisionsofRuleD.17;E.35.2.anyOverseasBroadcastingMoneypayabletothesuspendedClubundertheprovisionsofRuleD.19;E.35.3.anyCommercialContractMoneypayabletothesuspendedClubundertheprovisionsofRuleD.21;andE.35.4.anyRadioContractMoneypayabletothesuspendedClubundertheprovisionsofRuleD.24.E.36.ForthepurposesofthisSectionoftheseRules,FootballCreditorsshallcomprise:E.36.1.TheFootballAssociationandclubsinfullorassociatemembershipthereof;E.36.2.AffiliatedAssociations(asdefinedbythearticlesofassociationofTheFootballAssociation);E.36.3.theLeagueandanysubsidiaryofit;E.36.4.TheFootballLeague,theNationalLeague,theNorthernPremierLeague,theSouthernPremierLeagueandtheIsthmianFootballLeague;E.36.5.theProfessionalFootballers’Association;E.36.6.theFootballFoundation;E.36.7.anyemployeeorformeremployeeofthesuspendedClubtowhomarrearsofwagesorsalaryaredue,totheextentofsucharrears;andE.36.8.anypensionprovidertowhichapensioncontributionpayablebythesuspendedClubinrespectofitsemployeesorformeremployeesisdue,totheextentofsuchcontribution.E.37.UponbeingreasonablysatisfiedthatasuspendedClub’sliabilitiestoitsFootballCreditorshavebeensettled,theBoardshallhavepower,subjecttoRuleE.38,towithdrawthesuspensionofthatClubbygivingtoitnoticeinwritingtothateffect.E.38.InexercisingitspowersunderRulesE.30,E.35,E.37andE.40anditsdiscretionunderRuleE.32,theBoardshallhaveregardtoallthecircumstancesofthecaseandto:E.38.1.suchoftheprovisionsofthe1986Act,theCompetitionAct1998andtheEnterpriseAct2002asarerelevantandtheninforce;E.38.2.theconsideration(ifany)givenbytheinsolventClubundertheprovisionsofRulesD.17,D.19,D.21andD.24;E.38.3.theinterestsoftheinsolventClub’sOfficials,Players,supporters,shareholdersandsponsors;E.38.4.theinterestsoftheinsolventClub’sotherFootballCreditors;
SectionE:Clubs–Finance122Rules:SectionEE.38.5.theneedtoprotecttheintegrityandcontinuityoftheLeaguecompetition;E.38.6.thereputationoftheLeagueandtheneedtopromotethegameofassociationfootballgenerally;andE.38.7.therelationshipbetweentheClubanditsParentUndertaking,intheeventthattheParentUndertakingsufferstheEventofInsolvency.E.39.AnydistributiontoaRelegatedClubundertheprovisionsofRulesD.17orD.19maybedeferredif,onorbeforethedateofthedistribution,theRelegatedClubhasbeengivennoticeunderarticle4.5ofthearticlesofassociationofTheFootballLeaguewhichhasbeensuspended.UponsuchnoticebeingwithdrawnthedeferreddistributionshallbepaidbutifinconsequenceofthenoticetheclubtowhichitwasdueceasestobeamemberofTheFootballLeagueitsamountshallbeaddedtothenextdistributionmadeinaccordancewiththeseRules.SportingSanctionE.40.UponaCluboritsParentUndertakingsufferinganEventofInsolvencytheBoardshallhavethepowertoimposeupontheClubadeductionofninepointsscoredortobescoredintheLeaguecompetition.IftheBoardexercisesthispoweritshallforthwithgivewrittennoticetotheClubtothateffect.E.41.SubjecttoRuleE.42,theClubmayappealagainstthedeductionofpointsbysendingordeliveringtotheBoardForm4sothatitreceivesthesametogetherwithadepositof£1,000withinsevendaysofthedateofthenoticegivenundertheprovisionsofRuleE.40.E.42.TheonlygrounduponwhichaClubmayappealinaccordancewithRuleE.41isthat:E.42.1.theEventofInsolvencywascausedbyandresulteddirectlyfromcircumstances,otherthannormalbusinessrisks,overwhichitcouldnotreasonablybeexpectedtohavehadcontrol;andE.42.2.itsOfficialshadusedallduediligencetoavoidthehappeningofsuchcircumstances.E.43.AnappealundertheprovisionsofRuleE.41shalllietoanappealtribunalwhichshallheartheappealassoonasreasonablypracticable.TheappealtribunalshallbeappointedbytheBoardandshallcomprisethreemembersofthePanelincluding:E.43.1.anauthorisedinsolvencypractitioner;andE.43.2.alegallyqualifiedmemberwhoshallsitaschairmanofthetribunal.E.44.ThechairmanoftheappealtribunalshallhaveregardtotheproceduresgoverningtheproceedingsofCommissionsandAppealBoardssetoutinSectionWoftheseRules(Disciplinary)but,subjectasaforesaid,shallhaveanoverridingdiscretionastothemannerinwhichtheappealisconducted.E.45.TheClubshallhavetheburdenofprovingthematterssetoutintheappeal.Thestandardofproofshallbethebalanceofprobabilities.
SectionE:Clubs–Finance123E.46.Theappealtribunalshallmakeitsdecisionunanimouslyorbymajority.Nomemberoftheappealtribunalmayabstain.E.47.Theappealtribunalshallgivewrittenreasonsforitsdecision.E.48.MembersoftheappealtribunalshallbeentitledtoreceivefromtheLeagueareasonablesumbywayoffeesandexpenses.E.49.Theappealtribunalshallhavethefollowingpowers:E.49.1.toallowordismisstheappeal;E.49.2.toorderthedeposittobeforfeitedtotheLeagueorrepaidtotheappellantClub;andE.49.3.toordertheappellantClubtopayorcontributetothecostsoftheappealincludingthefeesandexpensesofmembersoftheappealtribunalpaidorpayableunderRuleE.48.E.50.ThedecisionoftheappealtribunalshallbefinalandbindingontheappellantClub.GeneralE.51.EachClubshallnotifytheLeagueforthwithofanycircumstanceswhichmaymateriallyandadverselyaffectanyoftheinformationorrepresentationssubmittedtotheLeaguepursuanttothisSectionE,andonconsiderationofthosecircumstancestheBoardmay,ifitconsidersitappropriate,amendanydecisionordeterminationthatitmadebasedonsuchinformationorrepresentations.E.52.TheinformationandrepresentationsreferredtoinRuleE.51include,withoutlimitation:E.52.1.FutureFinancialInformation;E.52.2.theestimatedprofitandlossaccountsubmittedpursuanttoRuleE.53.2;andE.52.3.informationandundertakingsprovidedtotheLeagueinconnectionwithSecureFunding.ProfitabilityandSustainabilityE.53.EachClubshallby1MarchineachSeasonsubmittotheBoard:E.53.1.copiesofitsAnnualAccountsforT-1(andT-2ifthesehavenotpreviouslybeensubmittedtotheBoard)togetherwithcopiesofthedirectors’report(s)andauditors’report(s)onthoseaccounts;E.53.2.itsestimatedprofitandlossaccountandbalancesheetforTwhichshall:E.53.2.1.bepreparedinallmaterialrespectsinaformatsimilartotheClub’sAnnualAccounts;andE.53.2.2.bebasedonthelatestinformationavailabletotheClubandbe,tothebestoftheClub’sknowledgeandbelief,anaccurateestimateasatthetimeofpreparationoffuturefinancialperformance;andE.53.3.ifRuleE.56appliestotheClub,thecalculationofitsaggregatedAdjustedEarningsBeforeTaxforT,T-1andT-2inForm4A.
SectionE:Clubs–FinanceGuidanceTheBoardwillinduecourseconsidertheAnnualAccountsfortheAccountingReferencePeriodinrespectofwhichinformationpursuanttoRuleE.53.2issubmittedandinparticularexaminewhetheranymaterialvariancesindicatethattheestimatedfinancialinformationwasnotpreparedinaccordancewithRuleE.53.2.2.124Rules:SectionEE.54.TheBoardshalldeterminewhetherconsiderationincludedintheClub’sEarningsBeforeTaxarisingfromaRelatedPartyTransactionisrecordedintheClub’sAnnualAccountsataFairMarketValue.Ifitisnot,theBoardshallrestateittoFairMarketValue.E.55.TheBoardshallnotexerciseitspowersetoutinRuleE.54withoutfirsthavinggiventheClubreasonableopportunitytomakesubmissionsasto:E.55.1.whetherthesaidconsiderationshouldberestated;and/orE.55.2.whatconstitutesitsFairMarketValue.E.56.IftheaggregationofaClub’sEarningsBeforeTaxforT-1andT-2resultsinaloss,anyconsiderationfromRelatedPartyTransactionshavingbeenadjusted(ifappropriate)pursuanttoRuleE.54,thentheClubmustsubmittotheBoardthecalculationofitsAdjustedEarningsBeforeTaxforeachofT,T-1andT-2.E.57.IftheaggregationofaClub’sAdjustedEarningsBeforeTaxforT,T-1andT-2resultsinalossofupto£15m,thentheBoardshalldeterminewhethertheClubwill,untiltheendofT+1,beabletopayitsliabilitiesdescribedinRuleE.14.7.1andfulfiltheobligationssetoutinRulesE.14.7.2andE.14.7.3.E.58.IftheaggregationofaClub’sAdjustedEarningsBeforeTaxforT,T-1andT-2resultsinalossofinexcessof£15mthenthefollowingshallapply:E.58.1.theClubshallprovide,by31MarchintherelevantSeason,FutureFinancialInformationtocovertheperiodcommencingfromitslastaccountingreferencedate(asdefinedinsection391oftheAct)untiltheendofT+2andacalculationofestimatedaggregatedAdjustedEarningsBeforeTaxuntiltheendofT+2basedonthatFutureFinancialInformation;E.58.2.theClubshallprovidesuchevidenceofSecureFundingastheBoardconsiderssufficient;andE.58.3.iftheClubisunabletoprovideevidenceofSecureFundingassetoutinRuleE.58.2,theBoardmayexerciseitspowerssetoutinRuleE.15.E.59.IftheaggregationofaClub’sAdjustedEarningsBeforeTaxforT,T-1andT-2resultsinlossesofinexcessof£105m:E.59.1.theBoardmayexerciseitspowerssetoutinRuleE.15;andE.59.2.theClubshallbetreatedasbeinginbreachoftheseRulesandaccordinglytheBoardshallreferthebreachtoaCommissionconstitutedpursuanttoSectionWoftheseRules.E.60.ThesumsetoutinRuleE.59shallbereducedby£22mforeachSeasoncoveredbyT-1andT-2inwhichtheClubwasinmembershipofTheFootballLeague.
Clubs:FinanceandGovernanceSectionF:Owners’andDirectors’Test125DisqualifyingEventsF.1.APersonshallbedisqualifiedfromactingasaDirectorandnoClubshallbepermittedtohaveanyPersonactingasaDirectorofthatClubif:F.1.1.inrelationtotheassessmentofhiscompliancewithRuleF.1(and/oranysimilarorequivalentrulesofTheFootballLeagueorTheFootballAssociation)atanytime,hehas:F.1.1.1.failedtoprovideallrelevantinformation(including,withoutlimitation,informationrelatingtoanyotherindividualwhowouldqualifyasaDirectorbuthasnotbeendisclosed,includingwhereheortheyareactingasaproxy,agentornomineeforanotherPerson);orF.1.1.2.providedfalse,misleadingorinaccurateinformation;F.1.2.eitherdirectlyorindirectlyheisinvolvedinorhasanypowertodetermineorinfluencethemanagementoradministrationofanotherCluborFootballLeagueclub;F.1.3.eitherdirectlyorindirectlyheholdsoracquiresanySignificantInterestinaClubwhileheeitherdirectlyorindirectlyholdsanyinterestinanyclassofSharesofanotherClub;F.1.4.hebecomesprohibitedbylawfrombeingadirector(includingwithoutlimitationasaresultofbeingsubjecttoadisqualificationorderasadirectorundertheCompanyDirectorsDisqualificationAct1986(asamendedoranyequivalentprovisionsinanyjurisdictionwhichhasasubstantiallysimilareffect)(“theCDDA”),orbeingsubjecttothetermsofanundertakinggiventotheSecretaryofStateundertheCDDAunlessacourtofcompetentjurisdictionmakesanorderundertheCDDApermittinganappointmentasaDirector);F.1.5.hehasaConviction(whichisnotaSpentConviction)imposedbyacourtoftheUnitedKingdomoracompetentcourtofforeignjurisdiction:F.1.5.1.inrespectofwhichanunsuspendedsentenceofatleast12months’imprisonmentwasimposed;F.1.5.2.inrespectofanyoffenceinvolvinganyactwhichcouldreasonablybeconsideredtobedishonest(and,fortheavoidanceofdoubt,irrespectiveoftheactualsentenceimposed);orF.1.5.3.inrespectofanoffencesetoutinAppendix1(ScheduleofOffences)oradirectlyanalogousoffenceinaforeignjurisdiction(and,fortheavoidanceofdoubt,irrespectiveoftheactualsentenceimposed);F.1.6.inthereasonableopinionoftheBoard,hehasengagedinconductoutsidetheUnitedKingdomthatwouldconstituteanoffenceofthesortdescribedinRulesF.1.5.2orF.1.5.3,ifsuchconducthadtakenplaceintheUnitedKingdom,whetherornotsuchconductresultedinaConviction;
SectionF:Owners’andDirectors’Test126Rules:SectionFF.1.7.hebecomesthesubjectof:F.1.7.1.anIndividualVoluntaryArrangement(includinganyfasttrackvoluntaryarrangement);F.1.7.2.adebtrelieforder(inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofPart7Aofthe1986Act);F.1.7.3.anadministrationorder(inaccordancewithPart6oftheCountyCourtsAct1984);F.1.7.4.anenforcementrestrictionorder(inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofPart6AoftheCountyCourtsAct1984);F.1.7.5.adebtmanagementschemeordebtrepaymentplan(inaccordancewithprovisionsofChapter4ofPart5oftheTribunals,CourtsandEnforcementAct2007),oranyequivalentprovisioninanyotherjurisdictionwhichhasasubstantiallysimilareffect,andineachcaseasmaybeamendedfromtimetotime;F.1.8.hebecomesthesubjectofaninterimbankruptcyrestrictionorder,abankruptcyrestrictionorderorabankruptcyorder(oranyequivalentprovisionsinanyjurisdictionwhichhasasubstantiallysimilareffect);F.1.9.heisorhasbeenaDirectorofaClubwhich,whilehehasbeenaDirectorofit,hassufferedtwoormoreunconnectedEventsofInsolvencyinrespectofeachofwhichadeductionofpointswasimposed(andforthepurposesofthisRuleF.1.9andRuleF.1.10aPersonshallbedeemedtohavebeenaDirectorofaClubwhichhassufferedanEventofInsolvencyifsuchEventofInsolvencyoccurredinthe30daysimmediatelyfollowinghishavingresignedasaDirectorofthatClub);F.1.10.hehasbeenaDirectoroftwoormoreClubs(orclubs)eachofwhich,whilehehasbeenaDirectorofthem,hassufferedanEventofInsolvencyinrespectofeachofwhichadeductionofpointswasimposed;F.1.11.heissubjecttoasuspensionorbanfrominvolvementintheadministrationofasportbyanyrulingbodyofasportthatisrecognisedbytheInternationalOlympicCommittee,UKSport,orSportEngland,anotherofthehomecountrysportscouncils,oranyothernationalorinternationalsportingassociationorgoverningbody,whethersuchsuspensionorbanisdirectorindirect(forexampleadirectiontoPersonssubjecttothejurisdictionoftherulingbodythattheyshouldnotemploy,contractwithorotherwiseengageorretaintheservicesofanindividual);F.1.12.heissubjecttoanyformofsuspension,disqualificationorstriking-offbyaprofessionalbodyincluding,withoutlimitation,theLawSociety,theSolicitors’RegulationAuthority,theBarCouncilortheInstituteofCharteredAccountantsofEnglandandWalesoranyequivalentbodyinanyjurisdictionoutsideEnglandandWales,whethersuchsuspension,disqualificationorstriking-offisdirectorindirect(forexampleadirectiontoPersonssubjecttothejurisdictionoftheprofessionalbodythattheyshouldnotemploy,contractwithorotherwiseengageorretaintheservicesofanindividual);F.1.13.heisrequiredtonotifypersonalinformationpursuanttoPart2oftheSexualOffencesAct2003;or
SectionF:Owners’andDirectors’Test127F.1.14.heisfoundtohavebreached(irrespectiveofanysanctionactuallyimposed),orhasadmittedbreaching(irrespectiveofwhetherdisciplinaryproceedingswerebroughtornot):F.1.14.1.RuleJ.6;orF.1.14.2.anyotherrulesinforcefromtimetotimeinrelationtotheprohibitiononbettingonfootball(whetherinEnglandorWalesorelsewhere).SubmissionofDeclarationF.2.Notlaterthan14daysbeforethecommencementofeachSeasoneachClubshallsubmittotheBoardadulycompletedDeclarationinrespectofeachofitsDirectorssignedbytheDirectortowhichitrefersandbyanAuthorisedSignatory,whoshallnotbethesamePerson.F.3.Within21daysofbecomingamemberoftheLeagueeachClubpromotedfromTheFootballLeagueshalllikewisesubmittotheBoardadulycompletedDeclarationinrespectofeachofitsDirectorssignedasaforesaid.F.4.IfanyPersonproposestobecomeaDirectorofaClub(includingfortheavoidanceofdoubtbyvirtueofbeingashadowdirectororacquiringControloftheClub):F.4.1.theClubshall,nolaterthan10WorkingDayspriortothedateonwhichitisanticipatedthatsuchPersonshallbecomeaDirector,submittotheBoardadulycompletedDeclarationinrespectofthatPersonsignedbyhimandbyanAuthorisedSignatory,atwhichpointthatPersonshallbeboundbyandsubjecttotheRules;F.4.2.withinfiveWorkingDaysofreceiptthereoftheBoardshallconfirmtotheClubwhetherornotheisliabletobedisqualifiedasaDirectorundertheprovisionsinRuleF.1,andifheissoliabletheBoardwilltakethestepssetoutinRuleF.6;andF.4.3.heshallnotbecomeaDirectoruntiltheClubhasreceivedconfirmationfromtheBoardpursuanttoRuleF.4.1abovethatheisnotliabletobedisqualifiedasaDirectorundertheprovisionsofRuleF.1.ChangeofDirector’sCircumstancesF.5.UponthehappeningofaneventwhichaffectsanystatementcontainedinasubmittedDeclaration:F.5.1.theDirectorinrespectofwhomtheDeclarationhasbeenmadeshallforthwithgivefullwrittenparticularsthereoftohisClub;andF.5.2.the
ClubshallthereupongivesuchparticularsinwritingtotheBoard.DisqualificationofaDirectorF.6.UpontheBoardbecomingawarebyvirtueofthesubmissionofaDeclarationorinthecircumstancesreferredtoinRuleF.5orbyanyothermeansthataPersonisliabletobedisqualifiedasaDirectorundertheprovisionsofRuleF.1,theBoardwill:
SectionF:Owners’andDirectors’Test128Rules:SectionFF.6.1.givewrittennoticetothePersonthatheisdisqualified,givingreasonstherefore,and(inthecaseofaPersonwhoisaDirector)requirehimforthwithtoresignasaDirector;andF.6.2.givewrittennoticetotheClubthatthePersonisdisqualified,givingreasonstherefore,and(inthecaseofaPersonwhoisaDirector)indefaultoftheDirector’sresignation,itshallprocurethatwithin28daysofreceiptofsuchnoticetheDirectorisremovedfromhisofficeassuch.DisciplinaryProvisionsF.7.AnyClubwhichfailstocomplywithitsobligationsundertheforegoingprovisionsofthisSectionoftheseRulesorwhichsubmitsaDeclarationwhichisfalseinanyparticularshallbeinbreachoftheseRulesandwillbeliabletobedealtwithinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofSectionWoftheseRules(Disciplinary).F.8.AnyDirectorwhofailstocomplywithhisobligationsundertheforegoingprovisionsofthisSectionoftheseRulesorwhofailstocompleteandsignaDeclarationandanyDirectororAuthorisedSignatorywhosignsaDeclarationwhichisfalseinanyparticularshalllikewisebeinbreachoftheseRulesandliabletobedealtwithasaforesaid.SuspensionoftheClubF.9.IfaDirectorwhoreceivesanoticeundertheprovisionsofRuleF.6.1failstoresignandhisClubfailstoprocurehisremovalfromofficeasrequired,orifaClubproceedswiththeappointmentasaDirectorofaPersontowhomRuleF.4appliesdespitehavingreceivedanoticeundertheprovisionsofRuleF.6.2,theBoardshallhavepowertosuspendtheClubbygivingtoitnoticeinwritingtothateffect.F.10.AsuspendedClubshallnotplayin:F.10.1.anyLeagueMatch;F.10.2.anymatchesorganisedaspartoftheGamesProgrammesormatchesintheProfessionalDevelopmentLeagues(asthosetermsaredefinedintheYouthDevelopmentRules);F.10.3.anyofthecompetitionssetoutinRuleL.9;orF.10.4.anyothermatch.F.11.ForthepurposesoftheLeaguecompetition,theBoardshallhavepowertodeterminehowthecancellationofaLeagueMatchcausedbythesuspensionofoneoftheClubswhichshouldhaveparticipatedinitshallbetreated.F.12.UponbeingreasonablysatisfiedthattheDirectorofthesuspendedClubhasresignedorhasbeenremovedfromoffice,theBoardshallhavepowertowithdrawthesuspensionbygivingtoitnoticeinwritingtothateffect.
SectionF:Owners’andDirectors’Test129AppealagainstDisqualificationofaDirectorF.13.AnyPersonorClubwhoreceivesnoticeunderRuleF.6hasarighttoappealthedisqualificationnotice(s)inaccordancewiththefollowingRules.However,fortheavoidanceofdoubt,unlessanduntilanysuchappealisupheld,thedisqualificationnotice(s)willremaininfulleffect.F.14.AnyPersonorClubwishingtoappealadisqualificationnoticemust,within21daysofthedateofthatnotice,sendordelivertotheBoardanoticeofappeal,settingoutfulldetailsofthegroundsofappealofthatPersonorClub,togetherwithadepositof£1,000.F.15.TheonlygroundsuponwhichaPersonorClubmayappealadisqualificationnoticeare:F.15.1.noneoftheDisqualifyingEventssetoutinRuleF.1apply;F.15.2.inrespectofaConvictionofacourtofforeignjurisdictionunderRuleF.1.5,orafindingoftheconductreferredtoinRuleF.1.6,orasuspensionorbanbyasportrulingbodyunderRuleF.1.11,orasuspension,disqualificationorstriking-offbyaprofessionalbodyunderRuleF.1.12,orafindingofabreachofrulebyarulingbodyoffootballpursuanttoRuleF.1.14.2,therearecompellingreasonswhythatparticularConviction,suspension,ban,finding,disqualificationorstriking-off,shouldnotleadtodisqualification;F.15.3.itcanbeproventhattheDisqualifyingEventhas,orwillwithin21daysofthenoticeofappeal,ceasetoexist;F.15.4.theDisqualifyingEventisaConvictionimposedbetween19thAugust2004and5June2009foranoffencewhichwouldnothaveledtodisqualificationasaDirectorundertheRulesoftheLeagueastheyappliedduringthatperiod;orF.15.5.theDisqualifyingEventisaConvictionwhichisthesubjectofanappealwhichhasnotyetbeendeterminedandinallthecircumstancesitwouldbeunreasonablefortheindividualtobedisqualifiedasaDirectorpendingthedeterminationofthatappeal.F.16.AnappealundertheprovisionsofRuleF.13shalllietoanappealtribunalwhichshallheartheappealassoonasreasonablypracticable.TheappealtribunalshallbeappointedbytheBoardandshallcomprisethreemembersofthePanelincludingalegallyqualifiedmemberwhoshallsitaschairmanofthetribunal.F.17.ThechairmanoftheappealtribunalshallhaveregardtotheproceduresgoverningtheproceedingsofCommissionsandAppealBoardssetoutinSectionWoftheseRules(Disciplinary)but,subjectasaforesaid,shallhaveanoverridingdiscretionastothemannerinwhichtheappealisconducted.F.18.ThePersonorClubadvancingtheappealshallhavetheburdenofprovingthecomplaint.Thestandardofproofshallbethebalanceofprobabilities.
SectionF:Owners’andDirectors’Test130Rules:SectionFF.19.Theappealtribunalshallmakeitsdecisionunanimouslyorbymajority.Nomemberoftheappealtribunalmayabstain.F.20.Theappealtribunalshallgivewrittenreasonsforitsdecision.F.21.MembersoftheappealtribunalshallbeentitledtoreceivefromtheLeagueareasonablesumbywayoffeesandexpenses.F.22.Theappealtribunalshallhavethefollowingpowers:F.22.1.toallowtheappealinfull;F.22.2.torejecttheappeal;F.22.3.ifitdeterminesthataDisqualifyingEventexists,todeterminethattheindividualconcernedshouldnotbebannedforthatperiodduringwhichtheywillremainsubjecttoitandsubstitutesuchperiodasitshallreasonablydetermine,havingregardtoallofthecircumstancesofthecase;F.22.4.todeclarethatnoDisqualifyingEventeverexistedorthatanyDisqualifyingEventhasceasedtoexist;F.22.5.toorderthedeposittobeforfeitedtotheLeagueortoberepaidtotheappellantpersonorClub;andF.22.6.toordertheappellantPersonorClubtopayorcontributetothecostsoftheappealincludingthefeesandexpensesofmembersoftheappealtribunalpaidorpayableunderRuleF.21.F.23.ThedecisionoftheappealtribunalshallbefinalandbindingontheappellantPersonandClub.PersonsProhibitedbyLawfromenteringtheUnitedKingdometcF.24.NoPersonmayacquireanyHoldinginaClubif,pursuanttothelawoftheUnitedKingdomortheEuropeanUnion:F.24.1.heisprohibitedfromenteringtheUnitedKingdom;orF.24.2.nofundsoreconomicresourcesmaybemadeavailable,directlyorindirectly,toorforhisbenefit.
Clubs:FinanceandGovernanceSectionG:DisclosureofOwnershipandOtherInterests131DisclosureofOwnershipandOtherInterestsG.1.AClubshallforthwithgivenoticeinForm6totheBoardifanyPersoneitherdirectlyorindirectly:G.1.1.holds;G.1.2.acquires;orG.1.3.havingheldoracquired,ceasestohold,anySignificantInterestintheClub.G.2.AClubshallforthwithgivenoticetotheBoardifiteitherdirectlyorindirectly:G.2.1.holds;G.2.2.acquires;orG.2.3.havingheldoracquired,ceasestohold,anySignificantInterestinanyotherClub(orclub)andinthisRuleG.2,thedefinitionofSignificantInterestshallbedeemedtoapplytoclubsinthesamewayastoClubs.G.3.AClubshallforthwithgivenoticetotheBoardifitisawareorifitbecomesawarethatanyholderofaSignificantInterestiniteitherdirectlyorindirectly:G.3.1.holds;G.3.2.acquires;orG.3.3.havingheldoracquired,ceasestohold,anySignificantInterestinanyotherClub(orclub)andinthisRuleG.3,thedefinitionofSignificantInterestshallbedeemedtoapplytoclubsinthesamewayastoClubs.G.4.AnoticegivenpursuanttotheprovisionsofRuleG.1,G.2andG.3shall:G.4.1.identifythePersonholding,acquiringorceasingtoholdtheSignificantInterestinquestion;G.4.2.setoutallrelevantdetailsoftheSignificantInterestincludingwithoutlimitationthenumberofShares,theirdescriptionandthenatureoftheinterest;andG.4.3.setoutwhereappropriatetheproportion(expressedinpercentageterms)whichtherelevantSharesinrespectofwhichtheSignificantInterestexistsbeartothetotalnumberofSharesofthatclassinissueandofthetotalissuedShares.G.5.EachClubshallpublishtheidentitiesoftheultimateownerofeachSignificantInterestintheClub.G.6.TheBoardshallmaintainaregisterwhichshallincludetheparticularssetoutinRuleG.4andthesaidregistershallbeavailableforinspectionbyanyClubbypriorappointment.G.7.EachClubshallforthwithgivenoticeinwritingtotheBoardifanyPersonidentifiedinanoticegiveninaccordancewithRuleG.1.1orRuleG.1.2eitherdirectlyorindirectlyholdsacquiresorceasestoholdanyHoldingintheClub.
SectionG:DisclosureofOwnershipandOtherInterests132Rules:SectionGG.8.TheBoardshallhavepowertosuspendaClubifeitherdirectlyorindirectlyaPersonacquiresaSignificantInterestinthatClubwhilesuchPersoneitherdirectlyorindirectlyholdsanyHoldinginanyclassofSharesofanotherClub.G.9.AtthediscretionoftheBoard,asuspensionmaytakeeffectforthwithoritmaybepostponedsubjecttosuchconditionsastheBoardmaythinkfittoimpose.G.10.Unlessasuspensionispostponed,asuspendedClubshallnotplayin:G.10.1.anyLeagueMatch;G.10.2.anymatchesorganisedaspartoftheGamesProgrammesormatchesintheProfessionalDevelopmentLeagues(asthosetermsaredefinedintheYouthDevelopmentRules);G.10.3.anyofthecompetitionssetoutinRulesL.9;orG.10.4.anyothermatch.G.11.ForthepurposesoftheLeaguecompetition,theBoardshallhavepowertodeterminehowthecancellationofaLeagueMatchcausedbythesuspensionofoneoftheClubswhichshouldhaveparticipatedinitshallbetreated.G.12.TheBoardshallhavepowertoremoveaClub’ssuspensionimposedunderRuleG.8uponbeingsatisfiedthatthecircumstancesgivingrisetoitarenolongerextant.
Clubs:FinanceandGovernanceSectionH:Directors’Reports133MaterialTransactionsH.1.ForthepurposesoftheseRules,MaterialTransactionsshallcompriseanypaymentorfinancialobligation(oranyseriesofconnectedpaymentsorfinancialobligationsrelatingtothesametransaction)madeorundertakenbyortoorinfavourofaClubandrecordedinitsaccountingandadministrationrecordswhichrelatestoanyofthefollowing:H.1.1.CompensationFees,ContingentSumsorLoanFees;H.1.2.remunerationofPlayers(including,forthispurpose,anybenefitstheyareentitledtoreceive);H.1.3.paymentstoorforthebenefitofIntermediaries;orH.1.4.ThirdPartyPayments,andremunerationofandpaymentstoorforthebenefitofPlayersorIntermediariesshallineachcaseincludepaymentsmadebyoronbehalfofaClubtoorforthebenefitofaPlayerorIntermediary(asthecasemaybe)including,forthispurpose,toanycompanyortrustinwhichthePlayerorIntermediary(asthecasemaybe)hasaninterest.RecordofMaterialTransactionsH.2.BriefparticularsofeachMaterialTransactionsufficienttoidentifyitsdate(s),itsamount(s),thepayer,thepayeeandthenatureofitshallberecordedbyaClubandtherecordshallbemadeavailableondemandtoitsDirectors,itsauditorsandtheLeague.H.3.DirectorsofaClub(includingnon-executiveDirectors)shalltakesuchstepsasarereasonablynecessarytosatisfythemselvesthattheirClub’srecordofMaterialTransactionsiscompleteandcorrect.TransferPolicyH.4.EachClubshallformallyadopt,andmakeavailabletotheLeagueatitsrequest,awrittentransferpolicyidentifyingwhoonitsbehalfhasauthoritytonegotiateandapproveMaterialTransactions.H.5.EachClubshallensurethatallitsMaterialTransactionsare:H.5.1.negotiatedandapprovedinaccordancewithitswrittentransferpolicy;andH.5.2.documentedandrecordedasrequiredbyrelevantprovisionsoftheseRulesandTheFootballAssociationRules.H.6.EachClubshall,ifrequestedtodosobytheLeague,submittotheLeagueForm7signedanddatedbyeachoftheDirectorsoftheClub.H.7.AnyDirectorwhoforanyreasonisunwillingtosignForm7shallneverthelesssubmitForm7totheLeague,notinghisunwillingnesstosignandgivingfullreasons.
SectionH:Directors’Reports134Rules:SectionHH.8.AnyDirectorsigningaForm7whoknowsoroughtreasonablytoknowthatitoranypartofitisfalseormisleadinginanywayandanyDirectornotinghisunwillingnesstosignaForm7knowingthatsuchnoteorthereasonsgivenbyhimarefalseormisleadinginanywaywill,ineithercase,beinbreachoftheseRulesandwillbeliabletobedealtwithinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofSectionWoftheseRules(Disciplinary).H.9.Managers,PlayersandOfficialsshallcooperatefullywiththeDirectorsoftheirClubinthepreparationofForm7.
Clubs:FinanceandGovernanceSectionI:AssociationsandInfluence135AssociationsbetweenClubsI.1.AClubshallnoteitherdirectlyorindirectly:I.1.1.applytoholdorholdanyHoldinginanotherCluborFootballLeagueclub;I.1.2.issueanyofitsSharesorgrantanyHoldingtoanotherCluborFootballLeagueclub;I.1.3.lendmoneytoorguaranteethedebtsorobligationsofanotherCluborFootballLeagueclub;I.1.4.borrowmoneyfromanotherCluborFootballLeaguecluborpermitanotherCluborFootballLeagueclubtoguaranteeitsdebtsorobligations;I.1.5.beinvolvedinorhaveanypowertodetermineorinfluencethemanagementoradministrationofanotherCluborFootballLeagueclub;orI.1.6.permitanyotherCluborFootballLeagueclubtobeinvolvedinorhaveanypowertodetermineorinfluenceitsmanagementoradministration.ClubOfficialsI.2.AnOfficialofaClubshallnot:I.2.1.beanOfficialofanotherCluborFootballLeagueclub;orI.2.2.eitherdirectlyorindirectlybeinvolvedinorhaveanypowertodetermineorinfluencethemanagementoradministrationofanotherCluborFootballLeagueclub.I.3.AClubshallnotappointasanOfficialanybodywho:I.3.1.isanOfficialofanotherCluborFootballLeagueclub;orI.3.2.eitherdirectlyorindirectlyisinvolvedinorhasanypowertodetermineorinfluencethemanagementoradministrationofanotherCluborFootballLeagueclub.DualInterestsI.4.NoPersonmayeitherdirectlyorindirectlybeinvolvedinorhaveanypowertodetermineorinfluencethemanagementoradministrationofmorethanoneClub.I.5.NoPersonmayeitherdirectlyorindirectlyholdoracquireanySignificantInterestinaClubwhilesuchPersoneitherdirectlyorindirectlyholdsanyHoldinginanotherClub.I.6.AClubshallnoteitherdirectlyorindirectlyissueSharesofanydescriptionorgrantanyHoldingtoanyPersonthateitherdirectlyorindirectlyalreadyholdsaSignificantInterestinanotherClub.
SectionI:AssociationsandInfluence136Rules:SectionIClubContractsI.7.NoClubshallenterintoacontractwhichenablesanyotherpartytothatcontracttoacquiretheabilitymateriallytoinfluenceitspoliciesortheperformanceofitsteamsinLeagueMatches,anymatchesintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgrammeortheProfessionalDevelopmentLeagues(asthosetermsaredefinedintheYouthDevelopmentRules)orinanyofthecompetitionssetoutinRuleL.9.
Clubs:FinanceandGovernanceSectionJ:Miscellaneous137EmploymentofOfficialsJ.1.WithoutlimitationtotherequirementstoemployspecificmembersofstafffoundelsewhereintheseRules,eachClubshallemployandprovidewrittentermsofreferenceto:J.1.1.anOfficialwhoshallberesponsibleforrunningthedailybusinessoftheClubwiththesupportofasufficientnumberofadministrativestaffinsuitableandappropriatelyequippedoffices,whocanbecontactedduringnormalofficehours;J.1.2.anOfficialwhoholdsanationallyrecognisedqualificationasanaccountantorauditor,orwhohassufficientexperiencetodemonstratehiscompetenceassuch,whoshallberesponsiblefortheClub’sfinances;J.1.3.apressormediaofficerwhoholdsanationallyrecognisedqualificationinjournalismorwhohassufficientexperiencetodemonstratehiscompetenceasapressormediaofficer;J.1.4.oneormoresupporterliaisonofficer(s),whoserolesandresponsibilitiesaresetoutinRuleR.1;andJ.1.5.oneormoredisabilityaccessofficer(s),whoserolesandresponsibilitiesaresetoutinRuleR.4.J.2.EachClubshallbindeachofitsOfficials:J.2.1.tocomplywiththeseRulesduringtheperiodoftheirappointmentoremploymentandinthecaseofRuleB.18atalltimesthereafter;andJ.2.2.toseekitspermissionbeforecontributingtothemedia(whetherontelevision,radio,onlineorotherwise).J.3.SaveasotherwisepermittedbytheseRules,noClubshalldirectlyorindirectlyinduceorattempttoinduceanyPlayer,Manager,assistantmanager,headcoachorotherseniorfirstteamfootballcoachofanotherClub(orFootballLeagueclub)toterminateacontractofemploymentwiththatotherClub(orFootballLeagueclub)(whetherornotbybreachofthatcontract)ordirectlyorindirectlyapproachanysuchemployeewithaviewtoofferingemploymentwithouttheconsentofthatotherClub(orFootballLeagueclub).J.4.EachClubshalladoptandeachClub,Manager,Official,PlayerandAcademyPlayershallobserve,complywithandactinaccordancewiththeInclusionandAnti-DiscriminationPolicysetoutinAppendix2tothese
Rules.
SectionJ:Miscellaneous138Rules:SectionJBettingJ.5.Priortoenteringinto(orperforminganyaspectof)aGamblingRelatedAgreement,theClubshallprocurethattheotherparty(orparties)totheGamblingRelatedAgreementshallenterintoanagreementwiththeLeaguepursuanttowhichitshallagreewiththeLeagueinthetermssetoutinRulesJ.5.1toJ.5.2:J.5.1.itwillprovideaccurateandcompleteinformationforthwithtotheLeagueintheeventthattheLeagueisexercisingitspowerstoenquireintoanysuspectedorallegedbreachoftheseRules;andJ.5.2.itwillnotpermitanyformofgamblingonanygamereferredtoinYouthDevelopmentRules1.12(b)(ii),1.12(b)(iii),and1.12(c)to(e)oronanymatchincludingaClubintheUEFAYouthLeague.J.6.NoClub,OfficialorPlayermay,inconnectionwithbettingonaneventin,orontheresultof,aLeagueMatchoramatchinacompetitionwhichformspartoftheGamesProgrammesorProfessionalDevelopmentLeagues(asthosetermsaredefinedintheYouthDevelopmentRules):J.6.1.offerorreceiveapaymentoranyformofinducementtoorfromanyClubortheOfficialorPlayerofanyClub;orJ.6.2.receiveorseektoreceiveanypaymentorotherformofinducementfromanyPerson.UEFAClubLicenceApplicantsJ.7.AnyClub,AuthorisedSignatoryorotherOfficialmakingafalsestatement(whethermadeverballyorinwriting)inorinconnectionwithanapplicationforaUEFAClubLicenceorfalsifyingadocumentproducedinsupportoforinconnectionwithsuchanapplicationshallbeinbreachoftheseRulesandshallbeliabletobedealtwithinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofSectionWoftheseRules(Disciplinary).FootballFoundationJ.8.EachClubmustmakeavailableonehalfpageofadvertisingoreditorialmaterialinmatchprogrammesforthebenefitofTheFootballFoundation.
Clubs:OperationsSectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’Requirements139SafetyCertificateK.1.SubjecttoRuleK.2,eachClubshallholdacurrentsafetycertificateforitsStadiumissuedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheSafetyofSportsGroundsAct1975.K.2.IfaClubhasaground-sharingagreementinrespectofitsStadiumitshallbeatermthereofthateithertheClubortheotherpartytotheagreementshallholdacurrentsafetycertificateforthatStadium.OwnershipofGroundandTrainingFacilitiesK.3.EachClubshalleitherownitsStadiumandtrainingfacilitiesorhavealegallyenforceableagreementwithitsownerforitsusebytheClub,expiringnotearlierthantheendofthecurrentSeason.GroundSharingK.4.NoClubshallhaveorenterintoaground-sharingagreementinrespectofitsStadiumunlesstheagreementcontainslegallyenforceableprovisionstotheeffectthat:K.4.1.theplayingoftheClub’sLeagueMatchesattheStadiumshallalwaystakeprecedenceovertheactivitiesoftheotherpartytotheagreement;andK.4.2.theClubshallhavetheabilitytopostponeotheractivitiesscheduledtotakeplaceonthepitchinthe48hoursimmediatelyprecedingthekick-offofaLeagueMatchwhere,inthereasonableopinionoftheClub,thereisariskthatsuchactivitymightresultinthesubsequentpostponementorabandonmentoftheLeagueMatch.GroundRegistrationK.5.EachClubshallregisteritsStadiumwiththeBoardandmustplayallmatchesinthecompetitionslistedinRuleL.9forwhichitistheHomeClubattheStadium.NoClubshallremovetoanotherStadium(eitheronapermanentortemporarybasis)withoutfirstobtainingthewrittenconsentoftheBoard,inaccordancewithRuleK.6,below.K.6.Inconsideringwhethertogiveanysuchconsent,theBoardshallhaveregardtoallthecircumstancesofthecase(including,butnotlimitedto,thefactorssetoutinthisRuleK.6)andshallnotconsentunlessreasonablysatisfiedthatsuchconsent:K.6.1.wouldbeconsistentwiththeobjectsoftheLeagueassetoutintheMemorandum;K.6.2.wouldbeappropriatehavinginmindtherelationship(ifany)betweenthelocalitywithwhichbyitsnameorotherwisetheapplicantClubistraditionallyassociatedandthatinwhichsuchClubproposestoestablishitsStadium;K.6.3.wouldnottoanymaterialextentadverselyaffectsuchClub’sOfficials,Players,supporters,shareholders,sponsorsandothershavinganinterestinitsactivities;K.6.4.wouldnothaveamaterialadverseeffectonVisitingClubs;
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’Requirements140Rules:SectionKK.6.5.wouldnottoanymaterialextentadverselyaffectClubs(orFootballLeagueclubs)havingtheirregisteredgroundsintheimmediatevicinityoftheproposedlocation;andK.6.6.wouldenhancethereputationoftheLeagueandpromotethegameofassociationfootballgenerally.AllSeaterGroundsK.7.SpectatorsadmittedtoaStadiumshallbeofferedonlyseatedaccommodation,themajorityofwhichshallbecovered,andthereshallbenostandingterraces.GroundRegulationsK.8.EachClubshallensurethatsufficientcopiesoftheofficialnoticeentitled“GroundRegulations”publishedbytheLeaguearedisplayedprominentlyatitsStadium.CoveredStadiaK.9.AnyClubapplyingforplanningpermissiontocoverorpartiallycovertheplayingareaofitsStadiumwithafixedormoveableroofshallprovidetotheBoardacopyofitsapplicationtogetherwithcopiesofallsubmittedplans.K.10.NoLeagueMatchshalltakeplaceatanyStadiumwhereduringtheplayingoftheLeagueMatchtheplayingareaiscoveredorpartiallycoveredbyafixedormoveableroofwithoutthepriorwrittenapprovaloftheBoard.BeforegivingorrefusingtogiveanysuchapprovaltheBoardshallconsultwithallClubsandshalltakeintoaccounttheirrepresentations.DressingRoomsK.11.EachClubshallprovidetwodressingroomsforPlayers(onefortheHomeClubandonefortheVisitingClub)theminimumareaofwhichineachcase(excludingshowers,bathsandtoilets)shallbe30squaremetres.Inaddition,eachClubshallprovideoneormoreadditionaldressingroom(s)forMatchOfficials,ensuringsuitableseparateaccommodationforanyfemaleMatchOfficialappointed.Drug-testingRoomK.12.EachClubshallprovideaccommodationcapableofbeingusedasadrug-testingroomwhichshallbenearthePlayers’andMatchOfficials’dressingroomsandinaccessibletothepublicandmedia.SecurityK.13.InordertosafeguardthePlayers,directorsandOfficialsofeachClubandMatchOfficialsupontheirarrivalatanddeparturefromaLeagueMatch,eachHomeClubshallprocurethat:K.13.1.theVisitingClub’steamcoachisabletoparkadjacenttothePlayers’entrance;K.13.2.barriersareplacedsoastopreventmembersofthepublicgainingaccesstotheareabetweentheteamcoachandthePlayers’entrance;
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’Requirements141K.13.3.aparkingareaisprovidedforOfficialsoftheVisitingClubandMatchOfficialsclosetotheirrespectivepointsofentrytotheStadium;K.13.4.thePlayers’entranceaswellastheparkingareaandthepointsofentryreferredtoareadequatelypolicedorstewarded;andK.13.5.accesstotheMatchOfficialsdressingroomiscontrolledincompliancewithguidanceasissuedbyPGMOLandapprovedbytheBoard.K.14.EachHomeClubshallfurtherprocurethatPlayersandMatchOfficialsareprovidedwithasafeandsecuremeansofaccesstoandegressfromthepitchpriortothekick-offofaLeagueMatch,atthebeginningandendofthehalf-timeintervalandupontheconclusionoftheLeagueMatch.ThePitchK.15.UnlessotherwisepermittedbytheBoard,inLeagueMatchesthelengthofthepitchshallbe105metresanditsbreadth68metres.K.16.TheBoardshallonlygivepermissiontoaClubforthedimensionsofitspitchtobeotherthanassetoutinRuleK.15ifitisimpossibleforittocomplywithRuleK.15duetothenatureoftheconstructionofitsStadium.K.17.AClubshallregisterthedimensionsofitspitchbeforethecommencementofeachSeasonbygivingwrittennoticethereofinForm8totheBoard.K.18.TheBoardmayatanytimerequireaClubtoobtainandsubmittotheBoardareportbyanindependentexpertcertifyingitspitchdimensions.K.19.NoClubshallalterthedimensionsofitspitchduringtheSeasonwithoutthepriorwrittenconsentoftheBoard.K.20.Theheightofthepitchgrassshallnotexceed30mmandtheentireplayingsurfacemustbecuttothesameheight.Thegrassshallbecutsoastodisplaystraight,parallellinesacrosstheentirewidthofthepitch,perpendiculartothetouchlines.Nootherformofpitchpresentation(suchascircularordiagonalpatterns)ispermitted.K.21.EachClubshalltakeallreasonablestepstomaintainitspitchingoodconditionthroughouttheSeasonandtheBoardmayrequireaClubtotakesuchstepsastheBoardshallspecifyifitisnotsatisfiedthatthepitchisbeingmaintainedtoanadequatestandard.K.22.EachClubshallprovideandmaintainatitsStadiumanundersoilheatingsystemforitspitchandshallensure,sofarasisreasonablypossible,thatthepitchisplayableontheoccasionofeachhomeLeagueMatch.PitchProtectionK.23.Inordertoprotectthepitch,unlessotherwisemutuallyagreedbetweenbothparticipatingClubs,thefollowingproceduresshallbeadoptedbyPlayersandOfficialsintheperiodsimmediatelybeforeandafteraLeagueMatchandathalftime:
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’Requirements142Rules:SectionKK.23.1.thepitchshallonlybeusedforwarminguporwarmingdownbyPlayersnamedonForm9plusanadditionalgoalkeeper;K.23.2.pre-matchwarmingupbyeitherteamshallnotcommenceuntil45minutesbeforethekick-offtimeattheearliest,shallnotlastformorethan30minutes,andshallendnolaterthan10minutesbeforethekick-offtime;K.23.3.ifportablegoalsareprovidedtheyshallbeusedforallgoalkeepingdrillsotherthancrossingpractice;K.23.4.thegoalmouthareashallbeusedbygoalkeepersonlyifportablegoalsarenotprovidedorforcrossingpracticeandthenonlyfornotmorethan20minutes;K.23.5.forthepurposesofwarmingupandwarmingdowneachteamshalluseonlypartofthepitchbetweentheedgeofapenaltyareaandthehalfwaylineorasotherwisedirectedbythegroundsman;K.23.6.allspeedandstaminaworkshallbeundertakenoffthepitchparalleltothetouchlineoppositethesidetobepatrolledbytheassistantrefereeor,intheabsenceofsufficientspace,inthatpartofthepitchdescribedinRuleK.23.5aboveorasotherwisedirectedbythegroundsman;K.23.7.Playersusingthepitchathalftimeshallgivedueconsiderationtoanyotheractivityorentertainmenttakingplaceonthepitchatthesametime;K.23.8.theHomeClubmaywaterthepitchathalftimeprovidedthatitgivesreasonablenoticetotherefereeandtheotherClubthatitintendstodosoandthatanysuchwateringiscarriedoutevenlyovertheentirelengthandwidthofthepitch;andK.23.9.anywarmingdownaftertheconclusionoftheLeagueMatchshalllastfornolongerthan15minutesandforthatpurposeneitherpenaltyareashallbeused.ArtificialSurfacesK.24.NoLeagueMatchshallbeplayedonanArtificialSurface.GoalLineTechnologyK.25.EachClub’sStadiummusthaveinstalledsuchGoalLineTechnologyastheBoardshallspecifyfromtimetotime.K.26.EachClubshall:K.26.1.ensurethattheGoalLineTechnologyinstalledatitsStadiumisproperlymaintainedinaccordancewithallapplicablerequirementsinsofarassuchmaintenanceistheresponsibilityoftheClubandnottheresponsibilityofanyPersonappointedbytheLeaguepursuanttoRuleK.26.2;K.26.2.giveallnecessarycooperationtosuchPersonappointedbytheLeaguetosupply,install,maintainandoperatesuchGoalLineTechnologyandtoanyPersonproperlyauthorisedbytheLeagueorFIFAtotestorcertifytheClub’sGoalLineTechnology;andK.26.3.useGoalLineTechnologyonlyasspecifiedbytheBoardfromtimetotime.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’Requirements143K.27.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,ownershipoftheGoalLineTechnologyinstalledandoperatedateachClub,andofallrightsarisingtherefromorinconnectiontherewith,shallnotbelongtotheClub.Trainers’BenchFacilitiesK.28.EachClubshallprovideseparatetrainers’benchesadjacenttothepitchforthesoleuseofteamofficials,medicalstaffandsubstitutePlayersofeachoftheHomeClubandtheVisitingClub.Suchtrainers’benchesshallbeclearlymarked‘Home’and‘Away’,shallhavedirectaccessontothepitch,shallbelocatedequidistantfromthehalfwayline,shallbeundercoverandshalleachcontain14seats.K.29.Theindividualsoccupyingthetrainers’benchesshalldisplaythroughouttheLeagueMatchsuchidentificationasisrequiredandprovidedbythePremierLeague.TechnicalAreasK.30.Thetechnicalareasshallincludethetrainers’benchesrequiredbyRuleK.28andshallextendonemetreeithersideofeachandtowithinonemetreofthetouchline.K.31.Theboundariesofeachofthetechnicalareasshallbeclearlymarked.K.32.SaveasexpresslypermittedintheseRules,whilesituatedinoraroundthetechnicalareaduringaLeagueMatch,noPersonshalluseorviewanydevicetoenablehimtowatchfootageofthatLeagueMatch.SanitaryFacilitiesK.33.EachClubshallprovidesufficient,bright,cleanandhygienictoiletandwashingfacilitiesformaleandfemalespectatorsinaccordancewithanylocalauthorityrequirementsandhavingregardtoguidanceissuedbytheSportsGroundSafetyAuthority.FacilitiesforDisabledSupportersK.34.EachClubshallprovidesufficientandadequatefacilitiesfordisabledsupporters.CCTVK.35.AHomeClubmayarrangeforanyLeagueMatchinwhichitsteamparticipatestoberelayedbyclosedcircuittelevisiontootherlocationswithinitsStadium.K.36.ExceptatanytimewhenanyliveTransmissionofanyLeagueMatchpursuanttoaUKBroadcastingContractisinprogress,aVisitingClubmayarrangebyagreementwiththeHomeClubfortheclosedcircuittelevisionsignalofaLeagueMatchinwhichitparticipatestoberelayedtoitsStadiumonly.Inallsuchcircumstances,theVisitingClubshallensurethatanysuchrelayofanysuchsignalshallbeencrypted.GiantScreensK.37.ExceptwiththepriorwrittenconsentoftheBoard,giantscreensorthelikeataClub’sStadiumshallnotbeusedtorelaytospectatorsclosedcircuitpicturesoftheLeagueMatchatwhichtheyarepresent.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceAssessmentofcompliancewillbeundertakenviaself-assessment,inspectionsbytheLeagueoritsappointees,and,ifthereisdisagreementastowhetheraClubcomplieswithaparticularrequirement,byanindependentaudit.GuidanceIftheexistingnatureofaClub’sStadiumissuchthatitnecessitatesalongerleadtimetoputinplaceafacilityrequiredbytheseRules,thenitmayapplytotheBoardfortemporarydispensationfromtherelevantRule.Inextremecases,itisrecognisedthatitmaybephysicallyimpossibletocomplywithaparticularrequirement.Insuchacase,theBoardmaywaivecompliancewithouttheClubattractingsanctionpursuanttoRuleK.42subjecttowhateverfurtheractiontheBoardconsidersappropriatetocomplyasmuchasreasonablypracticablewiththeintentoftheRules.144Rules:SectionKK.40.WhereaClubdemonstratestotheLeaguethatitisunabletocomplywithoneormoreoftherequirementsofRulesK.43toK.91orRulesK.121toK.141,despiteitsbestendeavours,duetothenatureoftheconstructionandconfigurationofitsStadium,theLeaguemaysuspendactionforbreachofsuchRulesforsuchperiodoftimeandsubjecttosuchfurtherorderastheLeagueconsidersappropriate.K.38.AnyconsentgivenundertheprovisionsoftheaboveRuleshallbesubjecttothefollowingconditions:K.38.1.thescreenshallbelocatedsothatitdoesnotinterferewiththeLeagueMatchatwhichitisusedordistractthePlayersandMatchOfficials;K.38.2.itshallbeoperatedbyaresponsiblePersonwhoisfullyawareoftheconditionsgoverningitsuse;K.38.3.thescreenmaybeusedtoshow:K.38.3.1.liveaction;orK.38.3.2.whentheballisnotinplay,actionreplaysofpositiveincidents;K.38.4.thescreenshallnotbeusedtoshow:K.38.4.1.actionreplaysofnegativeorcontroversialincidents;K.38.4.2.anyincidentwhichmaybringintoquestionthejudgmentofaMatchOfficial;K.38.4.3.theareaofthetrainers’bench;K.38.4.4.untilsubstituteboardshavebeendisplayed,picturesofanysubstitutePlayerwarminguporpreparingtoenterthefieldofplay;orK.38.4.5.anypictureswhichmaytendtocriticise,disparage,belittleordiscredittheLeague,anyCluboranyOfficial,PlayerorMatchOfficialortobringthegameintodisrepute.MediaFacilities–GeneralK.39.EachClubshallprovidetotheLeaguesuchinformationandaccesstoitsStadiumastheLeaguemayreasonablyrequireinordertoassesswhethertheClubcomplies,orwillinduecoursecomply,withtherequirementsofRulesK.43toK.91andRulesK.121toK.141.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsAnyapplicationfordispensationfromanyoftherequirementsinK.43toK.91orRulesK.121toK.141willbejudgedonitsownfacts.145K.41.ThedetailsofhoweachClubwill,subjecttoRuleK.42,complywithRulesK.43toK.91andRulesK.121toK.141shallberecordedinitsTechnicalSpecification.K.42.IfaClubfailstocomplywithanyofRulesK.43toK.91andRulesK.121toK.141,theBoardmay:K.42.1.withholdfromthatClubpartorallofitsshareofOverseasBroadcastingMoneytowhichitwouldotherwisebeentitledpursuanttoRuleD.19untilsuchtimeasithasdemonstratedcompliance;and/orK.42.2.requiretheClubtoundertakesuchworksastheBoardconsidersnecessarybysuchdateastheBoardmayspecify;andK.42.3.intheeventofanycontinuingbreachorfailuretoimplementworksasrequiredbytheBoardpursuanttoRuleK.42.2,dealwiththematterundertheprovisionsofSectionWoftheseRules.K.43.TheLeaguewillinformeachClubnolaterthan14daysbeforethedateofeachLeagueMatchtobeplayedatitsStadiumoftheMatchManagerappointedtoactatthatLeagueMatchandwhether,andifsotowhatextent,theClubisrequiredtocomplywiththefollowingRules:K.43.1.RulesK.55andK.56(OverseasTVCommentaryPositions);K.43.2.RuleK.66(TelevisionStudios);K.43.3.RuleK.67(seatsforTVBroadcasters:ObserverSeats);andK.43.4.RuleK.80(carparkspacesfortheuseofBroadcasters).K.44.Accesstothefacilities,areasandroomsdescribedinthisSectionoftheRulesshall,onthedateofeachLeagueMatch,berestrictedtosuchpersonnelasareaccreditedbytheLeagueorHomeClubandeachHomeClubshallensurethatsuchfacilities,areasandroomsarestewardedinsuchamannerastoenforcethisrestriction.K.45.EachClubshallensurethatforeachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadium,theStadiumissuppliedwithinternetconnectivitywithatotalbandwidthcapacityof40megabitspersecond,burstableto100megabitspersecond,fortheexclusiveuseofBroadcastersandaccreditedrepresentativesofthemedia.K.46.EachClubshallensurethat,withinthetotalinternetconnectivityreferredtoinRuleK.45:K.46.1.threeprivateanduncontendedinternetconnections,withatotalbandwidthcapacityof15megabitspersecondtobedividedbetweensuchnumberofconnectionsastheLeagueshallspecify,areavailablefortheuseoftheLeague’sdataproviders,andPlayertrackingserviceproviders;andK.46.2.internetconnectionsareprovidedtothelocationsandinthemannerspecifiedinRuleK.47.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’Requirements146Rules:SectionKK.47.EachClubshallprovideatitsStadiumconnectionstotheinternet,andpermittheinstallationandmaintenancebytheLeagueorRadioBroadcasters(ineithercaseattheirexpense)ofISDNlines,atthefollowinglocationsofitsStadium:WiredInternetConnectivityWirelessInternetConnectivity*ISDNEachUKTVCommentaryPosition(RulesK.53toK.54)YesYes*YesEachOverseasTVCommentaryPosition(RulesK.55toK.56)YesYes*YesEachPressSeat(RulesK.89toK.90)YesYes*NotrequiredMediaWorkingArea(RulesK.86toK.87)YesYes*NotrequiredMediaConferenceRoom(RuleK.88)YesYes*NotrequiredPhotographers’WorkingArea(RuleK.91.4)Yes:16connectionpointsYes*NotrequiredRadioCommentaryPositions(RuleK.57)YesYes*YesTunnelInterviewPosition(Pre-MatchandPost-Match)(RulesK.59toK.61)NotrequiredYes*NotrequiredTelevisionStudios(RuleK.66)YesYes*NotrequiredOutsideBroadcastCompound(RulesK.81toK.83)YesYes*NotrequiredPitchsidePresentationPositions(RuleK.58)NotrequiredYes*NotrequiredMatchDelegate(RuleL.17)NotrequiredYes*NotrequiredVisitingClubAnalystPositions(RuleK.70)YesYes**NotrequiredVisitingClubDressingRoomYesYes**NotrequiredMatchManager’sPosition(RuleK.69)YesYes***Notrequired
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceClubsshouldensurethattheclosedandsecurenetworkforwirelessinternetconnectivityprovidedtoMatchManagersinaccordancewithRuleK.47enablestheMatchManagertoaccessthatnetworkat:(a)thepositionreferredtoatRuleK.69;(b)thelocationoftheofficialteamsheetexchange;and(c)theareasinwhichpre-andpost-matchinterviewswilltakeplace.GuidanceWhenconsideringthelocationofthetelevisiongantry,Clubsshouldbeawareoftheneedtopositionthegantrysoastoensurethatthecameraspositionedonitdonotfacedirectlyintothesun.147K.51.EachUKTVCommentaryPositionandeachcamerapositionontheTelevisionGantryshallbeHardwired.K.48.EachClubshallgivetheMatchManagerallsuchassistance,andaccesstosuchfacilities,areasandrooms,asmaybereasonablyrequired.K.49.EachClubshall:K.49.1.provideatitsStadiumfortheuseoftheLeagueinrelationtothisSectionKanetworkaccessfacilitywithinitsOutsideBroadcastCompoundandprovidesuchrightsandaccessasisneededforitsinstallationandmaintenance;andK.49.2.ensurethatforatleastthreehoursbeforekick-offandtwohoursafterthefinalwhistleofeachLeagueMatchatitsStadium,anappropriatelycompetentOfficialisavailabletoensureasfarasreasonablypracticableuninterrupteduseoftheservicessetoutatRulesK.45toK.47.TelevisionGantryK.50.SubjecttoRuleK.52,eachClubshallensurethatitsStadiumhasatelevisiongantrywhich:K.50.1.issituatedsothatcamerascanbepositionedonthehalf-wayline;K.50.2.isatleast19metreswideandatleasttwometresdeep;K.50.3.isabletoaccommodateatleastthreeUKTVCommentaryPositionsandfivecameras,allowingatleasttwometresbytwometrespercamera(inaccordancewithRuleK.62andAppendix3);K.50.4.permitsthecamerastohaveafullandclearviewofthewholepitch;andK.50.5.permitseachcamerapositionandUKCommentaryPositiontobeeasilyaccessiblebytechnicalpersonnelduringtheLeagueMatchwithoutdisturbingthecameramenor
commentators.Thewirelessinternetconnectivityateachlocationmarked*maybeprovidedbywayofoneclosedandsecurenetwork.Thewirelessinternetconnectivityateachlocationmarked**mustbeprovidedbywayofthesame,separateclosedandsecurenetworkandthewirelessinternetconnectivityatthelocationmarked***mustbeprovidedbywayofafurtherseparateclosedandsecurenetwork.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceAClubwillnotbepenalisedforafailuretoprovideafullandclearviewofthewholepitchundertheseRulesifthepermanentinfrastructureofitsStadiumissuchthatthisisnotpossible(forexampleduetothepresenceofstanchionssupportingtheroofofastand),providedthatitsinabilitytoprovidesuchafullandclearviewiscommunicatedtotheBoardintheTechnicalSpecification.Notwithstandingthis,theremustbenotemporaryormovableinstallationsrestrictingtheview.148Rules:SectionKOverseasTVCommentaryPositionsK.55.SubjecttoRuleK.43,eachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadium:K.55.1.atleast15OverseasTVCommentaryPositions(whichneednotbeontheTelevisionGantry,providedthattheyaresituatedonthesamesideofthepitchastheTelevisionGantryandaresufficientlyHardwiredforthereceiptoftheBroadcasters’feedstomonitors),ofwhichfivemusthavecapacityforvideoandaudiotobetransmittedviaamini-cameratotheOutsideBroadcastCompound;andK.55.2.nofewerthanfiveadditionalseatsfortheuseofOverseasBroadcasters’technicalstaff.K.52.AClubmayfulfiltherequirementssetoutinRuleK.50acrosstwogantriesincloseproximitytoeachotherprovidedthat:K.52.1.oneisatleast12metreswideandtwometresdeepandabletoaccommodateatleasttwoUKCommentaryPositionsandthreecameras(allowingatleasttwometresbytwometrespercamera),inwhichcaseRuleK.50.1shallapplytothisgantry;andK.52.2.theotherisatleastsevenmetreswideandtwometresdeepandabletoaccommodateatleastoneUKCommentaryPositionandtwocameras(allowingatleasttwometresbytwometrespercamera).UKTVCommentaryPositionsK.53.EachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumatleastthreeUKTVCommentaryPositionsontheTelevisionGantry,forusebyUKBroadcasters’commentators.K.54.EachUKTVCommentaryPositionshall:K.54.1.consistofthreeseats;K.54.2.benolessthanthreemetreswideandonemetredeep;K.54.3.haveinternetconnectivityassetoutinRuleK.47andmainspower;K.54.4.haveafullandclearviewofthewholepitch;andK.54.5.haveadesklargeenoughtoholdamonitor,twolaptopcomputersandsuchcommentaryequipmentasUKBroadcastersmayreasonablyrequire.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceThemini-camerasreferredtoinRuleK.55.1willbeusedtofilmcommentatorsandnotMatchfootage.GuidanceWheretheRulesspecifythatdifferentPersonsareentitledtoeachbeplacedasneartothehalf-waylineasreasonablypracticable,theMatchManagershallallocateactualpositions.149RadioCommentaryPositionsK.57.EachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumatleast15RadioCommentaryPositionsforusebyRadioBroadcastersand(subjecttothepriorityoversuchseatsoftheRadioBroadcasters)byanyradiobroadcasterswithwhomtheHomeClubortheVisitingClubhasenteredintoaClubRadioContract,andeachsuchpositionshall:K.57.1.compriseoneseat;K.57.2.besituatedasclosetothehalf-waylineasreasonablypracticableandinanyeventnofurtherthan25meithersideofit;K.57.3.haveaclearviewofatelevisionmonitor;andK.57.4.havemainspowerandadesklargeenoughtoholdsuchcommentaryequipmentasRadioBroadcastersmayreasonablyrequire.TVBroadcasters’PitchsidePresentationPositionsK.58.EachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumatleastsevenpitchsidepresentationpositions(twoforUKBroadcastersandfiveforOverseasBroadcasters),eachofwhichshallbe:K.58.1.Hardwired;K.58.2.asclosetothetouchlineasreasonablypracticable;K.58.3.atleastthreemetreswide;andK.58.4.availablefromatleastfourhoursbeforekick-offuntilfiveminutesbeforekick-off,duringhalf-timeuntilatleastfiveminutesbeforethere-start,andforatleastonehourafterthefinalwhistle.K.56.EachOverseasTVCommentaryPositionshall:K.56.1.besituatedasclosetothehalf-waylineasreasonablypracticable;K.56.2.consistoftwoseatsfortheuseofcommentators;K.56.3.beatleasttwometreswideandonemetredeep;K.56.4.beHardwired;K.56.5.haveinternetconnectivityassetoutinRuleK.47andmainspower;K.56.6.haveafullandclearviewofthewholepitch;andK.56.7.haveadesklargeenoughtoholdamonitor,twolaptopcomputersandsuchcommentaryequipmentasOverseasBroadcastersmayreasonablyrequire.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceTunnelinterviewpositionsshouldbeconfiguredinsuchawaythatthelargestpositionistheonethatPlayersandManagersarriveatfirst,wherereasonablypracticable.Clubsshouldusesuchsoundproofingand/orpartitionsasis/arenecessarytosatisfytherequirementsetoutatRuleK.60.3.GuidanceApodisapairofscaffoldingtubesfixed(atanequaldistanceapart)tothefrontofthecamerapositiontosupportacameramount.Ahoistisaropeandpulleysystemforliftingequipmentfromfloorleveltoworkingheight.Whenfittingpods,ClubsshouldconsulttheLeaguewhowillofferguidanceonthedimensionsrequired.150Rules:SectionKCameraPositions:MatchCoverageK.62.EachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumpositionsfortelevisioncamerasinaccordancewiththerequirementsofAppendix3,andeachsuchpositionshallbeHardwired.K.63.EachClubshall:K.63.1.providesuchpodsandhoistsasarenecessaryinordertoensurethatallcameraequipmentcanbeinstalledintherequiredcamerapositions;andK.63.2.ensurethereissafeaccesstoandegressfrom(includingincaseofemergency)therequiredcamerapositionsforallpersonsandequipment.TunnelInterviewPositionsK.59.EachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumatleastfiveHardwiredtunnelinterviewpositions,twoofwhichshallbefortheuseofUKBroadcasters,andthreeofwhichshallbefortheuseofOverseasBroadcasters.K.60.Thetunnelinterviewpositionsshallbe:K.60.1.locatedinthesamestandas,andincloseproximityto,thetunnelandthePlayers’dressingrooms;K.60.2.designedsothattelevisioninterviewswithinthemcanbeconductedagainsttheInterviewBackdrops;andK.60.3.configuredanddesignedinsuchwaysoastoensurethateachpositioncanbeusedsimultaneouslyandwithoutcausingnoisedisturbanceofanykindtotheotherpositions.K.61.ThefollowingadditionalrequirementsapplyinrespectofanytunnelinterviewpositionscreatedbyClubsafter30June2016:K.61.1.onetunnelinterviewpositionmustmeasureatleast2.5metresby2.5metres;andK.61.2.alladditionaltunnelinterviewpositionsmustmeasureatleast2.5metresby1.6metres.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceWithrespecttoRuleK.64,ordinarilya‘sufficientnumber’ofcamerapositionswillbeachievedbytheprovisionoftwoseparatecamerapositionsperentrypointtotheStadium(soiftheHomeClubandtheVisitingClubarriveatthesamepoint,twopositionswillberequired,andiftheyarriveatdifferentpoints,fourpositionswillberequired).GuidanceWithregardtothestudiowindow,ideallythebottomofthewindowshouldbe50cmfromthefloorandthetopofthewindowshouldbetwometresfromthefloor.GuidanceTheseseatswillbefortheuseofworkingpersonnelofTVBroadcasters.TheticketsfortheseseatswillbedistributedbytheLeaguewhowillalsomonitortheiruse.151Reporter,FloorManagerandMatchManagerPositionsK.68.EachClubshallprovideatleasteightseats(thepositionsofwhichshallbeHardwired)ateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumfortheuseofaccreditedrepresentativesofUKBroadcasters,OverseasBroadcastersandtheLeague.Suchseatsshallbesituatedasneartothetrainers’benchesaspracticableandmustprovideafull,clearviewofthewholepitch.TVBroadcasters:ObserverSeatsK.67.SubjecttoRuleK.43,eachClubshallmakeavailableateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumatleast25seatsfortheuseofaccreditedrepresentativesofTVBroadcasters,tobesituatedincloseproximitytothehalf-wayline,andwitheasyaccesstothetunnelareaandMixedZone.K.65.EachClubshallpermitTVBroadcasterstofilmcoverageofsupportersoutsideitsStadiumbeforeeachLeagueMatch.TelevisionStudiosK.66.SubjecttoRuleK.43,eachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumatleasttwoHardwiredstudiosfortheuseofBroadcastersandeachsuchstudioshall:K.66.1.measureatleastfivemetresbyfivemetres;K.66.2.beatleastthreemetreshigh;andK.66.3.haveawindowwhichisatleastthreemetreswide(or,ifconstructedafter1August2014,4.5metreswide)by1.5metreshighandwhichgivesafullandclearviewofthewholepitch.CameraPositions:TeamandSupporterArrivalsK.64.EachClubshallprovideatitsStadiumasufficientnumberofseparateandstaticHardwiredcamerapositionstoenablethefilmingofthearrivalsofeachteambeforeeachLeagueMatch.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceWherereasonablypossible,Clubsshouldprovideadditionalpositionsforthefloormanagersofthehostbroadcaster(whereapplicable)andtheLeague,locatedincloseproximitytotheMatchManager’spositionandsoastoenableeasycommunicationwiththefourthofficial.ItisenvisagedthatBroadcastersmayusesomeoftheseatsallocatedforreportersfortechnicalequipment.Referencesto“theLeague”inRulesK.68andK.69meanPremierLeagueProductions,theLeague’sappointedproductionpartner,whichundertakesthebroadcastofallLeagueMatchesonbehalfoftheLeague.GuidanceWhere,duetotheconfigurationoftheStadium,aClubisunabletoprovidethreepositionsfortheuseofanalystsoftheVisitingClub,itmayseekdispensationfromtheLeaguetoprovidetwosuchpositions.152Rules:SectionKMixedZoneK.71.EachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumaMixedZoneinwhichmediainterviewswithPlayersandManagersmaybeconducted.VisitingClubAnalystPositionsK.70.EachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumthreededicatedpositionsfortheuseofanalystsoftheVisitingClub,eachofwhichshall:K.70.1.consistofoneseatsituatedasneartothehalf-wayline,thetunnelandtheVisitingClub’sdressingroomasreasonablypracticableandprovideaclearviewofthewholepitch;K.70.2.besufficientlyHardwiredforthereceiptofthreeseparateBroadcasterfeeds(the‘worldfeed’,the‘tacticalfeed’andone‘highbehind’feed)bymonitorsinplaceattherelevantposition;K.70.3.haveinternetconnectivityinaccordancewithRuleK.47andmainspower;andK.70.4.haveadesklargeenoughtoholdamonitorandalaptopcomputer(andsuchotherequipmentastheanalyst(s)mayreasonablyrequire).K.69.EachClubshallprovideonepositionateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumfortheuseoftheMatchManager,whichmustbesituated:K.69.1.sufficientlyclosetothepositionofthefourthofficialtoenabletheMatchManagertoeasilycommunicatewiththefourthofficialduringtheLeagueMatchwithoutneedingtoentereithertechnicalareatodoso;andK.69.2.soastoenabletheMatchManagertoeasilycommunicatewiththefloormanager(s)oftheLeagueandthehostbroadcaster(whereapplicable)duringaLeagueMatch.IftheClubisunabletofulfilthisrequirementatitsStadium,itmustpermittheLeaguetoinstallasystemtofacilitatesuchcommunication.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceFurtherdiscussionswillbeundertakenwithClubsaboutthebrandingoftheMixedZone.TheLeague’spreferenceisthatInterviewBackdropsshouldbeusedinMixedZones.AccreditationofrepresentativesofthemediawillbeundertakenbytheLeagueoritsappointee(currentlyFootballDataCoLimited)onbehalfoftheLeagueandClubs.GuidanceTVBroadcasters’representativesareonlypermittedaccesstothetunnelinterviewpositionsforthefilmingoftheexchangeofteamsheets,interviews,teamarrivals,matchreports,andtoconductunfilmed,informaldiscussionswithcoachingstaffwherethelatterchoosetospeaktoBroadcasters(andfortheavoidanceofdoubttheyarenotobligedtoengageinsuchinformaldiscussionsalthoughtheyareencouragedtodoso),andallotheractivitiesrequiredbytheseRules.153AccesstoTunnelInterviewPositionsK.74.EachClubshallateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumpermitaccreditedrepresentativesofTVBroadcastersaccesstothetunnelinterviewpositionsreferredtoinRuleK.59toK.61topreparefor,setupandcarryoutallactivitypermittedbytheseRules.TheMatchManagerwillmanageallsuchaccesstoensurethat,asfarasreasonablypracticable,thepersonsreferredtointhisRuleonlyhaveaccesstothetunnelinterviewpositionswhenneeded.K.72.TheMixedZoneshall:K.72.1.belocatedbetweenthePlayers’dressingroomsandthePlayers’pointofexitfromtheStadium;K.72.2.beaccessibletoPlayers,Managers,coachingstaffandaccreditedrepresentativesofBroadcasters;K.72.3.belargeenoughtoaccommodateatleast20representativesofBroadcasters;andK.72.4.havelightingofasufficientleveltoprovidesuitableconditionsfortheTransmissionofinterviews.K.73.EachHomeClub:K.73.1.shallpermitintotheMixedZone:K.73.1.1.accreditedrepresentativesofBroadcasterswhowishtoconductinterviewsintheMixedZone(uptoamaximumof20),whoshallhavepriorityentryintotheMixedZoneoverthoselistedinRulesK.73.1.2andK.73.1.3;K.73.1.2.accreditedrepresentativesofradiobroadcasterswithwhomitortheVisitingClubhasenteredintoaClubRadioContract;andK.73.1.3.suchauthorisedrepresentativesofitortheVisitingClubaseithermayreasonablyrequireinordertoprovidecommentaryorreportsonmediaservicessuchasitswebsite,socialmediaaccountsortelevisionchannel;andK.73.2.may,atitsdiscretion,permitintotheMixedZonesuchotheraccreditedrepresentativesofthemediaasitconsidersappropriate.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceCarparkspacesthatarenotrequiredbyBroadcasterswillbereleasedbacktotheLeaguenolaterthanfourteendaysbeforethedateoftheLeagueMatchpursuanttoRuleK.43.154Rules:SectionKOutsideBroadcastCompoundK.81.AteachLeagueMatch,theHomeClubshallprovideasecure,levelarea(withahardsurfacesuitablefortheparkingofTVBroadcasters’vehicles)outsideandadjacenttotheStadiumofatleast1500m2fortheexclusiveuseoftheLeague’sandTVBroadcasters’vehicles.HardwiringK.75.EachClubshall:K.75.1.ensurethatallHardwiringatitsStadiumisproperlymaintainedandingoodworkingorderatalltimeswhenitsuseisrequired;andK.75.2.providetotheLeagueacertificateinwritinginadvanceofeachSeasonconfirmingthattheHardwiringatitsStadiumisincompliancewithRuleK.75.1,suchcertificatetobeprovidedbyanindependentPersonexperiencedinthedesignandinstallationofpermanentoutsidebroadcastcableinfrastructure.K.76.EachClubshallpermittheinstallationoftemporarycablingbyBroadcasterssufficienttoensurethecontinuousTransmissionofLeagueMatchesplayedatitsStadiumintheeventofthefailureofanyHardwiringrequiredbytheseRules(inadditiontoanyothermeasuresthattheLeaguemayspecifyinordertoensuresuchcontinuousTransmission).TransmissionofPre-MatchMediaConferenceK.77.EachClubshallpermittheLeaguetoinstallsuchfacilitiesasarerequiredtoallowBroadcasterstoenabletheTransmissionoftheClub’sPre-MatchMediaConference,wheresuchfacilitiesarenotalreadyinplace(subjecttoanyembargoimplementedinaccordancewithRuleK.102).PowerSupplyK.78.EachClubshallprovideatitsStadiumandmakeavailabletoBroadcasters,attheirrequest,accesstoelectricitysupplyonthedayofeachLeagueMatchsufficienttopowertheBroadcasters’matchdayoperations.K.79.AteachLeagueMatch,theHomeClubshallprovidesuchfacilitiesandaccessasisrequiredbyaBroadcastertoestablishitsownpowersupplyforanOutsideBroadcastCompound.CarParkSpacesK.80.SubjecttoRuleK.43,eachClubshallmakeavailabletotheLeagueaminimumof20carparkspacesasclosetotheOutsideBroadcastCompoundasreasonablypracticableforeachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumfortheusebyTVBroadcasters.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceTheidentityofthesuppliersoftherelevant“networkaccessfacility”forthepurposeofRuleK.82willbenotifiedtoClubsbytheLeagueinadvanceofeachSeason.WithregardtoRuleK.83,ifanadditionalareaisneededbecausesatelliteuplinkingisnotreasonablypracticablefromtheOutsideBroadcastCompound,thentheadditionalareamustbesufficientlylarge(approximately120m2)toaccommodatesixsatellitenewsgatheringtrucks.ClubsshouldbeawareoftheadditionalprovisionsregardingtheOutsideBroadcastCompoundatRuleK.49.GuidanceRuleL.21providesthatatleast75minutesbeforethekick-off,arepresentativeofeachClubmustsubmittotherefereeandtheiropponentsateamsheet.TheMatchManagerwillgivecopiesoftheteamsheetstoBroadcastersandtotheLeague’sdataproviders.Clubswillremainresponsiblefordistributingittoothers(e.g.representativesofthewrittenmedia).GuidancePublicationofteamsheetsisstrictlyembargoeduntil60minutesbeforekick-off.TheLeaguewillensurethatBroadcasterscomplywiththisembargo.155K.85.AClubplayinginaLeagueMatchshallnotpublishtheteamsuntil60minutesbeforekick-off.OfficialClubTeamSheetsK.84.EachHomeClubshallprovidetotheMatchManagertheofficialteamsheetsofboththeHomeClubandtheVisitingClubassoonasreasonablypracticableaftertheyhavebeensubmittedtotherefereepursuanttoRuleL.21.K.82.TheOutsideBroadcastCompoundshall:K.82.1.havesufficientdrainage,toiletsandwastedisposalfacilities;andK.82.2.includesufficientworkinglightstoenablecompleteilluminationoftheareaabovetheLeague’sandTVBroadcasters’vehicles,andeachClubshallensurethatBroadcastersaregivenallrequestedaccesstothenetworkaccessfacilitywithintheOutsideBroadcastCompoundlocatedatitsStadium.K.83.TheOutsideBroadcastCompoundshallhaveanunobstructedviewofthesouthernhorizonsuchastoallowsatelliteuplinkingoriftheOutsideBroadcastCompounddoesnothavesuchunobstructedview,theClubmustprovideanadditionalareaascloseasreasonablypracticabletotheOutsideBroadcastCompoundtoenablesatelliteuplinking.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceThiscanbethesameroomasthemediaworkingareadescribedinRuleK.86.WithregardtoRuleK.88.4,ideallythecameraplatformshouldbeabletoaccommodateupto10cameras.GuidanceAccreditationofrepresentativesofthemediawillbeundertakenbytheLeagueoritsappointee(currentlyFootballDataCoLimited)onbehalfoftheLeagueandClubs.156Rules:SectionKK.90.Eachsuchseatshallhaveadesktop,electricitysupply,aclearviewofatelevisionmonitor,telephonepoint,andinternetconnectivityassetoutinRuleK.47.PressSeatsK.89.EachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumaminimumof50seatsfortheuseofaccreditedrepresentativesofthemediaandtheLeague’sdataproviders.Suchseatsmustbelocated:(a)nearthemediaworkingroom;and(b)inapositionenablingaclearviewofthewholepitch.MediaWorkingAreaK.86.EachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumaworkingareafortheuseofaccreditedrepresentativesofthemediaandBroadcasters,suchareatobelocatedinthesamestandasthePlayer’s’dressingroomsandcomprisingaroomofminimum50m2andsuppliedwith25individualorlinkedworkstations,eachofwhichshallhaveitsowndesk,chair,electricitysupplyandinternetconnectivityassetoutinRuleK.47.K.87.RefreshmentfacilitiesofastandardtobedeterminedbytheHomeClubshallbemadeavailabletoaccreditedrepresentativesofthemediaandBroadcastersforareasonableperiodbeforeandaftertheLeagueMatchandduringthehalf-timeinterval.MediaConferenceRoomK.88.EachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchatitsStadiumamediaconferenceroomwiththefollowingminimumfacilities:K.88.1.seatingfor70persons;K.88.2.lightingofasufficientlevelforthefilmingandliveTransmissionofthePost-MatchMediaConference;K.88.3.apodiumatthefrontoftheroomandinclearviewofthecameras,withtableandchairstoseatthreepeople;andK.88.4.aHardwiredcameraplatformattherearoftheroomofsufficientsizetoaccommodateatleasttwocamerasandwithanunobstructedviewofthepodium.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceAccreditationofphotographerswillbeundertakenbytheLeagueoritsappointee(currentlyFootballDataCoLimited)onbehalfoftheLeagueandClubs.157BroadcasterPreviewAccessK.92UnlessotherwiseagreedbytheLeague,eachClubshallensurethat,duringthesixdaysprecedingthedayofeachLeagueMatch,thereisaperiodoftwohoursduringwhichTVBroadcasters(includingsuchnumberofOverseasBroadcastersastheLeaguemaydetermine)mayconducttheinterviewswithPlayersandtheManagerrequiredbyRulesK.97toK.100(the“BroadcasterPreviewPeriod”).K.93.EachClubmustensurethatitstraininggroundincludesasuitable,dedicatedroominwhichtheinterviewsrequiredbyRulesK.97toK.100canbecarriedout.Thisroommustmeasurenolessthan2.5metresby2.5metresandmustbeequippedwithsuitablefacilitiestoenabletherecordingofinterviewsbyBroadcasters,including,forexample,mainspower,soundproofing,black-outblinds,curtainsonallwindowsandisolatedairconditioning.K.94.Atleastoncepercalendarmonth(withtheexceptionofJuneandJuly),eachClubmustpermitTVBroadcasterstofilmoneuninterrupted15minuteperiodofaClubtrainingsessioninvolvingthefirstteamsquad.K.95.UnlessotherwiseagreedbytheLeague,eachClubshallgivetheLeagueandeachUKBroadcasteratleast72hours’noticeofthedate,time,andlocationofitsBroadcasterPreviewPeriod.K.96.EachClubshallensurethat,ineachcase,itsBroadcasterPreviewPeriodtakesplaceonadatewhenitssubsequentfirstteammatchisaLeagueMatch.FacilitiesforPhotographersK.91.EachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumfacilitiesforphotographerstothefollowingminimumstandards:K.91.1.pitchsideaccessfor20accreditedphotographersandmessengersandappropriatepitchsidewiringandwirelessinternetconnectivity;K.91.2.bibsbearingtheword“Photographer”ontherear,numberedconsecutively,thenumbersappearingonboththefrontandrearofthebib;K.91.3.bibsofadifferent
colourbearingtheword“Messenger”ontherearandsimilarlynumbered;andK.91.4.aworkingareaorwireroomof20squaremetres,internetconnectivityassetoutinRuleK.47,16powerpoints,atelevisionmonitor,shelvestosupportlaptopcomputersandrefreshmentfacilities.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceTheLeaguemaywaiveorvarytherequirementssetoutinRulesK.95andK.96(atitsabsolutediscretion)inexceptionalcircumstancesanduponrequestfromaClubif,forexample,theproximityintimebetweenamatchintheUEFAEuropaLeaguecompetitionandthesubsequentLeagueMatchand/orthelocationoftherelevantUEFAEuropaLeagueMatchmakesitimpracticablefortheClubtoarrangeitsBroadcasterPreviewPeriodatatimewhenitssubsequentfirstteammatchisaLeagueMatch.AClubseekingawaiverorvariationoftheserequirementsfromtheLeagueinrespectofaparticularBroadcasterPreviewPeriodmustnotifytheLeagueofthatfactingoodtimeandabidebytheLeague’sdecisionastowhetherornottogranttheClub’srequest.GuidanceBroadcasterswillbeencouragedtoprovidetheshortlistreferredtoatRuleK.97.1asfarinadvanceoftheLeagueMatchinquestionaspossibletoallowClubssufficienttimetomeettheirobligationsunderRuleK.97.3(and,inanyevent,suchshortlistsshouldbesenttoClubsnolaterthan24hoursbeforethedeadlinesetoutinRuleK.97.3).AnydelayinthesubmissionofsuchshortlistsbyBroadcasterswillbetakenintoaccountbytheLeaguewhenconsideringClubs’compliancewithRuleK.97.3.158Rules:SectionKBroadcasterPreviewPeriods–UKBroadcastersK.97.InrespectofaLeagueMatchtobeTransmittedlivebyaUKBroadcaster:K.97.1.inadvanceoftheLeagueMatchtowhichtheBroadcasterPreviewPeriodrelates,therelevantUKBroadcasterwillprovideeachparticipatingClub(withacopytotheLeague)withashortlistoftwoPlayersthatitwishestobemadeavailableforinterviewduringtheBroadcasterPreviewPeriod;K.97.2.eachparticipatingClubmustmake(atleast)oneofthetwoPlayersincludedontheshortlistreferredtoatRuleK.97.1,above,availableforinterviewduringtheBroadcasterPreviewPeriodandmustinformtherelevantUKBroadcaster(withacopytotheLeague)whichofthetwoPlayersithasselectedwhenprovidingthenoticereferredtoatRuleK.97.3;K.97.3.unlessotherwiseagreedbytheLeague,eachClubshallgivetheLeagueandtherelevantUKBroadcasteratleast48hours’noticeofthename(s)ofthePlayer(s)thatwillbemadeavailableforinterviewduringtheBroadcasterPreviewPeriodtowhichtheLeagueMatchrelates,selectedinaccordancewiththisRuleK.97;K.97.4.intheeventthatthePlayerselectedbytheClubbecomesunabletoparticipateinthatBroadcasterPreviewPeriodduetoillness,injuryorotherexceptionalcircumstance,theClubmust(a)informtherelevantUKBroadcaster(withacopytotheLeague)assoonasreasonablypossible,and(b)ensurethatthesecondPlayerincludedontheshortlistreferredtoatRuleK.97.1,above,ismadeavailableasareplacement,oranothersuitablealternativeisprovidedwhoisacceptabletotheBroadcaster;andK.97.5.eachparticipatingClubmustmakeitsManageravailableforinterviewbytherelevantUKBroadcasterduringtheBroadcasterPreviewPeriod.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceWithregardstoRuleK.97.1,wheretheshortlistnotifiedtotheClubincludesaPlayerwhohasalreadybeenmadeavailableforinterviewbyUKBroadcastersfivetimesduringtheSeason,theClubshouldnotifytheLeagueandtheLeaguewillliaisewiththerelevantUKBroadcastertoselectanotherPlayer(whohasnotbeenmadeavailablefivetimesduringtheSeason)toreplacetheoriginallyselectedPlayer.159BroadcasterPreviewPeriods–OverseasBroadcastersK.99.InrespectofeachLeagueMatch,bothClubsshallensuretheattendanceof(atleast)onePlayerwhofeaturedprominentlyintheClub’smostrecentLeagueMatchand/ortheManagerduringtheBroadcasterPreviewPeriodforinterviewbyOverseasBroadcasters,non-liveUKBroadcastersandtheLeague,foraperiodofnolongerthan45minutes.ClubsshallgivetheLeagueatleast72hours’noticeofthename(s)oftheindividual(s)whowillbemadeavailableforinterviewbyOverseasBroadcasters,non-liveUKBroadcastersandtheLeagueduringtheBroadcasterPreviewPeriod.K.98.TheselectionofPlayerstobemadeavailablebyClubsforinterviewwithUKBroadcastersduringBroadcasterPreviewPeriodsthroughouttheSeasonissubjecttothefollowing:K.98.1.eachPlayerlistedonaClub’sSquadListmustbemadeavailablebytheClub,inaccordancewithRuleK.97,forinterviewbyUKBroadcastersduringBroadcasterPreviewPeriodsnofewerthanfivetimesperSeason(thoughnoClubwillbeinbreachofthisRuleinrespectofoneofitsPlayerswherethatPlayerhasbeenincludedintheshortlistreferredtoatRuleK.97.1fewerthanfivetimesinaSeason);K.98.2.noPlayerwillberequiredtobeavailableforinterviewwithUKBroadcastersintwoconsecutiveBroadcasterPreviewPeriods;andK.98.3.eachClubisentitledtoapplytotheBoardforspecialdispensationforaPlayertobegrantedanexemptionfromtherequirementsofRuleK.97foraperiodofuptofourweeks.TheBoardwillonlygrantsuchspecialdispensationinexceptionalcircumstancesandonlyonceperSeasoninrespectofeachPlayer.ShouldaClubwishtomakeanapplicationforspecialdispensationinaccordancewiththisRule,itmustdosoinwritingtotheBoard,citingreasons(and,whereappropriate,supportingevidence)foritsapplication.TheBoard’sdecisionastowhetherornottograntsuchspecialdispensationineachcaseisfinalandnotsubjecttochallenge.Wheresuchdispensationisgranted,theBoardwillnotifytotheClubhowthatdispensationaffectsthePlayer’sremainingobligationsunderRulesK.97toK.100fortheremainderoftheSeason.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceRegardlessofthenumberofOverseasBroadcasterspresent,Clubsareonlyrequiredtoprovide(atleast)onePlayerandtheManagerforthe45minutesspecifiedinRuleK.99.TheBroadcasterPreviewPeriodinterviewscantakeplaceeitherattheStadiumoratthetrainingground.ClubswilldeterminetheexactdateandtimeofeachBroadcasterPreviewPeriodandgivetheLeagueandUKBroadcastersatleast72hours’noticeofthevenue,dateandtime.TheexactdayonwhichsuchinterviewsshouldtakeplacehasnotbeenspecifiedasClubsmayhaveothermatchcommitmentsduringtheweek,someofthemabroad.AllarrangementsandmonitoringoftheseRuleswillbeundertakenbytheLeague,andClubsshouldonlycontacttheLeaguetoagreearrangementswithregardtotheirBroadcasterPreviewPeriodswhichdifferfromthosesetoutabove.Further,theLeaguerecognisesthattheremaybeweeksinwhichClubsplaytwo(orindeedinexceptionalcasesmorethantwo)LeagueMatches,e.g.overtheChristmasperiod,andtheLeaguewilltakeaccountofthisfactwhenmonitoringcompliancewiththeseRules.TheLeaguewillmonitorBroadcasteraccessduringsuchtimestoensurethatunreasonabledemandsarenotbeingplacedonClubs.160Rules:SectionKPre-MatchMediaConferenceK.101.InadditiontotherequirementsofRulesK.97toK.100,eachClubshallensurethatitsManagerattendsamediaconferencewithBroadcastersand,atitsdiscretion,suchotheraccreditedrepresentativesofthemediaastheClubconsidersappropriate,tobescheduledasfollows:DayofLeagueMatchDayofPre-MatchMediaConferenceSaturday,SundayorMondayThursdayorFridaytostartnolaterthan1.30pm(saveforexceptionalcircumstances,tobemanagedandmonitoredbytheLeague,e.g.inthecaseoflatereturnfromafixtureintheUEFAEuropaLeague).TuesdayMondaytostartnolaterthan1.30pm.WednesdayMondayorTuesdaytostartnolaterthan1.30pm.ThursdayWednesdaytostartnolaterthan1.30pm.FridayThursdaytostartnolaterthan1.30pm.K.100.OverthecourseofeachSeason,eachClubshallensurethat:K.100.1.eachPlayernamedintheClub’sSquadListanditsManageraremadeavailableforinterviewbyOverseasBroadcastersduringBroadcasterPreviewPeriodsonnofewerthanthreeoccasions;andK.100.2.subjecttoRulesK.99andK.100.1,everyOverseasBroadcasterthatwishestoattendoneoftheClub’sBroadcasterPreviewPeriodsispermittedtodosoandisgivennolessthan10minutesofaccesstointervieweither:(a)oneoftheClub’sPlayers;or(b)itsManager.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceWithregardtoRuleK.104.1,itisappreciatedthatifthepre-matchinterviewtakesplacebeforetheannouncementoftheteams,theClubOfficialnominatingaPlayertotakepartmaynotbeawareofthestartingline-upduetotimingissues.Clubsmayaccordinglyprefertoensurethatsuchinterviewstakeplaceaftertheannouncementoftheteams.TheLeaguereservestherighttoinvestigateabreachofthisprovisionifthenominatedPlayerisonewhocouldreasonablyhavebeenanticipatedwouldnotstarttheLeagueMatch,and/orifaClubpersistentlynominatesPlayersnoneofwhomgoontostarttheLeagueMatchesinquestion.IftheManagerwishestobeinterviewedbeforetheannouncementoftheteams,thiswillbeacceptableprovidedthattherelevantTVBroadcaster(ortheLeague)agrees,andprovidedthattheManagerdiscloseshisteamselectiontotherelevantTVBroadcaster(ortheLeague),whowillkeepthisinformationstrictlyconfidentialuntilaftertheteamshavebeenpubliclyannouncedwhich,asnotedinRuleK.85,willnotoccuruntil60minutesbeforekick-off.161DressingRoomFilmingK.105.InrespectofeachLeagueMatchtobeTransmittedlivebyaUKBroadcaster,eachparticipatingClubshallpermittheUKBroadcasterortheLeaguetogainaccesstoandfilmfootageofitsdressingroombetweenthetimethattheClub’sStriphasbeenlaidoutforthePlayersandthetimethatthePlayersarriveattheStadium.K.102.EachClubmustallowUKBroadcastersandtheLeagueaccesstothePre-MatchMediaConferencefortheTransmissionofthatconference.ClubsmustnotdelayorotherwiserestricttheTransmissionofthePre-MatchMediaConferenceforanylongerthan30minutesafterthecommencementofthatconference.Interviews-GeneralK.103.IfinterpretationintoEnglishisrequiredforanyinterviewtakingplacepursuanttoRulesK.97toK.100(BroadcasterPreviewPeriods)orK.104(MatchdayPre-MatchInterviews),thenitmustbeprovidedbytheClub.MatchdayPre-MatchInterviewsK.104.EachClubshallensurethatthefollowingaremadeavailableforaninterviewwithoneTVBroadcaster(ortheLeague)withintheperiodsbetween45minutesand120minutesbeforethekick-offoftheLeagueMatch:K.104.1.oneofitsPlayers(whoseidentityshallbeconfirmedbytheClubtotheMatchManagerandUKBroadcasterfilmingtheLeagueMatchatleast15minutesbeforetheinterview)whoistobeinthestartingline-upoftheLeagueMatch(whowillbeaskednomorethanthreequestions,allofwhichshallberelatedtothatLeagueMatch);andK.104.2.itsManager,suchinterviewtotakeplaceaftertheteamsheetshavebeenpubliclyannounced,theexacttimetobeagreedwiththeTVBroadcasterandMatchManager(andtobeadheredtobytheClubandManageroncesoagreed).
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceAccesstothedressingroomswillbefornolongerthanfiveminutesandwillbemonitoredbytheMatchManager,whowillensurethatonlythenecessaryTVBroadcasterand/orLeaguepersonnelarepresent.AnyfootagewillnotbeTransmitteduntilaftertheofficialteamsheetshavebeenpublished.UKBroadcasters-‘Super-Flash’interviews162Rules:SectionKK.109.PriortotheconclusionofeachLeagueMatchthatisbroadcastlivebyaUKBroadcaster,thatUKBroadcastermaynotifyaparticipatingClubofashortlistofthreePlayerswhoparticipatedintheLeagueMatchthattheUKBroadcasterwishestointerviewimmediatelyaftertheconclusionoftheLeagueMatchandbeforetherelevantPlayershavereturnedtothedressingroom(the“Super-FlashInterview”).K.110.Wheninreceiptofthatshortlist,therelevantClubmustselectatleastoneoftheshortlistedPlayerstobemadeavailablefortheSuper-FlashInterview,togetherwithonefurtherPlayer(whomayormaynotbeoneoftheotherPlayersshortlistedbytheUKBroadcasterbutmusthavefeaturedprominentlyintheLeagueMatch)whomustalsobemadeavailablefortheSuper-FlashInterview.K.111.IntheeventthattheUKBroadcasterthatfilmedtheLeagueMatchdoesnotwishtocarryouttheSuper-FlashInterviewtowhichitisentitled,anyotherUKBroadcasterpresentattheLeagueMatchmayexercisethatright(andintheeventthatnoUKBroadcasterwishestodoso,theLeaguemaydoso).Half-timeInterviewsK.106.InrespectofeachLeagueMatchtobeTransmittedlivebyaUKBroadcaster,theUKBroadcastermayrequestthattheManager(oraseniormemberofthecoachingstaff)ofeitheroreachparticipatingClubprovidesaninterviewattheendofthehalf-timeinterval,beforethere-startoftheLeagueMatch.TheManagermayelecttoprovidetheinterviewrequestedordeclinetodoso,athisabsolutediscretion.Post-MatchInterviews,MixedZoneandPost-MatchMediaConferenceK.107.AftertheconclusionofeachLeagueMatch,eachparticipatingClubmustensurethatitmakesitsPlayer(s)and/orManageravailableforinterviewstrictlyinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofRulesK.109toK.114,below.(Fortheavoidanceofdoubttherelevantintervieweesmustremainsoavailableuntiltheinterviewsareconcluded,evenifthisisafterthetimesstatedbelow).K.108.NoPlayerorManagerwhohasbeensent-offinaLeagueMatchorissuspendedforaLeagueMatchwillberequiredtobemadeavailableforinterviewduringorafterthatLeagueMatch.Insuchcircumstances,themediaobligationsrelatingtoaClub’sManagershallbefulfilledbytheClub’sassistantmanageroranotherseniormemberofitscoachingstaff.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsUKBroadcasters–OtherPost-MatchInterviewsOverseasBroadcastersandtheLeagueRadioBroadcasters163K.114.EachClubparticipatinginaLeagueMatchmustensurethateachRadioBroadcasterthathastherighttotheRadioTransmissionofthatLeagueMatchispermittedtointerview:(a)atleastonePlayerwhofeaturedprominentlyintheLeagueMatch;and(b)theManager,followingtheLeagueMatch.K.113.InrespectofeachLeagueMatch,eachparticipatingClubmustensurethatatleastoneofitsPlayerswhofeaturedprominentlyintheLeagueMatchand/oritsManagerismadeavailableforinterviewbyeachOverseasBroadcasterinattendanceattheLeagueMatchandtheLeague,inaccordancewiththefollowingdeadlines:K.113.1.within20minutesoftheconclusionoftheLeagueMatchfortheLeague(savethatwhereaPlayerhasprovidedaSuper-FlashInterviewtotheLeague,heisnotrequiredtoprovideafurtherpost-matchinterviewtotheLeague);K.113.2.within30minutesoftheconclusionoftheLeagueMatchforeachOverseasBroadcasterTransmittingtheLeagueMatchlive(savethatthisdeadlineisextendedto45minutesforPlayers/theManagerfromthesidethatlosttherelevantLeagueMatch);andK.113.3.within45minutesforeachotherOverseasBroadcasterthathasTransmittedtheLeagueMatch.K.112.InrespectofeachUKBroadcasterthathastherighttotheTransmissionofaLeagueMatchbuthasnotbeenprovidedwithaSuper-FlashInterviewinaccordancewithRuleK.109,thatUKBroadcasterisentitledtointerviewtwoPlayersandtheManagerfromeachparticipatingClubfollowingeachLeagueMatch,inaccordancewiththefollowingrequirements:K.112.1.theUKBroadcastermaynotifyaparticipatingClubofashortlistofthreePlayerswhoparticipatedintheLeagueMatchthattheUKBroadcasterwishestointerviewfollowingtheLeagueMatch;K.112.2.wheninreceiptofthatshortlist,therelevantClubmustselectatleastoneoftheshortlistedPlayerstobemadeavailableforinterviewwiththeUKBroadcaster,togetherwithonefurtherPlayer(whomayormaynotbeoneoftheotherPlayersshortlistedbytheUKBroadcasterbutmusthavefeaturedprominentlyintheLeagueMatch)andtheClub’sManager;andK.112.3.therelevantPlayersandtheManagermustbemadeavailableforinterview:(a)within20minutesoftheconclusionoftheLeagueMatchforinterviewswithaUKBroadcasterthathasbroadcasttheLeagueMatchlive;and(b)within45minutesoftheconclusionoftheLeagueMatchforallotherUKBroadcasters.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceFortheavoidanceofdoubt,allPlayersselectedfordopingcontrolfollowingaLeagueMatcharestillexpectedtocomplywiththeirobligationsregardingBroadcasteraccess(savewherethedopingcontrolofficerrefusestoallowthePlayertodepartfromthedopingcontrolstationasaresultof,forexample,alackofavailablechaperones).However,whereselectionfordopingcontrolaffectsaPlayer’sabilitytomakehimselfavailableforinterviewwithinthedeadlinesstipulatedbytheseRules,thatwillbetakenintoaccountbytheBoardwhendeterminingwhetherabreachhasoccurred.WithregardtoRuleK.113,theLeagueinthiscontextmeansPremierLeagueProductions,theLeague’sappointedproductionpartnerwhichundertakesthebroadcastofallLeagueMatchesonbehalfoftheLeague.TheLeaguethendistributescontenttoOverseasBroadcasters.RuleK.113requiresClubstoensurethateitheraPlayerortheManagerisavailableaftertheLeagueMatchforinterviewswiththeLeagueandallOverseasBroadcasterspresentandallClubsarestronglyencouragedtogiveconsiderationtothelanguagerequirementsofOverseasBroadcastersand,wherepossible,provideaccesstoPlayersthatspeakthelanguageoftherelevantOverseasBroadcaster.TheLeaguewillmonitorBroadcasteraccesstoensurethatunreasonabledemandsarenotbeingplacedonClubsbyOverseasBroadcasters.Furthermore,ClubsshouldensurethattheymakeasufficientnumberofPlayersavailableforinterviewbyOverseasBroadcastersandtheLeaguetoensurecompliancewiththedeadlinessetoutatRuleK.113.Forexample,ifaClubmakesonlyonePlayeravailableforinterviewbyOverseasBroadcastersandtheLeague,itisunlikelythatallsuchBroadcasterswillreceiveinterviewswithintherelevantdeadlines.Insuchcircumstances,wherethedeadlinesaremissedasaresultoftoofewPlayersbeingmadeavailablebyaClub,thatClubwillbeinbreachoftheseRules.“RadioBroadcasters”meansforthepurposesofthisRuleUKand/orIrishradiobroadcastersonly.InterviewswithTVBroadcasterswhichtakeplacepursuanttoRulesK.109toK.113musttakeplaceinfrontoftheInterviewBackdropstobeprovidedbytheLeague.GuidanceClubsmaywithdrawaPlayerfromwalkingthroughtheMixedZoneinexceptionalcircumstances,e.g.wherethePlayerhassufferedinjuryandneedsmedicaltreatmentorissubjecttodopingcontrol.164Rules:SectionKK.117.EachHomeClubshallfacilitateamediaconferencefollowingeachLeagueMatch(the“Post-MatchMediaConference”).K.118.ThePost-MatchMediaConferenceshalltakeplaceinthemediaconferenceroomreferredtoinRuleK.88.K.115.Before31Julyeachyear,eachClubmustconfirmtotheLeaguewhether,inrespectofeachLeagueMatchthroughouttheSeason:K.115.1.eachofthePlayerslistedonitsteamsheetwillwalkthroughtheMixedZonewhenexitingtheStadiumfollowingtheLeagueMatch;orK.115.2.aminimumofsixofthePlayerslistedontheteamsheetwillwalkthroughtheMixedZonewhenexitingtheStadiumfollowingtheLeagueMatchandtheClubwillensurethateachBroadcasterinattendanceintheMixedZoneisabletointerviewatleastonesuchPlayer.K.116.HavingmadetheelectionreferredtoatRuleK.115,above,eachClubmustensurethatitcomplieswithitschosenapproachateachLeagueMatch.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceThepurposeofthisrequirementisprimarilytoprovidefootageofplayerstobeusedindynamicline-upsbyTVBroadcasters.Inaddition,photographsofplayerswillbeusedbytheLeague’stradingcardspartner.TheLeaguewillholdthecopyrightinthesephotographsandlicenceittoClubs.IntheeventthattheLeagueoritsappointeeisunabletocarryoutthefilmingorphotographyofaContractPlayerpursuanttoRuleK.121thentheClubshouldprovidetotheLeagueafront-onheadandbodyphotographoftheContractPlayerwearingtheClub’shomeStrip.AssquadschangeovertheSeason,theLeaguewillaskClubstogiveaccesstonewPlayerspursuanttoRuleK.121.2.WhiletheLeaguewillworkwithClubstoschedulethesefurthersessions,theywillneedtobeundertakenbeforeanynewPlayerplaysinaLeagueMatch.GuidanceTheLeaguewillmanagetherequestsforaccessmadebyBroadcastersunderRuleK.125toensurethatthedemandsmadeofClubsorofindividualPlayersandManagersarenottooonerous.165K.125.EachClubshallensurethat,whenreasonablyrequestedtodosobytheLeague,PlayersandManagerswilltakepartinrecordingsforthepromotionalpurposesofBroadcastersandtheLeague.K.119.EachHomeClubshallensurethatBroadcasterswhowishtodosohaveaccesstothePost-MatchMediaConferenceandmayatitsdiscretiongivesuchaccesstoaccreditedrepresentativesofothermedia.K.120.EachClubshallensurethatitsManagerattendsthePost-MatchMediaConference.PromotionalPhotographsandFootageK.121.EachClubshall:K.121.1.select(andnotifytheLeagueof)onehalfdayperiod,nolaterthan48hoursbeforethestartofeachSeason,duringwhichitsContractPlayersandManagermaybephotographedand/orfilmedbytheLeagueoritsappointee;andK.121.2.ensurethateachofitsContractPlayersanditsManagerisavailableforacontinuousperiodofnolessthan60minutesduringsuchhalfdayperiodforthephotographyandfilmingreferredtoatRuleK.121.1.K.122.ForthepurposesofthephotographyandfilmingreferredtoinRuleK.121:K.122.1.eachContractPlayershallweareachoftheStripsregisteredbytheClubpursuanttoRuleM.17;andK.122.2.theManagershallwearmatchdayattire(suchastheClub’sofficialtrainingkitorblazerorsuit).K.123.EachClubshallmakeavailableatitsStadiumortraininggroundtworooms,eachmeasuringatleast7mx6mx3mandwithbenefitofmainselectricpower,forthepurposesofthefilmingandphotographyreferredtoinRuleK.121.K.124.EachClubshallprovidetotheLeaguebynolaterthan30SeptembereachyearagroupphotographofallofthePlayersincludedonitsSquadListandanyUnder21PlayerswhointheClub’sreasonableopinionwillplayinasignificantnumberofLeagueMatchesintheforthcomingSeason.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceTheLeaguewillonlyorganiseonepre-seasonmediaeventeachyear.Itmaybebroadcastlive.Representativesofthemedia,aswellasBroadcasters,willbeinvitedtoattend.TheLeagueenvisagesthatitwillaskthepreviousSeason’sLeagueChampions,plusaClubfromthosewhofinishedinthetop10thepreviousSeasonandonefromthosewhofinishedinpositions11to17inthepreviousSeason,togetherwithanewlyPromotedClub,tomakeavailablePlayersandtheManagerpursuanttoRuleK.126.TheClubswhoareaskedwillalsoberotatedfromSeasontoSeason(save,whereapplicable,inthecaseoftheLeagueChampions).TheLeaguewillmaketravelarrangementsandmeettravelexpenses.TheLeague’spre-seasonmediaeventmayfocusonspecificthemesorissues(e.g.youngplayersorHome-GrownPlayers),inwhichcasetheClubswhoarerequestedtomakePlayersavailablepursuanttoRuleK.126willbeaskedtoprovidePlayerswhosebackgroundorexperienceisrelevanttotheparticularthemeorissue.GuidanceTheaverageluxvaluereferredtoinRuleK.129.1iscalculatedbyaddingtogetherthereadingsineachdirectiontakenfromeachofthe96measurementpointsreferredtoinRuleK.131anddividingthemby96.TheaverageluxvaluereferredtoinRuleK.129.2iscalculatedbyaddingtogetherthereadingstakeninthesamedirectionateachofthe96measurementpointsreferredtoinRuleK.131anddividingthetotalby96.Clubsshouldalsotakemeasurementsonthehorizontalplaneatall96measurementsasreferredtoinRuleK.131forreference.ThesemeasurementsshouldbereportedintheForm8AasperRuleK.140.Allmeasurementsshouldbetakenat1mabovethepitchsurface.166Rules:SectionKK.130.Thefloodlightingmustprovideuniformityofmaintainedverticalilluminanceatalllocationsonthepitchsuchthattheminimumilluminanceisnolessthanhalfofthemaximumilluminanceandnolessthan60%oftheaverageilluminance.FloodlightsK.128.OnthedayofeachLeagueMatch,eachClubshallensurethatitsfloodlightsareoperationalandcomplywiththerequirementsoftheseRulesforsuchperiodastheBoardmayfromtimetotimespecify.K.129.AClub’sStadiummusthavefloodlightsgivingamaintainedverticalilluminanceof:K.129.1.anaverageofatleast1650luxandaminimumofatleast1000luxwhenmeasuredtowardstheprincipalcameraontheTelevisionGantry;andK.129.2.anaverageofatleast1000luxandaminimumofatleast650luxatanyonelocationonthepitchwhenmeasuredtowardsthefourverticalplanesat0°,90°,180°and270°asshowninthepitchlightinggridsetoutbelow.LeaguePre-SeasonMediaEventK.126.EachClubshall,whenrequestedtodosobytheLeague,ensurethatitscaptainandManagerareavailabletoattendtheLeague’sdesignatedpre-seasonmediaevent.K.127.SuchattendanceshallmeanthecaptainandManagerbeingavailableforacontinuoustwohourperiodatalocationoftheLeague’schoiceandincludetheirbeinginterviewedbyBroadcasters.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsGuidanceTherequirementsofRuleK.130areoftenexpressedbytechnicalexpertsas“U1values”and“U2values”inthefollowingmanner:“Uniformity(U1[min/max])>0.50Uniformity(U2[min/ave])>0.60”Guidance–PitchLightingGridToillustratewhatismeantbythis,Clubsarerequestedtomeasureandreportluxvaluesusingagridasshownbelowdemonstratingeachpointonthepitchatwhichameasurementmustbetakenandrecorded:167K.131.Calculation,measurementandreportingoftheluxvaluesshallbeundertakenonthepitchusing96measurementpointsinagridformatandatanequaldistancefromeachother.K.132.Ateachofthe96measurementpointsreferredtoinRuleK.131,fivemeasurementsshallbetakenatonemetreabovethepitchandinthefollowingfivedirections:K.132.1.onemeasurementshallbetakentowardsthemaincameraontheTelevisionGantry(representedatpositionno.1onPlanAofAppendix3);andK.132.2.fourmeasurementsshallbetakeninfourdirections.Themeasurementsshallbetakenat0°,90°,180°and270°planesasshowninthepitchlightinggridsetoutbelow.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’RequirementsThecertificatetobeprovidedtotheLeaguepursuanttoRuleK.140mustcontaintheoutcomeofthemeasurementoftheluxvaluesateachpointandineachdirectiononthepitchinthisformat.Asfivemeasurementsmustbetakenateachofthe96points,atotalof480measurementsmustbetaken(or576ifincludingthehorizontalplanereadingsthatarerequiredforreference).GuidanceThisisespeciallyimportantinthegoalmouthareawhereitisrecommendedbytheInternationalCommissiononIlluminationthatnofloodlightsareinstalledinthehorizontalzoneof5ºofeithersideofthegoalline.GuidanceThecolourrenderingindexRareferredtoinRuleK.136.1iscertifiedbytheluminaireandlampmanufacturer,andClubsareentitledtorelyonthis(theLeaguewillnotrequireanyfurthercertificationofit).168Rules:SectionKK.137.EachClubmusthaveinstalledatoradjacenttoitsStadiumanalternativepowersourceforthefloodlightssuchthatthefloodlightingshallcontinuewithaminimumaverageilluminanceof800luxtowardsthemaincameraintheeventofthefailureoftheprimarypowersource.K.138.DetailsofthealternativepowersourcereferredtoinRuleK.137,theestimatedtimebeforefloodlightsareavailableagainintheeventoffailureoftheprimarypowersource,andtheluxvalueofthefloodlightswhenpoweredbythealternativepowersourcemustbesetoutintheannualfloodlightingreportreferredtoinRuleK.140.K.139.EachClubshallensurethatthefloodlightinginstallationandsupportingservicesatitsStadiumareproperlydesignedandmaintained.K.136.EachClub’sfloodlightingshallhave:K.136.1.colourrenderingindexRaofgreaterthan80;K.136.2.anaveragecolourtemperatureofbetween5200kelvinand6000kelvin,beingtheaverageofthreemeasurementstakeninthemiddleofeachgoal-lineandonthecentrespot;andK.136.3.flicker(asmeasuredbyflickerfactor)ofnomorethan6%atanyoneormoreofthe96measurementpointsreferredtoinRuleK.131whenmeasuredtowardstheprincipalcameraontheTelevisionGantry.K.133.The12rowsofseatingnearesttothepitch(saveforsuchrowsinthestandwheretheTelevisionGantryissituated)shallbeilluminatedsuchthattheyhaveaminimumverticalilluminanceperpendiculartothepitchofatleast165luxandprovideacomfortable,glare-freeenvironmentforspectators.K.134.TheilluminancereferredtoinRuleK.133shallbemeasuredbymeasurementstakenatilluminancetestreferencepointslocatedat10mintervalsonthetenthrowofseatingaroundthepitch.TheilluminancetestreferencepointsarerequiredinallseatingareasaroundtheperimeterofthepitchsaveforareasadjacenttotheTelevisionGantry.K.135.FloodlightingshallbeinstalledandarrangedsoasnottocauseundueglaretoPlayers.
SectionK:StadiumCriteriaandBroadcasters’Requirements169K.140.InadvanceofeachSeason,acertificateinForm8AsignedbyaCharteredElectricalEngineer,amemberoftheInstituteofLightingProfessionalsoramemberoftheSocietyofLightandLighting(inthisRule“theSignatory”)shallbeprovidedbytheClubtotheLeaguetocertifythat:K.140.1.thefloodlightshavebeeninspectedbytheSignatoryandinhisopinioncomplywithRulesK.129toK.139;K.140.2.theilluminancemeterusedtomeasurecompliancewithRuleK.129was:K.140.2.1.cosinecorrected;K.140.2.2.suitableforuseformeasuringtheilluminanceoffloodlighting;K.140.2.3.fittedwithawide-anglereceptivelightsensor;andK.140.2.4.calibratedatleastonceintheprevious12months(andacopyofthemostrecentcertificateofcalibrationshallbeattachedtoForm8A);andK.140.3.thefloodlightinginstallationanditssupportingserviceshavebeendesignedtoanappropriatestandardincompliancewiththeseRulesandhavebeenproperlymaintained.K.141.IfworksareundertakenataClub’sfloodlightinginstallationandsupportservicesafterthesubmissionofthecertificatereferredtoinRuleK.140thentheClubmustprovideafurthersuchcertificatetotheLeaguewithinfourweeksofthoseworksbeingconcluded.
Clubs:OperationsSectionL:Fixtures171ArrangingFixturesL.1.TheBoardshall:L.1.1.determinethedatesandkick-offtimesofallLeagueMatchesassoonaspracticablepriortothecommencementofeachSeason;andL.1.2.havethepoweratanytimethereaftertochangethedateandkick-offtimeofaLeagueMatch,andbeforeexercisingsuchpowertheBoardwillconsultwithandtakeintoaccountanyrepresentationsmadebytheClubsparticipatingintheLeagueMatchinquestionandanyotherCluborClubswhichmaybeaffectedthereby.L.2.EachClubshalluseitsbestendeavourstoensurethateachLeagueMatchtakesplaceonthedateandatthetimefixedforit.L.3.NofixturesshallbearrangedonoronanyofthesixdaysprecedingthefourdatesagreedbetweentheLeagueandTheFootballAssociationpriortoeachSeasonuponwhichinternationalmatcheswillbeplayed.L.4.LeagueMatcheswillbeplayedonNewYear’sDayunlessitfallsonaThursdayorFridayandF.A.CupmatchesarescheduledtobeplayedontheimmediatelyfollowingSaturday.L.5.AllintellectualpropertyandotherrightsintheLeague’sfixturelistshallbelongtotheLeague.L.6.AClubengagedinanymatchplayedinaUEFAClubCompetitiononaThursdayeveningandaLeagueMatchonthefollowingSaturdaymayrearrangetheLeagueMatchtothefollowingSunday,providedthat:L.6.1.itgivesnoticetothateffecttotheBoardandtotherelevantopposingClubwithin72hoursofthedateoftheUEFAClubCompetitionmatchbeingfixed(or,iftheperiodof72hoursexpiresonadaywhichisnotaWorkingDay,bycloseofbusinessonthefirstWorkingDaythereafter);L.6.2.thereisnopoliceobjection;L.6.3.therearrangementoftheLeagueMatchdoesnotresultintheopposingClubhavingtoplayanotherLeagueMatch,F.A.CupmatchorUEFAClubCompetitionmatchwithintwodaysoftherearrangedLeagueMatchbeingplayed;andL.6.4.thekick-offtimeofthere-arrangedLeagueMatchisthesameasthatofoneoftheLeagueMatches(ifany)whichhavebeenselectedforliveTransmissionintheUnitedKingdomonthatSunday,orsuchotherkick-offtimeastheBoardmayapprove.L.7.AClubmayapplytotheBoardforpermissiontorearrangeanyfixturesothatitisplayedonadifferentdateoratadifferentkick-offtime.
SectionL:Fixtures172Rules:SectionLArrangingOtherMatchesL.8.AClubshallnotarrangetoplayafriendlymatchduringtheSeason:L.8.1.untilthedatesofLeagueMatchesforthatSeasonhavebeenfixedandpublishedinaccordancewithRuleL.1;orL.8.2.sothatitadverselyaffectsaLeagueMatch.OtherCompetitionsL.9.ExceptwiththepriorwrittenapprovaloftheBoard,duringtheSeasonaClubshallnotenterorplayinanycompetitionotherthan:L.9.1.theUEFAChampionsLeague;L.9.2.theUEFAEuropaLeague;L.9.3.theF.A.Cup;L.9.4.theF.A.CommunityShield;L.9.5.theFootballLeagueCup;orL.9.6.competitionssanctionedbytheCountyAssociationofwhichitisamember.L.10.EachClubshallentertheF.A.Cup.L.11.QualificationforUEFAClubCompetitionsshallbeonsportingmeritthroughdomesticcompetitionscontrolledorsanctionedbyTheFootballAssociation.ClubsqualifyingforaUEFAClubCompetitionmustapplyforaUEFAClubLicenceinaccordancewiththeLicensingManual.PostponementofLeagueMatchesL.12.ALeagueMatchshallnotbepostponedorabandonedexcept:L.12.1.whenonthedatefixedforittobeplayedeithertheHomeClubortheVisitingClubiscompetinginacompetitionpermittedbyRulesL.9.1,L.9.2,andL.9.3;L.12.2.withtheapprovaloforontheinstructionsoftheofficiatingreferee;L.12.3.byorderofthepolice;L.12.4.byorderofanyotherauthorityexercisingitsstatutorypowerstothateffect;orL.12.5.ontheinstructionsoforwiththepriorwrittenconsentoftheBoard.L.13.WhereitisproposedtopostponeaLeagueMatchpursuanttoRuleL.12.4onthegroundsofsafety,theappropriateOfficialoftheHomeClubshall:L.13.1.completeandmakeavailableonrequesttotheLeagueallrelevantriskassessmentdocumentation;andL.13.2.timepermitting,consultwiththeofficiatingreferee,thepoliceandthechairmanoftheClub’ssafetyadvisorygroupandensurethatthematchdelegateappointedtoattendtheLeagueMatchpursuanttoRuleL.17isfullybriefedastothereasonsforthepostponement.
SectionL:FixturesGuidanceClubsareremindedoftheirobligationpursuanttoRuleL.2tousetheirbestendeavourstoensurethatallLeagueMatchestakeplaceonthedateandatthekick-offtimefixedforthem.Pursuanttothis,Clubsareexpectedtodoalltheycantoaddressanyconcernsraisedbyastatutoryauthority.173FailuretoPlayaLeagueMatchL.15.ExceptinthecaseofaLeagueMatchwhich,withouteitheroftheparticipatingClubsbeingatfault,ispostponedorabandonedundertheprovisionsofRuleL.12,anyClubwhichcausesthepostponementorabandonmentofaLeagueMatchonthedatefixedunderRuleL.1ortowhichitisrearrangedunderRulesL.1.2,L.6orL.7willbeinbreachoftheseRules.ReplayingaLeagueMatchL.16.TheBoardshallhavepowertoorderthataLeagueMatchbereplayedprovidedthatarecommendationtothateffecthasbeenmadebyaCommissioninexerciseofitspowersunderRuleW.55.MatchDelegateL.17.TheLeaguewillappointamatchdelegatetoattendeachLeagueMatchandtheHomeClubshallensurethatheisallocatedaprimeseatandallowedaccesstoallareasoftheStadium.L.18.ThematchdelegatewillactasanofficialrepresentativeoftheLeagueattheLeagueMatchtowhichheisappointedandhewillreportthereontotheLeague.FullStrengthTeamsL.19.IneveryLeagueMatcheachparticipatingClubshallfieldafullstrengthteam.MinimumAgeL.20.APlayerwhoforthepurposeofYouthDevelopmentRule2isplacedinanagegroupbelowUnder16shallnotbenamedinaClub’steamsheetfororparticipateinaLeagueMatch.L.14.UponaLeagueMatchbeingpostponedorabandonedinaccordancewithRulesL.12.1,L.12.2,L.12.3,orL.12.4theHomeClubshallforthwithinformtheBoard,andtheBoardwillthereuponexerciseitspowerunderRuleL.1.2andfixadateandkick-offtimeofthere-arrangedLeagueMatch.
SectionL:FixturesGuidanceFromSeason2017/18asystemfacilitatingtheonlinesubmissionofteamsheets,includingalloftheinformationsetoutinForm9,willbeintroduced.174Rules:SectionLL.22.Atleast60minutesbeforethetimefixedforthekick-offofaLeagueMatch,aseniormemberofthecoachingstaffandthefirstteamcaptainofeachparticipatingClubshallattendabriefingwiththereferee.L.23.AnyClubactinginbreachofeitherRuleL.21orRuleL.22willpayafixedpenaltyof£2,500inrespectofafirstsuchbreach,£5,000inrespectofasecondsuchbreachduringaSeasonand£10,000inrespectofathirdsuchbreachduringaSeason.AnysubsequentbreachshallbedealtwithundertheprovisionsofSectionWoftheseRules(Disciplinary).L.24.IfanyPlayer(orsubstItutePlayer)namedInateamsheetIsInjuredorotherwIseIncapacItatedafterthesubmIssIonoftheteamsheetbutbeforekIck-off,uponhIsTeamDoctoror,IfheIsunavaIlable,anotherdoctorcertIfyIngthattheInjuryorIncapacItatIonIssuchthatthePlayerInquestIoncannotreasonablybeexpectedtoplay,theClubmayaddthenameofanotherPlayertotheteamsheetasaPlayerorsubstItutePlayer.L.25.AnyamendmenttotheteamsheetpursuanttoRuleL.24shallbecommunIcatedforthwIthtothereferee,theopposIngClubandtheMatchManager.L.26.NoPlayerwhosenamedoesnotappearonhIsClub’steamsheetshalltakethefIeldofplayInthatLeagueMatch.SubstItutePlayersL.27.InanyLeagueMatchaClubmayIncludeInItsteamsheetuptosevensubstItutePlayersofwhomnotmorethanthreemaytakepartIntheLeagueMatchsubjecttothecondItIonssetoutInLaw3oftheLawsoftheGame.L.28.NotmorethanthreesubstItutePlayersofeachClubshallwarmupatthesametImeontheperImeterofapItchuponwhIchaLeagueMatchIsbeIngplayed.TeamSheetandPre-MatchBrIefIngL.21.Atleast75mInutesbeforethetImefIxedforthekIck-offofaLeagueMatch,arepresentatIveofeachpartIcIpatIngClubshallsubmItateamsheetbysuchmethodasapprovedbytheBoardcontaInIngthefollowIngpartIculars:L.21.1.theshIrtnumbersandnamesofItsPlayers(IncludIngsubstItutePlayers)whoaretotakepartInthatLeagueMatch;L.21.2.thecolouroftheStrIptobewornbyItsPlayers,IncludIngthegoalkeeper;andL.21.3.thenamesandjobtItlesofuptosevenOffIcIalswhowIlloccupythetraIner’sbenchdurIngthatLeagueMatch
SectIonL:FIxtures175KIck-OffL.29.EachClubpartIcIpatIngInaLeagueMatchshalladheretothekIck-offtImeandtheHomeClubshallreportanydelaytotheBoardtogetherwIthanyexplanatIontherefor.L.30.AnyClubwhIchwIthoutgoodreasoncausestobedelayedeItherthekIck-offofaLeagueMatchfromthetImefIxedorthere-startafterthehalf-tImeInterval:L.30.1.shallonthefIrstsuchoccasIonpayafIxedpenaltyof£5,000Ifthedelaydoesnotexceed15mInutes;andL.30.2.shallonasecondorsubsequentoccasIonwIthIntwoyearsofthefIrstsuchoccasIonorIfInanycasethedelayexceeds15mInutesbedealtwIthundertheprovIsIonsofSectIonWoftheseRules(DIscIplInary).CountdowntoKIck-OffL.31.EachClubpartIcIpatIngInaLeagueMatchmustcomplywIththetermsoftherelevantCountdowntoKIck-Off.UseofOffIcIalBallL.32.InallLeagueMatchestheHomeClubshallprovIdeandthepartIcIpatIngClubsshalluseonlytheoffIcIalballapprovedfromtImetotImebytheLeague.OccupatIonoftheTechnIcalAreaL.33.ThetechnIcalareashallbeoccupIeddurIngaLeagueMatchonlybysubstItutePlayersandOffIcIalswhosenamesappearontheteamsheet.OnlyOffIcIalswhosenamesappearontheteamsheetandwhoaresItuatedInthetechnIcalareamaycommunIcateInstructIonstoPlayersdurIngaLeagueMatch.L.34.AnyPlayerwhoIsdIsmIssedfromthefIeldofplayshallproceedImmedIatelytothedressIngroomandshallnotoccupythetechnIcalarea.DuratIonofLeagueMatchesL.35.SubjecttotheprovIsIonsofLaw7oftheLawsoftheGameandRuleL.36,theduratIonofaLeagueMatchshallbe90mInutes.L.36.TheBoardmayorderaLeagueMatchwhIchforwhateverreasonlastsforlessthan90mInutestocountasacompletedfIxtureortobereplayedeItherpartIallyorInItsentIrety.L.37.Thehalf-tImeIntervalInLeagueMatchesshallbe15mInutes.NotIfIcatIonofLeagueMatchResultsL.38.By12noononthefIrstWorkIngDayafteraLeagueMatcheachpartIcIpatIngClubshallsubmItForm10totheBoarddulycompleted.
SectIonL:FIxtures176Rules:SectIonLGateStatementsL.39.WIthIn10WorkIngDaysofaLeagueMatchtheHomeClubshallsubmItForm11totheBoarddulycompleted.PenaltIesL.40.AnyClubactIngInbreachofRulesL.31orL.38wIllpayafIxedpenaltyof£2,500InrespectofafIrstsuchbreach,£5,000InrespectofasecondsuchbreachdurIngaSeasonand£10,000InrespectofathIrdsuchbreachdurIngaSeason.AnysubsequentbreachshallbedealtwIthundertheprovIsIonsofSectIonWoftheseRules(DIscIplInary).CompensatIonforPostponedMatchesL.41.CompensatIonshallbepayabletoaHomeClubIfaLeagueMatchInwhIchItshouldpartIcIpateIspostponed,provIdedthat:L.41.1.thepostponementIscausedbytheVIsItIngClubonthedatefIxedfortheLeagueMatchoronadatereasonablyproxImatetheretobeIngengagedInanF.A.CupmatchoraFootballLeagueCupmatch;andL.41.2.onthedatefIxedfortheLeagueMatchtheHomeClubIsnolongerengagedIntherelevantcompetItIon.L.42.InthecaseofapostponementcausedbyanF.A.CupmatchcompensatIonshallbepaIdoutoftheF.A.CuppoolandInthecaseofaFootballLeagueCupmatchoutoftheFootballLeagueCuppoolorIneIthercaseastheBoardshalldetermIne.L.43.IneIthercasetheamountofcompensatIonshallbethesum(Ifany)bywhIchtheHomeClub’snetrevenuefromthepostponedLeagueMatchfallsshortoftheHomeClub’saveragenetrevenueforLeagueMatchesplayedInthatSeason.ProvIsIonofHospItalItyforOffIcIalsL.44.EachHomeClubshallprovIdehospItalItyarrangementsfortheDIrectorsandotherOffIcIalsoftheVIsItIngClub.
Clubs:OperationsSectionM:Players’IdentificationandStrip177PlayerIdentificationM.1.BeforethecommencementofeachSeasoneachClubshallallocateadifferentshirtnumbertoeachmemberofitsfirstteamsquad.M.2.AClubshalllikewiseallocateashirtnumbertoanyPlayerjoiningitsfirstteamsquadduringtheSeason.M.3.SavewiththepriorwrittenconsentoftheBoardshirtnumbersshallcommencewiththenumberoneandshallbeallocatedconsecutively.M.4.WhileheremainswiththeClubaPlayerwillretainhisshirtnumberthroughouttheSeasonforwhichitwasallocated.M.5.UponaPlayerleavingaClubtheshirtnumberallocatedtohimmaybere-allocated.M.6.EachClubshallforthwithprovidetotheBoardonForm12fulldetailsinwritingofshirtnumbersallocatedsothatthroughouteachSeasontheBoardisawareofthenamesofmembersofthefirstteamsquadofeachClubandtheshirtnumbersallocatedtothem.M.7.WhenplayinginLeagueMatcheseachPlayershallwearashirtonthebackofwhichshallbeprominentlydisplayedhisshirtnumbersoastobeclearlyvisibleinaccordancewithguidelineslaiddownbytheBoardfromtimetotime,andabovethathissurnameorsuchothernameasmaybeapprovedinwritingbytheBoard.M.8.ThePlayer’sshirtnumbershallalsoappearonthefrontoftheleftlegofhisshorts.M.9.Thesize,style,colouranddesignofshirtnumbers,letteringandthelogooftheLeagueappearingonaPlayer’sshirtorshortsandthematerialfromwhichsuchnumbers,letteringandlogoaremadeshallbedeterminedbytheBoardfromtimetotime.M.10.ThecolouranddesignoftheshirtandstockingswornbythegoalkeeperwhenplayinginLeagueMatchesshallbesuchastodistinguishhimfromtheotherPlayersandfromMatchOfficials.M.11.ThecaptainofeachteamappearinginaLeagueMatchshallwearanarmbandprovidedbytheLeagueindicatinghisstatusassuch.M.12.AnyClubactinginbreachofanyofRulesM.1toM.11inclusivewillbeliabletopaytotheLeagueafixedpenaltyof£2,500forafirstbreach,£5,000forasecondbreachduringaSeasonand£10,000fora
thirdbreachduringaSeason.AnysubsequentbreachmaybedealtundertheprovisionsofSectionWoftheseRules(Disciplinary).HomeandAlternativeStripM.13.EachClubshallhaveahomeStripanduptoamaximumoftwoalternativeStripswhichshallbewornbyitsPlayersinLeagueMatchesinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheseRules.
SectionM:Players’IdentificationandStrip178Rules:SectionMM.14.EachClubmusthaveatleastonealternativeStripwhichdiffersvisiblyfromandcontrastswithitsHomeStrip(includingthegoalkeeper’sHomeStrip)totheextentthatthetwoStripscouldbewornbyopposingteamsinamatch.M.15.ThelogooftheLeagueshallappearontherightsleeveofbothhomeStripandalternativeStripshirts.WheretherelevantStripdoesnotbearasponsor’slogoontheleftsleeveofitsshirt,alogooftheLeagueshallappearonthatsleeveaswell.M.16.NeitherthehomeStripshirtnortheshirtofeitherofthealternativeStripsshallbeofacolourordesignalikeorsimilartotheoutfitsofMatchOfficials.M.17.NotlaterthanfourweeksbeforethecommencementofeachSeason,eachClubshallregisteritsStrips(eachofwhichmustbeavailablefortheClubtowearineachLeagueMatchduringtheSeason)bysubmittingtotheBoardForm13togetherwithsamplesofitshomeStrip,alternativeStrip(s)andgoalkeeper’sStripcomplyingwiththeseRulesandabriefwrittendescriptionofeach.TheBoardhavingenteredthedescriptionsinaregisterwillcausethesametobeprintedinthehandbookoftheLeagueandontheLeague’swebsite.M.18.EachStripsubmittedforregistrationinaccordancewithRuleM.17shallhaveonit:M.18.1.theshirtnumberandnameofanyPlayerintheClub’sfirstteamsquad,displayedasrequiredbyRuleM.7;andM.18.2.anyadvertisementforwhichtheapprovaloftheBoardiseithersoughtorhasalreadybeengivenundertheprovisionsofRuleM.30.1.M.19.IfpursuanttoRuleM.17aClubseekstoregisteraStripwhichdoesnotcomplywiththeseRules:M.19.1.theBoardshallgivetothatClubnoticeinwritingtothateffectgivingfulldetailsofthechangesrequiredtoachievecompliance;andM.19.2.theStripinquestionshallnotbewornbythatClub’sPlayersinaLeagueMatchuntilafurthersamplehasbeensubmittedtoandapprovedinwritingbytheBoard.M.20.SubjecttoRuleM.21,StripsofthedescriptionthusregisteredshallbewornthroughouttheSeasonimmediatelyfollowingandnochangestoitshallbemadeexceptwiththepriorwrittenpermissionoftheBoard.M.21.OntheoccasionofaClub’slasthomeorawayLeagueMatchinanySeasonafurtherStrip(i.e.notoneregisteredbytheClubinaccordancewithRuleM.17)maybewornprovidedthat:M.21.1.atleastsevendays’priorwrittennoticeofintentiontodosoisgiventotheBoard(suchnoticetobeaccompaniedbyasampleoftheStripintendedtobeworn)andtheopposingClub(suchnoticetobeaccompaniedbyaCADdrawingoftheStripintendedtobeworn);andM.21.2.thealternativeStripshallbesubsequentlyregisteredastheClub’shomeoralternativeStripforthefollowingSeason.
SectionM:Players’IdentificationandStripGuidanceInrespectofeachLeagueMatch,theLeaguewillnotifyClubsoftheconfirmedStripstobewornbytheHomeClubandtheVisitingClub(togetherwiththeuniformtobewornbytheMatchOfficials)intheformoftheMatchDayInformationSheet.179M.26.IntheeventofadisputearisingonthedayofaLeagueMatchinrelationtotheStriptobewornthenthereferee’sdecisionshallbefinal.M.27.SubjecttoRuleM.21,noClubshallparticipateinaLeagueMatchwearingaStripotherthanitsregisteredhomeStriporalternativeStriporacombinationofthesame(ineithercaseasinstructedunderRuleM.25orRuleM.26)exceptwiththepriorwrittenconsentoftheBoard.M.28.EachClubshallensurethatithasavailableateachLeagueMatchareplacementStripforeachPlayernamedontheteamsheetwhichcanbeusedintheeventofaPlayerrequiringtochangeanypartofhisStrip.EachPlayer’sreplacementStripshallcomplywithRulesM.7andM.8.M.29.WhenparticipatinginaLeagueMatchnoPlayershallrevealundergarmentsthatshowpolitical,religiousorpersonalslogans,statementsorimages,oradvertisingotherthanamanufacturer’slogo.TheBoardmayproceedunderSectionWagainsteitherthePlayerorhisCluborbothforanybreachofthisRule.M.22.SubjecttoRulesM.21andM.23,whenplayinginLeagueMatchesthePlayersofeachparticipatingClubshallwearStripwhichisofasufficientcontrastthatMatchOfficials,spectatorsandtelevisionviewerswillbeabletodistinguishclearlybetweenthetwoteams.InselectingthechoiceofStripthefollowingorderofprecedenceshallapplyunlessauthorisedbytheBoard:M.22.1.1stpriority:theoutfieldplayersoftheHomeClubwhoshallweartheirhomeStrip;M.22.2.2ndpriority:theoutfieldplayersoftheVisitingClub;M.22.3.3rdpriority:theHomeClubgoalkeeper;andM.22.4.4thpriority:theVisitingClubgoalkeeper.M.23.TheMatchOfficialsshallwearcoloursthatdistinguishthemfromtheStripwornbythetwoClubs.IntheeventoftheMatchOfficialsnothavingdistinguishingcoloursthentheVisitingClubgoalkeepermustchangeandifthisisnotpossibletheHomeClubgoalkeepermustdoso.M.24.Atleast10dayspriortoeachLeagueMatchtheVisitingClubshallnotifytheHomeClubandtheLeagueonForm14oftheStripitintendsitsPlayers(includingfortheavoidanceofdoubtitsgoalkeeper)towear.M.25.TheLeague,inconsultationwithPGMOLactingonbehalfofthereferee,willdetermineanydisputesarisingbetweenClubsandnolaterthanthreeworkingdayspriortoeachLeagueMatchnotifybothClubsandtheMatchOfficialsofthecolourstobeworn.
SectionM:Players’IdentificationandStrip180Rules:SectionMStripAdvertisingM.30.Providedthat:M.30.1.thecontent,designandareaoftheadvertisementisapprovedbytheBoard;andM.30.2.itcomplieswithTheFootballAssociationRulesforthetimebeinginforce,advertisingonStripsshallbepermitted.
Clubs:OperationsSectionN:MatchOfficials181AppointmentofMatchOfficialsN.1.PriortothecommencementofeachSeason,PGMOLwillcompileandpublishalistofrefereesandassistantrefereeseligibletobeappointedtoofficiateatLeagueMatchesduringthatSeason.N.2.PGMOLshallbeempoweredtoremovethenameofanyMatchOfficialfromitslistatanytime.N.3.PGMOLwillappointtheMatchOfficialstoofficiateateachLeagueMatch.PGMOLwillgivenoticeofsuchappointmenttotheparticipatingClubsandtotheMatchOfficialssoappointedwhoshalleachforthwithacknowledgetheirappointmenttoPGMOL.RulesBindingonMatchOfficialsN.4.AcknowledgementbyaMatchOfficialofanappointmentmadeunderRuleN.3shallconstituteanagreementwiththeLeaguebysuchMatchOfficialtobeboundbyandtocomplywith:N.4.1.theLawsoftheGame;N.4.2.TheFootballAssociationRules;andN.4.3.theseRules.PaymentstoMatchOfficialsN.5.NoCluborOfficialshalleitherdirectlyorindirectlymakeoroffertomakeanypaymenttoorconferoroffertoconferanybenefituponanyMatchOfficial.Pre-MatchProceduresN.6.PriortothecommencementofaLeagueMatchatwhichhehasbeenappointedtoofficiate,therefereeshall:N.6.1.togetherwiththeotherappointedMatchOfficials,arriveattheStadiumnotlessthantwohoursbeforetheadvertisedtimeofkick-off;N.6.2.decideonthefitnessofthepitchfortheplayingoftheLeagueMatchand:N.6.2.1.iftherefereeconsidersittobeunfit,instructthattheLeagueMatchbepostponedorthatthekick-offbedelayed;andN.6.2.2.iftherefereeconsidersittobenecessary,instructthatthepitchbere-marked;N.6.3.receivetheteamsheetsoftheparticipatingClubsinaccordancewithRuleL.21;N.6.4.permittheamendmentofateamsheetifaPlayerisinjuredorotherwiseincapacitatedasprovidedinRuleL.24;N.6.5.attendthebriefingreferredtoatRuleL.22;N.6.6.checkandapproveanyfootballtobeusedintheLeagueMatch;N.6.7.ensurethat,ifappropriate,theHomeClubhasmadeacolouredballavailable;
SectionN:MatchOfficials182Rules:SectionNN.6.8.wearoneofthematchuniformsprovidedbyPGMOLensuringthatitdoesnotclashwiththeStripwornbyeitheroftheparticipatingteams;N.6.9.ensurethatthePlayers’StripcomplieswiththeprovisionsofSectionMoftheseRules;N.6.10.ensurethattheuniformwornbyanyballboyorstewarddoesnotclashwiththeStripwornbyeitheroftheparticipatingteamsandifinhisopinionthereissuchaclash,heshallbeauthorisedtorequestsuchballboyorstewardtochangehisuniformortoleavethevicinityofthefieldofplay;N.6.11.withtheassistantreferees,leadtheparticipatingteamsontothefieldofplayinaccordancewiththeprovisionssetoutintheCountdowntoKick-Off;andN.6.12.takesuchotherstepsasmaybeagreedbetweentheLeagueandPGMOLfromtimetotime.CompliancewithInstructionsN.7.PlayersandOfficialsshallcomplywithanylawfulinstructiongiventothembyaMatchOfficialofficiatingataLeagueMatchPost-MatchProceduresN.8.TherefereeshallsendtheteamsheetstoandmakethefollowingreportsinwritingtotheBoardassoonaspracticableafterofficiatingataLeagueMatch:N.8.1.onthestandardoffacilitiesforMatchOfficialsprovidedbytheHomeClub;N.8.2.onthelatearrivalattheStadiumofanyoftheMatchOfficials,givingreasonstherefore;N.8.3.ontheconditionofthepitch;N.8.4.onthecircumstancessurroundingthekick-offorre-startbeingdelayed;N.8.5.oneitherteamcommencingtheLeagueMatchwithlessthanafullcomplementofPlayers;N.8.6.onanychangeofStripordered;N.8.7.onthefailureofateamtoprocesstogetherontothefieldofplayinaccordancewiththeprovisionssetoutintheCountdowntoKick-Off;N.8.8.onanybreachofRuleL.33byeitherClub;N.8.9.onanyPlayerbeingcautionedorsent-off;N.8.10.oneitherassistantrefereetakingoverasrefereeandstatingthereasontherefore;N.8.11.onanybreachoftheseRulesbyClubs,Players,Officials,ManagersandotherMatchOfficials;andN.8.12.anyothermatterwhichtherefereeconsidersappropriatetobringtotheBoard’sattention.N.9.ArefereeshalllikewisereporttoTheFootballAssociationanybreachofTheFootballAssociationRules.
Clubs:OperationsSectionO:MedicalGuidanceTheFAhasdevelopednewcoursestoreplacethefollowingqualificationsreferredtointheRules:EA,BFAS,IFASandAREA.ThesewillbeintroducedduringthecourseofSeason2017/18.RulesforSeason2018/19willreflectthechanges.183TeamDoctorandMedicalCoordinatorO.4.EachClubshallappointatleastoneTeamDoctorandatleastoneMedicalCoordinator(whomustbeadoctor).O.5.EachdoctorappointedbyaClubwhoseresponsibilitiesincludegivingmedicaltreatmenttoPlayersmust:O.5.1.holdacurrentAREACertificate;O.5.2.complywithanyguidanceissuedbytheBoardinrespectoftheidentificationandnotificationofconcussiveinjuries;andO.5.3.complywiththeGeneralMedicalCouncil’srequirementsconcerningannualappraisal,scopeofpractice,indemnityandrevalidationofdoctors.O.6.TheTeamDoctormustholdadiplomainsportsmedicineoranequivalentorhigherprofessionalqualification.O.7.InrespectofeachLeagueMatch,theMedicalCoordinatoroftheHomeClubshall:O.7.1.completeandsigntheMatchDayMedicalRequirementsFormandprovideittotheMatchManagerinadvanceofeachLeagueMatch;O.7.2.liaisewiththeVisitingClub’sTeamDoctorpriortoeachLeagueMatchinordertoexplaintohimtheHomeClub’sarrangementsforemergencycare;Doctors–GeneralO.1.NothinginthisSectionOorelsewhereintheseRulesreplaces,reducesoraffectsinanywaytheobligationsimposedonClubsbystatuteand/orcommonlawinthefieldsofmedicine,occupationalhealthand/orhealthandsafety.O.2.EachClub’sTeamDoctor,CrowdDoctorandMedicalCoordinator,andanyotherdoctorappointedbytheClub,shallbearegisteredmedicalpractitionerlicensedtopracticebytheGeneralMedicalCouncil.O.3.ReferencesintheseRulestoarequirementtoholdacurrentFootballAssociationAdvancedResuscitationandEmergencyAidCertificate(“AREACertificate”)shallmeanthattheindividualconcernedshall:O.3.1.havesuccessfullyundertakenthefullAREACertificatecourse(oranequivalentcoursethatisrecognisedandapprovedby:(a)theFacultyofPre-HospitalCareasequivalenttotheAREACertificate;and(b)theBoard)inthepreceding36months;andO.3.2.havesuccessfullyundertakentheAREACertificaterefreshercourse(oranequivalentcourserecognisedandapprovedbytheBoard)inthepreceding16months(unlesshesuccessfullyundertookthefullAREACertificatecourseoranequivalentcourserecognisedandapprovedbytheBoardwithinthatperiod).
SectionO:Medical184Rules:SectionOO.7.3.onthedayoftheLeagueMatch,beavailabletodealwithanyqueriesoftheVisitingClub’sTeamDoctorandensurethatthelatterisgiventheopportunitytofamiliarisehimselfwiththeHomeClub’smedicalfacilitiesandtomeettheparamedicspresentattheLeagueMatchpursuanttoRuleO.19.4;O.7.4.attherequestofeitherTeamDoctor:O.7.4.1.assistwiththetreatmentofinjuries;O.7.4.2.careforandmonitoranyPlayerorMatchOfficialwhohasleftthefieldofplay;O.7.4.3.assistwiththeidentificationandassessmentofconcussiveinjuries,whetherthroughtheuseofpitch-sidevideotechnologyorotherwise;andO.7.4.4.actastheleadpointofliaisonandco-ordinationforallPlayersorMatchOfficialsreferredtohospital,includingbyliaisingwiththehospitalandestablishingcontactwithlocalambulancesandhospitalemergencydepartments.O.8.InadvanceofeachLeagueMatch,theTeamDoctoroftheHomeClubshallcompleteandsigntheMandatoryMedicalEquipmentFormandprovideittotheMatchManager.CrowdDoctorO.9.EachClubshallappointatleastoneCrowdDoctor.O.10.ACrowdDoctorshalleither:O.10.1.holdtheDiplomainImmediateMedicalCareissuedbytheRoyalCollegeofSurgeons(Edinburgh)FacultyofPre-HospitalCare(“Faculty”)oritsequivalent;orO.10.2.havesuccessfullyundertakentheFaculty’s‘GenericCrowdDoctorTraining’courseoritsequivalent.O.11.EachCrowdDoctorshallsuccessfullyundertaketheFaculty’s‘GenericRefresherandSkillsUpdateCourse’atleastonceeveryfiveyears.PhysiotherapistsO.12.EachClubshallemployafulltimeseniorphysiotherapist.O.13.Theseniorphysiotherapistshall:O.13.1.bearegisteredphysiotherapistmemberoftheHealthandCareProfessionsCouncil;andO.13.2.holdacurrentAREACertificate.
SectionO:MedicalGuidanceTherequirementreferredtoinRuleO.15onlyappliestothosesportstherapistswhooccupythetrainers’benchataLeagueMatch,inaccordancewithRuleO.19.3.185MedicalandSafetyActionPlanO.16.EachClubshallprepareandmakeavailabletotheLeagueonrequestaMedicalandSafetyActionPlan,whichshall:O.16.1.setoutprotocolsfortheassessmentofriskandmanagementofinjuriestoitsemployeesinallareasofitsbusiness;O.16.2.setoutprotocolsdetailingthemanagementofinjuriestoPlayersandMatchOfficialssustainedduringLeagueMatches,othermatchesinwhichtheClubparticipatesandtraining(includingadedicatedprotocolfortheemergencytreatmentofPlayersandMatchOfficialsduringLeagueMatchesplayedatitsStadium);andO.16.3.detailallfirstaidfacilitiesandmedicalequipmentmaintainedbytheClubintheeventthattreatmentofsuchinjuriesisnecessary.O.17.TheMedicalandSafetyActionPlanshallbe:O.17.1.drawnupundertheguidanceof,andberegularlyreviewedandifnecessaryamendedby,theTeamDoctorinconsultationwiththeMedicalCoordinator,seniorphysiotherapist,theClub’ssafetyofficerandsuchotherPersonsastheClubmayconsiderappropriate;andO.17.2.annuallyreportedtoandapprovedbytheClub’sboard.O.18.EachClubshallensurethat:O.18.1.itmanageseffectivelyallmedicalissuesthatmayariseataLeagueMatch;andO.18.2.itsfirstaidfacilitiesandmedicalequipmentareproperlymaintainedandareinfullworkingorder.O.14.AnyotherphysiotherapistemployedbyaClubshall:O.14.1.bearegisteredphysiotherapistmemberoftheHealthandCareProfessionsCouncil;andO.14.2.(wherethedutiesofthephysiotherapistconcernedincludeattendanceatLeagueMatchesaspartoftheClub’smedicalteam)holdacurrentAREACertificate.O.15.AnyothersportstherapistemployedbyaClub(wherethedutiesofthetherapistconcernedincludeattendanceatLeagueMatchesaspartoftheClub’smedicalteam)shallholdacurrentAREACertificate.
SectionO:Medical186Rules:SectionOAttendanceofMedicalPersonnelandProvisionofMedicalFacilitiesO.19.AteveryLeagueMatch:O.19.1.eachparticipatingClubshallprocuretheattendanceofitsTeamDoctorandtheHomeClubshallprocuretheattendanceofitsCrowdDoctorandMedicalCoordinator.TheHomeClub’sTeamDoctor,CrowdDoctorandMedicalCoordinatorshallbeavailablethroughoutandforareasonabletimebeforeandaftertheLeagueMatch;O.19.2.eachparticipatingClubshallprocuretheattendanceofaphysiotherapistortherapistwhoisqualifiedasrequiredbytheseRules;O.19.3.eachparticipatingClub’sTeamDoctorandphysiotherapistortherapist(whoshallbequalifiedasrequiredbytheseRules)shalloccupythatClub’strainers’benchduringtheLeagueMatch;O.19.4.theHomeClubshallprocuretheattendanceofatleasttwofullyqualifiedandappropriatelyinsuredparamedicswhoshallbeavailabletoassistwithon-fieldmedicalincidents;O.19.5.noPersonotherthanaparticipatingClub’sTeamDoctor,MedicalCoordinator,physiotherapistortherapist(whoshallbequalifiedasrequiredbytheseRules)ortheparamedicsreferredtoinRuleO.19.4shallbepermittedtotreatPlayersorMatchOfficialsonthefieldofplay;O.19.6.theHomeClubshallensurethatallequipmentandfacilitieslistedintheMandatoryMedicalEquipmentFormareavailableandpresentattheStadium;O.19.7.theHomeClubshallensurethatthroughouteachLeagueMatchafullyequipped,dedicatedandappropriatelyinsuredambulancesuitabletocarryanemergencycasualtyandstaffedbyaPersonorPersonsqualifiedtoperformessentialemergencycareenrouteisavailableattheStadiumtotransportanyPlayerorMatchOfficialrequiringemergencytreatmenttohospital;andO.19.8.theHomeClubshallbeforeeachLeagueMatchmakeavailabletotheVisitingClubtheemergencytreatmentprotocolreferredtoinRuleO.16.2andobtaintheVisitingClub’sTeamDoctor’sconfirmationthathehasreceivedit.ConcussiveInjuriesO.20.EachTeamDoctor,physiotherapist,therapistandMedicalCoordinatorshall,whenpresentataLeagueMatchoratanyothermatchorattraining,carrythepocketconcussiontool(whichissetoutatAppendix4A).O.21.AnyPlayer,whetherengagedinaLeagueMatch,anyothermatchorintraining,whohassustained,orissuspectedofhavingsustained,aconcussiveinjury,shallnotbeallowedtoresumeplayingortraining(asthecasemaybe)thatsameday.Furthermore,heshallnotbeallowedtoreturntoplayinginmatchesorparticipatingintrainingthereafterunlesshehasbeenexaminedanddeclaredfittodosobyhisTeamDoctoror,ifheisunavailable,byanothermedicalpractitioner.Insuchcircumstances,thewelfareofthePlayerisparamountandthedecisionoftheTeamDoctororothermedicalpractitionerastowhetherthePlayerisfittoresumeplayingortrainingshallbefinal.
SectionO:MedicalGuidanceClubsshouldbeawarethatonlythoseOfficialslistedinRuleO.22mayreviewfootageofaLeagueMatchduringitscourseandonlyforthepurposesetoutinRuleO.22.AnyotherOfficialwhodoesso(forwhateverpurpose)maybeinbreachofRuleK.32.187MedicalRecordsO.23.EachClubshallcarryoutmedicalexaminationsonallitsContractPlayersandAcademyPlayersregisteredonScholarshipAgreements(asdefinedintheYouthDevelopmentRules)inaccordancewiththerequirementslaiddowninAppendix4andkeepmedicalrecordsthatcomplywithGeneralMedicalCouncilrequirements.O.24.Wherethetransfer(includingtheTemporaryTransfer)oftheregistrationofaContractPlayerisbeingnegotiatedbetweenClubs,theClubholdingtheregistrationshall,attherequestoftheotherClub,andprovidedthattheconsentoftheContractPlayerhasbeenobtained,providetoitthemedicalrecordsoftheContractPlayerinquestion(includingfortheavoidanceofdoubtanyrecordswhichtheClubholdsofthecardiacscreeningand/orconcussionhistoryofthePlayer).MedicalInsuranceO.25.DuringsuchtimeasthereshallremaininforceanagreementbetweentheLeagueandtheProfessionalFootballers’AssociationforthesubsidisingofPlayerinsuranceschemes,eachClubshallcauseeachofitsContractPlayersandthoseofitsAcademyPlayerswithwhomithasenteredintoaScholarshipAgreement(asdefinedintheYouthDevelopmentRules)tobeinsuredunderandinaccordancewiththetermsofanyprivatemedicalinsuranceschemeapprovedbytheBoard.InthecaseofsuchAcademyPlayerssuchinsurancemaybelimitedtofootballrelatedinjuries.O.22.WithoutprejudicetoRuleK.32,aClub’sTeamDoctor,MedicalCoordinatorand/orphysiotherapistmayreviewfootageofaLeagueMatchduringitscourseinordertoassistwiththeidentificationand/orassessmentofaconcussiveinjury.
Clubs:OperationsSectionP:Managers189CodesofConductP.1.ManagersshallconductthemselvesinaccordancewiththeCodeofConductforManagerssetoutinAppendix5.P.2.ClubsshallconductthemselvesinrelationtoManagersinaccordancewiththeCodeofConductforClubssetoutinAppendix6.P.3.AnyfailurebyManagersorClubstoconductthemselvesinaccordancewiththeirrespectiveCodesofConductwillconstituteabreachofthisRule.CoachingQualificationsP.4.EachManagershalleither:P.4.1.hold,orhavecommencedandbeactivelyengagedontherequisitecoursetoobtain,avalidUEFAProLicence;orP.4.2.holdtheFootballAssociationCoachingDiploma;orP.4.3.hold,orhavecommencedandbeactivelyengagedontherequisitecoursetoobtain,avaliddiplomaofasimilarstandardissuedbyanothernationalassociation.P.5.NoClubshallemployanyPersonasaManagerwhodoesnotholdaqualificationlistedinRuleP.4.P.6.RulesP.4.andP.5.shallnotapplytoManagersuntiltheexpiryof12weeksfromthedateoftheirappointmentassuch.TheBoardshallhavepowertograntanextensionofthe12weeksperiodonlyifreasonablysatisfiedthataManagerisactingasatemporaryreplacementforanotherwhoismedicallyunfittoresumehisduties.ContractsofEmploymentandSubmissiontotheBoardP.7.ThetermsofaManager’semploymentmustbeevidencedinawrittencontract,acopyofwhichmustbesubmittedtotheBoardwithinsevendaysofitscomingintofullforceandeffect.ContentsofContractsofEmploymentP.8.ContractsofemploymentbetweenaClubandaManagershall:P.8.1.includethestandardclausessetoutinAppendix7;andP.8.2.clearlysetoutthecircumstancesinwhichthecontractofemploymentmaybedeterminedbyeitherparty.MeetingsReRefereeingandOtherMattersP.9.AllManagersarerequiredtoattendinpersonanannualpre-SeasonmeetingorganisedbytheLeagueorPGMOLandfailuretodoso(saveinexceptionalcircumstances)shallbeabreachoftheseRules.
SectionP:Managers190Rules:SectionPP.10.Bynolaterthan25JuneinadvanceofeachSeason,eachClubmustnotifytheLeagueoftwodates(eachofwhichshallbebeforetheClub’sfirstLeagueMatchoftheSeason)onwhicheachofitsContractPlayerswillbeavailableforameetingtobeattendedbytheLeagueand/orPGMOL.TheLeaguewillthennotifytheClubassoonaspossiblethereafteronwhichofthetwodatesprovidedthemeetingwilltakeplace.Failuretoattendthismeeting(inthecaseofaContractPlayer)ortotakereasonablestepstoensuretheattendanceofeachofitsContractPlayersatthismeeting(inthecaseofaClub),saveinexceptionalcircumstances,shallbeabreachoftheseRules.BroadcastersandMediaP.11.EachManagershallwhenrequestedtodosoattendinpersonandparticipateintheinterviews,pressconferencesandotheractivityrequiredofManagerspursuanttoSectionKoftheseRulesandfailuretodoso(saveinexceptionalcircumstances)shallbeabreachoftheseRules.SuchinterviewsshallnotbearrangedinsuchamannerastointerferewiththeManager’sprimarymatchdayresponsibilitiesasregardsteammatters.DisputesP.12.AnydisputearisingbetweenthepartiestoaManager’scontractwithaClubshallbedealtwithundertheproceduressetoutinSectionYoftheseRules(Managers’ArbitrationTribunal).AssistantManager/HeadCoachP.13.AClubwhichappliesforaUEFAClubLicencemust,inadditiontoemployingaManager,employanindividual(suchasanassistantmanagerorheadcoach)toassisttheManagerinallfootballmattersrelatingtothefirstteam.
Clubs:OperationsSectionQ:Scouts191RegistrationofScoutsQ.1.TheBoardshallkeeparegisterofScouts.Q.2.EachClubuponemployingorengagingaScoutshallwithinfivedaysthereofapplytoregisterhimbydulycompletingForm15andsubmittingtotheBoardacopyofthedocumentbywhich,inaccordancewithRuleJ.2,theClubbindstheScouttocomplywiththeseRules.Q.3.TheBoardshallregisteraScoutandshallnotifytheapplicantClubtothateffectuponbeingsatisfiedthat:Q.3.1.theClubhascompliedwithRuleQ.2.above;andQ.3.2.theScoutwhoisthesubjectoftheapplicationisnotcurrentlyregisteredastheScoutofanotherClub.Q.4.ExceptduringtheperiodoffivedaysmentionedinRuleabove,noClubshallemployaScoutwhoisnotregisteredundertheprovisionsofthisSectionoftheseRulesunlessithasmadeanapplicationtoregisterhimwhichhasyettobedetermined.Q.5.UponaClubceasingtoemployorengagearegisteredScoutitshallwithinfivedaysthereofgivenoticetothateffectinForm16totheBoardwhoshallthereuponremovethenameofsuchScoutfromtheregister.IdentificationofScoutsQ.6.EachClubshallissuetoeachofitsregisteredScoutsaformalmeansofidentificationwhichshallinclude:Q.6.1.thenameoftheClubbywhichitisissued;Q.6.2.thesignatureofanAuthorisedSignatoryoftheissuingClub;Q.6.3.aphotographoftheScout;andQ.6.4.theScout’ssignature.CodeofConductQ.7.ScoutsshallconductthemselvesinaccordancewiththeCodeofConductforScoutssetoutinAppendix8andanyfailuretodososhallconstituteabreachofthisRule.EachClubmustensurethatitsScoutscomplywiththeprovisionsoftheseRules(and,whereapplicable,theYouthDevelopmentRules)andAppendix8.
Clubs:OperationsSectionR:SupporterRelations193SupporterLiaisonOfficerR.1.EachClubshallemployoneormoreappropriatelyseniorOfficial(s)whoseresponsibilitiesshallinclude:R.1.1.thedeliveryoftheClub’spoliciesregardingitssupporters;R.1.2.ensuringthatthereisaregularpointofcontactwithintheClubfortheClub’ssupporters;andR.1.3.liaisingregularlywiththeClub’smanagement(includingonsafetyandsecurityrelatedissuesastheyaffectsupporters).PoliciesR.2.EachClubshalldevise,documentandpublish:(a)apolicy(orpolicies)withregardtoticketing,merchandiseandrelationswithitssupporters,seasonticketholdersandothershavinganinterestintheactivitiesoftheClub(togetherinthisSectionoftheseRulesreferredtoas“Stakeholders”);and(b)adisabilityaccessstatement.AcopyofallsuchdocumentsmustbeprovidedtotheLeaguebeforethestartoftheSeason.R.3.AClub’spolicywithregardtoitsStakeholdersshould:R.3.1.provideforconsultationwiththemonastructuredandregularbasisthroughforums,questionnairesandfocusgroupsandbythepublicationofcurrentpoliciesonmajorissuesinaneasilydigestedformat;andR.3.2.promotesupporterandcommunityliaisonandprovidefortheestablishmentofliaisonstructureswherenoneexist.DisabilityAccessOfficerR.4.EachClubshallemployoneormoreappropriatelyseniorOfficial(s)whoseresponsibilitiesshallinclude:R.4.1.ensuringtheprovisionbytheClubofsafe,inclusive,accessiblefacilitiesandservicesfordisabledsupporters;andR.4.2.liaisingregularlywiththeClub’smanagement(includingonissuesrelatedtodisabilityaccess).ReportingR.5.EachClubshallsubmitareportannuallytotheLeagueduringtheCloseSeasondescribinghoweachofitssaidpolicieshasbeenimplementedandtheextenttowhicheachhasbeenachieved.
SectionR:SupporterRelations194Rules:SectionRTicketingR.6.AClub’sticketingpolicyshould:R.6.1.providegeneralinformationtothepublicaboutticketavailabilityandpricing,givingtheearliestpossiblenoticeofanychangesandthereasonstherefore;R.6.2.aimtopromotegreateraccessibilitybytheadoptionofflexibleandimaginativeticketingschemes;R.6.3.facilitatewideraccesstoLeagueMatchesbythepublicbyallowingforabroadrangeofticketprices,themoreexpensiveeffectivelysubsidisingthecheapest;R.6.4.allowforareasonablereductioninthepriceofticketsforseatswitharestrictedviewofthegoalmouth;R.6.5.adoptasystemofconcessionaryticketpricestailoredtotheneedsofthelocalcommunity;R.6.6.givedetailsoftheavailabilityofseatingfordisabledspectatorsandtheircarersandthepricingpolicyinrelationthereto;R.6.7.setoutparticularsofanymembership,loyalty,bond,debentureorsimilarscheme;R.6.8.makeavailableamethodofpaymentforseasonticketsbyinstalmentsatcompetitiveratesofinterest;R.6.9.promotetheavailabilityofticketsbyreservingareasonableproportion(atleastfivepercent.)ofthemforsaletonon-seasonticketholders;R.6.10.dealwiththereturnanddistributionofunwantedtickets;R.6.11.includethefollowingprovisionsinrespectofabandonedLeagueMatches:R.6.11.1.abandonmentafterspectatorsadmittedtotheStadiumbutbeforekick-off-freeadmissiontotherearrangedLeagueMatch;R.6.11.2.abandonmentafterkick-off-halfpriceadmissiontotherearrangedLeagueMatch;andR.6.12.refertotheobligationssetoutinRulesR.7toR.12,below.R.7.EachClubshallprovideanareaofitsStadiumfortheexclusiveuseoffamilygroupsandjuniorsupporters.R.8.ConcessionaryticketpricesmustbemadeavailablebyeachClubfor:R.8.1.seniorcitizens;andR.8.2.juniorsupporters.
SectionR:SupporterRelations195R.9.UnlessotherwiseagreedbytheBoardorbetweentheClubs,andsubjecttoRuleR.10,ateachLeagueMatch,theHomeClubshallmakeavailabletotheVisitingClub:R.9.1.3,000ticketsor,ifthecapacityoftheHomeClub’sStadiumislessthan30,000,suchnumberofticketsasisequalto10percent.ofitsStadiumcapacity;and(whetherornotthatallocationistakenup)R.9.2.ticketsforaminimumof10percent.oftheHomeClub’sdisabledspectatoraccommodation.R.10.TheticketsreferredtoinRuleR.9must:R.10.1.bemadeavailabletotheVisitingClubinblockscorrespondingtotheblocksofseating(“SeatingBlocks”)intheareaoftheHomeClub’sStadiumforsupportersoftheVisitingClub,suchSeatingBlockstobedesignatedbyreferencetothepointsatwhichsegregationofsupportersoftheHomeandVisitingClubscanoccur(and,fortheavoidanceofdoubt,thereshallbenomaximumorminimumnumberofseatsinaSeatingBlockandanyquestionastothesizeofaSeatingBlockorthelocationofasegregationpointshallbedeterminedbytheBoard);R.10.2.beallocatedsoastoensurethatsupportersoftheVisitingClubarelocatedinoneormoresegregated,self-containedarea(s)oftheStadium;andR.10.3.(subjecttotheapprovaloftherelevantlocalauthority)beallocatedsoastoensurethat,ataminimum,oneSeatingBlockinwhichsupportersoftheVisitingClubwillbelocatedissituated‘pitch-side’(ie,thefrontrowofsuchSeatingBlockistherowclosesttothepitchintherelevantstandthatisavailableforgeneraladmission).R.11.TheVisitingClub:R.11.1.mayorderandsellticketsonasequentialSeatingBlockbySeatingBlockbasis(thesequenceofreleaseofSeatingBlockstotheVisitingClubtobedeterminedbytheHomeClub);R.11.2.mustconfirmitsfinalorderoftickets(subjecttotheconditionssetoutinRuleR.12)atleastfourweeksbeforetheLeagueMatchtowhichtheyrelate;andR.11.3.shallpayfortheentiretyoftheticketssoorderedsavethatitmayreturn(andnotpayfor)anyunsoldticketsinthefinalSeatingBlockforwhichitorderedticketsifithassold50%oftheticketsinthatSeatingBlock.R.12.Unlessotherwiseagreed,theprovisionbyaHomeClubofticketsforsalebyaVisitingClubshallbeconditionalupon:R.12.1.theVisitingClubmakingtheticketsavailableforpurchasebythelaterofeitherthreeworkingdaysafterreceiptfromtheHomeCluborthedatethatisfourweeksbeforethedateofthefixture;R.12.2.anyunsoldticketsbeingreturnedbytheVisitingClubtotheHomeClubnotlaterthan10daysbeforethedatefixedfortheLeagueMatchtowhichtheyrelate;
SectionR:SupporterRelations196Rules:SectionRR.12.3.theproceedsofticketssoldandthevalue(tobepro-ratedtothenumberofadultandconcessionaryticketsactuallysoldbytheVisitingClub)ofanyunsoldticketsnotreturnedasaforesaidbeingpaidbytheVisitingClubtotheHomeClubwithinfourdaysoftheLeagueMatchtakingplace;andR.12.4.theVisitingClubpayingtotheHomeClubdailyinterestattherateoffivepercent.perannumoverthebaserateforthetimebeingofBarclaysBankPlconanyamountnotpaidinaccordancewithRuleR.12.3.R.13.EachClubshallsubmittotheLeaguedetailsofitsseasonticketpricesandticketpricesforindividualLeagueMatchesuponannouncingthesamepublicly(and,inanyevent,beforethestartofeachSeason).MerchandiseR.14.AClub’smerchandisingpolicyshould:R.14.1.allowformarketresearchtobeundertakenwithregardtothefrequencyofStripchangesandtotheirdesign;R.14.2.identifytheintervalsatwhichStripchangesareintendedtotakeplaceandthedateofthenextintendedchange;R.14.3.provideforswingticketsattachedtoreplicaStriptostateitslaunchdate;andR.14.4.refertotheeffectontheconsumeroftheobligationssetoutinRulesR.16toR.19below.R.15.Anynumbers,lettering,badgesandlogosappearingonreplicaStripshallbeofthesamestyle,colouranddesignasthoseappearingonPlayers’StripcurrentlyregisteredasrequiredbyRuleM.17.R.16.InanyfuturecontracttolicenseamanufacturertoproduceforretailsalereplicaStrip,eachClubshallincludethestandardclausessetoutinAppendix9.R.17.UponaPromotedClubbecomingamemberoftheLeagueinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofRuleB.5,itshallgivenoticetoanymanufacturerlicensedtomanufactureanddistributeitsreplicaStripinthetermssetoutinAppendix10andrequestsuchmanufacturertoconveythesubstanceofthenoticetoitsdealersforthwithandadvisethemthat:R.17.1.theyarefreetosell,advertiseanddisplayforsalereplicaStripsuppliedbysuchmanufactureratwhateverpricetheymaychoose;andR.17.2.theyshouldinformtheCompetitionandMarketsAuthorityiftheyareconcernedthataminimumresalepriceisbeingimposed.R.18.NoClubshallcauseorprocureanymanufacturerwithwhichithasalicensingagreementforthemanufactureofreplicaStriptodoanyactorcausetobedoneanythingwhichwouldconstituteabreachofthestandardclausesreferredtoinRuleR.16.R.19.EachClubshallprovidetheCompetitionandMarketsAuthoritywithsuchinformationasitmayneedinordertosatisfyitselfthatRulesR.16toR.18abovehavebeencompliedwith.
Clubs:OperationsSectionS:TheSafeguardingofVulnerableGroupsandSaferRecruitment197Clubs’PoliciesandProceduresfortheSafeguardingofVulnerableGroupsS.1.EachClubshallprepare,implement,reviewregularlyandhavereviewedbyitslocalauthority(wherethelocalauthorityispreparedtodoso)writtenpoliciesandproceduresforthesafeguardingofVulnerableGroups.S.2.EachClub’spoliciesandproceduresforthesafeguardingofVulnerableGroupsshall:S.2.1.beinaccordancewiththisSectionoftheseRulesandshallhaveregardtoanyguidanceissuedbytheLeagueinrespectofsafeeventmanagement;S.2.2.meettheNSPCCStandards;andS.2.3.complywithanypolicyorguidancepublishedbytheLeaguefromtimetotime.RolesandResponsibilitiesS.3.EachClubshalldesignateamemberofitsboardofdirectorsasitsSeniorSafeguardingLead,whoshalltakeleadershipresponsibilityfortheClub’ssafeguardingprovision(inconsultationwiththeClub’sHeadofSafeguarding)andactivelychampionsafeguardingatboardlevel.ThenameoftheClub’sSeniorSafeguardingLeadshallbenotifiedbytheClubtotheLeagueinForm17.S.4.EachClubshalldesignateatleastonefull-timememberofStaffwiththenecessaryskillsandexpertiseasitsHeadofSafeguarding.ThenameoftheClub’sHeadofSafeguardingshallbenotifiedbytheClubtotheLeagueinForm17.S.5.TheHeadofSafeguardingshall:S.5.1.wherepossible,reportdirectlyto(andbemanagedby)theSeniorSafeguardingLead;S.5.2.providestrategicleadershiponsafeguardingprovisionandissueswithintheClub;S.5.3.reviewandapprovethesafeguardingprovisionforallActivities;S.5.4.actasthefirstpointofcontactforanyreportorsuspicionofabuseorconcernrelatingtothewelfareofaChildorAdultatRiskengagedinanActivity;S.5.5.liaiseregularlywithandbeguidedbytheadviceoftherelevantlocalandstatutoryauthoritiesandtheLeaguewithregardtoissuesconcerningthesafeguardingofVulnerableGroups;S.5.6.ensurestrictcompliancewiththeClub’spoliciesandproceduresforthesafeguardingofVulnerableGroups;
S.5.7.promoteawarenesswithintheClubofsafeguardingofVulnerableGroupsandencourageandmonitortheadoptionofbestpracticeproceduresinthatregard;S.5.8.reportonaregularbasisontheeffectivenessof,andtheClub’scompliancewith,itspoliciesandproceduresforthesafeguardingofVulnerableGroupstotheSeniorSafeguardingLead;
SectionS:TheSafeguardingofVulnerableGroupsandSaferRecruitmentGuidanceClubs’attentionisdrawntoYouthDevelopmentRule186whichrequiresthatanAcademySafeguardingOfficermustbeappointedtoundertakethefunctionssetoutinRuleS.5.7withregardtotheAcademy.198Rules:SectionSStaffS.8.StaffshallinalldealingswithandonbehalfofVulnerableGroupsdowhatisreasonableinthecircumstancesofthecaseforthepurposeofsafeguardingorpromotingthesafetyandwelfareoftherelevantindividual(s).S.5.9.actastheleadClubOfficialinanyinvestigationofanallegationofabuseofaChildorAdultatRisk;S.5.10.maintainthesafeguardingofVulnerableGroupsStaffregisterforeachActivityinsuchformatasapprovedbytheLeague;S.5.11.bemadeknowntoallStaff,and(inanyhandbookorthelikewhichtheClubproducestoaccompanyanyActivity)toVulnerableGroups(andtheirParentsorcarers)engagedineachActivityandbeavailableinpersonorbytelephonetoStaffandtosuchVulnerableGroups,theirParentsandcarersatallreasonabletimes;S.5.12.providewritteninstructionstoStaffengagedineachActivityinrespectofgoodpracticeandwhattheyarerequiredtodoiftheydetectanysignofabuseofVulnerableGroups,iftheysuspectsuchabuseistakingplaceoriftheyotherwisehaveconcernsastothewelfareofaChildorAdultatRisk;S.5.13.provideguidancetoandsupportforanymemberofStaffengagedineachActivitywhoreportssuspectedabuseofaChildorAdultatRiskorconcernsastotheirwelfare;andS.5.14.beresponsibleformaintainingclear,comprehensiveandup-to-daterecordsofallallegationsofabuseorpoorpractice(including,butnotlimitedto,thosesubjecttoreferralunderS.13andS.14),detailsofhowsuchallegationsareresolvedandanydecisionsreached.S.6.TheHeadofSafeguardingmay,inrelationtoaspecificActivity,ifappropriate,delegateanyoftheresponsibilitieslistedintotooneormoreothermembersofStaff(“SafeguardingOfficer(s)”).Insuchcircumstances,theHeadofSafeguardingmustsupervisetheworkofSafeguardingOfficersandensurethattheyareproperlytrained,andsupportedincluding,withoutlimitation,bywayofregular,minutedmeetingswitheachSafeguardingOfficer.S.7.EachHeadofSafeguardingandSafeguardingOfficershall:S.7.1.betrainedinallissuesaffectingthesafeguardingofVulnerableGroups;S.7.2.begivenajobdescriptionthatproperlyrecordstheirresponsibilities;andS.7.3.undertakeineachcalendaryearcontinuingprofessionaldevelopmenttraininginthesafeguardingofVulnerableGroups,approvedbytheLeague,andmaintainarecordthereof.
SectionS:TheSafeguardingofVulnerableGroupsandSaferRecruitmentGuidanceWhiletheconsentofaParent(orcarer)isnotrequiredwhereimagesorfootagearetakenofanAdultatRisk,asamatterofgoodpractice,Clubsshouldensurethatwheresuchimagesorfootagearetobetaken,theAdultatRiskunderstandstheimplicationsoftheimagesorfootagebeingtaken,especiallyiftheimagesorfootagearetobeusedbytheClub(oranyoneelse)forpromotionalpurposes,orotherwisemadepubliclyavailable.199NotificationofReferralstoExternalAgenciesandFootballAuthoritiesS.13.OnmakinganyreferralofanallegationorincidentofsuspectedabuseoforunsuitablebehaviourtowardsaChildorAdultatRisktoanyexternalagency(including,withoutlimitation,thepolice,thelocalauthorityortheDBS),theHeadofSafeguardingorotherOfficialmakingthereferralshallnotifytheSeniorSafeguardingLeadinwritingandensurethattheSeniorSafeguardingLeadiskeptfullyappraisedoftheprogressofthereferralandanysubsequentinvestigationoraction.S.9.EachmemberofStaffshallbegivenregulartraining(inaformapprovedbytheHeadofSafeguarding)intheClub’spoliciesandproceduresforthesafeguardingofVulnerableGroups.S.10.S.11.EachmemberofStaffshallbegiveninwriting:S.10.1.thenameoftheClub’sHeadofSafeguarding;S.10.2.descriptionsofwhatconstitutespoorsafeguardingpractice,abuseorunsuitablebehaviourtowardsaChildorAdultatRisk;S.10.3.detailsofwhatheisrequiredtodoifthereisanysignofpoorsafeguardingpractice,abuseorunsuitablebehaviourtowardsaChildorAdultatRiskorifthereisasuspicionthatsuchconductistakingplace;andS.10.4.theLeague’s‘GuidanceforSaferWorkingPractice’.NoPersonshallbeappointedasamemberofStaffunless:S.11.1.hehascompletedandsubmittedtotheClubawrittenapplication;S.11.2.awrittenreferencehasbeenobtainedbytheClubfromatleasttworefereesnamedintheapplication;S.11.3.hehasappliedtotheDBSforDisclosure;S.11.4.hisDisclosureinformationhasbeenreceivedandtheClubissatisfiedthatheisnotunsuitabletoworkwithVulnerableGroups;andS.11.5.hisparticularshavebeenenteredintheStaffregisterreferredtoatRuleS.5.10.ParentalConsentS.12.ThewrittenconsentofaChild’sParentshallbeobtained:S.12.1.beforetheChildparticipatesinanActivity(bytheParentcompletingandreturningtotheHeadofSafeguardingawrittenparentalconsentform);andS.12.2.iftheChildisundertheageof16,beforeanyimagesorfootageofhimaretakenorusedforanypurposewhatsoever.
SectionS:TheSafeguardingofVulnerableGroupsandSaferRecruitment200Rules:SectionSS.14.TheClubshallnotifytheLeagueandTheFootballAssociation(throughthesubmissionoftheAffiliatedFootballSafeguardingReferralForm)of,andgivetheLeagueandTheFootballAssociationsuchfurtherinformationastheymayrequireinrespectof:S.14.1.anyevidenceobtainedbytheClubdemonstratingtheabuseof,orunsuitablebehaviourtowards,aChildorAdultatRisk,whetherornottheevidencerelatesto:(a)conductbyamemberofStaffintheperformanceofhisdutiesasamemberofStaff;or(b)anon-recentorrecentallegation;S.14.2.athird(orsubsequent)incidentorallegationof‘poorpractice’(asdefinedinAffiliatedFootball’sSafeguardingProcedures),whethersimilarinnatureorotherwise,inrelationtoaChildorAdultatRiskinvolvingthesamememberofStaff;S.14.3.anyreferralithasmadetoanyexternalagency(asdescribedinRuleS.13);andS.14.4.anyinvestigationbysuchanexternalagencyintosuspectedabuseofor‘unsuitablebehaviour’towardsaChildorAdultatRiskinvolvedinanActivityofwhichtheClubbecomesaware,whethersuchinvestigationresultsfromareferralmadepursuanttoRuleS.14.1orotherwise,ineachcase,assoonasreasonablypracticable,andinanyeventwithin24hoursoftherelevantevidence,incidentorinvestigationbeingreferredtotheexternalagency(wheresuchareferralismade).MonitoringS.15.EachClubwillpermittheLeaguetoconductatleastthreemonitoringvisitseachSeasontoensurecompliancewiththisSectionoftheseRules,whichwillbeattendedbyaPersonappointedforthispurposebytheLeague.EachClubshallensurethateachsuchPersonisgivenaccesstoallrecordskeptinaccordancewiththerequirementsofthisSectionoftheseRulesandisabletomeetStaff,Parents,Children,AcademyPlayers,AdultsatRiskandtheircarers.S.16.SuchPersonshall:S.16.1.givewrittenfeedbacktotheClubconcernedoneachmonitoringvisitmadeand,ifappropriate,agreewiththeClubanactionplansettingoutactionstobetakenbytheClubtoensurecompliancewiththisSectionoftheseRules;S.16.2.reportoneachvisitinwritingtotheLeague;andS.16.3.attheendofeachSeasonorassoonaspracticablethereafter,presenttotheLeagueandtheClubawrittenannualreportontheClub’scompliancewiththisSectionoftheseRules.
SectionS:TheSafeguardingofVulnerableGroupsandSaferRecruitment201S.17.Where,asaresultofitsmonitoringofClubsinaccordancewithRuleS.15,receiptofareferralornotificationinaccordancewithRulesS.13andS.14,orotherwise,theLeaguebecomesawareofabuseoforunsuitablebehaviourtowardsaChildorAdultatRiskbyamemberofStafforotherwiseholdsconcernsregardingaClub’shandlingofamatterrelatingtosafeguarding,itmay(initsabsolutediscretion)conductacasereview,eitheronitsownorinconjunctionwithTheFootballAssociation.Wheresuchacasereviewisundertaken,theLeagueshallbeentitledtohaveaccesstoallrecordskeptinaccordancewiththerequirementsofthisSectionoftheseRulesandshallbeentitledtomeetStaff,Parents,Children,AdultsatRiskandtheircarers.Followingsuchacasereview,theLeaguemaymakesuchdirectionstotheClubconcernedand/orproposesuchmeasuresbeputinplacebytheClubasitconsidersnecessary,whichmustbeadoptedbytheClubconcernedinfull.SaferRecruitmentS.18.TheLeaguewillundertakeallmattersconnectedwiththeuseoftheDisclosureserviceforthoseClubsnotregisteredwiththeDBS.S.19.ClubsnotregisteredwiththeDBSagreetobeboundbyanyguidanceorpolicyontheissueofsaferrecruitmentpublishedbytheLeaguefromtimetotime.S.20.EachClubshallprepare,implementandreviewregularlyasaferrecruitmentpolicy,whichshall:S.20.1.beinaccordancewiththisSectionoftheseRules;andS.20.2.complyinfullwithanyguidanceorpolicypublishedbytheLeaguefromtimetotime.S.21.EachClubshalldesignateamemberofStaffasitsLeadDisclosureOfficerwhosenameshallbenotifiedtotheLeagueinForm17.TheLeadDisclosureOfficershall:S.21.1.actastheClub’sprincipalpointofcontactwiththeLeagueonallmattersconnectedwithsaferrecruitmentandtheuseoftheDisclosureservice;S.21.2.liaiseregularlywithandbeguidedbytheadviceoftheLeagueonallmattersconcerningsaferrecruitmentproceduresandtheuseoftheDisclosureservice;andS.21.3.ensurestrictcompliancebytheClubwithitssaferrecruitmentpolicies.PublicityS.22.EachClubshallpublishinaneasilyaccessiblesectionofitswebsite:S.22.1.aclearstatementoftheClub’scommitmenttosafeguarding;S.22.2.thenameandcontactdetailsoftheClub’sHeadofSafeguarding;andS.22.3.acopyoftheClub’spoliciesandproceduresreferredtoatRuleS.1.
Players–Contracts,RegistrationsandTransfersSectionT:Players–Contracts203ApproachestoPlayersT.1.AClubshallbeatlibertyatanytimetomakeanapproachtoaPlayerwithaviewtonegotiatingacontractwithsuchaPlayer:T.1.1.ifheisanOutofContractPlayer;orT.1.2.inthecaseofaContractPlayer,withthepriorwrittenconsentoftheClub(orclub)towhichheiscontracted.T.2.AClubshallbeatlibertyafterthethirdSaturdayinMayinanyyearandbeforethe1JulynextfollowingtomakesuchanapproachtoaContractPlayer:T.2.1.whowillbecomeanOutofContractPlayeronthat1July;andT.2.2.whohasreceivednoofferfromhisClubunderRuleV.17.2;orT.2.3.whohasreceivedbuthasdeclinedsuchoffer.T.3.AnyClubwhichbyitself,byanyofitsOfficials,byanyofitsPlayers,byitsIntermediary,byanyotherPersononitsbehalforbyanyothermeanswhatsoevermakesanapproacheitherdirectlyorindirectlytoaContractPlayerexceptaspermittedbyeitherRuleT.1.2orRuleT.2shallbeinbreachoftheseRulesandmaybedealtwithundertheprovisionsofSectionWoftheseRules(Disciplinary).T.4.ForthepurposesofRulesT.2andT.3,“ContractPlayer”shallincludeaplayerwhohasenteredintoawrittencontractofemploymentwithaFootballLeagueclub.ApproachesbyPlayersT.5.AnOutofContractPlayer,oranyPersononhisbehalf,shallbeatlibertyatanytimetomakeanapproachtoaClub(orclub)withaviewtonegotiatingacontractwithsuchClub(orclub).T.6.SubjecttoRuleT.7,aContractPlayer,eitherbyhimselforbyanyPersononhisbehalf,shallnoteitherdirectlyorindirectlymakeanysuchapproachasisreferredtoinRuleT.5withouthavingobtainedthepriorwrittenconsentofhisClub.T.7.AfterthethirdSaturdayinMayinanyyearandbeforethe1JulynextfollowingaContractPlayertowhomRuleT.2appliesoranyPersononhisbehalfmaymakesuchanapproachasisreferredtoinRuleT.5.PublicStatementsT.8.AstatementmadepubliclybyoronbehalfofaClubexpressinginterestinacquiringtheregistrationofaContractPlayerorbyaContractPlayerexpressinginterestintransferringhisregistrationtoanotherClub(orclub)shallineithercasebetreatedasanindirectapproachforthepurposesofRulesT.3andT.6.
SectionT:Players–Contracts204Rules:SectionTInducementsT.9.ExceptasmaybeprovidedinaPlayer’scontract:T.9.1.noClubshallinduceorattempttoinduceaPlayertosignacontractbydirectlyorindirectlyofferinghimoranyPersonconnectedwithhimorhisIntermediaryabenefitorpaymentofanydescriptionwhetherincashorinkind;andT.9.2.noPlayershalleitherdirectlyorindirectlyacceptorcauseorpermithisIntermediarytoacceptanysuchofferasisdescribedinthisRule.FormofContractT.10.SaveforanycontractsenteredintobyaPromotedClubbeforeitbecameamemberoftheLeaguewhichareinForm18,contractsbetweenClubsandPlayersshallbeinForm19.LengthofContractT.11.Subjecttotheexceptionssetoutbelow,acontractbetweenaClubandaPlayermaybeforanyperiodprovidedthatitsexpirydateis30June.TheexceptionstothisRuleare:T.11.1.contractswithContractPlayersundertheageof18yearswhichmustnotbecapableoflastingformorethanthreeyears;T.11.2.contractsnogreaterthanonemonthinduration(a“MonthlyContract”);andT.11.3.WeekbyWeekContracts.T.12.APlayerundertheageof17yearsmaynotenterintoacontractofemploymentwithaClubandmayonlyberegisteredasanAcademyPlayer.Players’RemunerationT.13.FulldetailsofaPlayer’sremunerationincludingallbenefitstowhichheisentitledwhetherincashorinkindshallbesetoutinhiscontract.T.14.ThetermsofacontractbetweenaClubandaPlayershallbestrictlyadheredto.T.15.IfanyClubactsinbreachofRuleE.21,inadditiontoanypenaltyimposedundertheprovisionsofSectionWoftheseRules(Disciplinary),theBoardshallhavepowertorefuseanyapplicationbythatClubtoregisteranyPlayeruntilthebreachhasbeenremedied.Signing-onFeesT.16.ASigning-onFeemaybepaidonlytoaContractPlayerwhosecontract:T.16.1.isforaperiodofnotlessthanthreemonths;andT.16.2.isnotaMonthlyContractoraConditionalContractoraWeekbyWeekContract.
SectionT:Players–Contracts205T.17.InthecaseofacontractbetweenaClubandaPlayerlastingformorethanoneyear,anySigning-onFeeshallbepaidinequalannualinstalments.T.18.IftheregistrationofaContractPlayeristransferredwhenanypartofhisSigning-onFeeremainsunpaid,asumequaltotheunpaidbalancethereofshallbepaidtohimforthwithbytheTransferorClubunless:T.18.1.thetransferisconsequentupontheContractPlayer’scontracthavingbeenterminatedbytheTransferorClubbyreasonoftheContractPlayer’sbreachofitstermsandconditions;T.18.2.thetransferisconsequentupontheContractPlayer’swrittenrequesttothateffect;orT.18.3.theBoard,ontheapplicationofeithertheTransferorClubortheContractPlayer,otherwisedecidesandeitherpartymayappealtothePremierLeagueAppealsCommitteeagainstthedecisionoftheBoardinthisrespectinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofSectionZoftheseRules.LumpSumPaymentsT.19.UnlessotherwiseagreedbytheBoard,nolumpsumpaymentshallbepaidorpayablebyaClubtoaPlayerduringthefirstyearofhisemploymentasaContractPlayerwiththatClubsavefor:T.19.1.aSigning-onFee(whichmustbepaidinaccordancewithRulesT.16toT.18);orT.19.2.asumpaidinrespectofthePlayer’srelocationexpensesnotexceedingtheamountfromtimetotimepermittedbyHMRCtobepaidforthispurposewithoutincometaxandnationalinsuranceliability.ImageContractsT.20.ParticularsofanyImageContractPaymentinrespectofthePlayershallbesetoutinthecontractwithhisClub.SigningtheContractT.21.AcontractbetweenaClubandaPlayershallbesignedineachcaseinthepresenceofawitnessby:T.21.1.thePlayer;T.21.2.thePlayer’sParentifthePlayerisundertheageof18years;andT.21.3.anAuthorisedSignatoryonbehalfoftheClub.ReportingFinesetc.T.22.AcopyofanynoticeterminatingaPlayer’scontract,whethergivenbytheCluborthePlayer,andanynoticegivenbyaClubimposingafineonaPlayerorsuspendinghimshallbesentforthwithbytheClubtotheLeagueandtoTheFootballAssociation.
SectionT:Players–Contracts206Rules:SectionTSubmissiontoBoardT.23.AClubshallrequesteachContractPlayer(orifheisaminorhisParent)tocompleteForm20atthesametimethathesignshisfirstcontractwiththeClub.Ifhedoes,theClubshallsubmitthecompletedForm20totheBoardwhenitsubmitsacopyofthecontractpursuanttoRuleT.24.T.24.SubjecttotheprovisionsofRulesU.17,U.19,U.21andV.11.3,ClubsshallsubmittotheBoardcopiesofallcontractswithPlayerswithinfivedaysoftheirbeingenteredinto.MutualTerminationT.25.IfthepartiestheretoagreetoterminateaPlayer’scontractbeforeitsexpirydatetheyshallforthwithnotifyTheFootballAssociationandtheBoardtothateffectandshallprovidetheBoardwithacopyofanycompromiseorotheragreementrecordingthatterminationwithinfivedaysofitscomingintofullforceandeffect.T.26.AClubshallbeatlibertyatanytimetoreachagreementwithaContractPlayertoamendthetermsofhiscontract.IfsuchanagreementincreasestheContractPlayer’sremunerationthen,unlesstheagreementismadeintheCloseSeason,itshallbeatermthereofthattheContractPlayer’scurrentcontractisextendedbyaminimumofoneyear.AppealagainstTerminationT.27.AnappealbyaPlayerundertheprovisionsofclause10.3ofForm18orForm19orbyaClubundertheprovisionsofclause11.2ofForm18orForm19shallbecommencedbynoticeinwritingaddressedtotheotherpartytothecontractandtotheBoard.AppealagainstDisciplinaryDecisionT.28.AnappealbyaPlayerundertheprovisionsofparagraph3.3.2ofSchedule1,Part1,ofForm18orForm19shallbecommencedbynoticeinwritingaddressedtotheClubandtotheBoard.T.29.AppealspursuanttoRuleT.27orRuleT.28shallbeconductedinsuchmannerastheBoardmaydetermine.T.30.TheBoardmayallowordismissanysuchappealandmakesuchotherorderasitthinksfit.DisputesbetweenClubsandPlayersT.31.AnydisputeordifferencebetweenaClubandaPlayernototherwiseexpresslyprovidedforintheseRulesmaybereferredinwritingbyeitherpartytotheBoardforconsiderationandadjudicationinsuchmannerastheBoardmaythinkfit.ForthepurposeofthisRuleonly,“Player”shallincludeonewhowasformerlyemployedbytheClubwithwhichthedisputeordifferencehasarisen,whetherornothehasbeenregisteredtoplayforanotherClub.
SectionT:Players–Contracts207OrdersforCostsT.32.TheBoardshallhavepowertomakeanorderforcosts:T.32.1.indeterminingappealsunderRuleT.27orRuleT.28;T.32.2.inmakinganadjudicationunderRuleT.31;andT.32.3.ifanyproceedingsunderRuleT.27orRuleT.28orRuleT.31,havingbeencommenced,arewithdrawn.T.33.TheBoardshallhavepowertodeterminetheamountofanysuchcostswhichmayinclude,withoutlimitation,thoseincurredbytheLeagueintheconductoftheproceedings.T.34.TheBoardshallhavethepower,atanytimeduringtheproceedings,toorderoneorseveralinterimorfinalpaymentsonaccountofthecostsoftheLeague.T.35.Costsorderedtobepaidasaforesaidshallberecoverable:T.35.1.inthecaseofaClub,undertheprovisionsofRuleE.26;orT.35.2.inanyothercase,asacivildebt.AppealT.36.Within14daysofadecisionoftheBoardgivenundertheprovisionsofeitherRuleT.30orRuleT.31eitherpartymaybynoticeinwritingappealagainstsuchdecisiontothePremierLeagueAppealsCommitteewhosedecisionshallbefinal.EffectofTerminationT.37.UpontheterminationofaPlayer’scontractbyaClubundertheprovisionsofclause10.1ofForm18orForm19becomingoperativeorupontheterminationbyaPlayerofhiscontractwithhisClubundertheprovisionsofclause11.1ofForm18orForm19becomingoperative,theClubshallforthwithreleasethePlayer’sregistration.T.38.ExceptinthecaseofaRetiredPlayertowhomtheprovisionsofRuleU.29.5apply,uponaPlayer’scontractbeingterminatedbymutualconsent,hisClubshallretainthePlayer’sregistrationforsuchperiod(ifany)andonsuchterms(ifany)asthepartiesmayinwritingagree.ShouldthePlayersignforanotherClub(orFootballLeagueclub)duringthatperiod,thatClub(orFootballLeagueclub)shallpaytotheClubretainingtheregistrationaCompensationFeedetermined,indefaultofagreement,bytheProfessionalFootballCompensationCommittee.TestimonialMatchesT.39.Notwithstandingthatithasnocontractualobligationtodoso,aClubinitsabsolutediscretionandwiththe
priorwrittenconsentoftheBoardmay,inthecaseofaPlayerwhohascompleted10ormoreyearsinitsserviceassuch,permititsStadiumtobeusedwithoutchargeforthepurposesofatestimonialmatch.
Players–Contracts,RegistrationsandTransfersSectionU:Players–Registrations209RequirementforRegistrationU.1.APlayershallnotplayforaClubinaLeagueMatchunlessthatClubholdshisregistration(whichshallinclude,inthecircumstancessetoutinRulesU.3andU.12,confirmationthatheiseligibletoplayforit)witheffectfromatleast75minutesbeforekick-offandforLeagueMatchestobeplayedbetweenthecloseoftheSummerTransferWindowandtheendoftheSeasoneither:U.1.1.hisnameisincludedontheSquadList;orU.1.2.heisanUnder21Player.U.2.AClubshallbedeemedtoholdtheregistrationofaPlayeruponreceiptoftheLeague’sconfirmationbyemailtothateffect.U.3.IfaloanofaPlayer(whetherbyTemporaryTransferorotherwise)iscancelledbymutualconsent,thePlayershallnotplayfortheClubtowhichheisreturningunlesstheLeaguehasconfirmedtothatClubthatthePlayeriseligibletoplayforit.U.4.AClubshallapplyto:U.4.1.includeaPlayeronitsSquadListbysubmittingtotheBoardtherequisiteForm;andU.4.2.removeaPlayerfromitsSquadListbysubmittingtotheBoardtherequisiteForm.U.5.APlayershallbedeemedtohavebeenincludedorremovedfromaClub’sSquadListonreceiptoftheBoard’swrittenconfirmation.U.6.ChangestoaSquadListmaybemade:U.6.1.duringtheperiodofaTransferWindow;orU.6.2.atothertimesonlywiththepermissionoftheBoard.U.7.EachapplicationtoregisteraPlayershallbesubjecttotheapprovaloftheBoard.U.8.InadditiontotheformsanddocumentsspecificallyrequiredbytheseRules,aClubshallsubmittotheBoard:U.8.1.anycontractitproposestoenterintowhichgivestheCluboranyotherpartytotheproposedcontractanyrightsrelatingtothetransferoftheregistrationofaplayeratadateinthefuturefromortotheCluboranyrightsrelatingtotheemploymentoftheplayerbytheClub;orU.8.2.anycontractitproposestoenterinto,saveforaRepresentationContractoranImageContract,whichgivestheCluboranyotherpartytotheproposedcontracttherighttoreceivepaymentsinrespectofaPlayer.AnysuchproposedcontractshallbesubjecttotheapprovaloftheBoard.IndecidingwhethertogivesuchapprovaltheBoardshallhaveregardto(withoutlimitation)RulesI.4andI.7(regardingdualinterests).
SectionU:Players–Registrations210Rules:SectionUTypesofRegistrationU.9.ThereshallbefourtypesofregistrationgovernedbythisSectionoftheseRules,namely:U.9.1.amateur;U.9.2.contract;U.9.3.MonthlyContract;andU.9.4.temporary.U.10.TheregistrationofAcademyPlayersshallbegovernedbytheYouthDevelopmentRules.InternationalTransferCertificateU.11.APlayerwholastplayed(orwaslastregisteredtoplay)foraclubaffiliatedtoanationalassociationotherthanthattowhichtheClubwhichisapplyingtoregisterhimisaffiliatedshallnotberegisteredunlesstheLeaguehasreceivedwrittenconfirmationfromtheClub’snationalassociationthataninternationaltransfercertificatehasbeenissuedinrespectofthePlayer.U.12.APlayerwhoisthesubjectofaloantoaCluborclubaffiliatedtoanationalassociationotherthanthattowhichtheloaningClubisaffiliatedmaynotplayfortheloaningClubfollowingtheterminationofthetemporarytransferuntiltheLeaguehasreceivedwrittenconfirmationfromtheClub’snationalassociationthataninternationaltransfercertificatehasbeenissuedinrespectofhisreturntohisClub,andtheLeaguehasconfirmedtotheClubinwritingreceiptthereofandthatheiseligibletoplayforthatClub.EligibilitytoWorkintheUnitedKingdomU.13.AnapplicationtoregisteraPlayershallbeaccompaniedbysuchevidenceastheLeaguemayrequiretodemonstratethatthePlayermaytakeupemploymentintheUnitedKingdom,andtheLeagueshallnotconfirmthatheiseligibletoplayfortheClubapplyingtoregisterhimuntiltheLeaguehasreceivedsuchevidence.RegistrationProcedureU.14.ForthepurposeofthisSectionoftheseRulestheNewRegistrationofaPlayershallmeanhisregistrationatatimewhennootherClub(orclub)holdshisregistrationeitherbecausenopreviousapplicationtoregisterthePlayerhasbeenmadeorbecauseapreviousregistrationhasbeencancelledorhasterminatedorhasexpired.U.15.TheNewRegistrationofanAmateurPlayershallbeeffectedbycompletionofandsubmissiontotheBoardofForm21signedonbehalfoftheClubbyanAuthorisedSignatory.U.16.TheregistrationofanAmateurPlayerisnottransferable.
SectionU:Players–Registrations211U.17.TheNewRegistrationofaContractPlayershallbeeffectedbycompletionandsubmissiontotheBoardofacopyofthePlayer’scontract.U.18.ThetransferoftheregistrationofaContractPlayershallbeeffectedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofRuleV.11.U.19.TheNewRegistrationofaContractPlayeronaMonthlyContractbasisshallbeeffectedbycompletionofandsubmissiontotheBoardofFootballAssociationFormG(1),signedonbehalfoftheClubbyanAuthorisedSignatory,togetherwithacopyofthePlayer’scontract.U.20.ThetransferoftheregistrationofaContractPlayeronaMonthlyContractbasisshallbeeffectedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofRuleV.11.U.21.AMonthlyContractregistrationmaybeextendedbyonemonthbycompletionofandsubmissiontotheBoardofFootballAssociationFormG(1)(Extension),signedonbehalfoftheClubbyanAuthorisedSignatory,and,ifanychangestoithavebeenmade,acopyofthePlayer’scontract.U.22.TheTemporaryTransferoftheregistrationofaContractPlayerandanyextensionthereofshallbeeffectedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofRulesV.6toV.10.U.23.SubjecttotheprovisionsofRuleV.1,thedeadlineforreceiptbytheBoardofalldulycompleteddocumentsrequiredbytheseRulestoeffecttheregistrationofaPlayershallbe12noononthelastWorkingDaybeforethedateofthefirstLeagueMatchinwhichtheClubmakingtheapplicationintendshimtoplay,savethattheinternationaltransfercertificateandevidenceofeligibilitytotakeupemploymentintheUnitedKingdom(inbothcasesifapplicable)maybeprovidedthereafter(butmustbeprovidedbeforethePlayerisregisteredbytheLeague).U.24.AClubwhichtransfersorcancelstheregistrationofaPlayermaynotapplytoregisterthatPlayerwithinayearexceptwiththepriorwrittenconsentoftheBoard.MultiplicityofRegistrationsU.25.APlayershallnotapplytoberegisteredbymorethanoneClub(orclub)atanyonetimeandtheBoardshallrefuseanyapplicationmadeinbreachofthisRule.MonthlyRegistrationsU.26.ThereshallbenolimittothenumberoftimesaMonthlyContractregistrationmaybeextendedunderRuleU.21providedthataClubintendingtoapplytoextendtheMonthlyContractregistrationofaPlayerforathirdorsubsequenttimeshallgivetothePlayernotlessthansevendays’noticeofitsintentiontodoso.U.27.NotwithstandingtheprovisionsofRuleV.1,aClubmayapplyatanytimetoextendaMonthlyContractregistrationprovidedithasnotbeenallowedtoexpire.
SectionU:Players–Registrations212Rules:SectionUTerminationofRegistrationsU.28.TheregistrationofanAmateurPlayer:U.28.1.shallexpireattheendoftheSeasoninwhichitcommenced;U.28.2.maybeterminatedbeforeitsexpirybyagreementtothateffectbetweentheClubandthePlayer,suchagreementtobenotifiedinwritingforthwithbytheClubtotheBoard;andU.28.3.maylikewisebeterminatedbyorderoftheBoardontheapplicationofeithertheCluborthePlayer.U.29.SubjecttotheprovisionsofRulesT.37andT.38,acontractregistrationshallterminate:U.29.1.inthecaseofaContractPlayer,uponitbeingtransferredinaccordancewithRuleV.11;U.29.2.inthecaseofanOutofContractPlayerinrespectofwhomtheconditionssetoutinRuleV.17havebeensatisfied,uponaTransfereeClubeffectinghisNewRegistration;U.29.3.inthecaseofanOutofContractPlayerinrespectofwhomthesaidconditionshavenotbeensatisfied,upontheexpiryofhiscontract;U.29.4.inthecaseofaContractPlayer,uponhiscontractbeingterminatedonthegroundofhispermanentincapacity;andU.29.5.inthecaseofaRetiredPlayer,ontheexpiryofaperiodof30monthscommencingattheendoftheSeasoninwhichhestopsplayingcompetitivefootball.NewRegistrationsRequiringConsentU.30.AnapplicationfortheNewRegistrationofaContractPlayerwhosecontracthasbeenterminatedbyaClub(orclub)onthegroundofhispermanentincapacityshallberefusedunlessthatClub(orclub)consents.U.31.AnapplicationfortheNewRegistrationofaContractPlayerwhohasreceivedalumpsumdisabilitybenefitunderthetermsoftheLeague’spersonalaccidentinsuranceschemeshallberefusedunless,uponbeingsatisfiedthatthecircumstancesofsuchapplicationareexceptional,theBoardconsents.
SectionU:Players–Registrations213ListofPlayersU.32.ExceptasprovidedinRulesU.33andU.34,aftertheWinterTransferWindowineachyearandonorbeforethethirdSaturdayinMaynextfollowingeachClubshallconfirmtotheBoard:U.32.1.whetherthelistofPlayersprovidedtoitforthesepurposesiscompleteandaccurateinallmaterialparticulars;U.32.2.detailsofanyPlayerswhoarenotincludedinthelistreferredtoinRuleU.32.1butwhoshouldbesoincluded;U.32.3.inthecaseofeachContractPlayerwhoseregistrationitholdsandwhosecontractexpiresonthe30Juneinthatyear,whetherornottheClubhas:U.32.3.1.offeredhimanewcontractundertheprovisionsofRuleV.17.2;orU.32.3.2.implementedanyoptionprovisioninrespectofhim;andU.32.4.inthecaseofeachAcademyPlayerwhoseregistrationitholdsandwithwhomithasenteredintoaScholarshipAgreement(asdefinedintheYouthDevelopmentRules),whetherornottheClubhas:U.32.4.1.(iftheAcademyPlayerisinthesecondyearofhisScholarshipAgreement),givenhimwrittennotice,pursuanttoclause4.2oftheScholarshipAgreement,oftheextensionofthedurationthereofbyoneyear;andU.32.4.2.(iftheAcademyPlayerisinthesecondorthirdyearofhisScholarshipAgreement)givenhimwrittennotice,pursuanttoclause6.7oftheScholarshipAgreement,ofitsintentiontoofferhimaprofessionalcontractasaContractPlayer.U.33.ThedatebywhicheachClubisrequiredbyRuleU.32togiveconfirmationtotheBoardshallbeextendedinthecaseofaClubwhichonthethirdSaturdayinMayinanyyearisstillparticipatingintheF.A.Cup,theUEFAChampionsLeagueortheUEFAEuropaLeagueorhasyettoplayaLeagueMatchtheoutcomeofwhichcouldaffect:U.33.1.identificationoftheLeagueChampionsinaccordancewithRuleC.11;U.33.2.identificationoftheClubstoberelegatedinaccordancewithRuleC.14;orU.33.3.qualificationforaUEFAClubCompetition.U.34.InthecircumstancesmentionedinRuleU.33,theClubshallgivetheBoardtheinformationrequiredbyRuleU.32withinfourdaysofthelastrelevantF.A.Cupmatch,UEFAChampionsLeaguematch,UEFAEuropeLeaguematchorLeagueMatchhavingbeenplayed.U.35.TheparticularscontainedinClubs’listsofPlayersshallbepublishedbytheBoardbythesecondSaturdayinJuneineachyear.
SectionU:Players–Registrations214Rules:SectionUClubsCeasingtobeMembersU.36.UponaClub(inthisRuleandRuleU.37called“theFormerMember”)ceasingtobeamemberoftheLeagueundertheprovisionsofRuleB.6(otherthanbyreasonofitsrelegationfromtheLeagueinaccordancewithRuleC.14),theregistrationsofitsPlayers(exceptthoseheldinconsequenceofaTemporaryTransfer)shallvestintheLeagueandthereupontheLeagueshallbeatlibertytotransferthoseregistrationsasitshallthinkfitandshallreceiveanyCompensationFeestowhichtheFormerMemberwouldotherwisehavebeenentitledundertheprovisionsofSectionVoftheseRules(Players–TransfersofRegistrations).U.37.AnyCompensationFeesobtainedinaccordancewithRuleU.36shallbelongtotheLeagueandoutofthemtheBoardshallhavepowertomakeagranttoeitherorbothof:U.37.1.anyClubtowhichCompensationFeesareowedbytheFormerMember;andU.37.2.theFormerMember.ProhibitionofThirdPartyInvestmentU.38.UnlessotherwiseagreedbytheBoardandsubjecttoRuleU.39,aClubmayonlymakeorreceiveapaymentorincuranyliabilityasaresultoforinconnectionwiththeproposedoractualregistration(whetherpermanentortemporary),transferofregistrationoremploymentbyitofaPlayerinthefollowingcircumstances:U.38.1.bypaymenttoaTransferorCluborreceiptfromaTransfereeClubofaCompensationFee,ContingentSum,LoanFeeorsell-onfee;U.38.2.bypaymentoflevypursuanttoRuleV.38orRuleV.39;U.38.3.byreceiptofallorpartofaCompensationFee,ContingentSum,LoanFeeorsell-onfee,indefaultofpaymentofitbytheTransfereeClubfromwhichitisdue,from:U.38.3.1.afinancialinstitutionorotherguarantor;orU.38.3.2.theLeagueinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheseRules;orU.38.3.3.TheFootballLeagueinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheRegulationsofTheFootballLeague;U.38.4.bywayofremuneration(includingbenefitsincashorkindandImageContractPayments)toorforthebenefitofaContractPlayerwhoseregistrationitholds;U.38.5.bywayofanallowancepermittedbyYouthDevelopmentRule286,toanAcademyPlayerwithwhomithasenteredintoaScholarshipAgreement(asdefinedintheYouthDevelopmentRules);U.38.6.bywayofpaymenttoanIntermediarystrictlyinaccordancewiththetermsoftheTheFARegulationsonWorkingwithIntermediaries;
SectionU:Players–Registrations215U.38.7.bypaymentofincidentalexpensesarisinginrespectthereof;U.38.8.bypaymentorreceiptoftrainingcompensationorsolidaritypaymentpursuanttotheFIFARegulationsfortheStatusandTransferofPlayersandanyotherleviesorpaymentspayabletoorbyaClubpursuanttothestatutesorregulationsofFIFAoranyotherfootballgoverningbodyfromtimetotime,orotherwiseproperlyduetoorfromsuchagoverningbody;U.38.9.bypaymentofvalueaddedtaxpayableinrespectofanyoftheabovepaymentsorliabilities;andU.38.10.inthecaseofaTransferorClub,byassignmentofitsentitlementtoaCompensationFeeorLoanFeetoaFinancialInstitution.U.39.InrespectofaplayerwhomitappliestoregisterasaContractPlayer,aClubispermittedtomakeapaymenttobuyouttheinterestofaPersonwho,notbeingaCluborclub,neverthelesshasanagreementeitherwiththeclubwithwhichtheplayerisregistered,orwiththeplayer,grantingittherighttoreceivemoneyfromanewCluborclubforwhichthatplayerbecomesregistered.AnysuchpaymentwhichisnotdependentonthehappeningofacontingenteventmaybemadeeitherinonelumpsumorininstalmentsprovidedthatallsuchinstalmentsarepaidonorbeforetheexpirydateoftheinitialcontractbetweentheClubandtheplayer.Anysuchpaymentwhichispayableuponthehappeningofacontingenteventshallbepayablewithinsevendaysofthehappeningofthatevent.
SectionU:Players–Registrations216Rules:SectionU
Players–Contracts,RegistrationsandTransfersSectionV:Players–TransfersofRegistrations217TransferWindowsV.1.“TransferWindows”meansthetwoperiodsinayearduringwhich,subjecttoRuleV.4,aClubmayapplyfor:V.1.1.theNewRegistrationofaplayer;V.1.2.theregistrationofaplayertransferredtoit;andV.1.3.theregistrationofaTemporaryTransfer.V.2.TheSummerTransferWindowinanyyearshallcommenceatmidnightonthelastdayoftheSeasonoratsuchotherdateandtimeastheBoardshalldetermineandshallendon31AugustnextifaWorkingDayor,ifnot,onthefirstWorkingDaythereafter,atatimetobedeterminedbytheBoard.V.3.TheWinterTransferWindowinanyyearshallcommenceatmidnighton31DecemberoratsuchotherdateandtimeastheBoardshalldetermineandshallendon31JanuarynextifaWorkingDayor,ifnot,onthefirstWorkingDaythereafter,atatimetobedeterminedbytheBoard.V.4.OutsideaTransferWindow,theBoardinitsabsolutediscretionmay:V.4.1.refuseanapplicationtoregisteraplayer;orV.4.2.grantanapplicationtoregisteraplayerand,ifthoughtfit,imposeconditionsbywhichtheClubmakingtheapplicationandtheplayershallbebound.TemporaryTransfersV.5.A“TemporaryTransfer”shallmeanthetransferofacontractregistrationeffectedinaccordancewithRulesV.6toV.10.V.6.Subjecttotheconditionssetoutbelow,aTemporaryTransfershallbepermitted:V.6.1.betweenClubs;andV.6.2.betweenaClubandaclubinmembershipofTheFootballLeague,theNationalLeague,theNorthernPremierLeague,theIsthmianLeagueandtheSouthernLeague.V.7.TheconditionsreferredtoinRuleV.6are:V.7.1.aTemporaryTransfertoaClubmaynottakeplaceintheTransferWindowinwhichtheTransferorClubacquiredthePlayer’sregistration;V.7.2.duringtheperiodoftheTemporaryTransferofhiscontractregistrationaPlayershallnotplayagainsttheTransferorClub;V.7.3.ifduringtheperiodofaTemporaryTransferthePlayer’sregistrationistransferredpermanentlyfromtheTransferorClubtotheTransfereeClub,the
twoClubsmayagreeinwriting(withsuchagreementcopiedtotheLeague)thatthePlayershallnotplayagainsttheTransferorClubfortheremainderoftheSeason;
SectionV:Players–TransfersofRegistrationsGuidanceAnexampleofthecircumstancesinwhichtheBoardmightexerciseitsdiscretioninRuleV.7.4iswhereaPlayersubjecttoaTemporaryTransferisunabletorepresenttheClubtemporarilyholdinghisregistration,duetoalong-terminjury.Insuchcircumstances,theBoardmightapprovetheterminationoftheTemporaryTransferontheconditionthatthePlayerisprohibitedfrommakinganyfirstteamappearancesattheClubwithwhichhere-registers,duringtheremainingperiodoftheoriginalTemporaryTransfer.218Rules:SectionVV.8.TheLoanFeepayableonaTemporaryTransfershallbesuchsum(ifany)asshallhavebeenagreedbetweentheTransfereeClubandtheTransferorClubandsetoutinFootballAssociationFormH.2orH.3(asappropriate)orinasupplementaryagreement.V.9.AnyLoanFee(includinganyinstalmentsthereof)shallbepaidonorbeforethedateordatesagreedbetweentheparties,thelatestofwhichmustbenolaterthan30JuneimmediatelyfollowingtheconclusionoftheSeasoninwhichtheTemporaryTransferexpired.V.10.ATemporaryTransfershallbeeffectedbysubmittingtotheBoardFootballAssociationFormH.2orFormH.3dulycompletedandsignedonbehalfoftheClubbyanAuthorisedSignatory.V.7.4.subjecttoanyconditionsimposedbytheBoardintheexerciseofitsdiscretionunderRuleV.4.2,theminimumperiodofaTemporaryTransfershallbetheperiodbetweentwoconsecutiveTransferWindowsandtheperiodofaTemporaryTransfershallnotextendbeyond30Junenextafteritwasenteredinto,savethattheBoardmay,initsabsolutediscretion,permitaTemporaryTransfertobeterminatedbeforethecommencementofthesecondTransferWindow(subjecttosuchconditionsastheBoarddeemsappropriate);V.7.5.themaximumnumberofTemporaryTransferstoanyoneClubregistrableinthesameSeasonshallbefourandinnocircumstancesshallmorethanonebefromthesameTransferorClubatanyonetimesavethereshallbeexcludedfromthesenumbersanyTemporaryTransferofthekinddescribedinV.7.6.1orV.7.6.2;V.7.6.notmorethantwoTemporaryTransfersshallberegisteredbyaClubatthesametimeexceptthatthereshallbeexcludedfromthatnumber:V.7.6.1.anyTemporaryTransferwhichbecomepermanent;andV.7.6.2.theTemporaryTransferofagoalkeeperwhichinitsabsolutediscretiontheBoardmayallowincircumstancesitconsiderstobeexceptional;V.7.7.aClubmaytransfertheregistrationofnomorethanoneofitsgoalkeepersbywayoftemporaryTransfertoanotherClubeachSeason,subjecttoanyfurtherTemporaryTransferofoneofitsgoalkeeperspursuanttoRuleV.7.6.2;andV.7.8.anyotherconditionsagreedbetweentheTransferorClubandtheTransfereeClubor,intheexerciseofitsdiscretion,imposedbytheBoard.
SectionV:Players–TransfersofRegistrations219ContractPlayersV.11.ThetransferoftheregistrationofaContractPlayershallbeeffectedinthefollowingmanner:V.11.1.theTransferorClubandtheTransfereeClubshallenterintoaTransferAgreementsignedonbehalfofeachClubbyanAuthorisedSignatoryinwhichshallbesetoutfullparticularsofallfinancialandotherarrangementsagreedbetweentheTransferorClubandtheTransfereeCluband,exceptasprovidedbelow,betweentheTransferorClubandtheContractPlayerinrelationtothetransferoftheContractPlayer’sregistrationwhetherthesamearetotakeeffectuponcompletionofthetransferoratanytimethereafter;V.11.2.anysucharrangementsagreedbetweentheTransferorClubandtheContractPlayertowhichtheTransfereeClubisnotprivymaybeomittedfromtheTransferAgreementprovidedthattheyareforthwithnotifiedinwritingtotheBoardbytheTransferorClub;V.11.3.theTransferAgreementshallbesentbytheTransfereeClubtotheBoardtogetherwithacopyofthecontractenteredintobetweentheTransfereeClubandtheContractPlayertogetherwith(ifapplicable)theevidencerequiredbyRulesU.12andU.13;andV.11.4.theTransfereeClubshallpayanyCompensationFeeduetotheTransferorClubunderthetermsoftheTransferAgreementinaccordancewithRuleV.29andanylevypayableunderRuleV.38.V.12.AlltransferarrangementsinrespectofContractPlayersaresubjecttotheapprovaloftheBoard.V.13.TheTransfereeClubwillholdtheregistrationoftheContractPlayeruponreceiptoftheLeague’sconfirmationbyemailtothateffect.RetiredPlayersV.14.AClubthat,pursuanttoRuleU.29.5,holdstheregistrationofaRetiredPlayerwhoisundertheageof24years,shallbeentitledifhisregistrationistransferredtobepaidaCompensationFeebytheTransfereeClub.OutofContractPlayersV.15.AnOutofContractPlayermayseektoberegisteredbyanyTransfereeClub.V.16.UponreceivingaformalwrittenoffertoeffecttheNewRegistrationofanOutofContractPlayerwhoseregistrationitholds,aClubshallforthwithnotifythePlayerandtheBoardinwritingtothateffect.V.17.Providedthatthefollowingconditionsaresatisfied,aCompensationFeeshallbepaidtoaTransferorClubbyaTransfereeClubuponeffectingtheNewRegistrationofanOutofContractPlayer:
SectionV:Players–TransfersofRegistrations220Rules:SectionVV.17.1.theOutofContractPlayerinquestionmustbeundertheageof24yearsasatthe30JuneintheyearhiscontractofemploymentwithaClubhasexpired;V.17.2.onorbeforethethirdSaturdayinMayintheyearinwhichthePlayer’scontractistoexpireor,inthecircumstancesmentionedinRuleU.33,withinfourdaysofthelastrelevantF.A.Cupmatch,UEFAChampionsLeaguematch,UEFAEuropaLeaguematchorLeagueMatchinthatyearhavingbeenplayed,theTransferorClubmustsendtothePlayerForm22offeringhimanewcontractonthetermsthereinsetout,whichmustbenolessfavourablethanthoseinhiscurrentcontract;V.17.3.anyoffermadeonForm22byaClubtoaPlayerundertheprovisionsofRuleV.17.2shallremainopenandcapableofacceptancebythePlayerforaperiodofonemonthfromthedateuponwhichitwassentbytheClubbyordinaryfirstclassposttohisusualorlastknownaddress;andV.17.4.acopyofForm22mustbesentforthwithtotheBoard.V.18.Contracttermsshallbedeemedtobenolessfavourableif,disregardinganyprovisionforaSigning-onFeeinthePlayer’scurrentcontractwhichisstatedtobeaonceonlypayment,theyareatleastequalinvaluetothemostfavourabletermstowhichthePlayerwasorisentitledinanyyearofhiscurrentcontract.ThePlayer’sOptionsV.19.UponreceivinganofferonForm22aPlayermayeither:V.19.1.acceptthesamewithinonemonthofitsdateandenterintoanewcontractwithhisClubinthetermsoffered;orV.19.2.declineitinwriting.V.20.IfthePlayerconsidersthatthetermsofferedbyhisClubandsetoutinForm23arelessfavourablethanthoseinhiscurrentcontract,hemaygivenoticetothateffecttohisClubandtheBoardinForm23andapplyforafreetransfer.V.21.SuchapplicationshallbedeterminedbytheBoardandifitsucceeds:V.21.1.thePlayer’sClubwillnotbeentitledtoaCompensationFeeuponaTransfereeClubeffectinghisNewRegistration;andV.21.2.thePlayerwillreceiveseverancepayinaccordancewithhiscontract.TheClub’sOptionsV.22.IfaClubmakesanoffertoaPlayeronForm22andthePlayerdeclinesit,upontheexpiryofthePlayer’scontracttheClubmayeither:V.22.1.enterintoaConditionalContractwiththePlayerinsuchfinancialtermsasmaybeagreed;V.22.2.enterintoaWeekbyWeekContractwiththePlayer;or
SectionV:Players–TransfersofRegistrations221V.22.3.ifneitheraConditionalContractnoraWeekbyWeekContracthasbeenenteredintooraWeekbyWeekContracthasbeendeterminedbytheClub,continuetopaythePlayertheamountofthebasicwageunderhisexpiredcontract,andinanysuchcasetheClubshallbeentitledtoaCompensationFeeuponaTransfereeClubeffectingthePlayer’sNewRegistrationprovidedhethenremainsundertheageof24yearsandtheotherconditionssetoutinRuleV.17havebeensatisfied.V.23.ThefinancialtermsofaWeekbyWeekContractshallbethosecontainedinthePlayer’sexpiredcontract,excludinganySigning-onFee,exceptthatthePlayershallbeentitledtoreceivesuchincentives(ifany)asarepayablebytheClubtoitsContractPlayerswitheffectfromthedateofhisnewcontract.V.24.AnOutofContractPlayerwhocontinuestoreceivefromhisClubtheamountofhisbasicwageundertheprovisionsofRuleV.22.3shallnotbeentitledtoplayforthatClub.IfsuchOutofContractPlayerunreasonablyrefusesanofferofemploymentbyanotherClub(orclub),hisClubmaymakeapplicationtothePremierLeagueAppealsCommitteeforanorderthatpaymentstotheOutofContractPlayermayceasewithoutaffectinghisClub’sentitlementtoaCompensationFee.V.25.AClubwhichhavingcontinuedtopaythePlayertheamountofhisbasicwageunderRuleV.22.3intendstoceasemakingsuchpaymentsshallgivetothePlayertwoweeks’noticetothateffectanduponaTransfereeClubeffectingthePlayer’sNewRegistrationtheClubshallnotbeentitledtoaCompensationFee.TheCompensationFeeV.26.TheCompensationFeepayablebyaTransfereeClubtoaTransferorClubuponthetransferoftheregistrationofaContractPlayertotheTransfereeClubshallbesuchsumasshallhavebeenagreedbetweentheTransfereeClubandtheTransferorClubandsetoutintheTransferAgreement.V.27.TheCompensationFeelikewisepayableinrespectofanOutofContractPlayerundertheprovisionsofRuleV.17shallbe:V.27.1.suchsumasshallhavebeenagreedbetweentheTransfereeClubandtheTransferorCluborindefaultofagreement;orV.27.2.suchsumastheProfessionalFootballCompensationCommitteeontheapplicationofeitherClubshalldetermine.V.28.AClubwhichisaTransferorClubshallprovidetoanypreviousCluborFootballLeagueclubwithwhichaPlayerwasregistered,andwhichhasarighttosell-onfeeinrespectofanytransferofthatPlayer,fulldetailsofanyCompensationFeeandContingentSum(s)towhichitbecomesentitled.TheClubreceivingtheinformationshallnotdiscloseordivulgeitdirectlyorindirectlytoanythirdpartywithoutthepriorwrittenconsentoftheTransferorClubsavetostatutoryandregulatoryauthoritiesorasmayberequiredbylawortoitsauditors.
SectionV:Players–TransfersofRegistrations222Rules:SectionVMethodofPaymentV.29.SubjecttoRulesV.30andV.35,allCompensationFees,LoanFees(includinginbothcasesinstalmentsthereof)andContingentSumspayabletoaClubortoaFootballLeagueclubshallbepaid(togetherineachcasewithvalueaddedtaxatthethencurrentrate)bytheTransfereeClubintotheCompensationFeeAccountbytelegraphictransferorbysuchothermeansastheBoardmayfromtimetotimedirect.V.30.IfaClubassignsitsentitlementtoaCompensationFeeorLoanFeeinstalmentpursuanttoRuleU.38.10:V.30.1.itshallprocurebymeansofalegallyenforceableagreementthatmoniespayablebyvirtueoftheassignmentarepaidintotheCompensationFeeAccountbytheassignee;andV.30.2.itshallirrevocablyandunconditionallyinstructtheTransfereeClubtopaysuchmoniestotheassigneeupontheirbecomingdue.V.31.SubjecttoRuleV.37.2,forthwithuponreceivingmoniesintotheCompensationFeeAccounttheBoardshallpaythesametotheTransferorClubentitledtoreceivethem.V.32.ATransferAgreementshallprovidethattheagreedCompensationFeetogetherwithvalueaddedtaxatthethencurrentrateshallbepaidonorbeforetheexpirydateoftheinitialcontractbetweentheTransfereeClubandtheContractPlayer.CompensationFeeinstalmentsshallbepaidonorbeforethedatessetoutintheTransferAgreement(andifanysuchdateisnotaWorkingDaythentheinstalmentshallbepaidontheWorkingDaywhichimmediatelyprecedesthatdate).V.33.WhereanyCompensationFeepayableundertheprovisionsofRuleV.17isnotagreedbetweentheTransfereeClubandtheTransferorClub,theTransfereeClubshalluponapplyingtoregistertheOutofContractPlayerpayintotheCompensationFeeAccountatleasthalftheCompensationFeeofferedtotheTransferorClubandthebalanceshalllikewisebepaidasdeterminedbytheProfessionalFootballCompensationCommitteeunderRuleV.27.2.V.34.IftheregistrationofaPlayerisfurthertransferredbeforetheCompensationFeeinrespectofanearliertransferispaidinfull,theTransfereeClubinthatearliertransfershallforthwithpaythebalanceofsuchCompensationFeeintotheCompensationFeeAccount,save:V.34.1.whereithasreceivedaninstructioninaccordancewithRuleV.30.2,inwhichcaseitshallpaysuchbalancetotheassigneenamedintheinstructiononthedateordateswhenitbecomesdueundertheTransferAgreementpursuanttowhichitacquiredtheregistrationofthePlayer;orV.34.2.wheretheBoardexpresslyapprovesanalternativearrangementforthepaymentofthebalanceoftheCompensationFeeintotheCompensationFeeAccount.
SectionV:Players–TransfersofRegistrations223V.35.AnagreementforanInternationalTransferandaTransferAgreementwithaTransferorClubwhichisnotinmembershipoftheLeagueorTheFootballLeagueshallprovidethattheCompensationFee,anyinstalmentsthereofandanyContingentSumspayablebytheTransfereeClubshallbepaid(togetherwithanyvalueaddedtaxpayableinrespectthereof)toTheFootballAssociationbytelegraphictransferorbysuchothermeansastheBoardmayfromtimetotimedirectforpaymenttotheTransferorClubinaccordancewithTheFootballAssociationRules.V.36.UponthehappeningofacontingenteventresultinginaContingentSum(includingfortheavoidanceofdoubt,contingentcompensationpayablepursuanttotheYouthDevelopmentRules)becomingpayable:V.36.1.inthecaseofanInternationalTransfer,theTransfereeClubshallforthwithinformtheTransferorClubinwritingtothateffectandshallpaysuchContingentSumbythedatestipulatedinthetransferagreement(whichmustbenolaterthanthefollowing31July)inaccordancewithRuleV.35;andV.36.2.ineveryothercase,theTransfereeClubshallforthwithinformtheTransferorClubtothateffectonForm24andshallpaysuchContingentSumbythedatestipulatedinthetransferagreement(whichmustbenolaterthanthefollowing31July)inaccordancewithRuleV.29.V.37.IfanyTransfereeClubactsinbreachofRulesV.29orV.32toV.36inclusive:V.37.1.theBoardshallhavepowertorefuseanyapplicationbythatTransfereeClubtoregisteranyPlayeruntilanysumsthenpayabletoitsTransferorClubarepaid;V.37.2.theBoardshallhavethepowersetoutatRuleE.29;V.37.3.theBoardshallhavepowertoimposeapenaltyinaccordancewiththetariffofapplicablepenaltieswhichitshallfromtimetotimenotifytoClubs;andV.37.4.thatTransfereeClubshallpaytoitsTransferorClubinterestonanypartofaCompensationFeeorContingentSumnotpaidonitsduedateattherateoffivepercentoverthebaseratefromtimetotimeofBarclaysBankPlcfromthatdateuntilthedateofpaymenttogetherwithsuchotherpenaltyastheBoardinitsdiscretionmaydecide.TransferLevyV.38.SubjecttoRuleV.39,uponpaymentofaCompensationFee,aContingentSumorapaymentmadepursuanttoRuleU.39,aClubshallforthwithpaytotheLeaguealevyequaltofourpercent.ofthesumpaid(netofanyvalueaddedtax)andinthecaseofaCompensationFeepayablebyinstalments,thelevyuponthewholeofitshallbepaidasaforesaidupontheTransfereeClubapplyingtoregisterthePlayertowhichitrelates.
SectionV:Players–TransfersofRegistrations224Rules:SectionVV.39.LevyshallnotbepayableonaLoanFeeunlesstheregistrationoftheContractPlayerwhoisthesubjectoftheTemporaryTransferistransferredonapermanentbasisfromtheTransferorClubtotheTransfereeClubduring,orwithinfourmonthsoftheexpiryof,theTemporaryTransfer,inwhichcasealevyequaltofourpercentoftheaggregateofanyLoanFeeandCompensationFeeshallbepaidtotheLeague.V.40.ThesumsreceivedbytheLeaguebywayoflevyshallbeusedtopaypremiumsdueundertheProfessionalFootballers’PensionSchemeandanysurplusshallbeaddedtotheProfessionalGameYouthFund.
DisciplinaryandDisputeResolutionSectionW:Disciplinary225PowerofInquiryW.1.TheBoardshallhavepowertoinquireintoanysuspectedorallegedbreachoftheseRulesandforthatpurposemayrequire:W.1.1.anyManager,MatchOfficial,OfficialorPlayertoappearbeforeittoanswerquestionsand/orprovideinformation;andW.1.2.anysuchPersonoranyClubtoproducedocuments.W.2.AnyManager,MatchOfficial,OfficialorPlayerwhofailstoappearbeforeortoproducedocumentstotheBoardwhenrequiredtodosounderRuleW.1shallbeinbreachoftheseRules.Board’sDisciplinaryPowersW.3.TheBoardshallhavepowertodealwithanysuspectedorallegedbreachoftheseRulesbyeither:W.3.1.issuingareprimand;W.3.2.imposingafixedpenaltyorothersanctionwheresuchprovisionismadeintheseRules;W.3.3.exercisingitssummaryjurisdiction;W.3.4.referringthemattertoaCommissionappointedunderRuleW.21;orW.3.5.referringthemattertoTheFootballAssociationfordeterminationunderTheFootballAssociationRules.FixedPenaltyProcedureW.4.UponbeingsatisfiedthatafixedpenaltyispayableundertheprovisionsoftheseRules,theBoardshallgivenoticeinForm25totheCluborPersonbywhomitispayable.W.5.Within14daysofthedateofanoticeinForm25theCluborPersontowhomitisaddressedmusteither:W.5.1.paythefixedpenalty;orW.5.2.appealundertheprovisionsofRuleW.62.1againsttheimpositionofthesame.W.6.FailuretopayafixedpenaltyasprovidedinRuleW.5.1orwithinsevendays,uponanappealagainstthesamebeingdismissed,shallineithercaseconstituteabreachoftheseRules.SummaryJurisdictionW.7.TheBoard’ssummaryjurisdictionshallextendtoanysuspectedorallegedbreachoftheseRules(otherthanabreachforwhichafixedpenaltyisprescribed)whichinitsabsolutediscretiontheBoardconsidersshouldnotbereferredtoaCommissionunderRuleW.3.4ortoTheFootballAssociationunderRuleW.3.5.
SectionW:Disciplinary226Rules:SectionWW.8.InexercisingitssummaryjurisdictiontheBoardshallbeentitledtoimposeafinenotexceeding£25,000or,inthecaseofabreachoftheseRulesbyaManager,suchsumasmaybesetoutinanytariffoffines,orotherpenalty,agreedinwritingbetweentheBoardandtheLeagueManagersAssociation.TheBoardshallalsobeentitledtosuspendanyportionofanyfineimposedinaccordancewiththisRuleW.8.W.9.TheBoardshallexerciseitssummaryjurisdictionbygivingnoticeinForm26totheCluborPersonallegedlyinbreach.W.10.Within14daysofthedateofanoticeinForm26,theCluborPersontowhomitisaddressedmusteither:W.10.1.submittotheBoard’sjurisdictionandpaythefineimposed;orW.10.2.electtobedealtwithbyaCommission.W.11.FailuretocomplywiththerequirementcontainedinanoticeinForm26shallconstituteabreachoftheseRules.ProvisionofInformationW.12.ItshallbenoanswertoarequestfromtheBoardtodisclosedocumentsorinformationpursuanttoRuleW.1thatsuchdocumentsorinformationrequestedareconfidential.AllClubsandPersonssubjecttotheseRulesmustensurethatanyotherobligationsofconfidentialityassumedaremadeexpresslysubjecttotheLeague’srightofinquiryundertheseRules.NoCluborPersonshallbeunderanobligationtodiscloseanydocumentsrenderedconfidentialbyeithertheorderofacourtofcompetentjurisdictionorbystatuteorstatutoryinstrument.W.13.AllPersonswhoarerequestedtoassistpursuanttoRuleW.1shallprovidefull,completeandpromptassistancetotheBoardinitsexerciseofitspowerofinquiry.ThePanelW.14.SubjectineachcasetotheapprovalofClubsinGeneralMeeting,theBoardshallestablishapanelofsuchnumberofPersonsasitshallthinkfit(the“Panel”),eachofwhomshallbeeligibletositaseither:W.14.1.amemberofanappealtribunalappointedundertheprovisionsofRuleE.43orRuleF.16;W.14.2.amemberofaCommission;W.14.3.inthecaseofanarbitrationunderRuleP.12andSectionYoftheseRules,asamemberofaManagers’ArbitrationTribunal;orW.14.4.inthecaseofanarbitrationunderSectionXoftheseRules(Arbitration),asamemberofanarbitraltribunal.
SectionW:Disciplinary227W.15.ThePanelshallinclude:W.15.1.authorisedinsolvencypractitionerseligibleunderRuleE.43tositasamemberofanappealtribunalappointedthereunder;W.15.2.legallyqualifiedpersonseligible:W.15.2.1.underRuleE.43orRuleF.16tositaschairmenofappealtribunalsappointedthereunder;W.15.2.2.underRuleY.7tositaschairmenofManagers’ArbitrationTribunals;W.15.2.3.underRuleW.21tositaschairmenofCommissions;W.15.2.4.underRuleX.11aschairmenofarbitraltribunalsotherthanManagers’ArbitrationTribunals;orW.15.2.5.underRuleX.15asasinglearbitrator;andpersonswhohaveheldjudicialofficeeligibleunderRuleW.63tositaschairmenofAppealsBoards;andW.15.3.Personswhoholdnationallyrecognisedqualificationsasaccountantsorauditors,whoshallbeeligibletobemembersofCommissionsappointedtodeterminesuspectedorallegedbreachesofRulesE.53toE.59.W.16.ThePanelshallnotincludemembersoftheBoardorOfficialsbutmayincludemembersofTheFootballAssociationcouncilwhoarenotOfficials.W.17.SubjecttoRulesW.18andW.19,thetermofofficeofeachmemberofthePanelshallbethreeyears(andfortheavoidanceofdoubtattheendofthattermamemberofthePanelmaybere-appointedassuchpursuanttoRuleW.14).W.18.AmemberofthePanelappointedforanypurposeprovidedbytheseRulesmaycontinuetoactonthematterforwhichhewassoappointednotwithstandingthathistermofofficehasexpiredpursuanttoRuleW.17sincehisappointment.W.19.SubjecttoRuleW.20,thetermofofficeofamemberofthePanelshallbeterminatedbytheBoardforthwithif:W.19.1.heisorbecomessubjecttoanyofthematterssetoutinRuleF.1;W.19.2.circumstancesexistthatgiverisetojustifiabledoubtsastowhetherhecandischargethedutiesofamemberofthePanelimpartially;W.19.3.heisphysicallyormentallyincapableofdischargingthedutiesofamemberofthePanel;W.19.4.hehasrefusedorfailed:W.19.4.1.properlytoconductproceedingspursuanttotheseRules;orW.19.4.2.touseallreasonable
dispatchinconductingsuchproceedings,andineithercasesubstantialinjusticehasasaresultbeencausedtoapartytosuchproceedings.W.20.IfamemberofthePanelwhosetermofofficeisterminatedbytheBoardpursuanttoRuleW.19wishestochallengethattermination,hemaydososolelybywayofcommencingarbitrationproceedingspursuanttoRuleX.6.
SectionW:Disciplinary228Rules:SectionWAppointingaCommissionW.21.ACommissionshallbeappointedbytheBoardandshallcomprisethreemembersofthePanelofwhomone,whoshallbelegallyqualified,shallsitaschairmanoftheCommission.W.22.ACommissionappointedtodealwithasuspectedorallegedbreachofRulesE.53toE.59shallincludeatleastonememberofthePanelqualifiedassetoutinRuleW.15.3(butwhoshallnotsitasthechairmanoftheCommission,whoshallbelegallyqualifiedassetoutinRuleW.21).W.23.WithoutprejudicetoRuleW.21,wherebothpartiesareinagreementthattheproceedingsshouldbedeterminedbyasinglemember(ratherthanthreemembers)ofthePanel,theBoardshallappointaone-personCommissionforthatpurpose.Insuchcircumstances,thisSectionoftheRulesshallbeinterpretedonthebasisthattheCommissioncomprisesasingleindividual,whoshallundertakethedutiesofchairmanoftheCommission.CommissionProceduresW.24.ThepartiestoproceedingsbeforeaCommissionshallbe:W.24.1.theBoard;andW.24.2.theClub,Manager,MatchOfficial,OfficialorPlayerallegedlyinbreachoftheseRules(the‘Respondent’).W.25.ProceedingsbeforeaCommissionshallbecommencedbyawrittencomplaintwhichshallbedraftedbyoronbehalfoftheBoard.W.26.ThecomplaintshallbeinForm27andshallidentifytheRule(s)allegedlybreached,itshallcontainasummaryofthefactsallegedanditshallhaveannexedtoitcopiesofanydocumentsrelieduponbytheBoardinsupportofthecomplaint.W.27.ThecomplaintshallbesentbyrecordeddeliverypostbytheBoardtotheRespondent.InthecaseofaRespondentwhoisaManager,anOfficialoraPlayeritshallbesenttohimcareofhisClub.AcomplaintshallbedeemedtohavebeenreceivedbyaRespondentonthethirddayafterthedateofposting.NodefectintheserviceofacomplaintshallinvalidatealloranypartoftheproceedingsifitcanbeshownthatitislikelythatthecomplainthascometotheattentionoftheRespondent.W.28.AtanystagetheCommissionmayindicate(eitherofitsownaccordorasaresultofrepresentationsfromaPerson,Club(orclub)andinanyeventinitssolediscretion),thatifthecomplaintisupheld,itmaywishtoexerciseitspowerunderRuleW.55.5toawardcompensationtoanyPersonortoanyClub(orclub).IftheCommissionsoindicates,itshallnotifythepartiestotheproceedingsandtherelevantPerson,Club(orclub)ofthisfact.TheCommissionmaythenmakeappropriatedirectionsastothereceiptofevidenceoflossfromtherelevantPerson,Club(orclub)aswellasdirectionsonthereceiptofevidenceinresponsefromthepartiestotheproceedings.
SectionW:Disciplinary229W.29.Where(inproceedingsinwhichtheRespondentisaCluborRelegatedClub)theCommissionmakestheindicationreferredtoatRuleW.28,above,andafterhavingheardevidencefrombothpartiessubsequentlydeterminesthatnocompensationistobeawardedinaccordancewithRuleW.55.5,theClub(orRelegatedClub)claimingcompensationinsuchcircumstancesmayappealthatdeterminationtoanAppealBoard.Ifitfailstodoso(oriftheAppealBoarddismissesanysuchappeal)theClub(orRelegatedClub)willnotbeabletobringanyfurtherclaimofanykind(whetherforcompensation,indamagesorotherwise)againsttheRespondentClubarisingoutofthebreachoftheseRulesinrespectofwhichtheCommissionwasappointed.W.30.Within14daysofreceiptofthecomplaint(orsuchshortertimeasaCommissionmayorderpursuanttoRuleW.32)theRespondentshallsendtotheBoardbyrecordeddeliverypostawrittenanswerinForm28inwhichtheRespondent:W.30.1.shalleitheradmitordenythecomplaint;andW.30.2.mayrequestthatthecomplaintshallbedeterminedbywrittenrepresentationsinwhichcase,ifthecomplaintisdenied,thewrittenrepresentationsshallbecontainedintheanswer.W.31.TheBoardshallrespondinwritingtoanyrequestthatthematterbedeterminedbywrittenrepresentationswithin14daysofreceiptoftheanswer(orsuchshortertimeasaCommissionmayorderpursuanttoRuleW.32),andiftherequestisdeniedthecomplaintshallbedeterminedatahearing.W.32.TheCommissionshallhavethepowertoamendthetimeperiodssetoutinRulesW.30andW.31ifthereisacompellingreasonwhytheproceedingsbeforetheCommissionneedtobeconcludedexpeditiouslyand/orthepartiesareinagreementinrespectofsuchamendment.W.33.Ifthecomplaintisadmitted,theRespondentmayincludeintheanswerdetailsofanymitigatingfactors(togetherwithanysupportingevidence)thatitwishestobetakenintoaccountbytheCommission.W.34.Ifthecomplaintisdenied,theRespondent’sreasonsshallbesetoutintheanswerandcopiesofanydocumentsonwhichtheRespondentreliesshallbeannexed.W.35.Documentaryevidenceshallbeadmissiblewhetherornotcopiesareattachedtothecomplaintortheansweraslongassuchdocumentsare:W.35.1.relevant;andW.35.2.submittedbyapartytotheCommissioninsufficienttimebeforethehearing,suchthatneitherpartywillbeprejudicedbytheirsubmission.W.36.TheBoardshallprovideacopyoftheanswertothechairmanoftheCommissiontogetherwithacopyofhisresponsetoanyrequestfordeterminationbywrittenrepresentations.W.37.IftheRespondentfailstosendananswerinaccordancewithRuleW.30,theRespondentshallbedeemedtohavedeniedthecomplaintwhichshallbedeterminedatahearing.
SectionW:Disciplinary230Rules:SectionWW.38.Ifthecomplaintistobedeterminedbywrittenrepresentations,forthwithuponreceiptoftheanswerthechairmanoftheCommissionshallconveneameetingofitsmembersforthatpurpose.W.39.Ifthecomplaintistobedeterminedatahearing,thechairmanoftheCommissionmaygivedirectionsforthefutureconductofthecomplaintaddressedinwritingtothepartiesorrequirethepartiestoattendadirectionshearing.W.40.AdirectionshearingshallbeconductedbythechairmanoftheCommissionsittingalone.Hemaygivesuchdirectionsashethinksfitincludingdirectionsfor:W.40.1.theBoardtogivefurtherparticularsofthecomplaint;W.40.2.theRespondenttogivefurtherparticularsoftheanswer;W.40.3.eitherorbothpartiestoproduceandexchangedocuments;W.40.4.thesubmissionofexpertevidence;W.40.5.listsofwitnessesandlodgingandexchangeofwitnessstatements;W.40.6.witnessestobesummonedtoattendthehearing;W.40.7.priornoticetobegivenofanyauthoritiesreliedonbytheparties;W.40.8.thepartiestolodgeandexchangeanoutlineoftheirsubmissions;and/orW.40.9.theassessmentoftheentitlementtoandamountofcompensationthatmaybeorderedpursuanttoRuleW.55.5.W.41.Noticeofthedate,timeandplaceofthehearingshallbegiveninwritingtothepartiesbythechairmanoftheCommission.W.42.IftheBoardoritsrepresentativefailstoattendthehearing,thechairmanoftheCommissionmayeitheradjournitorproceedintheBoard’sabsence.W.43.IftheRespondentfailstoattendthehearing,itshallproceedintheabsenceoftheRespondent.W.44.AnywitnesswhoisboundbytheseRules,andwhohavingbeensummonedbyaCommissiontoattendahearingfailstodoso,shallbeinbreachoftheseRules.W.45.ThechairmanoftheCommissionshallhaveanoverridingdiscretionastothemannerinwhichahearingisconductedbut,subjectthereto:W.45.1.wherethecomplainthasbeenadmitted,heshallinvitetheBoardoritsrepresentativetooutlinethefactsofthecomplaintandshallgivetheRespondenttheopportunitytoprovidefurtherdetailsofanymitigatingfactorscontainedintheanswer;W.45.2.wherethecomplainthasbeendenied,witnessesshallbetakenthroughtheirevidenceinchiefbythepartytenderingsuchevidenceandmaybesubjecttocross-examinationbytheopposingparty(atitsoption)andre-examinationifrequired.WitnessesmayalsobeexaminedbythechairmanoftheCommissionanditsmembers;W.45.3.thepartiesshallbepermittedtoputquestionstowitnesses;W.45.4.witnessesmaybeexaminedonoath;andW.45.5.attheconclusionoftheevidencethepartiesshalleachbeinvitedtoaddresstheCommission.
SectionW:Disciplinary231W.46.ThechairmanofaCommissionmayorderthatatranscriptoftheproceedingsbetaken.W.47.TheproceedingsofaCommissionshallbeconductedinprivate.W.48.TheBoardshallhavetheburdenofprovingthecomplaint.Thestandardofproofshallbeonabalanceofprobabilities.W.49.TheCommissionshallmakeitsdecisionunanimouslyorbymajority.NomemberoftheCommissionmayabstain.W.50.InthecaseofadeterminationbywrittenrepresentationstheCommission’sdecisionshallforthwithbecommunicatedinwritingbythechairmanoftheCommissiontotheparties.W.51.InthecaseofadeterminationatahearingtheCommission’sdecisionshallbeannouncedassoonaspracticablethereafterandifpossibleattheendofthehearingandshallbeconfirmedinwritingbythechairmanoftheCommissiontotheparties.W.52.Ineithercase,unlessthepartiesotherwiseagree,theCommissionshallgiveitsreasonsforitsdecision.Intheeventofamajoritydecisionnominorityordissentingopinionshallbeproducedorpublished.W.53.MembersofaCommissionshallbeentitledtoreceivefromtheLeagueareasonablesumbywayoffeesandexpenses.Commission’sPowersW.54.UponfindingacomplainttohavebeenprovedtheCommissionshallinvitetheRespondenttoplaceanymitigatingfactorsbeforetheCommission.W.55.Havingheardandconsideredsuchmitigatingfactors(ifany)theCommissionmay:W.55.1.reprimandtheRespondent;W.55.2.imposeupontheRespondentafineunlimitedinamountandsuspendanypartthereof;W.55.3.inthecaseofaRespondentwhoisaManager,MatchOfficial,OfficialorPlayer,suspendhimfromoperatingassuchforsuchperiodasitshallthinkfit;W.55.4.inthecaseofaRespondentwhichisaClub:W.55.4.1.suspenditfromplayinginLeagueMatchesoranymatchesincompetitionswhichformpartoftheGamesProgrammesorProfessionalDevelopmentLeagues(asthosetermsaredefinedintheYouthDevelopmentRules)forsuchperiodasitthinksfit;W.55.4.2.deductpointsscoredortobescoredinLeagueMatchesorsuchothermatchesasarereferredtoinRuleW.55.4.1;W.55.4.3.recommendthattheBoardordersthataLeagueMatchorsuchothermatchasisreferredtoinRuleW.55.4.1bereplayed;
SectionW:Disciplinary232Rules:SectionWW.55.4.4.recommendthattheLeagueexpelstheRespondentfrommembershipinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofRuleB.7;W.55.5.ordertheRespondenttopaycompensationunlimitedinamounttoanyPersonortoanyClub(orclub);W.55.6.cancelorrefusetheregistrationofaPlayerregisteredorattemptedtoberegisteredincontraventionoftheseRules;W.55.7.imposeupontheRespondentanycombinationoftheforegoingorsuchotherpenaltyasitshallthinkfit;W.55.8.ordertheRespondenttopaysuchsumbywayofcostsasitshallthinkfitwhichmayincludethefeesandexpensesofmembersoftheCommissionpaidorpayableunderRuleW.53;andW.55.9.makesuchotherorderasitthinksfit.W.56.WhereaPerson,Club(orclub)hasbeeninvitedtoaddresstheCommissiononcompensation,inaccordancewithRulesW.28andW.29,theCommissionmayadjournthehearingtoallowallrelevantpartiestomakesubmissions,orifitconsidersthatitisintheinterestofjusticethatthedeterminationofthecomplaintberesolvedbeforetheissueofcompensationisaddressed,directthatafurtherhearingtakeplaceontheissueofcompensationafterthecomplainthasbeendetermined.W.57.APerson,Club(orclub)invitedtomakesubmissionsoncompensationshallbeentitledtobepresentatthehearing,butmayonlymakesubmissionsoradvanceevidenceorquestionwitnessesifandtotheextentthatthechairmanoftheCommissiongivesitleave.W.58.IftheBoardfailstoproveacomplaintaCommissionmayordertheLeaguetopaytotheRespondentsuchsumbywayofcostsasitshallthinkfit.W.59.WhereaRespondentClubissuspendedfromplayinginLeagueMatchesoranymatchesincompetitionswhichformpartoftheGamesProgrammeorProfessionalDevelopmentLeagues(asthosetermsaredefinedintheYouthDevelopmentRules)undertheprovisionsofRuleW.55.4.1,itsopponentsinsuchmatcheswhichshouldhavebeenplayedduringtheperiodofsuspension,unlessaCommissionotherwiseorders,shallbedeemedtohavewonthem.W.60.FinesandcostsshallberecoverablebytheBoardasacivildebt;compensationshalllikewiseberecoverablebythePersonorClubentitledtoreceiveit.W.61.FinesrecoveredbytheBoardshallbeusedtowardstheoperatingexpensesoftheLeagueor,atthediscretionoftheBoard,towardscharitablepurposes.CostsrecoveredbytheBoardshallbeusedtodefraythecostsoftheCommission.
SectionW:Disciplinary233AppealsW.62.AClub(orclub)orPersonaggrievedby:W.62.1.thedecisionoftheBoardtoimposeafixedpenalty;orW.62.2.thedecisionofaCommissionbeforewhichsuchCluborPersonappearedasRespondent;orW.62.3.theamountofcompensation(ifany)whichaCommissionhas,pursuanttoRuleW.55.5,orderedeitherthatitshallpayorthatshallbepaidinitsfavour,mayappealinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheseRulesagainstthedecision,thepenaltyortheamountofcompensation(asappropriate).W.63.AnappealshalllietoanAppealBoardwhichshallbeappointedbytheBoardand,subjecttoRuleW.64,shallcomprisethreemembersofthePanelofwhomone,whoshallhaveheldjudicialoffice,shallsitaschairmanoftheAppealBoard.W.64.NomemberofthePanelshallbeappointedtoanAppealBoardtohearanappealagainstthedecisionofaCommissionofwhichhewasamember.W.65.Thepartiestoanappealshallbe:W.65.1.aRespondenttoacomplaint;and/orW.65.2.aPerson,CluborclubpursuanttoRuleW.62.3;and/orW.65.3.theBoard.W.66.AnappealagainstthedecisionoftheBoardtoimposeafixedpenaltyshallbeinForm29.W.67.AnappealagainstthedecisionofaCommissionshallbeinForm30.W.68.AnappealshallbecommencedbytheappellantsendingordeliveringtotheBoardForm29orForm30,asthecasemaybe,sothatitreceivesthesametogetherwithadepositof£1,000within14daysofthedateofthedecisionappealedagainst(timebeingoftheessence)unlesstheAppealBoardordersalesserperiodpursuanttoRuleW.69.W.69.TheAppealBoardshallhavethepowertoabridgethetimeperiodsetoutinRuleW.68ifthereisacompellingreasonwhytheproceedingsbeforetheAppealBoardneedtobeconcludedexpeditiously.W.70.TheAppealBoardmaygivedirectionsasitthinksfitforthefutureconductoftheappeal,addressedinwritingtotheparties,orrequirethepartiestoattendadirectionshearing.W.71.AnypartytoanappealmayapplyforpermissiontoadduceevidencethatwasnotadducedbeforetheCommissionthatheardthecomplaint.Suchpermissionshallonlybegrantedifitcanbeshownthattheevidencewasnotavailabletothepartyandcouldnothavebeenobtainedbysuchpartywithreasonablediligence,atthetimeatwhichtheCommissionheardthecomplaint.
SectionW:Disciplinary234Rules:SectionWW.72.Noticeofthedate,timeandplaceoftheappealhearingshallbegiveninwritingtothepartiesbythechairmanoftheAppealBoard.W.73.Ifapartyfails,refusesorisunabletoattendthehearingtheAppealBoardmayeitheradjournitorproceedintheparty’sabsence.W.74.ExceptincasesinwhichtheAppealBoardgivesleavetoadducefreshevidencepursuanttoRuleW.71,anappealshallbebywayofareviewoftheevidenceadducedbeforetheCommissionandthepartiesshallbeentitledtomakeoralrepresentations.SubjecttotheforegoingprovisionsofthisRule,theAppealBoardshallhaveanoverridingdiscretionastothemannerinwhichthehearingisconducted.W.75.TheAppealBoardmaypermittheappellant(whetheraPerson,CluborclubpursuanttoRuleW.62.3)atanytimetowithdrawtheappealonsuchtermsastocostsandotherwiseastheAppealBoardshalldetermine.W.76.TheAppealBoardshallmakeitsdecisionunanimouslyorbymajority.NomemberoftheAppealBoardmayabstain.W.77.TheAppealBoard’sdecisionshallbeannouncedassoonaspracticableaftertheappealhearingandifpossibleattheendthereofandshallbeconfirmedinwritingbythechairmanoftheAppealBoardtotheparties,givingreasons.IfthedecisionreachedbytheAppealBoardwasbyamajority,nominorityordissentingopinionshallbeproducedorpublished.W.78.MembersofanAppealBoardshallbeentitledtoreceivefromtheLeagueareasonablesumbywayoffeesandexpenses.AppealBoard’sPowersW.79.Uponthehearingofanappeal,anAppealBoardmay:W.79.1.allowtheappeal;W.79.2.dismisstheappeal;W.79.3.exceptinthecaseofafixedpenalty,varyanypenaltyimposedorordermadeatfirstinstance;W.79.4.varyordischargeanyorderforcompensationmadebytheCommission;W.79.5.orderthedeposittobeforfeitedtotheLeagueorrepaidtotheappellant;W.79.6.orderapartytopayorcontributetothecostsoftheappealincludingthefeesandexpensesofmembersoftheAppealBoardpaidorpayableunderRuleW.78;W.79.7.remitthematterbacktotheCommissionwithdirectionsastoitsfuturedisposal;orW.79.8.makesuchotherorderasitthinksfit.W.80.SubjecttotheprovisionsofSectionXoftheseRules(Arbitration),thedecisionofanAppealBoardshallbefinal.
SectionW:Disciplinary235AdmissibilityofEvidenceW.81.IntheexerciseoftheirpowersunderthisSectionoftheseRules,aCommissionoranAppealBoardshallnotbeboundbyjudicialrulesgoverningtheadmissibilityofevidence.Instead,factsrelatingtoabreachoftheseRulesmaybeestablishedbyanyreliablemeans.LegalRepresentationW.82.ThepartiestoproceedingsbeforeaCommissionoranAppealBoardshallbeentitledtoberepresentedbyasolicitororcounselprovidedthattheyshallhavegiventotheotherpartyandtothechairmanoftheCommissionoroftheAppealBoardasthecasemaybe14days’priorwrittennoticetothateffectidentifyingthesolicitororcounselinstructed.PublicationandPrivilegeW.83.Withoutprejudiceinanyeventtoanyformofprivilegeavailableinrespectofanysuchpublication,whetherpursuanttotheDefamationAct2013orotherwise,theBoard,aCommissionandanAppealBoardshallbeentitledtopublishreportsoftheirproceedings(includingdetailsofanysubmissions,oralorwrittenstatementsorotherevidenceadducedinthoseproceedings),whetherornottheyreflectadverselyonthecharacterorconductofanyClub,Manager,MatchOfficial,OfficialorPlayer.AllClubsandPersonsboundbytheseRules(andanyPersonrequiredtoobservetheseRulesasaresultofanyobligationwhethertotheLeagueortoanythirdparty)shallbedeemedtohaveprovidedtheirfullandirrevocableconsenttosuchpublication.
SectionW:Disciplinary236Rules:SectionW
DisciplinaryandDisputeResolutionSectionX:Arbitration237DefinitionsX.1.InthisSectionoftheseRules:X.1.1.“theAct”meanstheArbitrationAct1996oranyre-enactmentoramendmentthereofforthetimebeinginforce;X.1.2.“party”meansapartytothearbitration;X.1.3.“thetribunal”meansthearbitraltribunal;andX.1.4.“thechairman”meansthechairmanofthetribunal.AgreementtoArbitrateX.2.MembershipoftheLeagueshallconstituteanagreementinwritingbetweentheLeagueandClubsandbetweeneachClubforthepurposesofsection5oftheActinthefollowingterms:X.2.1.tosubmitalldisputeswhicharisebetweenthem(includinginthecaseofaRelegatedClubanydisputebetweenitandaClubortheLeague,thecauseofactionofwhicharosewhiletheRelegatedClubwasamemberoftheLeague),whetherarisingoutoftheseRulesorotherwise,tofinalandbindingarbitrationinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheActandthisSectionoftheseRules;X.2.2.thattheseatofeachsucharbitrationshallbeinEnglandandWales;X.2.3.thattheissuesineachsucharbitrationshallbedecidedinaccordancewithEnglishlaw;andX.2.4.thatnoothersystemormodeofarbitrationwillbeinvokedtoresolveanysuchdispute.X.3.DisputesundertheseRuleswillbedeemedtofallintooneofthreecategories,being:X.3.1.disputesarisingfromdecisionsofCommissionsorAppealBoardsmadepursuanttoRulesW.1toW.83(Disciplinary)oftheseRules(“DisciplinaryDisputes”);X.3.2.disputesarisingfromtheexerciseoftheBoard’sdiscretion(“BoardDisputes”);andX.3.3.otherdisputesarisingfromtheseRulesorotherwise.X.4.InthecaseofaDisciplinaryDispute,theonlygroundsforreviewofadecisionofaCommissionorAppealBoardbywayofarbitrationunderthisSectionXshallbethatthedecisionwas:X.4.1.reachedoutsideofthejurisdictionofthebodythatmadethedecision;X.4.2.reachedasaresultoffraud,maliceorbadfaith;X.4.3.reachedasaresultofproceduralerrorssogreatthattherightsoftheapplicanthavebeenclearlyandsubstantiallyprejudiced;X.4.4.reachedasaresultofaperverse
interpretationofthelaw;orX.4.5.onewhichcouldnotreasonablyhavebeenreachedbyanyCommissionorAppealBoardwhichhadapplieditsmindproperlytothefactsofthecase.
SectionX:Arbitration238Rules:SectionXX.5.InthecaseofaBoardDispute,theonlygroundsforreviewshallbethatthedecision:X.5.1.wasreachedoutsidethejurisdictionoftheBoard;X.5.2.couldnothavebeenreachedbyanyreasonableBoardwhichhadapplieditsmindproperlytotheissuestobedecided;X.5.3.wasreachedasaresultoffraud,maliceorbadfaith;orX.5.4.wascontrarytoEnglishlaw;anddirectlyandforeseeablyprejudicestheinterestsofaPersonorPersonswhowereinthecontemplationoftheBoardatthetimethatthedecisionwasmadeasbeingdirectlyaffectedbyitandwhosufferlossasaresultofthatdecision.StandingX.6.APersonwhoisnotapartytoaDisciplinaryDisputeoraBoardDisputemaynotinvokethesearbitrationprovisionsinrespectofsuchadispute,unlessthatpartycanshowthattheyaresufficientlyaffectedbytheoutcomeofthedisputethatitisrightandproperforthemtohavestandingbeforethetribunal.CommencementoftheArbitrationX.7.Anarbitrationshallbedeemedtohavecommenced(andforthepurposeofRuleX.2adisputeshallbedeemedtohavearisen)uponthepartyrequestinganarbitrationservingupontheotherpartyarequestinForm31.X.8.ThepartyrequestinganarbitrationshallsendacopyofForm31totheBoardwhoshallforthwithsendtoeachpartyparticularsofthoseindividualswhoaremembersofthePanel.AppointingtheArbitratorsX.9.SubjecttoRuleX.15,thetribunalshallcomprisethreemembersofthePanelandthereshallbenoumpire.X.10.Within14daysoftheBoardsendingparticularsofthePanelpursuanttoRuleX.8eachpartyshallbynoticeinForm32addressedtotheBoardappointonePanelmembertoactasanarbitratorinthearbitrationrequested.X.11.Within14daysoftheirappointmentthetwoarbitratorssoappointedshallappointthethirdarbitratorwhoshallbealegallyqualifiedmemberofthePanelandwhoshallsitaschairman.IfthetwoarbitratorssoappointedfailtoagreeontheappointmentofthethirdarbitratortheBoard(orTheFootballAssociationiftheLeagueisaparty)shallmaketheappointmentgivingnoticeinwritingtothateffecttoeachparty.X.12.Ifaparty,otherthantheLeagueoraClub,doesnotwishtoappointamemberofthePanelastheirnominatedarbitrator,theymaynominatesomeotherPersonprovidedthat:X.12.1.thePersontheynominateisasolicitorofnolessthan10years’admissionorabarristerofnolessthan10years’call;andX.12.2.suchPersonisindependentofthepartyappointinghimandabletorenderanimpartialdecision.
SectionX:Arbitration239X.13IfapartyrefusesorfailstoappointanarbitratorwhenitisobligedtodosoinaccordancewiththeseRulestheBoard(orTheFootballAssociationiftheLeagueisaparty)shallmaketheappointmentgivingnoticeinwritingtothateffecttoeachparty.X.14.Uponappointmentallarbitratorsmustsignastatementofimpartiality.Anyarbitratornotsigningsuchastatementwithinsevendaysofappointmentmaynotactandthepartyappointinghimmustnominateanotherarbitratorwithinsevendays.AppointingaSingleArbitratorX.15.NotwithstandingtheprovisionsofRuleX.9,thepartiesshallbeatlibertytoappointalegallyqualifiedmemberofthePaneltobeasinglearbitratorinwhichcase:X.15.1.Form33shallbesubstitutedforForm32andX.15.2.thisSectionoftheseRulesshallbeinterpretedonthebasisthatthetribunalcomprisesasinglearbitratorwhoshallundertakethedutiesofthechairman.ReplacinganArbitratorX.16.Iffollowinghisappointmentanarbitratorrefusestoact,becomesincapableofacting,isremovedbyorderofacompetentcourtordies,orifhismembershipofthePanelisterminatedpursuanttoRuleW.19,theBoard(orTheFootballAssociationiftheLeagueisaparty)shallappointamemberofthePaneltoreplacehim.CommunicationsX.17.Allcommunicationssentinthecourseofthearbitrationbythearbitratorsshallbesignedontheirbehalfbythechairman.X.18.SuchcommunicationsaddressedbythearbitratorstoonepartyshallbecopiedtotheotherandtotheBoard.X.19.AnycommunicationsentbyeitherpartytothearbitratorsshallbeaddressedtothechairmanandshallbecopiedtotheotherpartyandtheBoard.DirectionsX.20.Thechairmanofthetribunalshalldecideallproceduralandevidentialmattersandforthatpurposewithin14daysofhisappointmentheshalleithergivedirectionsfortheconductofthearbitrationaddressedinwritingtoeachpartyorserveoneachpartyForm34requiringtheirattendanceatapreliminarymeetingatwhichhewillgivedirections.Ineithercasethedirectionsshalladdresswithoutlimitation:X.20.1.whereappropriate,whethertheproceedingsshouldbestayedtopermitthepartiestoexplorewhetherthedisputemayberesolvedbywayofmediation;X.20.2.whetherandifsoinwhatformandwhenstatementsofclaimanddefencearetobeserved;
SectionX:Arbitration240Rules:SectionXX.20.3.whetherandifsotowhatextentdiscoveryofdocumentsbetweenthepartiesisnecessary;X.20.4.whetherstrictrulesofevidencewillapplyandhowtheadmissibility,relevanceorweightofanymaterialsubmittedbythepartiesonmattersoffactoropinionshallbedetermined;X.20.5.whetherandifsotowhatextentthereshallbeoralorwrittenevidenceorsubmissions;X.20.6.whetherexpertevidenceisrequired;andX.20.7.whetherandifsotowhatextentthetribunalshallitselftaketheinitiativeinascertainingthefactsandthelaw.TheTribunal’sGeneralPowersX.21.Thechairmanofthetribunalshallhavepowerto:X.21.1.alloweitherpartyuponsuchterms(astocostsandotherwise)asitshallthinkfittoamendanystatementofclaimanddefence;X.21.2.givedirectionsinrelationtothepreservation,custody,detention,inspectionorphotographingofpropertyownedbyorinthepossessionofapartytotheproceedings;X.21.3.givedirectionsastothepreservationofevidenceinthecustodyorcontrolofaparty;X.21.4.directthatawitnessbeexaminedonoath;X.21.5.requireeachpartytogivenoticeoftheidentityofwitnessesitintendstocall;X.21.6.requireexchangeofwitnessstatementsandanyexpert’sreports;X.21.7.appointoneormoreexpertstoreporttoitonspecificissues;X.21.8.requireapartytogiveanysuchexpertanyrelevantinformationortoproduceorprovideaccesstoanyrelevantdocumentsorproperty;X.21.9.orderthatatranscriptbetakenoftheproceedings;X.21.10.extendorabbreviateanytimelimitsprovidedbythisSectionoftheseRulesorbyitsdirections;X.21.11.requirethepartiestoattendsuchproceduralmeetingsasitdeemsnecessarytoidentifyorclarifytheissuestobedecidedandtheprocedurestobeadopted;andX.21.12.givesuchotherlawfuldirectionsasitshalldeemnecessarytoensurethejust,expeditious,economicalandfinaldeterminationofthedispute.DutyofthePartiesX.22.Thepartiesshalldoallthingsnecessaryfortheproperandexpeditiousconductofthearbitrationandshallcomplywithoutdelaywithanydirectionofthechairmanofthetribunalastoproceduralorevidentialmatters.
SectionX:Arbitration241DefaultofthePartiesX.23.IfeitherpartyisinbreachofRuleX.22thetribunalshallhavepowerto:X.23.1.makeperemptoryordersprescribingatimeforcompliance;X.23.2.makeordersagainstapartywhichfailstocomplywithaperemptoryorder;X.23.3.dismissaclaimforwantofprosecutionintheeventofinordinateorinexcusabledelaybyapartywhichappearslikelytogiverisetoasubstantialriskthatitwillnotbepossibletohaveafairresolutionoftheissuesorwillcauseseriousprejudicetotheotherparty;andX.23.4.debarthatpartyfromfurtherparticipationandproceedwiththearbitrationandmakeanawardbutonlyaftergivingthatpartywrittennoticeofitsintentiontodoso.TheHearingX.24.Thechairmanshallfixthedate,timeandplaceofthearbitrationhearingandshallgivethepartiesreasonablenoticethereof.ArepresentativeoftheBoardshallbeentitledtoattendthehearingasanobserver.X.25.Atorbeforethehearingthechairmanshalldeterminetheorderinwhichthepartiesshallpresenttheircases.X.26.Anywitnesswhogivesoralevidencemaybequestionedbytherepresentativeofeachpartyandbyeachofthearbitrators.RemediesX.27.Thetribunalshallhavepowerto:X.27.1.determineanyquestionoflaworfactarisinginthecourseofthearbitration;X.27.2.determineanyquestionastoitsownjurisdiction;X.27.3.makeadeclarationastoanymattertobedeterminedintheproceedings;X.27.4.orderthepaymentofasumofmoney;X.27.5.awardsimpleorcompoundinterest;X.27.6.orderapartytodoorrefrainfromdoinganything;X.27.7.orderspecificperformanceofacontract(otherthanacontractrelatingtoland);andX.27.8.ordertherectification,settingasideorcancellationofadeedorotherdocument.MajorityDecisionX.28.Ifthearbitratorsfailtoagreeonanyissuetheyshalldecidebyamajorityandamajoritydecisionshallbebindingonallofthem.Nodissentingjudgmentshallbeproduced.
SectionX:Arbitration242Rules:SectionXProvisionalAwardsX.29.Thetribunalshallhavepowertomakeprovisionalawardsduringtheproceedingsincluding,withoutlimitation,requiringapartytomakeaninterimpaymentonaccountoftheclaimorthecostsofthearbitration.Anysuchprovisionalawardshallbetakenintoaccountwhenthefinalawardismade.TheAwardX.30.Ifbeforetheawardismadethepartiesagreeonasettlementofthedisputethetribunalshallrecordthesettlementintheformofaconsentaward.X.31.Thetribunalmaymakemorethanoneawardatdifferenttimesondifferentaspectsofthemattersindispute.X.32.Theawardshallbeinwritingandshallcontainreasonsforthetribunal’sdecision.CostsX.33.Untiltheyarepaidinfull,thepartiesshallbejointlyandseverallyliabletomeetthearbitrators’feesandexpenses,thetotalamountofwhichshallbespecifiedintheaward.X.34.Thetribunalshallawardcostsonthegeneralprinciplethatcostsshouldfollowtheeventexceptwhereitappearstothetribunalthatinthecircumstancesthisisnotappropriateinrelationtothewholeorpartofthecosts.X.35.Thepartyinfavourofwhichanorderforcostsismadeshallbeallowed,subjecttoRuleX.36,areasonableamountinrespectofallcostsreasonablyincurred,anydoubtastoreasonablenessbeingresolvedinfavourofthepayingparty.X.36.Inappropriatecasesthetribunalmayawardcostsonanindemnitybasis.X.37.Thechairmanshallhavepowertotax,assessordeterminethecostsifrequestedtodosobyeitherparty.ChallengingtheAwardX.38.SubjecttotheprovisionsofSections67to71oftheAct,theawardshallbefinalandbindingonthepartiesandthereshallbenorightofappeal.ThereshallbenorightofappealonapointoflawunderSection69oftheAct.IntheeventthatapartytoarbitrationunderthisSectionXchallengestheaward,whetherintheEnglishHighCourtoranyotherforum,itshallensurethattheLeagueisprovidedwithacopyofanywrittenpleadingsfiledand/orevidenceadducedassoonasreasonablypracticableaftertheir/itsfiling.RepresentationX.39.Apartymayberepresentedbeforeatribunalbyasolicitororcounselprovidedthat14days’priorwrittennoticetothateffectidentifyingthesolicitororcounselinstructedisgiventotheotherpartyandtothechairman.
SectionX:Arbitration243X.40.AClubwhichisapartymayberepresentedbeforeatribunalbyoneofitsOfficials.AnOfficialshallnotbepreventedfromrepresentinghisClubbecauseheisormaybeawitnessintheproceedings.WaiverX.41.Apartywhichisawareofnon-compliancewiththisSectionoftheseRulesandyetproceedswiththearbitrationwithoutpromptlystatingitsobjectiontosuchnon-compliancetothechairmanshallbedeemedtohavewaiveditsrighttoobject.
DisciplinaryandDisputeResolutionSectionY:Managers’ArbitrationTribunalGuidancePartiestosuchdisputesareencouragedtoseekresolutionwithoutrecoursetoarbitrationthrough,forexample,apre-actionmeetingtodiscussthematter,priortoissuingaForm31.245Y.4.ThepartyrequestingsuchanarbitrationshallsendacopyofForm31togetherwithadepositof£5,000totheBoardwhoshallforthwithsendtoeachpartyparticularsofthoseindividualswhoaremembersofthePanel.Y.5.TheTribunalshallordinarilycomprisethreemembersofthePanelandthereshallbenoumpire.However,thepartiesareatlibertytoagreethatthematterberesolvedbyasinglememberofthePanel,inwhichcasethisSectionoftheRulesshallbeinterpretedonthebasisthattheTribunalconsistsofasinglearbitratorwhoshallundertakethedutiesofthechairman.Y.6.Within14daysofserviceoftheBoardsendingparticularsofthePanelpursuanttoRuleY.4,eachpartyshallbynoticeinForm32addressedtotheBoardappointonePanelmembertoactasanarbitratorinthearbitrationrequested,savewhereasinglearbitratorisagreedpursuanttoRuleY.5,inwhichcasethepartiesshalljointlyconfirmhisidentitytotheBoardinwriting.Y.7.IfapartyrefusesorfailstoappointanarbitratorinaccordancewithRuleY.6theBoardshallmaketheappointmentgivingnoticeinwritingtothateffecttoeachparty.Y.8.Within14daysoftheirappointmentthetwoarbitratorssoappointedshallappointathirdarbitratorwhoshallbealegallyqualifiedmemberofthePanelandwhoshallsitaschairmanoftheTribunal.IfthetwoarbitratorssoappointedfailtoagreeontheappointmentofthethirdarbitratortheBoardshallmaketheappointmentgivingnoticeinwritingtothateffecttoeachparty.Y.9.Iffollowinghisappointmentanarbitratorrefusestoact,becomesincapableofacting,isremovedbyorderofacompetentcourtordies,theBoardshallappointamemberofthePaneltoreplacehim.Y.10.AllcommunicationssentinthecourseofthearbitrationbytheTribunalshallbesignedonitsbehalfbyitschairman.Y.11.SuchcommunicationsaddressedbytheTribunaltoonepartyshallbecopiedtotheotherandtotheBoard.Managers’ArbitrationTribunalY.1.AnydisputearisingbetweenthepartiestoaManager’scontractofemploymentshallbedeterminedbytheManagers’ArbitrationTribunal(inthisSectionoftheseRulesreferredtoas‘theTribunal’).Y.2.TheseatofeacharbitrationconductedbytheTribunalshallbeinEnglandandWales.EachsucharbitrationshallbedecidedinaccordancewithEnglishlaw.Y.3.SuchanarbitrationshallbedeemedtohavecommenceduponthepartyrequestingitservingontheotherpartyarequestinForm31.
SectionY:Managers’ArbitrationTribunalGuidanceWherethepartiesengageinmediation,eachpartyshouldensurethathe/itisrepresentedinpersonatsuchmediationbyanindividualwithsufficientauthoritytoreacharesolutionofthedispute.246Rules:SectionYY.18.AtorbeforethehearingthechairmanoftheTribunalshalldeterminetheorderinwhichthepartiesshallpresenttheircases.Y.19.Anywitnesswhogivesoralevidencemaybequestionedbytherepresentativeofeachpartyandbyeachofthearbitrators.Y.12.AnycommunicationssentbyeitherpartytotheTribunalshallbeaddressedtoitschairmanandshallbecopiedtotheotherpartyandtotheBoard.Y.13.ThechairmanoftheTribunalshalldecideallproceduralandevidentialmattersandforthatpurposewithin14daysofhisappointmentheshallserveoneachpartyForm34requiringtheirattendanceatapreliminarymeetingatwhichhewillgivedirectionsincluding,butnotlimitedto,thosesetoutinRuleX.20.Y.14.ThechairmanoftheTribunalshallhavethepowerssetoutinRuleX.21.Y.15.ThepartiesshalldoallthingsnecessaryfortheproperandexpeditiousconductofthearbitrationandshallcomplywithoutdelaywithanydirectionofthechairmanoftheTribunalastoproceduralorevidentialmatters.Y.16.IfeitherpartyisinbreachofRuleY.15theTribunalshallhavepowerto:Y.16.1.makeperemptoryordersprescribingatimeforcompliance;Y.16.2.makeordersagainstapartywhichfailstocomplywithaperemptoryorder;Y.16.3.dismissaclaimforwantofprosecutionintheeventofinordinateorinexcusabledelaybyapartywhichappearslikelytogiverisetoasubstantialriskthatitwillnotbepossibletohaveafairresolutionoftheissuesorwillcauseseriousprejudicetotheotherparty;andY.16.4.debarthatpartyfromfurtherparticipationandproceedwiththearbitrationandmakeanawardbutonlyaftergivingthatpartywrittennoticeofitsintentiontodoso.Y.17.ThechairmanoftheTribunalshallfixthedate,timeandplaceofthearbitrationhearingandshallgivethepartiesreasonablenoticethereof.ArepresentativeoftheBoardshallbepermittedtoattendthehearingasanobserver.Inordertoallowthepartiestimeinwhichtofulfiltheirobligationtoattempttoreachasettlementofthedisputebymediation,thehearingshallnottakeplacebeforetheexpiryof42daysfromthedeemedcommencementofthearbitration.
SectionY:Managers’ArbitrationTribunal247Y.20.Exceptforthepowertoorderspecificperformanceofacontract,theTribunalshallhavethepowerssetoutinRuleX.27togetherwiththefollowingadditionalpowers:Y.20.1.toorderthecancellationoftheregistrationoftheManager’scontractofemployment;Y.20.2.toorderthatthedepositbeforfeitedbyorreturnedtothepartypayingit;andY.20.3.tomakesuchotherorderasitthinksfit.Y.21.TheprovisionsofRulesX.28toX.41inclusive,substituting“Tribunal”for“tribunal”and“chairmanoftheTribunal”for“chairman”,shallapplytoproceedingsoftheTribunal.InexercisingitspowertoawardcoststheTribunalshallhaveregardtotheextenttowhicheachofthepartiesfulfilledtheirobligationtoattempttoreachasettlementofthedisputebymediation.
DisciplinaryandDisputeResolutionSectionZ:PremierLeagueAppealsCommittee249JurisdictionZ.1.ThePremierLeagueAppealsCommittee(hereafterinthisSectionoftheseRulescalled“theCommittee”)shalldeterminethefollowingmatters:Z.1.1.anappealbyaCluboraContractPlayerundertheprovisionsofclause19(d)ofForm19(Player’sContract);Z.1.2.anappealbyaCluboranAcademyPlayerundertheprovisionsofYouthDevelopmentRule296;Z.1.3.anappealbyaCluboraContractPlayerundertheprovisionsofRuleT.18.3againstadecisionoftheBoardregardingpaymentofthebalanceofaSigning-onFeetotheContractPlayer;Z.1.4.anappealbyaCluboraContractPlayerundertheprovisionsofRuleT.36againstadecisionoftheBoardgivenundereitherRuleT.30orRuleT.31;andZ.1.5.anapplicationbyaClubundertheprovisionsofRuleV.22thatpaymentstoanOutofContractPlayermayceasewithoutaffectingtheClub’sentitlementtoaCompensationFee.CompositionoftheCommitteeZ.2.TheCommitteeshallbecomposedof:Z.2.1.anindependentchairmanwhoholdsorhasheldjudicialofficeandwho,withthepriorapprovaloftheProfessionalFootballers’Association,shallbeappointedbytheBoardinsuchtermsasitthinksfit;Z.2.2.amemberofthePanelappointedbytheLeague;andZ.2.3.anappointeeoftheProfessionalFootballers’AssociationprovidedthatincaseswhereanofficeroremployeeofthatbodyisappearingbeforetheCommitteerepresentingapartytotheproceedingsthentheappointeeshallnotbeanofficeroremployeeofthatbody.Z.3.IfthechairmanoftheCommitteeisunabletoactortocontinueactingassuchinthedeterminationofanymatter,theBoardshallappointinhissteadamemberofthePanelwhoholdsorhasheldjudicialoffice.Z.4.IffollowinghisappointmentanyothermemberoftheCommitteeisunabletoactortocontinueacting,hisappointermayappointareplacementsothatthecompositionoftheCommitteeismaintainedasprovidedinRuleZ.2.Z.5.IfthemembersoftheCommitteefailtoagreeonanyissue,theyshalldecidebyamajority.
SectionZ:PremierLeagueAppealsCommittee250Rules:SectionZCommitteeProceduresZ.6.ThepartiestoproceedingsbeforetheCommitteeshallbe:Z.6.1.inanappealunderRuleZ.1.1,Z.1.2,Z.1.3orZ.1.4:Z.6.1.1.theappellantCluborContractPlayer;andZ.6.1.2.therespondentContractPlayerorClub;Z.6.2.inthedeterminationofadisputeunderRuleZ.1.4:Z.6.2.1.theapplicantCluborPlayer;andZ.6.2.2.therespondentPlayerorClub;Z.6.3.inanappealunderRuleZ.1.1:Z.6.3.1.theappellantCluborAcademyPlayer;andZ.6.3.2.therespondentAcademyPlayerorClub;Z.6.4.inanapplicationunderRuleZ.1.5:Z.6.4.1.theapplicantClub;andZ.6.4.2.therespondentOutofContractPlayer.Z.7.ProceedingsshallbecommencedbyanapplicationinwritingtotheBoardidentifying:Z.7.1.therespondent;Z.7.2.theRuleundertheprovisionsofwhichtheappealorapplicationismade;Z.7.3.thenatureoftheappealorapplicationandthefactssurroundingit;Z.7.4.theremedyorreliefsought;andZ.7.5.anydocumentsreliedupon,copiesofwhichshallbeannexed.Z.8.ExceptinthecaseofanapplicationmadebyanAcademyPlayer,anapplicationmadeundertheprovisionsofRuleZ.7shallbeaccompaniedbyadepositof£1,000.Z.9.UponreceiptofanapplicationtheBoardshall:Z.9.1.procurethatforthepurposeofdeterminingtheapplicationtheCommitteeiscomposedinaccordancewithRuleZ.2;Z.9.2.sendacopyoftheapplicationandanydocumentsannexedtoittothechairmanandmembersoftheCommittee;andZ.9.3.sendacopyofthesamebyrecordeddeliveryposttotherespondent.Z.10.Within14daysofreceiptofthecopyapplicationtherespondentshallsendtotheBoardbyrecordeddeliverypostawrittenresponsetotheapplication,annexingtheretocopiesofanydocumentsreliedupon.Z.11.UponreceiptoftheresponsetheBoardshallsendacopythereoftogetherwithacopyofanydocumentannexedto:Z.11.1.thechairmanandmembersoftheCommittee;andZ.11.2.thepartymakingtheapplication.
SectionZ:PremierLeagueAppealsCommittee251Z.12.ThechairmanoftheCommitteemaygivedirectionsashethinksfitforthefutureconductoftheproceedingsaddressedinwritingtothepartieswithwhichthepartiesshallcomplywithoutdelay.Z.13.TheCommitteebyitschairmanshallhavepowertosummonanyPersontoattendthehearingoftheproceedingstogiveevidenceandtoproducedocumentsandanyPersonwhoisboundbytheseRulesandwho,havingbeensummoned,failstoattendortogiveevidenceortoproducedocumentsshallbeinbreachoftheseRules.Z.14.TheBoardshallmakeallnecessaryarrangementsforthehearingoftheproceedingsandshallgivewrittennoticeofthedate,timeandplacethereoftotheparties.Z.15.IfapartytotheproceedingsfailstoattendthehearingtheCommitteemayeitheradjournitorproceedintheirabsence.Z.16.ThechairmanoftheCommitteeshallhaveanoverridingdiscretionastothemannerinwhichthehearingoftheproceedingsshallbeconducted.Z.17.TheCommitteeshallnotbeboundbyanyenactmentorruleoflawrelatingtotheadmissibilityofevidenceinproceedingsbeforeacourtoflaw.Z.18.Thehearingshallbeconductedinprivate.Z.19.EachpartyshallbeentitledtoberepresentedatthehearingbyasolicitororcounselprovidedthattheyshallhavegiventotheotherpartyandtothechairmanoftheCommittee14days’priorwrittennoticetothateffect.Z.20.TheCommittee’sdecisionshallbeannouncedassoonaspracticableandifpossibleattheendofthehearingandshallbeconfirmedinwritingbytheBoardtotheparties.Z.21.TheCommitteeshallgivereasonsforitsdecision.Z.22.ThedecisionoftheCommitteeshallbefinalandbinding.FeesandExpensesZ.23.ThechairmanandmembersoftheCommitteeshallbeentitledtoreceivefromtheLeagueareasonablesumbywayoffeesandexpenses.Committee’sPowersZ.24.UpondetermininganapplicationmadeinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthisSectionoftheseRules,theCommitteemay:Z.24.1.orderthedepositrequiredbyRuleZ.8tobeforfeitedtotheLeagueorrepaidtotheapplicant;Z.24.2.ordereitherpartytopaytotheothersuchsumbywayofcostsasitshallthinkfitwhichmayincludethefeesandexpensesofthechairmanandmembersoftheCommitteepaidorpayableunderRuleZ.23;andZ.24.3.makesuchotherorderasitshallthinkfit.
PremierLeagueForm1ListofAuthorisedSignatoriesof.............................................FootballClub(RuleA.1.14)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueThefollowingOfficialsoftheClubareAuthorisedSignatories:PrintNamePositionSignatureLimitofAuthority(ifany)*Inparticular,pleaseindicateiftheindividualisanAuthorisedSignatoryforthepurposesofanapplicationforaUEFAClubLicence.Signed…………………………….................Position……………………………Date………………………......................255
PremierLeagueForm2NotificationofClubBankAccount(RuleE.2)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueWeconfirmonbehalfoftheboardof………………………….......................................FootballClubthatthefollowingbankaccountistheClub’sbankaccountforthepurposesofRuleE.2:NameofBank…………………………………………………………….........................Nameofaccountholder……………………………………………………………....Titleofaccount……………………………………………………………......................Sortcode……………………………………………………………..................................Accountnumber……………………………………………………………....................SignedbyaDirectoroftheClub………………………………………………….Date………………………………………………….SignedbyaDirectoroftheClub………………………………………………….Date………………………………………………….256PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueForm3ReturnofPlayerServicesCostsandImageContractPaymentsby…………………………………....................................……..FootballClub(RuleE.21)To:ThePremierLeagueFullparticularsofallpaymentsmadetoandallbenefitsprovidedtoeachofourContractPlayersandallImageContractPaymentsintheContractYearended30June…………......areasfollows:SummaryIcertifyonbehalfof………………………………………..............................................................FootballClubthattheinformationgivenonthisformiscorrect.Signed……………………………............................Position……………………………………………....….Date………………………......................................[Note:ThefollowingtermswhichareusedinthisForm3aredefinedinthePremierLeagueRules:AccountingReferencePeriod,AnnualAccounts,ContractPlayer,ContractYear,ImageContractPayment,PlayerServicesCostsandSigning-onFee.]257NameSalaryOtherTotalTotal
PremierLeagueFormsSalarySigned……………………………..........................................Position……………………………………………....…..............Date………………………....................................................ReturnofPlayerServicesCostsandImageContractPaymentsbyFootballClubForm3258NameContractedSalaryAdjustmentstocontractedsalaryActualSalarySigning-onFeesLoyaltyBonusesOtherBonusAppearanceFeesTotalSalaryandBonuses(£)TotalEmployersNICTotalSalaryandbonuses-incEmployersNIC
ReturnofPlayerServicesCostsandImageContractPaymentsbyFootballClubForm3OtherSigned……………………………............................Position……………………………………………....….Date………………………......................................259NamePensionArrangementsP11dbenefits(basedonlatesttaxyear)ImageContractPaymentsTotalothercostsTotalOtherCosts
ReturnofPlayerServicesCostsandImageContractPaymentsbyFootballClubForm3ReconciliationSigned……………………………............................Position……………………………………………....….Date………………………......................................260PremierLeagueForms£TotalStaffcostsasperannualaccountsLess:NonplayingstaffPlayerServicesCostsandImageContractPaymentsperAnnualAccountsfortheAccountingReferencePeriodending…….....Add:Applicablepost-ContractYearLess:Applicablepre-ContractYearTotalCostsperForm3
PremierLeagueForm4AppealUnderRuleE.41To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueDate:.........................................We,[insertnameofClub].........................................................(the“Club”)herebyappealagainstthedeductionofninepointsnotifiedtousbytheBoardon[date]..............................onthegroundthattheEventofInsolvencywascausedbyandresulteddirectlyfromcircumstances,otherthannormalbusinessrisks,overwhichtheClubcouldnotreasonablybeexpectedtohavehadcontrolanditsOfficialshadusedallduediligencetoavoidthehappeningofthatevent.BriefdetailsofthecircumstancesthatledtotheEventofInsolvencyaresetoutontheattachedsheet(s).Adepositof£1,000isenclosed.Signed……………………………………………………………………………………..Position…………………………………………………………………………………...261
PremierLeagueForm4ACalculationofAggregatedAdjustedEarningsBeforeTax(RuleE.53.3)StatementonbehalfoftheBoardofDirectorsoftheClubOnbehalfoftheboardofdirectorsof……………………………………..FootballClub,Iconfirminrespectofthe[Club’s]OR[theGroup’s(ofwhichtheClubisamember)]accountingperiodof36monthsendedon………………………20….........that[withtheexception(s)notedbelow]:1.TheabovecalculationofAdjustedEarningsBeforeTaxhasbeenpreparedinaccordancewiththeRulesofthePremierLeague;2.Withoutprejudicetothegeneralityofparagraph1above,theestimatedfiguresforTintheabovecalculationhavebeenprepared:2.12.2inallmaterialrespectsinaformatsimilartotheClub’sAnnualAccounts;andarebasedonthelatestinformationavailabletotheClubandare,tothebestoftheClub’sknowledgeandbelief,anaccurateestimateasatthetimeofpreparationoffuturefinancialperformance.[Theexception(s)referredtoaboveis/areasfollows:…………………………………………......................]Forandonbehalfoftheboardofdirectorsof……….………………………………………..FootballClubSigned……………………………...............Name………………………..........Position………………………................TobesignedbyadirectoroftheClubwhoseparticularsareregisteredundertheprovisionssection162oftheCompaniesAct2006.Date..........................….......................262PremierLeagueFormsReportingPeriod:36monthsendingon………………………...20……...T-2T-1TTotal££££Actual/forecastprofit/lossbeforetaxAddback:Depreciation/impairmentoftangiblefixedassetsAmortisationorimpairmentofgoodwillandotherintangibleassets(excludingamortisationofthecostsofplayers’registrations)YouthDevelopmentExpenditureWomen’sFootballExpenditureCommunityDevelopmentExpenditureAdjustedEarningsBeforeTax
PremierLeagueForm5Owners’andDirectors’Declaration(RulesA.1.51,F.2andF.3)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueI,(fullname)......................................................................................................................................................of..........................................................................................................................(postcode)................................herebydeclarethat:1.Bysigninganddatingthisdeclaration,IacknowledgeandagreetobeboundbythePremierLeagueRules(“Rules”).Ifurtheracknowledgeandagreethat,asaDirector,Iam/will*becomea“Participant”asthattermisdefinedinTheFootballAssociationRulesand,assuch,willbeboundbythem.2.Iam/proposetobecome*aDirectorof...............................................................(“theClub”);3.Iam/amnot*apersonhavingControlovertheClub;4.Iam/amnot*eitherdirectlyorindirectlyinvolvedinorhavepowertodetermineorinfluencethemanagementoradministrationofanotherCluborFootballLeagueclub;5.Ihold/donothold*eitherdirectlyorindirectlyaSignificantInterestinaClubwhileeitherdirectlyorindirectlyholdinganinterestinanyclassofSharesofanotherClub;6.Ihold/donothold*eitherdirectlyorindirectlyaSignificantInterestinaclub(andinthisDeclaration6,SignificantInterestshallbeconstruedasifreferencesto‘theClub’inthatdefinitionatRuleA.1.155,werereferencesto‘theclub’).7.Iam/amnot*prohibitedbylawfrombeingadirectorassetoutinRuleF.1.4;8.Ihave/havenot*beenConvictedofanoffenceassetoutinPremierLeagueRuleF.1.5(norhaveIotherwiseengagedinconductoutsidetheUnitedKingdomthatwouldconstitutesuchanoffenceintheUnitedKingdomwhetherornotsuchconductresultedinaConviction);9.Ihave/havenot*beenthesubjectofanyofthearrangements,orders,plansorprovisionssetoutinRuleF.1.7orF.1.8;263
Owners’andDirectors’DeclarationForm510.Ihave/havenot*10.1beenaDirectorofaClubwhich,whileIhavebeenaDirectorofit,sufferedtwoormoreunconnectedEventsofInsolvency;or10.2beenaDirectorofaClubwhich,whileIhavebeenaDirectorofit,sufferedtwoormoreunconnectedEventsofInsolvency(andinthisDeclaration10.2thedefinitionsofDirectoratRuleA.1.52.andEventsofInsolvencyatRuleA.1.56.shallbeconstruedasifreferencesto‘theClub’inthosedefinitionswerereferencesto‘theclub’);11.Ihave/havenot*beenaDirectoroftwoormoreClubsorclubseachofwhich,whileIhavebeenaDirectorofthem,hassufferedanEventofInsolvency(andinthisDeclaration11thedefinitionsofDirectoratRuleA.1.52.andEventsofInsolvencyatRuleA.1.56.shallbedeemedtoapplytoclubsinthesamewayastoClubs);12.Iam/amnot*subjecttoasuspensionorbanfrominvolvementintheadministrationofasportassetoutinRuleF.1.11;13.Iam/amnot*subjecttoanyformofsuspension,disqualificationorstriking-offbyaprofessionalbodyassetoutinRuleF.1.12;14.Iam/amnot*requiredtonotifypersonalinformationpursuanttoPart2oftheSexualOffencesAct2003;15.Ihave/havenot*beenfoundtohavebreachedanyoftherulessetoutinRuleF.1.14;16.IhaveprovidedtotheBoardofthePremierLeagueallinformationrelevanttoitsassessmentofmycompliancewithRuleF.1.17.Ihavenotprovidedanyfalse,misleadingorinaccurateinformationtotheBoardofthePremierLeaguerelatingtomycompliancewithRuleF.1.18.ThisDeclarationistrueineveryparticular.264PremierLeagueForms
Owners’andDirectors’DeclarationForm5IconsentpursuanttoSchedule2andSchedule3oftheDataProtectionAct1998totheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimitedholdingandprocessingtheabovepersonaldataandsensitivedataforthepurposeofdischargingitsfunctionsasaregulatoryandgoverningbodyoffootball.Iunderstandthatthewords“Convicted”,“Club”,“club”,“Control”,“Declaration”,“Director”,“EventofInsolvency”,“Shares”and“SignificantInterest”(togetherwithanyotherdefinedtermscomprisinganypartofthesedefinitions)havethemeaningssetoutintheRulesofthePremierLeague.SignedbytheDirector/proposedDirector.......................................................Date........................................................SignedbyanAuthorisedSignatory…..................................................................Date........................................................*deleteasappropriate265
PremierLeagueForm6DualInterestNotice(RulesG.1andG.4)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueDate:.................................................PursuanttoRuleG.1weherebygivenoticethataPerson*holds*hasacquired*hasceasedtoholdaSignificantInterestin......................................................................................................FootballClub.TheparticularsrequiredbyRuleG.4areasfollows:1.ThePersonholding/acquiring/ceasingtohold*aSignificantInterestintheClubis(name)...............................................................................................................................of(address)......................................................................................................................2.ThedetailsoftheSignificantInterestareasfollows................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3.Theproportion(expressedinpercentageterms)whichtheSharesbeartothetotalnumberofSharesofthatclassinissueis..............................%4.Theproportion(expressedinpercentageterms)whichtheSharesbeartothetotalnumberofissuedSharesoftheClubis..............................%Thisnoticeisgivenonthebasisthatthewords“Club”“Holding”“Person”“Shares”“SignificantInterest”(togetherwithanyotherdefinedtermscomprisinganypartofthedefinitionssetouttherein)havethemeaningssetoutintheRulesofthePremierLeague.Signed....................................................................Position.................................................................*deleteasappropriate266PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueForm7Directors’Report(RulesH.6,H.7,H.8andH.9)To:TheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimited(“theLeague”)InaccordancewiththerequirementsofSectionHoftheRulesoftheLeague,we,theDirectorsof.....................................................FootballClubLimited(“theClub”),herebyreportinrespectoftheClub’saccountingperiodof...................monthsendedon...........................20.........(“thePeriodofReview”)that[withtheexception(s)notedbelow]allMaterialTransactionsenteredintobytheClubduringthePeriodofReview:(1)werenegotiatedandapprovedinaccordancewiththeClub’swrittentransferpolicy;and(2)havebeendocumentedandrecordedasrequiredbyrelevantprovisionsoftheseRulesandtheFootballAssociationRules.[Theexception(s)referredtoaboveis/areasfollows................................][SignatureofeachDirectoranddateofsigning]267
PremierLeagueForm8RegistrationofPitchDimensionsby................................................FootballClub(RuleK.17)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueThedimensionsofourpitchat[addressofground]...............................................................forSeason20........../20..........areasfollows:Length:..................................yards(...............metres)Width:....................................yards(...............metres)Signed……………………………............................Position……………………………………………....….Date………………………......................................268PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueForm8AAnnualFloodlightingReport(RuleK.140)NameofClub:Dateofinspection:Timeofinspection:IlluminanceMeter:SerialNumber:CalibrationDate:ColourMeter:SerialNumber:CalibrationDate:Pitchmeasurements:Weatherconditions:IlluminanceTestCompany:Address:Phone/email:Inspectionby:Signature:269
AnnualFloodlightingReportForm8AMeasurementStadiumValueRequirementAverageverticalluxreadingtowardstheprincipalcamera1650MaximumvalueMinimumvalue1000UniformityU1v>0.5UniformityU2v>0.6Averageverticalluxreading(0/360°)1000Maximumvalue(0/360°)Minimumvalue(0/360°)650UniformityU1v>0.5UniformityU2v>0.6Averageverticalluxreading(90°)1000Maximumvalue(90°)Minimumvalue(90°)650UniformityU1v>0.5UniformityU2v>0.6Averageverticalluxreading(180°)1000Minimumvalue(180°)Minimumvalue(180°)650UniformityU1v>0.5UniformityU2v>0.6270PremierLeagueForms
AnnualFloodlightingReportForm8AMeasurementStadiumValueRequirementSeatingValues10-30%ofthepitchvalues,i.e.165-495basedon1650Colourrendering(Ra)>80Colourtemperature(Tk)>5200TkFlicker<6%Back-uppowersupply(Secondgridsource/Generator/UPS)Back-upoperation(parallel/standby/standbyrunning)Istheswitchoverprocess(gridtoback-up)automaticPleasedescribetheprocessofback-upoperationincaseofagridpowerfailure:271
AnnualFloodlightingReportForm8AVerticalLuxTowardsthePrincipalCameraAverageMaximumMinimumU1vU2v272PremierLeagueForms
AnnualFloodlightingReportForm8AVerticalLux(270°)AverageMaximumMinimumU1vU2v276PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueForm9TeamSheetof..............................................................FootballClub(RuleL.21)Date..................................................................................................Kick-offtime....................................Opponents..............................................................................F.C.Referee...............................................TeamSubstitutesOfficialsoccupyithetrainer’sbenchColourofstripSigned……………………………...................................Position……………………………………………....…......277ShirtNo.NameShirtNo.NameReplacedTimengNameJobTitleShirtShortsStockingsGoalkeeper’sShirtGoalkeeper’sStockings
PremierLeagueForm10NotificationofLeagueMatchResult(RuleL.38)Season20......20......DateofMatch........................................................HomeClub.......................................................F.C.Result:HomeClub...................................goals.Signed......................................................................VisitingClub.......................................................F.C.VisitingClub..................................................goalsSecretaryof.....................................................F.C.*indicatetimegoal(s)scoredandwheregoal(s)resultedfromapenaltykick278PremierLeagueFormsTeam[Pleasecompleteinblockletters]SurnameInitialsGoalscorers*GoalkeeperNominatedSubstituteswassubstituteforwassubstituteforwassubstitutefor
PremierLeagueForm11GateStatement(RuleL.39)Season20......20......DateofMatch........................................................HomeClub.......................................................F.C.VisitingClub.......................................................F.C.Signed……………………………............................Position……………………………………………....….Date………………………......................................*includinghospitality**netofVAT279RECEIPTS**Valueofticketsales££0TicketsIssuedandAttendanceHomeClubVisitingClubTotalTotalNo.ofticketsissued0No.ofspectatorsattending*0
PremierLeagueForm12NotificationofShirtNumbersAllocatedby..................................................................FootballClub(RuleM.6)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueTheshirtnumbersallocatedtomembersofourFirstTeamsquadinSeason20/20.........areasfollows:ShirtNo.1Name234567891011121314151617181920212223IundertaketogiveyourpromptnoticeofanydeletionsfromoradditionstotheabovelistoccurringduringtheSeason.Signed……………………………....................................Position……………………………………………....….................Date………………………..............................................280PremierLeagueFormsNameShirtNo.2425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546
PremierLeagueForm13RegistrationofStripsby......................................................FootballClub(RuleM.17)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueIsubmitherewithsamplesofourhomeStrip,alternativeStrip(s)andgoalkeeper’sStripforSeason20....../20......Abriefdescriptionofeachisasfollows:HomeStripShirtsShortsStockingsGoalkeeper::::............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................AlternativeStrip1ShirtsShortsStockingsGoalkeeper::::............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................AlternativeStrip2*ShirtsShortsStockingsGoalkeeper::::............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Signed……………………………............................Position……………………………………………....….Date………………………......................................*deleteifinapplicable281
PremierLeagueForm14NotificationbyVisitingClubtoHomeClubofStrip(RuleM.24)To:[NameandaddressofHomeClub]………………………………………...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................PleasetakenoticethatatourLeagueMatchagainstyouon[dateofmatch]..............................,ourteamwillwearthefollowingStrip:OutfieldPlayersShirts:ShortsStockings......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................GoalkeeperShirts:ShortsStockings......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Signed……………………………............................Position……………………………………………....….Date………………………......................................282PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueForm15ScoutRegistrationForm(RuleQ.2)Scout’sParticularsSurname........................................................Othername(s)........................................................................Address.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................PostCode.....................................Dateofbirth.................................................ApplicationtoRegisterWeherebyapplyfortheabove-namedtoberegisteredasaScoutwhoseregistrationisheldby........................................................FootballClubSigned...................................................................AuthorisedSignatoryDate.......................................................................EndorsementbyScoutIherebyconsenttotheaboveapplication.Icertifythattheaboveparticularsarecorrect.IagreetobeboundbytheRulesofthePremierLeague.Signed...................................................................Date.......................................................................IherebycertifythatIhavethisdayregistered[nameofScout]…………………………………………………………...................................asaScoutregisteredwith………………………....................FootballClubSigned...................................................................Date.......................................................................ForandonbehalfoftheBoardofthePremierLeague283
PremierLeagueForm16CancellationofScoutRegistration(RuleQ.5)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueWe,..................................................................FootballClub,herebygivenoticethaton[date]weceasedtoemployorengage[nameofScout].......................................................andweherebyapplyforhisregistrationtobecancelled.Signed...................................................................AuthorisedSignatoryDate.......................................................................CertificateIherebycertifythatIhavethisdaycancelledtheregistrationof[nameofScout].......…………….....………………………with…………………………………….....FootballClubandremovedhisnamefromtheregisterofScouts.Signed......................................................................................Date................................ForandonbehalfoftheBoardofthePremierLeague284PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueForm17SafeguardingRolesandResponsibilities(RulesS.3,S.4andS.21)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueFrom:.............................................................FootballClubThefollowingmemberofStaffhasbeendesignatedastheSeniorSafeguardingLead:Name.......................................................................ThefollowingmemberofStaffhasbeendesignatedastheHeadofSafeguarding:Name.......................................................................ThefollowingmemberofStaffhasbeendesignatedasLeadDisclosureOfficer:Name.......................................................................Signed……………………………............................Position……………………………………………....….Date………………………......................................285
PremierLeagueForm18EnglishFootballLeagueContract*ThePlayer’sbirthcertificatemustbeprovidedtotheLeagueinthecaseofhisfirstregistration.ANAGREEMENTmadethe(day).........................dayof(monthandyear)...........................Between...............................................FootballClub/CompanyLimited/Plcwhoseregisteredofficeisat(address)............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................RegisteredCompanyNo......................................................(hereinafterreferredtoas“theClub”)oftheonepartandtheabove-namedPlayer(hereinafterreferredtoas“thePlayer”)oftheotherpartWHEREBYitisagreedasfollows:1.DefinitionsandInterpretation1.1Thewordsandphrasesbelowshallhavethefollowingmeaning.“AssociatedCompany”shallmeananycompanywhichisaholdingcompanyorsubsidiary(eachasdefinedinSection736oftheCompaniesAct1985)oftheCluborofanyholdingcompanyoftheClub.“theBoard”shallmeantheboardofdirectorsoftheClubforthetimebeingoranydulyauthorisedcommitteeofsuchboardofdirectors.286PremierLeagueFormsPlayer’ssurnamePlayer’sforename(s)PresentPostalAddressNo.FACopyLeagueCopyClubCopyPlayerCopy
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18“ClubContext”shallmeaninrelationtoanyrepresentationofthePlayerand/orthePlayer’sImagearepresentationinconnectionorcombinationwiththenamecoloursStriptrademarkslogosorotheridentifyingcharacteristicsoftheClub(includingtrademarksandlogosrelatingtotheClubanditsactivitieswhichtrademarksandlogosareregisteredinthenameofand/orexploitedbyanyAssociatedCompany)orinanymannerreferringtoortakingadvantageofanyofthesame.“ClubRules”shallmeantherulesorregulationsaffectingthePlayerfromtimetotimeinforceandpublishedbytheClub.“CodeofPractice”shallmeantheCodeofPracticefromtimetotimeinforceandproducedjointlybytheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimitedandthePFAinconjunctionwiththeFA.“theFARules”shallmeantherulesandregulationsfromtimetotimeinforceoftheFAandincludingthoseofFIFAandUEFAtotheextenttheyrelateorapplytothePlayerortheClub.“theFA”shallmeantheFootballAssociationLimited.“FIFA”shallmeantheFédérationInternationaledeFootballAssociation.“GrossMisconduct”shallmeanseriousorpersistentconductbehaviouractivityoromissionbythePlayerinvolvingoneormoreofthefollowing:(a)(b)(c)(d)theftorfraud;deliberateandseriousdamagetotheClub’sproperty;useorpossessionofortraffickinginaProhibitedSubstance;incapacitythroughalcoholaffectingthePlayer’sperformanceasaplayer;breachoforfailuretocomplywithofanyofthetermsofthiscontract(e)orsuchothersimilarorequivalentseriousorpersistentconductbehaviouractivityoromissionbythePlayerwhichtheBoardreasonablyconsiderstoamounttogrossmisconduct.“HolidayYear”shallmeanaperiodoftwelvemonthsfrom1stJulyinoneyearto30thJuneinthenextyear.“Intermediary”meansanypersonwhoqualifiesasanIntermediaryforthepurposesoftheFARegulationsonWorkingwithIntermediariesastheymaybeamendedfromtimetotime.287
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18“InternationalClub”shallmeananyassociationfootballclubthatdoesnotparticipateinaleaguecompetitionsanctionedbyorotherwiseaffiliatedtotheFA.“InternationalLoanAgreement”shallmeanaloanagreementsignedbetweenaTransferorClubandanInternationalClub.“Internet”shallmeantheglobalnetworkofcomputersystemsusingTCP/IPprotocolsincluding(withoutlimitation)theWorldWideWeb.“theLawsoftheGame”shallmeanthelawsfromtimetotimeinforcegoverningthegameofassociationfootballaslaiddownbytheInternationalFootballAssociationBoard(asdefinedinthestatutesofFIFA).“theLeague”shallmeanthefootballleagueofwhichtheClubisamemberfromtimetotime.“theLeagueRules”shallmeantherulesorregulationsfromtimetotimeinforceoftheLeague.“Manager”shallmeantheofficialoftheClubresponsibleforselectingtheClub’sfirstteam.“Media”shallmeananyandallmediawhethernowexistingorhereafterinventedincludingbutnotlimitedtoanyprintand/orpapermediumbroadcastsatelliteorcabletransmissionandanyvisualand/oraudiomediumandincludingbutnotlimitedtotheInternetanytelevisionorradiochannelWebsitewebcastand/oranytransmissionmadebyanymobileormobiletelephonystandardortechnologyorothermediaorbroadcastingservice.“PFA”shallmeantheProfessionalFootballersAssociation.“PermanentIncapacity”shallmeaneither(a)“PermanentTotalDisablement”asdefinedintheLeague’spersonalaccidentinsuranceschemeor(b)incapacityofthePlayerbyreasonoforresultingfromanyinjuryorillness(includingmentalillnessordisorder)whereinthewrittenopinionofanappropriatelyqualifiedmedicalconsultantinstructedbytheClub(“theInitialOpinion”)and(ifrequestedinwritingeitherbytheClubatanytimeorbythePlayeratanytimebutnotlaterthantwentyonedaysafterreceiptfromtheClubofnoticeinwritingterminatingthiscontractpursuanttoclause8.1)ofafurthersuchconsultantapprovedorproposedbythePlayer(andintheabsenceofeitheranapprovalorproposalwithin28daysoftherequestnominatedontheapplicationofeitherpartyby288PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18thePresident(“thePresident”)forthetimebeingoftheRoyalCollegeofSurgeons)(“theFurtherOpinion”)thePlayerwillbeunlikelybyreasonofsuchincapacitytoplayfootballtothesamestandardatwhichthePlayerwouldhaveplayedifnotforsuchincapacityforaconsecutiveperiodofnotlessthantwentymonthscommencingonthedateofcommencementoftheincapacityPROVIDEDthatiftheInitialOpinionandtheFurtherOpiniondisagreewithoneanothertheniftheFurtherOpinionwasgivenbyaconsultantnominatedbythePresidentitshallprevailbutifnotthenathirdopinion(“theThirdOpinion”)fromaconsultantnominatedbythePresidentmaybeobtainedontheapplicationofeitherpartyandthatopinionshallbefinalandbindingforthepurposesofthisdefinition.“Player’sImage”shallmeanthePlayer’snamenicknamefameimagesignaturevoiceandfilmandphotographicportrayalvirtualand/orelectronicrepresentationreputationreplicaandallothercharacteristicsofthePlayerincludinghisshirtnumber.“PlayerInjury”shallmeananyinjuryorillness(includingmentalillnessordisorder)otherthananyinjuryorillnesswhichisdirectlycausedbyorresultsdirectlyfromabreachbythePlayerofhisobligationsunderclause3.2.1ofthiscontractorofanyotherofhisobligationshereunderamountingtoGrossMisconduct.“ProhibitedSubstance”shallhavethemeaningsetoutintheFARules.“theRules”shallmeanthestatutesandregulationsofFIFAandUEFAtheFARulestheLeagueRulestheCodeofPracticeandtheClubRules.“Strip”shallmeanallversionsfromtimetotimeoftheClub’sofficialfootballclothingincludingshirtsshortssocksand/ortrainingkittracksuitsheadwearand/oranyotherclothingdisplayingtheClub’snameand/orofficiallogo.“UEFA”shallmeantheUniondesAssociationsEuropéennesdeFootball.“Website”shallmeanasiteformingpartoftheInternetwithauniqueURL/domainname.1.2Forthepurposesofthiscontractandprovidedthecontextsopermits:1.2.1thesingularshallincludethepluralandviceversaandanygenderincludesanyothergender;289
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm181.2.2referencestopersonshallincludeanyentitybusinessfirmorunincorporatedassociation;and1.2.3referencestostatutoryenactmentsortotheRulesshallincludere-enactmentsandamendmentsofsubstantiallythesameintentastheoriginalreferencedenactmentorRule.1.3Theheadingsofthiscontractareforconvenienceonlyandnotinterpretation.1.4Intheeventofanydisputeastotheinterpretationofanyoftheprovisionsofthiscontractreferenceshallbemade(whereappropriate)forclarificationtotheCodeofPracticebutsothatintheeventofanyconflicttheprovisionsofthiscontractshallprevail.SubjecttheretowhereverspecificreferencetotheCodeofPracticeismadeinthiscontracttherelevanttermsandprovisionsthereofaredeemedincorporatedhereinasifsetoutinfull.2.Appointmentandduration2.1TheClubengagesthePlayerasaprofessionalfootballeronthetermsandconditionsofthiscontractandsubjecttotheRules.2.2Thiscontractshallremaininforceuntilthedatespecifiedinclause2ofSchedule2heretosubjecttoanyearlierdeterminationpursuanttothetermsofthiscontract.3.DutiesandObligationsofthePlayer3.1ThePlayeragrees:3.1.1whendirectedbyanauthorisedofficialoftheClub:3.1.1.1toattendmatchesinwhichtheClubisengaged;3.1.1.2toparticipateinanymatchesinwhichheisselectedtoplayfortheClub;and3.1.1.3toattendatanyreasonableplaceforthepurposesofandtoparticipateintrainingandmatchpreparation;3.1.2toplaytothebestofhisskillandabilityatalltimes;3.1.3excepttotheextentpreventedbyinjuryorillnesstomaintainahighstandardofphysicalfitnessatalltimesandnottoindulgeinanyactivitysportorpracticewhichmightendangersuchfitnessorinhibithismentalorphysicalabilitytoplaypractiseortrain;290PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm183.1.4toundertakesuchotherdutiesandtoparticipateinsuchotheractivitiesasareconsistentwiththeperformanceofhisdutiesunderclauses3.1.1to3.1.3andasarereasonablyrequiredofthePlayer;3.1.5thathehasgivenallnecessaryauthoritiesforthereleasetotheClubofhismedicalrecordsandwillcontinuetomakethesameavailableasrequestedbytheClubfromtimetotimeduringthecontinuanceofthiscontract;3.1.6tocomplywithandactinaccordancewithalllawfulinstructionsofanyauthorisedofficialoftheClub;3.1.7toplayfootballsolelyfortheCluborasauthorisedbytheCluborasrequiredbytheRules;3.1.8toobservetheLawsoftheGamewhenplayingfootball;3.1.9toobservetheRulesbutinthecaseoftheClubRulestotheextentonlythattheydonotconflictwithorseektovarytheexpresstermsofthiscontract;3.1.10tosubmitpromptlytosuchmedicalanddentalexaminationsastheClubmayreasonablyrequireandtoundergoatnoexpensetohimselfsuchtreatmentasmaybeprescribedbythemedicalordentaladvisersoftheClubortheClub’sinsurers;3.1.11ontheterminationofthiscontractforanycausetoreturntotheClubinareasonableandproperconditionanyproperty(includinganycar)whichhasbeenprovidedormadeavailablebytheClubtothePlayerinconnectionwithhisemployment.3.2ThePlayeragreesthatheshallnot:3.2.1undertakeorbeinvolvedinanyactivityorpracticewhichwillknowinglycausetobevoidorvoidableorwhichwillinvokeanyexclusionofthePlayer’scoverpursuanttoanypolicyofinsurancemaintainedforthebenefitoftheClubonthelifeofthePlayerorcoveringhisphysicalwell-being(includinginjuryandincapacityandtreatmentthereof);3.2.2whenplayingortrainingwearanything(includingjewellery)whichisorcouldbedangeroustohimoranyotherperson;3.2.3excepttotheextentspecificallyagreedinwritingbetweentheClubandthePlayerpriortothesigningofthiscontractuseashisregular291
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18placeofresidenceanyplacewhichtheClubreasonablydeemsunsuitablefortheperformancebythePlayerofhisdutiesotherthantemporarilypendingrelocation;3.2.4undertakeorbeengagedinanyotheremploymentorbeengagedorinvolvedinanytradebusinessoroccupationorparticipateprofessionallyinanyothersportingorathleticactivitywithoutthepriorwrittenconsentoftheClubPROVIDEDTHATthisshallnot:3.2.4.1preventthePlayerfrommakinganyinvestmentinanybusinesssolongasitdoesnotconflictorinterferewithhisobligationshereunder;or3.2.4.2limitthePlayer’srightsunderclauses4and6.1.8;3.2.5knowinglyorrecklesslydowriteorsayanythingoromittodoanythingwhichislikelytobringtheCluborthegameoffootballintodisreputecausethePlayerortheClubtobeinbreachoftheRulesorcausedamagetotheCluboritsofficersoremployeesoranymatchofficial.WhenevercircumstancespermitthePlayershallgivetotheClubreasonablenoticeofhisintentiontomakeanycontributionstothepublicmediainordertoallowrepresentationstobemadetohimonbehalfoftheClubifitsodesires;3.2.6exceptinthecaseofemergencyarrangeorundergoanymedicaltreatmentwithoutfirstgivingtheClubproperdetailsoftheproposedtreatmentandphysician/surgeonandrequestingtheClub’sconsentwhichtheClubwillnotunreasonablywithholdhavingdueregardtotheprovisionsoftheCodeofPractice.4.Communitypublicrelationsandmarketing4.1ForthepurposesofthepromotionalcommunityandpublicrelationsactivitiesoftheCluband/or(attherequestoftheClub)ofanysponsorsorcommercialpartnersoftheCluband/oroftheLeagueand/orofanymainsponsorsoftheLeaguethePlayershallattendatandparticipateinsucheventsasmayreasonablyberequiredbytheClubincludingbutnotlimitedtoappearancesandthegrantingofinterviewsandphotographicopportunitiesasauthorisedbytheClub.TheClubshallgivereasonablenoticetothePlayeroftheClub’srequirementsandthePlayershallmakehimselfavailableforuptosixhoursperweekofwhichapproximatelyhalfshallbedevotedtothecommunityandpublicrelationsactivitiesofthe292PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18Club.NophotographofthePlayertakenpursuanttotheprovisionsofthisclause4.1shallbeusedbytheCluboranyotherpersontoimplyanybrandorproductendorsementbythePlayer.4.2Whilstheisprovidingorperformingtheservicessetoutinthiscontract(includingtravellingonClubbusiness)thePlayershall:4.2.1wearonlysuchclothingasisapprovedbyanauthorisedofficialoftheClub;and4.2.2notdisplayanybadgemarklogotradingnameormessageonanyitemofclothingwithoutthewrittenconsentofanauthorisedofficialoftheClubprovidedthatnothinginthisclauseshallpreventthePlayerwearingand/orpromotingfootballbootsandinthecaseofagoalkeeperglovesofhischoice.4.3Subjectinanyeventtoclause4.4andexcepttotheextentofanycommitmentsalreadyenteredintobythePlayerasatthedatehereoforwhenoninternationaldutyinrelationtothePlayers’nationalfootballassociationUEFAorFIFAheshallnot(withoutthewrittenconsentoftheClub)atanytimeduringthetermofthiscontractdoanythingtopromoteendorseorprovidepromotionalmarketingoradvertisingservicesorexploitthePlayer’sImageeither(a)inrelationtoanypersoninrespectofsuchperson’sproductsbrandorserviceswhichconflictorcompetewithanyoftheClub’sclubbrandedorfootballrelatedproducts(includingtheStrip)oranyproductsbrandorservicesoftheClub’stwomainsponsors/commercialpartnersoroftheLeague’soneprincipalsponsoror(b)fortheLeague4.4ThePlayeragreesthathewillnoteitheronhisownbehalforwithorthroughanythirdpartyundertakepromotionalactivitiesinaClubContextnorexploitthePlayer’sImageinaClubContextinanymannerand/orinanyMedianorgranttherighttodosotoanythirdparty.4.5ExcepttotheextentspecificallyhereinprovidedorotherwisespecificallyagreedwiththePlayernothinginthiscontractshallpreventthePlayerfromundertakingpromotionalactivitiesorfromexploitingthePlayer’sImagesolongas:4.5.1thesaidpromotionalactivitiesorexploitationdonotinterfereorconflictwiththePlayer’sobligationsunderthiscontract;and4.5.2thePlayergivesreasonableadvancenoticetotheClubofany293
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18intendedpromotionalactivitiesorexploitation.4.6ThePlayerherebygrantstotheClubtherighttophotographthePlayerbothindividuallyandasamemberofasquadandtousesuchphotographsandthePlayer’sImageinaClubContextinconnectionwiththepromotionoftheClubanditsplayingactivitiesandthepromotionoftheLeagueandthemanufacturesaledistributionlicensingadvertisingmarketingandpromotionoftheClub’sclubbrandedandfootballrelatedproducts(includingtheStrip)orservices(includingsuchproductsorserviceswhichareendorsedbyorproducedunderlicencefromtheClub)andinrelationtotheLeague’slicensedproductsservicesandsponsorsinsuchmannerastheClubmayreasonablythinkfitsolongas:4.6.1theuseofthePlayer’sphotographand/orPlayer’sImageeitheraloneorwithnotmorethantwootherplayersattheClubshallbelimitedtonogreaterusagethantheaverageforallplayersregularlyintheClub’sfirstteam;4.6.2thePlayer’sphotographand/orPlayer’sImageshallnotbeusedtoimplyanybrandorproductendorsementbythePlayer;and4.6.3PROVIDEDthatallrightsshallceaseonterminationofthiscontractsavefortheuseand/orsaleofanypromotionalmaterialsorproductsasaforesaidasshallthenalreadybemanufacturedorintheprocessofmanufactureorrequiredtosatisfyanyoutstandingorders.4.7InitsdealingswithanypersonpermittedbytheClubtotakephotographsofthePlayertheClubshallusereasonableendeavourstoensurethatthecopyrightofthephotographssotakenisvestedintheCluband/orthatnouseismadeofthesaidphotographswithouttheClub’sconsentandinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthiscontract.4.8ThePlayershallbeentitledtomakearesponsibleandreasonablereplyorresponsetoanymediacommentorpublishedstatementslikelytoadverselyaffectthePlayer’sstandingorreputationandsubjectasprovidedforinclause3.2.5tomakecontributionstothepublicmediainaresponsiblemanner.4.9Inthisclause4wherethecontextsoadmitstheexpression“theClub”includesanyAssociatedCompanyoftheClubbutonlytotheextentandinthecontextthatsuchcompanydirectlyorindirectlyprovidesfacilitiesto294PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18orundertakescommercialmarketingorpublicrelationsactivitiesfortheClubandnotsoastorequiretheconsentofanyAssociatedCompanywhenconsentoftheClubisrequired.4.10ForthepurposesoftheContracts(RightsofThirdParties)Act1999nothinginthisclause4isintendedtonordoesitgivetotheLeagueanyrighttoenforceanyofitsprovisionsagainsttheCluborthePlayer.4.11Nothinginthisclause4shallpreventtheClubfromenteringintootherarrangementsadditionalorsupplementalheretoorinvariancehereofinrelationtoadvertisingmarketingand/orpromotionalserviceswiththePlayerorwithorforallorsomeoftheClub’splayers(includingthePlayer)fromtimetotime.AnyothersucharrangementswhichhavebeenagreedasatthedateofthesigningofthiscontractandanyimagecontractorsimilarcontractrequiredtobesetoutinthiscontractbytheLeagueRulesaresetoutinSchedule2paragraph13.5.Remunerationandexpenses5.1ThroughouthisengagementtheClubshallpaytothePlayertheremunerationandshallprovidethebenefits(ifany)asaresetoutinSchedule2.5.2TheClubshallreimbursethePlayerallreasonablehotelandotherexpenseswhollyandexclusivelyincurredbyhiminorabouttheperformanceofhisdutiesunderthiscontractPROVIDEDthatthePlayerhasobtainedthepriorauthorisationofadirectortheManagerorthesecretaryoftheClubandthePlayerfurnishestheClubwithreceiptsorotherevidenceofsuchexpenses.5.3TheClubmaydeductfromanyremunerationpayabletothePlayer:5.3.1anymoniesdisbursedand/orliabilitiesincurredbytheClubonbehalfofthePlayerwiththePlayerspriorconsent;5.3.2anyothermonies(butnotclaimsfordamagesorcompensation)whichcanbeclearlyestablishedtobeproperlyduefromthePlayertotheClub.5.4IfataDisciplinaryhearingconductedunderPart1ofSchedule1heretoafineisimposedonaplayercalculatedbyreferencetothePlayer’sweeklywage,thefineshalltaketheformofaforfeitureofwagesofacorrespondingamountsothattheamountforfeitshallnotbecomepayabletothePlayer.TheforfeitureshalltakeeffectinrelationtothemonthlyinstalmentofthePlayer’sremunerationfallingduenextafterthedateonwhichthenotice295
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18ofthedecisionisgiventohim(“PayDay”).Butseeclause5.5dealingwithappeals.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,theamountforfeitisthegrossamountoftheweeklywage.5.5IfonPayDaythetimeforappealinghasnotexpiredorifnoticeofappealhasbeengiven,thereferencetoPayDayshallbetothedayonwhichthemonthlyinstalmentofremunerationbecomespayablenextafter(i)theexpiryofthetimeforappealingwithoutanyappealhavingbeenmadeor(ii)ifanappealismade,thedateonwhichtheoutcomeoftheappealisnotifiedtothePlayer.Inthecaseofanappeal,theamountthatisforfeitshallbetheamount(ifany)determinedonappeal.6.ObligationsoftheClub6.1TheClubshall:6.1.1observetheRulesallofwhich(otherthantheClubRules)shalltakeprecedenceovertheClubRules;6.1.2providethePlayereachyearwithcopiesofalltheRuleswhichaffectthePlayerandofthetermsandconditionsofanypolicyofinsuranceinrespectoforinrelationtothePlayerwithwhichthePlayerisexpectedtocomply;6.1.3promptlyarrangeappropriatemedicalanddentalexaminationsandtreatmentforthePlayerattheClub’sexpenseinrespectofanyinjurytoorillness(includingmentalillnessordisorder)ofthePlayersavewheresuchinjuryorillnessiscausedbyanactivityorpracticeonthepartofthePlayerwhichbreachesclause3.2.1hereofinwhichcasetheClubshallonlybeobligedtoarrangeandpayfortreatmenttotheextentthatthecostthereofremainscoveredbytheClub’spolicyofmedicalinsuranceor(iftheClubdoesnotmaintainsuchapolicy)thentotheextentthatitwouldremaincoveredbysuchapolicywereonemaintaineduponnormalindustrytermscommonlyavailablewithinprofessionalfootballandsothatsaveasaforesaidthisobligationshallcontinueinrespectofanyexaminationsand/ortreatmentthenecessityforwhicharoseduringthecurrencyofthiscontractnotwithstandingitssubsequentexpiryorterminationuntiltheearlierofcompletionofthenecessaryexaminationsand/orprescribedtreatmentandaperiodofeighteenmonthsfromthedateofexpiryorterminationhereof;6.1.4TheClubshalluseallreasonableendeavourstoensurethatany296PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18policyofinsurancemaintainedbytheClubforthebenefitofthePlayercontinuestoprovidecoverforanyexaminationsand/ortreatmentasarereferredtoinclause6.1.3untilcompletionofanysuchexaminationsand/ortreatment;6.1.5complywithallrelevantstatutoryprovisionsrelatingtoindustrialinjuryandanyregulationsmadepursuantthereto;6.1.6atalltimesmaintainandobserveaproperhealthandsafetypolicyforthesecuritysafetyandphysicalwellbeingofthePlayerwhencarryingouthisdutiesunderthiscontract;6.1.7inanycasewheretheClubwouldotherwisebeliableasemployerforanyactsoromissionsofthePlayerinthelawfulandproperperformanceofhisplayingpractisingortrainingdutiesunderthiscontractdefendthePlayeragainstanyproceedingsthreatenedorbroughtagainsthimatanytimearisingoutofthecarryingoutbyhimofanysuchactsoromissionsandindemnifyhimfromanydamagesawardedandthisobligationandindemnityshallcontinueinrelationtoanysuchactsoromissionsduringthecurrencyofthiscontractnotwithstandingitsexpiryorterminationbeforesuchproceedingsarethreatenedand/orbrought;6.1.8givethePlayereveryopportunitycompatiblewithhisobligationsunderthiscontracttofollowanycourseoffurthereducationorvocationaltrainingwhichhewishestoundertakeandgivepositivesupporttothePlayerinundertakingsucheducationandtraining.ThePlayershallsupplytheFootballer’sFurtherEducationandVocationalTrainingSocietywithparticularsofanycoursesundertakenbyhim;and6.1.9releasethePlayerasrequiredforthepurposesoffulfillingtheobligationsinrespectofrepresentativematchestohisnationalassociationpursuanttothestatutesandregulationsofFIFA.6.2TheClubshallnotwithouttheconsentinwritingofthePlayer:6.2.1takeoruseorpermittobeusedphotographsofthePlayerforanypurposessaveaspermittedbyclause4;or6.2.2useorrevealthecontentsofanymedicalreportsorothermedicalinformationregardingthePlayerobtainedbytheClubsaveforthepurposeofassessingthePlayer’shealth
andfitnessobtaining297
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18medicalandinsurancecoverandcomplyingwiththeClub’sobligationsundertheRules.7.InjuryandIllness7.1AnyinjurytoorillnessofthePlayershallbereportedbyhimoronhisbehalftotheClubimmediatelyandtheClubshallkeeparecordofsuchinjuryorillness.7.2IntheeventthatthePlayershallbecomeincapacitatedfromplayingbyreasonofanyinjuryorillness(includingmentalillnessordisorder)theClubshallpaytothePlayerduringsuchperiodofincapacityortheperiodofthiscontract(whicheveristheshorter)thefollowingamountsofremunerationforthefollowingperiods:7.2.1inthecaseofaPlayerInjuryhisbasicwageoverthefirsteighteenmonthsandonehalfofhisbasicwagefortheremainderofhisperiodofincapacity;7.2.2inthecaseofanyotherinjuryorillnesshisbasicwageoverthefirsttwelvemonthsandonehalfofhisbasicwagefortheremainderofhisperiodofincapacity.7.3Ineachcasespecifiedinclause7.2abovethereshallbepaidtothePlayerinadditiontohisbasicwageallortheappropriateshareofanybonuspaymentsifandtotheextentthatpaymentorprovisionforcontinuationofthesameisspecificallyprovidedforinSchedule2orintheClub’sBonusScheme.7.4ThepaymentsmadebytheClubpursuanttoclause7.2shallbedeemedtoincludeallandanystatutorysickpayand/oranyotherstatebenefitspayablebyreferencetosicknesstowhichthePlayermaybeentitled.7.5Nothinginthisclause7shallreduceorvarytheentitlementofthePlayertosigningonfeesand/orloyaltypaymentsoranyotherpaymentsofasimilarnatureduetohimunderthisContract.8.PermanentorProlongedIncapacity8.1Intheeventthat:8.1.1thePlayershallsufferPermanentIncapacity;or8.1.2thePlayerhasbeenincapacitatedfromplayingbyreasonoforresultingfromthesameinjuryorillness(includingmentalillnessor298PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18disorder)foraperiod(consecutiveorintheaggregate)amountingtoeighteenmonthsinanyconsecutiveperiodoftwentymonths;theClubshallbeentitledtoserveanoticeuponthePlayerterminatingthiscontract.8.2ThelengthofsuchnoticeshallbetwelvemonthsinthecaseofanincapacitybyreasonofaPlayerInjuryandsixmonthsineveryothercase.8.3Thenoticereferredtoinclause8.1maybeservedatanytimeafter:8.3.1thedateonwhichthePlayerisdeclaredtobesufferingPermanentTotalDisablementunderthetermsoftheLeague’spersonalaccidentinsurancescheme;or8.3.2thedateonwhichsuchPermanentIncapacityisestablishedbytheInitialOpinion;or8.3.3inthecaseofanyincapacityasisreferredtoin8.1.2thedateonwhichtheperiodofincapacityshallexceedeighteenmonthsasaforesaidbutsothattherighttoterminatepursuanttoclause8.1.2shallonlyapplywhilesuchincapacityshallcontinuethereafter.8.4Intheeventthataftertheserviceofanynoticepursuanttoclause8.1.1PermanentIncapacityisnotconfirmedbytheFurtherOpinion(ifrequested)or(whererelevant)bytheThirdOpinionthensuchnoticeshalllapseandceasetobeofeffect.8.5Inthecaseofanynoticeofterminationgivenunderthisclause8theClubshallbeentitledbyfurthernoticeonorafterservingnoticeofterminationtoterminatethiscontractforthwithonpayingtothePlayeratthetimeofsuchterminationtheremainderofhisremunerationandanyothersumsproperlyduetohimunderthiscontractandthevalueofanyotherbenefitswhichwouldbepayableoravailabletothePlayerduringtheremainderoftheperiodofhisnoticeofterminationprovidedalwaysthattheClub’sobligationspursuanttoclause6.1.3shallcontinuetoapplyduringtheremainderofthesaidnoticeperiodandforanyfurtherrelevantperiodasprovidedtherein.8.6WheretheClubhasmadepaymenttothePlayerduringanyperiodofincapacityowingtoillnessorinjuryandthePlayer’sabsenceisduetotheactionofathirdpartyotherthanofanotherclubplayerormatchofficialinrelationtoanydamageorinjurysustainedonoraboutthefieldofplay299
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18orduringtrainingorpractisinggivingthePlayerarightofrecoveryagainstthatthirdpartythenifthePlayermakesanyclaimagainstsuchthirdpartythePlayermustwhereheisreasonablyabletodosoincludeaspartofsuchclaimfromsuchthirdpartyaclaimforrecoveryofanysuchpaymentanduponsuccessfulrecoveryrepaytotheClubthelesserofthetotaloftheremunerationpaidbytheClubtothePlayerduringtheperiodofincapacityandtheamountofanydamagespayabletoorrecoveredbythePlayerinrespectofsuchclaimorotherwisebyreferencetolossofearningsunderthiscontractunderanycompromisesettlementorjudgment.AnyamountspaidbytheClubtothePlayerinsuchcircumstancesshallconstituteloansfromtheClubtoberepaidtotheClubtotheextentaforesaiduponsuccessfulrecoveryasaforesaid.9.DisciplinaryProcedureExceptinanycasewheretheClubterminatesthePlayer’semploymentpursuanttotheprovisionsofclause10hereof(whentheproceduresetoutthereinshallapply)theClubshalloperatethedisciplinaryproceduresetoutinPart1ofSchedule1heretoinrelationtoanybreachorfailuretoobservethetermsofthiscontractoroftheRules.10.TerminationbytheClub10.1TheClubshallbeentitledtoterminatetheemploymentofthePlayerbyfourteendays’noticeinwritingtothePlayerifthePlayer:10.1.1shallbeguiltyofGrossMisconduct;10.1.2shallfailtoheedanyfinalwrittenwarninggivenundertheprovisionsofPart1ofSchedule1hereto;or10.1.3isconvictedofanycriminaloffencewherethepunishmentconsistsofasentenceofimprisonmentofthreemonthsormore(whichisnotsuspended).10.2IftheClubterminatesthePlayer’semploymentforanyreasonunderclause10.1theClubshallwithinsevendaysthereafternotifythePlayerinwritingofthefullreasonsfortheactiontaken.10.3ThePlayermaybynoticeinwritingservedontheClubandtheLeagueatanytimefromthedateofterminationuptofourteendaysafterreceiptbythePlayerofwrittennotificationunderclause10.2givenoticeofappealagainstthedecisionoftheClubtotheLeagueandsuchappealshallbedeterminedinaccordancewiththeproceduresapplicablepursuanttotheLeagueRules.300PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm1810.4IfthePlayerexerciseshisrightofappealtheterminationofthiscontractbytheClubshallnotbecomeeffectiveunlessanduntilitshallhavebeendeterminedthattheClubwasentitledtoterminatethiscontractpursuanttoclause10.1butsothatifitissodeterminedthensubjectonlytoclause10.5.3thePlayershallceasetobeentitledtoanyremunerationorbenefitswitheffectfromtheexpirationoftheperiodofnoticereferredtoinclause10.3andanypaymentmadebytheClubinrespectthereofshallforthwithbecomeduefromthePlayertotheClub.10.5PendingthehearinganddeterminationofsuchappealtheClubmaysuspendthePlayerforuptoamaximumofsixweeksfromthedateofnoticeofterminationandiftheBoardsodeterminesuchsuspensionshallbewithoutpayprovidedthat:10.5.1thepaymentduetothePlayerinrespectofthefourteendays’noticeperiodunderclause10.1ismadetothePlayerforthwith;10.5.2pendingthedeterminationoftheappealanamountequaltotheremunerationwhichwouldotherwisehavebeenduetothePlayerbutforthesuspensionwithoutpayispaidtoanescrowaccountheldbythePFAasandwhenitwouldotherwisehavebecomedueforpaymenttothePlayerandfollowingthedeterminationoftheappealthePFAwilleitherpaythemoney(includinginterestearnedonthesaidaccount)tothePlayerorreturnittotheClubaccordingtotheappealdecision;10.5.3allotherbenefitsforthePlayerundertheprovisionsofclauses6.1.3and6.1.4ofthiscontractshallbemaintainedandremaininforcewhiletheappealispending;and10.5.4duringanysuchperiodofsuspensiontheClubshallbeundernoobligationtoassigntothePlayeranyplayingtrainingorotherdutiesandshallbeentitledtoexcludethePlayerfromtheClub’spremisesincludingitsgroundandtrainingground.10.6UponanyterminationofthiscontractbytheClubbecomingoperativetheClubshallforthwithreleasethePlayer’sregistration.11.TerminationbythePlayer11.1ThePlayershallbeentitledtoterminatethiscontractbyfourteendays’noticeinwritingtotheClubiftheClub:301
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm1811.1.1shallbeguiltyofseriousorpersistentbreachofthetermsandconditionsofthiscontract;or11.1.2failstopayanyremunerationorotherpaymentsorbonusesduetothePlayerormakeavailableanybenefitsduetohimasitortheyfalldueorwithinfourteendaysthereafterandhasstillfailedtomakepaymentinfullormakethebenefitsavailablebytheexpiryofthesaidfourteendays’notice.11.2TheClubmaywithinfourteendaysofreceiptofanynoticeofterminationofthiscontractbythePlayerinaccordancewithclause11.1givewrittennoticeofappealagainstsuchterminationtothePlayerandtotheLeaguewhichshallhearsuchappealinaccordancewithproceduresapplicablepursuanttotheLeagueRules.11.3IftheClubexercisesitsrightofappealpursuanttoclause11.2theterminationofthiscontractshallnotbecomeoperativeunlessanduntilitshallhavebeendeterminedthatthePlayerwasentitledtoterminatethiscontractpursuanttoclause11.1.11.4UponanyterminationofthiscontractbythePlayerbecomingoperativetheClubshallforthwithreleasethePlayer’sregistration.12.GrievanceProcedureIntheeventthatthePlayerhasanygrievanceinconnectionwithhisemploymentunderthiscontractthegrievanceproceduressetoutinPart2oftheSchedule1heretoshallbeavailabletothePlayer.13.RepresentationofPlayerInanydisciplinaryorgrievanceprocedurethePlayershallbeentitledtobeaccompaniedbyorrepresentedbyhisClubcaptainoraPFAdelegateand/oranyofficerofthePFA.14.HolidaysForeachHolidayYearthePlayershallbeentitledtotakeintheaggregatetheequivalentoffiveweekspaidholidaytobetakenatatimeortimesandforsuchdaysduringtheHolidayYearasshallbedeterminedbytheClubbutsothat(subjecttotheClub’sfirstteamandanyinternationalcommitments)theClubshallnotunreasonablyrefusetopermitthePlayertotakethreeofsuchweeksconsecutively.HolidaysnottakenduringanyHolidayYear(orsubjecttoagreementbytheClubwithinonemonthoftheendofsuchHolidayYear)maynotbecarriedforwardintoanysubsequentHolidayYear.302PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm1815.SurvivalTheprovisionsofthiscontractshallremaininfullforceandeffectinrespectofanyactoromissionofeitherpartyduringtheperiodofthiscontractnotwithstandingtheterminationofthiscontract.16.ConfidentialityThiscontractistobetreatedasbeingprivateandconfidentialanditscontentsshallnotbedisclosedordivulgedeitherdirectlyorindirectlytoanypersonfirmorcompanywhatsoevereitherbytheClubthePlayeroranyIntermediaryoftheCluborthePlayerexcept:16.1withthepriorwrittenagreementofboththeClubandthePlayer;or16.2asmayberequiredbyanystatutoryregulatorygovernmentalorquasigovernmentalauthoritiesorasotherwiserequiredbylaworpursuanttotheRulesincluding(whereappropriate)anyrecognisedstockexchange;or16.3inthecaseofthePlayertohisdulyappointedIntermediaryandprofessionaladvisersincludingthePFA;or16.4inthecaseoftheClubtoitsdulyappointedIntermediaryanditsprofessionaladvisersortosuchofitsdirectorssecretaryservantsorrepresentativesorauditorstowhomsuchdisclosureisstrictlynecessaryforthepurposesoftheirdutiesandthenonlytotheextentsonecessary.17.ArbitrationAnydisputebetweentheClubandthePlayernotprovidedforinclauses9,10,11,12andSchedule1hereofshallbereferredtoarbitrationinaccordancewiththeLeagueRulesor(butonlyifmutuallyagreedbytheClubandthePlayer)inaccordancewiththeFARules.18.SpecificityofFootballThepartiesheretoconfirmandacknowledgethatthiscontracttherightsandobligationsundertakenbythepartiesheretoandthefixedtermperiodthereofreflectthespecialrelationshipandcharacteristicsinvolvedintheemploymentoffootballplayersandtheparticipationbythepartiesinthegameoffootballpursuanttotheRulesandthepartiesaccordinglyagreethatallmattersofdisputeinrelationtotherightsandobligationsofthepartiesheretoandotherwisepursuanttotheRulesincludingastoterminationofthiscontractandanycompensationpayableinrespectofterminationorbreachthereofshallbesubmittedtoandthepartiesheretoacceptthejurisdictionandallappropriatedeterminationsofsuchtribunalpanelorotherbody(includingpursuanttoanyappealtherefrom)pursuanttotheprovisionsofandinaccordancewiththeproceduresandpracticesunderthiscontractandtheRules.303
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm1819.Severance19.1IfthePlayershallnotmakeanapplicationtoanEmploymentTribunalforcompensationinrespectofunfairdismissalorredundancyasaresultofnotbeingofferedanewcontracteitherontermsatleastasfavourableasunderthiscontractoratallthenthefollowingprovisionsofthisclause19shalltakeeffect.19.2IfbytheexpiryofthiscontracttheClubhasnotmadetothePlayeranofferofre-engagementontermsatleastasfavourabletothePlayerasthoseapplicableoverthelasttwelvemonthsofthiscontract(orthelengthofthiscontractifshorter)thensubjecttoclauses19.1and19.3thePlayershallcontinuetoreceivefromhisClub(asaseparatepaymentrepresentingcompensationasmoreparticularlyreferredtointheCodeofPractice)apaymentequaltohisweeklybasicwage(attheaverageamountofhisweeklywageoverthepreceding12monthsofthiscontractorthewholeofthiscontractifshorter)foraperiodofonemonthfromtheexpiryofthiscontractoruntilthePlayersignsforanotherclubwhicheverperiodistheshorterprovidedthatwherethePlayersignsforanotherclubwithinthatperiodofonemonthatalowerbasicwagethansuchaveragethensuchpaymentshallinadditionincludeasumequaltotheshortfallinsuchbasicwagefortheremainderofsuchperiod;19.3ThemaximumamountpayabletothePlayerundersub-clause19.2isdoublethemaximumsumwhichanEmploymentTribunalcanawardfromtimetotimeasacompensatoryawardforunfairdismissal.20.Miscellaneous20.1ThiscontractandthedocumentsreferredtohereinconstitutetheentireagreementbetweentheClubandthePlayerandsupersedeanyandallprecedingagreementsbetweentheClubandthePlayer.20.2ThefurtherparticularsoftermsofemploymentnotcontainedinthebodyofthiscontractwhichmustbegiventothePlayerincompliancewithPart1oftheEmploymentRightsAct1996aregiveninSchedule2.20.3Thiscontractissignedbythepartiesheretoinduplicatesothatforthispurposeeachsignedagreementshallconstituteanoriginalbuttakentogethertheyshallconstituteoneagreement.20.4ForthepurposesoftheDataProtectionAct1998thePlayerconsentstothe304PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18ClubtheLeaguePFAandFAcollectingPersonalDataincludingSensitivePersonalData(bothasdefinedinthesaidAct)aboutthePlayer.TheClub’sDataProtectionPolicycanbefoundintheClub’semployeehandbook.21.JurisdictionandLawThiscontractshallbegovernedbyandconstruedinaccordancewithEnglishlawandthepartiessubmittothenonexclusivejurisdictionoftheEnglishCourts.305
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18Schedule1Part1DisciplinaryProcedureandPenalties1.IntroductionThedisciplinaryprocedureaimstoensurethattheClubbehavesfairlyininvestigatinganddealingwithallegationsofunacceptableconductwithaviewtohelpingandencouragingallemployeesoftheClubtoachieveandmaintainappropriatestandardsofconductandperformance.TheClubneverthelessreservestherighttodepartfromthepreciserequirementsofitsdisciplinaryprocedurewheretheClubconsidersitexpedienttodosoandwherethePlayer’sresultingtreatmentisnolessfair.2.RecordsAllcasesofdisciplinaryactionunderthisprocedurewillberecordedandplacedintheClub’srecordsuntildeletedinaccordancewithparagraph4.2.AcopyoftheClub’sdisciplinaryrecordsconcerningthePlayerwillbesuppliedtothePlayerathisrequest.3.TheProcedureThefollowingstepswillbetakenasappropriateinallcasesofdisciplinaryaction:3.1InvestigationNoactionwillbetakenbeforeaproperinvestigationhasbeenundertakenbytheClubintothemattercomplainedof.IftheClubdeterminesthesametobeappropriatetheClubmaybywrittennoticesuspendthePlayerforuptofourteendayswhiletheinvestigationtakesplace.IfthePlayerissosuspendedthiscontractwillcontinuetogetherwithallthePlayer’srightsunderitincludingthepaymentofthePlayer’sremunerationandbenefitsbutduringtheperiodofsuspensionthePlayerwillnotbeentitledtoaccesstoanyoftheClub’spremisesexceptatthepriorrequestorwiththepriorconsentoftheClubandsubjecttosuchconditionsastheClubmayimpose.ThedecisiontosuspendthePlayerwillbenotifiedinwritingtothePlayerbytheClub.306PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm183.2DisciplinaryHearing3.2.1IftheClubdecidestoholdadisciplinaryhearingaboutthemattercomplainedofthePlayerwillbegivenfulldetailsinwritingofthecomplaintagainsthimandreasonablenoticeofthedateandtimeofthehearing.AtthehearingthePlayerwillbegivenanopportunitytostatehiscaseeitherpersonallyorthroughhisrepresentativeasprovidedforinclause13ofthiscontract.3.2.2Subjectasprovidedinparagraph3.2.3nodisciplinarypenaltywillbeimposedwithoutfirstgivingthePlayertheopportunitytostatehiscasetotheManagerorifthePlayersorequeststoadirectoroftheClubandwheretheClubconsidersitappropriateorwherethePlayerrequeststhesamewithoutadisciplinaryhearing.3.2.3AdisciplinaryhearingmayproceedinthePlayer’sabsenceandadisciplinarypenaltymaybeimposedifhefailstoappearatsuchhearingafterhavingreceivedpropernoticethereof3.3Appeals3.3.1ThePlayershallhavearightofappealtotheBoardagainstanydisciplinarydecision.ThePlayershouldinformtheBoardinwritingofhiswishtoappealwithinfourteendaysofthedateofnotificationtohimofthedecisionwhichformsthesubjectofsuchappeal.TheBoardwillconductanappealhearingassoonaspossiblethereafteratwhichthePlayerwillbegivenafurtheropportunitytostatehiscase.ThedecisionoftheBoardwillbenotifiedtothePlayerinwritingwithinsevendaysandsubjecttoparagraph3.3.2willbefinalandbindingunderthisprocedure.3.3.2IntheeventofanysanctionbeingimposedorconfirmedinexcessofanoralwarningthePlayermaybynoticeinwritingservedontheClubandtheLeaguewithinfourteendaysofreceiptbythePlayerofwrittennotificationofthedecisionoftheBoardgivenoticeofappealagainstittotheLeaguewhowilldeterminethematterinaccordancewiththeLeagueRules.3.3.3IfthePlayerexercisesanyrightofappealasaforesaidanysanctionimposedbytheClubuponthePlayershallnottakeeffectuntiltheappropriateappealhasbeendeterminedandthesanctionconfirmedvariedorrevokedasthecasemaybe.
307
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm184.DisciplinaryPenalties4.1AtadisciplinaryhearingoronanappealagainstadisciplinarydecisiontheClubmaydismisstheallegationorifitisprovedtotheClub’ssatisfactionmay:4.1.1giveanoralwarningaformalwrittenwarningorafterapreviouswarningorwarningsafinalwrittenwarningtothePlayer;4.1.2imposeafinenotexceedingtheamountofthePlayer’sbasicwageforaperiodofuptotwoweeksforafirstoffence(unlessotherwiseapprovedbythePFAinaccordancewiththeCodeofPractice)anduptofourweeksforsubsequentoffencesinanyconsecutiveperiodoftwelvemonthsbutonlyinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheCodeofPractice;4.1.3orderthePlayernottoattendatanyoftheClub’spremisesforsuchperiodastheClubthinksfitnotexceedingfourweeks;4.1.4inanycircumstanceswhichwouldentitletheClubtodismissthePlayerpursuanttoanyoftheprovisionsofclause10ofthiscontractdismissthePlayerorimposesuchotherdisciplinaryaction(includingsuspensionofthePlayerand/orafineofallorpartoftheamountofthePlayer’sbasicwageforaperiodnotexceedingsixweeks).4.2AnywarningorsanctiongivenunderthisdisciplinaryprocedurewillbedeletedintheClub’srecordsaftertwelvemonths.Part2GrievanceProcedures1.ThePlayershallbringanygrievanceinformallytothenoticeoftheManagerinthefirstinstance.ThePlayermayberequiredbytheManagertoputanysuchgrievanceinwriting.HavingenquiredintosuchgrievancetheManagerwillthennotifythePlayerofhisdecision.2.IfthegrievanceisnotdeterminedbytheManagertothePlayer’ssatisfactionthePlayermaywithinfourteendaysthereafterserveformalnoticeofthegrievanceinwritingonthesecretaryoftheClubandthemattershallthereuponbedeterminedbythechairmanoftheCluborbytheBoardassoonaspossibleandinanyeventwithinfourweeksofthereceiptofthenotice.308PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18Schedule2–InsertPlayer’sName…...........................................SupplementalProvisionsandEmploymentRightsAct1996ThefollowingprovisionsshallapplytosupplementtheprovisionsofthiscontractandtheinformationassetouthereininordertocomplywiththerequirementsofPart1oftheEmploymentRightsAct1996.1.ThePlayer’semploymentwiththeClubbeganon2.Thedateofterminationofthiscontractis30June203.NoemploymentwithapreviousemployershallcountaspartofthePlayer’scontinuousperiodofemploymenthereunder.4.ThePlayer’shoursofworkaresuchastheClubmayfromtimetotimereasonablyrequireofhimtocarryouthisdutiesandthePlayershallnotbeentitledtoanyadditionalremunerationforworkdoneoutsidenormalworkinghours.5.TheplaceofemploymentshallbeattheClub’sgroundandtraininggroundbuttheClubshallbeentitledtorequirethePlayertoplayandtoundertakehisdutieshereunderatanyotherplacethroughouttheworld.6.NocontractingoutcertificatepursuanttothePensionsSchemeAct1993isinforceinrespectofthePlayer’semploymentunderthiscontract.7.TheProfessionalFootballers’PensionScheme7.1Immediatelyonsigningthiscontract,thePlayershall:7.1.1beautomaticallyenrolledas;or7.1.2orcontinuetobe;amemberofthe2011SectionoftheProfessionalFootballers’PensionScheme(the“Scheme”)andshallremainsoduringthecontinuanceofhisemploymenthereunderunlesshe:7.1.3notifiestheSchemeAdministratorinwritingthathewishestooptoutoftheScheme;7.1.4haspreviouslyregisteredwithHMRevenue&CustomsforFixedorEnhancedProtection;or309
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm187.1.5joinsanInternationalClubonatemporarybasisbywayofInternationalLoanAgreement(inwhichcasehisentitlementtomembershipoftheSchemeshallbesuspendedforthedurationofthatInternationalLoanAgreement);or7.1.6isotherwiseineligibleformembershipoftheSchemeinaccordancewiththetermsoftheScheme’sdefinitivetrustdeedandrulesasamendedfromtimetotime.7.2ForaslongasthePlayerremainsamemberofthe2011Section,anannualcontribution(fundedbythelevyontransferfees)willbepaidintotheSchemeforthebenefitofthePlayer.Theannualcontributionshallbe£5,208orsuchotheramountasdeterminedbytheTrusteesoftheSchemefromtimetotime.7.3ThePlayershallnotberequiredtocontributetothe2011SectionbutmayelecttocontributesuchamountashenotifiestotheSchemeAdministratorinwriting.WhereaPlayerdecidestocontributetothe2011SectionhecanagreewithhisClubandtheSchemeAdministratorforthecontributiontobemadethroughasalarysacrificearrangement.7.4Where,byvirtueofpreviousmembershipoftheScheme,thePlayerhasbuiltupbenefitsunderitsCashSectionand/orIncomeSection,thosebenefitsarefrozenandwillberevalueduntilhisretirementfromtheScheme.ThePlayershallbeentitledtosuchbenefits(includingdeathbenefits)fromeachsectionoftheSchemeinwhichhehasparticipatedonsuchconditionsasaresetoutintheScheme’sdefinitivetrustdeedandrulesasamendedfromtimetotime.7.5ThePlayerfurtheragreesthattheClubmaydisclosehisname,address,gender,dateofbirth,NationalInsurancenumber,salaryinformationanddatesofcommencementandterminationofemploymenttotheLeagueandtheadministratorsoftheSchemeforthepurposesoffacilitatingtheadministrationoftheScheme.310PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm188.RemunerationThePlayer’sremunerationshallbe:8.1BasicWage:£.........................perweek/perannumpayablebymonthlyinstalmentsinarrearfrom....................................to....................................£.........................perweek/perannumpayablebymonthlyinstalmentsinarrearfrom....................................to....................................£.........................perweek/perannumpayablebymonthlyinstalmentsinarrearfrom....................................to....................................£.........................perweek/perannumpayablebymonthlyinstalmentsinarrearfrom....................................to....................................£.........................perweek/perannumpayablebymonthlyinstalmentsinarrearfrom....................................to....................................8.2SuchofthebonusesandincentivesasthePlayershallbeentitledtoreceiveunderthetermsoftheClub’sbonusandincentiveschemeasaresetoutbelow/acopyofwhichisannexedhereto...........................................................................................................................................................8.3Anyotherpaymentsasfollows:..........................................................................................................................................................9.Insurances(ifany)maintainedforthebenefitofthePlayersubjecttothetermsandconditionsthereofduringcurrencyofthiscontractthepremiumsofwhicharepaidbytheClub.NatureofPolicyAmount..............................................................................................................................................311
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm1810.Benefits(ifany)tobeprovidedtothePlayerduringthecurrencyofthiscontract.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11.ThePlayer’snormalretirementageis35years.12.ThetermsandconditionsofthiscontractformpartofanumberofcollectiveagreementsbetweentheClub(throughtheLeague)andthePlayer(throughthePFA)affectingthePlayer’semploymentandfulldetailsthereofaresetoutintheCodeofPractice.13(Ifapplicable)Thefollowingprovisionswhichareadditionalorsupplementaltothosesetoutinclause4havebeenagreedbetweentheClubandthePlayerasreferredtoinclause4.11......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14.Anyotherprovisions:.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................312PremierLeagueForms
EnglishFootballLeagueContractForm18SIGNEDbythePlayer………………………………………………………............................inthepresenceof:...............................................................................................................(Witnesssignature)……………………………………………………………………………….(Address)...............................................................................................................................Occupation............................................................................................................................SIGNEDbythePlayer’sparentorguardian(iftheplayerisunder18)………………………………………………………..…………………………………………….inthepresenceof:...............................................................................................................(Witnesssignature)………………………………………………………………(Address)...............................................................................................................................Occupation............................................................................................................................SIGNEDby(name)................................................................................................................forandonbehalfoftheClubinthepresenceof:.........................................................................................................................(Witnesssignature)……………………………………………………………………………….(Address)...............................................................................................................................Occupation............................................................................................................................DidPlayerusetheservicesofanIntermediaryyes/noIfyes,nameofIntermediary...............................................................................................................SignatureofIntermediary……………………………………………………………….…………………DidtheClubusetheservicesofanIntermediaryyes/noIfyes,nameofIntermediary...............................................................................................................SignatureofIntermediary……………………………………………………………….…………………313
PremierLeagueForm19PremierLeagueContract*ThePlayer’sbirthcertificatemustbeprovidedtotheLeagueinthecaseofhisfirstregistration.ANAGREEMENTmadethe(day).........................dayof(monthandyear)...........................Between...............................................FootballClub/CompanyLimited/Plcwhoseregisteredofficeisat(address)............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................RegisteredCompanyNo......................................................(hereinafterreferredtoas“theClub”)oftheonepartandtheabove-namedPlayer(hereinafterreferredtoas“thePlayer”)oftheotherpart314PremierLeagueFormsPlayer’ssurnamePlayer’sforename(s)PresentPostalAddressDateofBirthPlaceofBirth*NationalityNationalInsuranceNumberClubforwhichPlayerwaslastregisteredClubforwhichPlayerlastplayed(excludingdomestictrial)No.FACopyLeagueCopyClubCopyPlayerCopy
PremierLeagueContractForm19WHEREBYitisagreedasfollows:1.DefinitionsandInterpretation1.1Thewordsandphrasesbelowshallhavethefollowingmeaning.“AssociatedCompany”shallmeananycompanywhichisaholdingcompanyorsubsidiary(eachasdefinedinSection736oftheCompaniesAct1985)oftheCluborofanyholdingcompanyoftheClub.“theBoard”shallmeantheboardofdirectorsoftheClubforthetimebeingoranydulyauthorisedcommitteeofsuchboardofdirectors.“ClubContext”shallmeaninrelationtoanyrepresentationofthePlayerand/orthePlayer’sImagearepresentationinconnectionorcombinationwiththenamecoloursStriptrademarkslogosorotheridentifyingcharacteristicsoftheClub(includingtrademarksandlogosrelatingtotheClubanditsactivitieswhichtrademarksandlogosareregisteredinthenameofand/orexploitedbyanyAssociatedCompany)orinanymannerreferringtoortakingadvantageofanyofthesame.“ClubRules”shallmeantherulesorregulationsaffectingthePlayerfromtimetotimeinforceandpublishedbytheClub.“CodeofPractice”shallmeantheCodeofPracticefromtimetotimeinforceandproducedjointlybytheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimitedandthePFAinconjunctionwiththeFA.“theFARules”shallmeantherulesandregulationsfromtimetotimeinforceoftheFAandincludingthoseofFIFAandUEFAtotheextenttheyrelateorapplytothePlayerortheClub.“theFA”shallmeantheFootballAssociationLimited.“FIFA”shallmeantheFédérationInternationaledeFootballAssociation.“GrossMisconduct”shallmeanseriousorpersistentconductbehaviouractivityoromissionbythePlayerinvolvingoneormoreofthefollowing:(a)(b)theftorfraud;deliberateandseriousdamagetotheClub’sproperty;315
PremierLeagueContractForm19(c)(d)useorpossessionofortraffickinginaProhibitedSubstance;incapacitythroughalcoholaffectingthePlayer’sperformanceasaplayer;breachoforfailuretocomplywithofanyofthetermsofthiscontract(e)orsuchothersimilarorequivalentseriousorpersistentconductbehaviouractivityoromissionbythePlayerwhichtheBoardreasonablyconsiderstoamounttogrossmisconduct.“HolidayYear”shallmeanaperiodoftwelvemonthsfrom1stJulyinoneyearto30thJuneinthenextyear.“Intermediary”meansanyPersonwhoqualifiesasanIntermediaryforthepurposesoftheFARegulationsonWorkingwithIntermediariesastheymaybeamendedfromtimetotime.“InternationalClub”shallmeananyassociationfootballclubthatdoesnotparticipateinaleaguecompetitionsanctionedbyorotherwiseaffiliatedtotheFA.“InternationalLoanAgreement”shallmeanaloanagreementsignedbetweenaTransferorClubandanInternationalClub.“Internet”shallmeantheglobalnetworkofcomputersystemsusingTCP/IPprotocolsincluding(withoutlimitation)theWorldWideWeb.“theLawsoftheGame”shallmeanthelawsfromtimetotimeinforcegoverningthegameofassociationfootballaslaiddownbytheInternationalFootballAssociationBoard(asdefinedinthestatutesofFIFA).“theLeague”shallmeanthefootballleagueofwhichtheClubisamemberfromtimetotime.“theLeagueRules”shallmeantherulesorregulationsfromtimetotimeinforceoftheLeague.“Manager”shallmeantheofficialoftheClubresponsibleforselectingtheClub’sfirstteam.316PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm19“Media”shallmeananyandallmediawhethernowexistingorhereafterinventedincludingbutnotlimitedtoanyprintand/orpapermediumbroadcastsatelliteorcabletransmissionandanyvisualand/oraudiomediumandincludingbutnotlimitedtotheInternetanytelevisionorradiochannelWebsitewebcastand/oranytransmissionmadebyanymobileormobiletelephonystandardortechnologyorothermediaorbroadcastingservice.“PFA”shallmeantheProfessionalFootballersAssociation.“PermanentIncapacity”shallmeaneither(a)“PermanentTotalDisablement”asdefinedintheLeague’spersonalaccidentinsuranceschemeor(b)incapacityofthePlayerbyreasonoforresultingfromanyinjuryorillness(includingmentalillnessordisorder)whereinthewrittenopinionofanappropriatelyqualifiedmedicalconsultantinstructedbytheClub(“theInitialOpinion”)and(ifrequestedinwritingeitherbytheClubatanytimeorbythePlayeratanytimebutnotlaterthantwentyonedaysafterreceiptfromtheClubofnoticeinwritingterminatingthiscontractpursuanttoclause8.1)ofafurthersuchconsultantapprovedorproposedbythePlayer(andintheabsenceofeitheranapprovalorproposalwithin28daysoftherequestnominatedontheapplicationofeitherpartybythePresident(“thePresident”)forthetimebeingoftheRoyalCollegeofSurgeons)(“theFurtherOpinion”)thePlayerwillbeunlikelybyreasonofsuchincapacitytoplayfootballtothesamestandardatwhichthePlayerwouldhaveplayedifnotforsuchincapacityforaconsecutiveperiodofnotlessthantwentymonthscommencingonthedateofcommencementoftheincapacityPROVIDEDthatiftheInitialOpinionandtheFurtherOpiniondisagreewithoneanothertheniftheFurtherOpinionwasgivenbyaconsultantnominatedbythePresidentitshallprevailbutifnotthenathirdopinion(“theThirdOpinion”)fromaconsultantnominatedbythePresidentmaybeobtainedontheapplicationofeitherpartyandthatopinionshallbefinalandbindingforthepurposesofthisdefinition.“Player’sImage”shallmeanthePlayer’sname,
nickname,fame,image,signature,voiceandfilmandphotographicportrayal,virtualand/orelectronicrepresentation,reputation,replicaandallothercharacteristicsofthePlayerincludinghisshirtnumber.317
PremierLeagueContractForm19“PlayerInjury”shallmeananyinjuryorillness(includingmentalillnessordisorder)otherthananyinjuryorillnesswhichisdirectlycausedbyorresultsdirectlyfromabreachbythePlayerofhisobligationsunderclause3.2.1ofthiscontractorofanyotherofhisobligationshereunderamountingtoGrossMisconduct.“ProhibitedSubstance”shallhavethemeaningsetoutintheFARules.“theRules”shallmeanthestatutesandregulationsofFIFAandUEFAtheFARulestheLeagueRulestheCodeofPracticeandtheClubRules.“Strip”shallmeanallversionsfromtimetotimeoftheClub’sofficialfootballclothingincludingshirtsshortssocksand/ortrainingkittracksuitsheadwearand/oranyotherclothingdisplayingtheClub’snameand/orofficiallogo.“UEFA”shallmeantheUniondesAssociationsEuropéennesdeFootball.“Website”shallmeanasiteformingpartoftheInternetwithauniqueURL/domainname.1.2Forthepurposesofthiscontractandprovidedthecontextsopermits:1.2.1thesingularshallincludethepluralandviceversaandanygenderincludesanyothergender;1.2.2referencestopersonshallincludeanyentitybusinessfirmorunincorporatedassociation;and1.2.3referencestostatutoryenactmentsortotheRulesshallincludere-enactmentsandamendmentsofsubstantiallythesameintentastheoriginalreferencedenactmentorRule.1.3Theheadingsofthiscontractareforconvenienceonlyandnotinterpretation.1.4Intheeventofanydisputeastotheinterpretationofanyoftheprovisionsofthiscontractreferenceshallbemade(whereappropriate)forclarificationtotheCodeofPracticebutsothatintheeventofanyconflicttheprovisionsofthiscontractshallprevail.SubjecttheretowhereverspecificreferencetotheCodeofPracticeismadeinthiscontracttherelevanttermsandprovisionsthereofaredeemedincorporatedhereinasifsetoutinfull.318PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm192.Appointmentandduration2.1TheClubengagesthePlayerasaprofessionalfootballeronthetermsandconditionsofthiscontractandsubjecttotheRules.2.2Thiscontractshallremaininforceuntilthedatespecifiedinclause2ofSchedule2heretosubjecttoanyearlierdeterminationpursuanttothetermsofthiscontract.3.DutiesandObligationsofthePlayer3.1ThePlayeragrees:3.1.1whendirectedbyanauthorisedofficialoftheClub:3.1.1.1toattendmatchesinwhichtheClubisengaged;3.1.1.2toparticipateinanymatchesinwhichheisselectedtoplayfortheClub;and3.1.1.3toattendatanyreasonableplaceforthepurposesofandtoparticipateintrainingandmatchpreparation;3.1.2toplaytothebestofhisskillandabilityatalltimes;3.1.3excepttotheextentpreventedbyinjuryorillnesstomaintainahighstandardofphysicalfitnessatalltimesandnottoindulgeinanyactivitysportorpracticewhichmightendangersuchfitnessorinhibithismentalorphysicalabilitytoplaypractiseortrain;3.1.4toundertakesuchotherdutiesandtoparticipateinsuchotheractivitiesasareconsistentwiththeperformanceofhisdutiesunderclauses3.1.1to3.1.3andasarereasonablyrequiredofthePlayer;3.1.5thathehasgivenallnecessaryauthoritiesforthereleasetotheClubofhismedicalrecordsandwillcontinuetomakethesameavailableasrequestedbytheClubfromtimetotimeduringthecontinuanceofthiscontract;3.1.6tocomplywithandactinaccordancewithalllawfulinstructionsofanyauthorisedofficialoftheClub;3.1.7toplayfootballsolelyfortheCluborasauthorisedbytheCluborasrequiredbytheRules;3.1.8toobservetheLawsoftheGamewhenplayingfootball;319
PremierLeagueContractForm193.1.9toobservetheRulesbutinthecaseoftheClubRulestotheextentonlythattheydonotconflictwithorseektovarytheexpresstermsofthiscontract;3.1.10tosubmitpromptlytosuchmedicalanddentalexaminationsastheClubmayreasonablyrequireandtoundergoatnoexpensetohimselfsuchtreatmentasmaybeprescribedbythemedicalordentaladvisersoftheClubortheClub’sinsurers;3.1.11ontheterminationofthiscontractforanycausetoreturntotheClubinareasonableandproperconditionanyproperty(includinganycar)whichhasbeenprovidedormadeavailablebytheClubtothePlayerinconnectionwithhisemployment.3.2ThePlayeragreesthatheshallnot:3.2.1undertakeorbeinvolvedinanyactivityorpracticewhichwillknowinglycausetobevoidorvoidableorwhichwillinvokeanyexclusionofthePlayer’scoverpursuanttoanypolicyofinsurancemaintainedforthebenefitoftheClubonthelifeofthePlayerorcoveringhisphysicalwell-being(includinginjuryandincapacityandtreatmentthereof);3.2.2whenplayingortrainingwearanything(includingjewellery)whichisorcouldbedangeroustohimoranyotherperson;3.2.3excepttotheextentspecificallyagreedinwritingbetweentheClubandthePlayerpriortothesigningofthiscontractuseashisregularplaceofresidenceanyplacewhichtheClubreasonablydeemsunsuitablefortheperformancebythePlayerofhisdutiesotherthantemporarilypendingrelocation;3.2.4undertakeorbeengagedinanyotheremploymentorbeengagedorinvolvedinanytradebusinessoroccupationorparticipateprofessionallyinanyothersportingorathleticactivitywithoutthepriorwrittenconsentoftheClubPROVIDEDTHATthisshallnot:3.2.4.1preventthePlayerfrommakinganyinvestmentinanybusinesssolongasitdoesnotconflictorinterferewithhisobligationshereunder;or3.2.4.2limitthePlayer’srightsunderclauses4and6.1.8;320PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm193.2.5knowinglyorrecklesslydo,writeorsayanythingoromittodoanythingwhichislikelytobringtheCluborthegameoffootballintodisrepute,causethePlayerortheClubtobeinbreachoftheRulesorcausedamagetotheCluboritsofficersoremployeesoranymatchofficial.WhenevercircumstancespermitthePlayershallgivetotheClubreasonablenoticeofhisintentiontomakeanycontributionstothepublicmediainordertoallowrepresentationstobemadetohimonbehalfoftheClubifitsodesires;3.2.6exceptinthecaseofemergencyarrangeorundergoanymedicaltreatmentwithoutfirstgivingtheClubproperdetailsoftheproposedtreatmentandphysician/surgeonandrequestingtheClub’sconsentwhichtheClubwillnotunreasonablywithholdhavingdueregardtotheprovisionsoftheCodeofPractice.4.Community,publicrelationsandmarketing4.1Forthepurposesofthepromotional,communityandpublicrelationsactivitiesoftheCluband/or(attherequestoftheClub)ofanysponsorsorcommercialpartnersoftheCluband/oroftheLeagueand/orofanymainsponsorsoftheLeaguethePlayershallattendatandparticipateinsucheventsasmayreasonablyberequiredbytheClub,includingbutnotlimitedto,appearancesandthegrantingofinterviewsandphotographicopportunitiesasauthorisedbytheClub.TheClubshallgivereasonablenoticetothePlayeroftheClub’srequirementsandthePlayershallmakehimselfavailableforuptosixhoursperweekofwhichapproximatelyhalfshallbedevotedtothecommunityandpublicrelationsactivitiesoftheClub.NophotographofthePlayertakenpursuanttotheprovisionsofthisclause4.1shallbeusedbytheCluboranyotherpersontoimplyanybrandorproductendorsementbythePlayer.4.2Whilstheisprovidingorperformingtheservicessetoutinthiscontract(includingtravellingonClubbusiness),thePlayershall:4.2.1wearonlysuchclothingasisapprovedbyanauthorisedofficialoftheClub;and4.2.2notdisplayanybadge,mark,logo,tradingnameormessageonanyitemofclothingwithoutthewrittenconsentofanauthorisedofficialoftheClubprovidedthatnothinginthisclauseshallpreventthePlayerwearingand/orpromotingfootballbootsand,inthecaseofagoalkeeper,glovesofhischoice.321
PremierLeagueContractForm194.3Subjectinanyeventtoclause4.4andexcepttotheextentofanycommitmentsalreadyenteredintobythePlayerasatthedatehereoforwhenoninternationaldutyinrelationtothePlayers’nationalfootballassociationUEFAorFIFA,heshallnot(withoutthewrittenconsentoftheClub)atanytimeduringthetermofthiscontractdoanythingtopromote,endorseorprovidepromotionalmarketingoradvertisingservicesorexploitthePlayer’sImageeither(a)inrelationtoanypersoninrespectofsuchperson’sproductsbrandorserviceswhichconflictorcompetewithanyoftheClub’sclubbrandedorfootballrelatedproducts(includingtheStrip)oranyproducts,brandorservicesoftheClub’stwomainsponsors/commercialpartnersoroftheLeague’soneprincipalsponsoror(b)fortheLeague.4.4ThePlayeragreesthathewillnoteitheronhisownbehalforwithorthroughanythirdparty,undertakepromotionalactivitiesinaClubContextnorexploitthePlayer’sImageinaClubContextinanymannerand/orinanyMedianorgranttherighttodosotoanythirdparty.4.5ExcepttotheextentspecificallyhereinprovidedorotherwisespecificallyagreedwiththePlayer,nothinginthiscontractshallpreventthePlayerfromundertakingpromotionalactivitiesorfromexploitingthePlayer’sImagesolongas:4.5.1thesaidpromotionalactivitiesorexploitationdonotinterfereorconflictwiththePlayer’sobligationsunderthiscontract;and4.5.2thePlayergivesreasonableadvancenoticetotheClubofanyintendedpromotionalactivitiesorexploitation.4.6ThePlayerherebygrantstotheClubtherighttophotographthePlayerbothindividuallyandasamemberofasquadandtousesuchphotographsandthePlayer’sImageinaClubContextinconnectionwiththepromotionoftheClubanditsplayingactivitiesandthepromotionoftheLeagueandthemanufacturesaledistributionlicensingadvertisingmarketingandpromotionoftheClub’sclubbrandedandfootballrelatedproducts(includingtheStrip)orservices(includingsuchproductsorserviceswhichareendorsedbyorproducedunderlicencefromtheClub)andinrelationtotheLeague’slicensedproducts,servicesandsponsorsinsuchmannerastheClubmayreasonablythinkfitsolongas:4.6.1theuseofthePlayer’sphotographand/orPlayer’sImageeitheraloneorwithnotmorethantwootherplayersattheClubshallbelimitedtonogreaterusagethantheaverageforallplayersregularlyintheClub’sfirstteam;322PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm194.6.2thePlayer’sphotographand/orPlayer’sImageshallnotbeusedtoimplyanybrandorproductendorsementbythePlayer;and4.6.3PROVIDEDthatallrightsshallceaseonterminationofthiscontractsavefortheuseand/orsaleofanypromotionalmaterialsorproductsasaforesaidasshallthenalreadybemanufacturedorintheprocessofmanufactureorrequiredtosatisfyanyoutstandingorders.4.7InitsdealingswithanypersonpermittedbytheClubtotakephotographsofthePlayertheClubshallusereasonableendeavourstoensurethatthecopyrightofthephotographssotakenisvestedintheCluband/orthatnouseismadeofthesaidphotographswithouttheClub’sconsentandinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthiscontract.4.8ThePlayershallbeentitledtomakearesponsibleandreasonablereplyorresponsetoanymediacommentorpublishedstatementslikelytoadverselyaffectthePlayer’sstandingorreputationandsubjectasprovidedforinclause3.2.5,tomakecontributionstothepublicmediainaresponsiblemanner.4.9Inthisclause4,wherethecontextsoadmitstheexpression“theClub”includesanyAssociatedCompanyoftheClubbutonlytotheextentandinthecontextthatsuchcompanydirectlyorindirectlyprovidesfacilitiestoorundertakescommercialmarketingorpublicrelationsactivitiesfortheClubandnotsoastorequiretheconsentofanyAssociatedCompanywhenconsentoftheClubisrequired.4.10ForthepurposesoftheContracts(RightsofThirdParties)Act1999nothinginthisclause4isintendedtonordoesitgivetotheLeagueanyrighttoenforceanyofitsprovisionsagainsttheCluborthePlayer.4.11Nothinginthisclause4shallpreventtheClubfromenteringintootherarrangementsadditionalorsupplementalheretoorinvariancehereofinrelationtoadvertising,marketingand/orpromotionalserviceswiththePlayerorwithorforallorsomeoftheClub’splayers(includingthePlayer)fromtimetotime.AnyothersucharrangementswhichhavebeenagreedasatthedateofthesigningofthiscontractandanyimagecontractorsimilarcontractrequiredtobesetoutinthiscontractbytheLeagueRulesaresetoutinSchedule2paragraph13.5.Remunerationandexpenses5.1ThroughouthisengagementtheClubshallpaytothePlayertheremuneration323
PremierLeagueContractForm19andshallprovidethebenefits(ifany)asaresetoutinSchedule2.5.2TheClubshallreimbursethePlayerallreasonablehotelandotherexpenseswhollyandexclusivelyincurredbyhiminorabouttheperformanceofhisdutiesunderthiscontractPROVIDEDthatthePlayerhasobtainedthepriorauthorisationofadirectortheManagerorthesecretaryoftheClubandthePlayerfurnishestheClubwithreceiptsorotherevidenceofsuchexpenses.5.3TheClubmaydeductfromanyremunerationpayabletothePlayer:5.3.1anymoniesdisbursedand/orliabilitiesincurredbytheClubonbehalfofthePlayerwiththePlayerspriorconsent;5.3.2anyothermonies(butnotclaimsfordamagesorcompensation)whichcanbeclearlyestablishedtobeproperlyduefromthePlayertotheClub.5.4IfataDisciplinaryhearingconductedunderPart1ofSchedule1heretoafineisimposedonaplayercalculatedbyreferencetothePlayer’sweeklywage,thefineshalltaketheformofaforfeitureofwagesofacorrespondingamountsothattheamountforfeitshallnotbecomepayabletothePlayer.TheforfeitureshalltakeeffectinrelationtothemonthlyinstalmentofthePlayer’sremunerationfallingduenextafterthedateonwhichthenoticeofthedecisionisgiventohim(“PayDay”).Butseeclause5.5dealingwithappeals.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,theamountforfeitisthegrossamountoftheweeklywage.5.5IfonPayDaythetimeforappealinghasnotexpiredorifnoticeofappealhasbeengiven,thereferencetoPayDayshallbetothedayonwhichthemonthlyinstalmentofremunerationbecomespayablenextafter(i)theexpiryofthetimeforappealingwithoutanyappealhavingbeenmadeor(ii)ifanappealismade,thedateonwhichtheoutcomeoftheappealisnotifiedtothePlayer.Inthecaseofanappeal,theamountthatisforfeitshallbetheamount(ifany)determinedonappeal.6.ObligationsoftheClub6.1TheClubshall:6.1.1observetheRules,allofwhich(otherthantheClubRules)shalltakeprecedenceovertheClubRules;6.1.2providethePlayereachyearwithcopiesofalltheRuleswhichaffectthePlayerandofthetermsandconditionsofanypolicyof324PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm19insuranceinrespectoforinrelationtothePlayerwithwhichthePlayerisexpectedtocomply;6.1.3promptlyarrangeappropriatemedicalanddentalexaminationsandtreatmentforthePlayerattheClub’sexpenseinrespectofanyinjurytoorillness(includingmentalillnessordisorder)ofthePlayer,savewheresuchinjuryorillnessiscausedbyanactivityorpracticeonthepartofthePlayerwhichbreachesclause3.2.1hereof,inwhichcasetheClubshallonlybeobligedtoarrangeandpayfortreatmenttotheextentthatthecostthereofremainscoveredbytheClub’spolicyofmedicalinsuranceor(iftheClubdoesnotmaintainsuchapolicy),thentotheextentthatitwouldremaincoveredbysuchapolicywereonemaintaineduponnormalindustrytermscommonlyavailablewithinprofessionalfootballandsothatsaveasaforesaidthisobligationshallcontinueinrespectofanyexaminationsand/ortreatmentthenecessityforwhicharoseduringthecurrencyofthiscontractnotwithstandingitssubsequentexpiryorterminationuntiltheearlierofcompletionofthenecessaryexaminationsand/orprescribedtreatmentandaperiodofeighteenmonthsfromthedateofexpiryorterminationhereof;6.1.4TheClubshalluseallreasonableendeavourstoensurethatanypolicyofinsurancemaintainedbytheClubforthebenefitofthePlayercontinuestoprovidecoverforanyexaminationsand/ortreatmentasarereferredtoinclause6.1.3untilcompletionofanysuchexaminationsand/ortreatment;6.1.5complywithallrelevantstatutoryprovisionsrelatingtoindustrialinjuryandanyregulationsmadepursuantthereto;6.1.6atalltimesmaintainandobserveaproperhealthandsafetypolicyforthesecuritysafetyandphysicalwellbeingofthePlayerwhencarryingouthisdutiesunderthiscontract;6.1.7inanycasewheretheClubwouldotherwisebeliableasemployerforanyactsoromissionsofthePlayerinthelawfulandproperperformanceofhisplaying,practisingortrainingdutiesunderthiscontract,defendthePlayeragainstanyproceedingsthreatenedorbroughtagainsthimatanytimearisingoutofthecarryingoutbyhimofanysuchactsoromissionsandindemnifyhimfromanydamagesawardedandthisobligationandindemnityshallcontinueinrelationtoanysuchactsoromissionsduringthecurrencyofthis325
PremierLeagueContractForm19contractnotwithstandingitsexpiryorterminationbeforesuchproceedingsarethreatenedand/orbrought;6.1.8givethePlayereveryopportunitycompatiblewithhisobligationsunderthiscontracttofollowanycourseoffurthereducationorvocationaltrainingwhichhewishestoundertakeandgivepositivesupporttothePlayerinundertakingsucheducationandtraining.ThePlayershallsupplytheFootballer’sFurtherEducationandVocationalTrainingSocietywithparticularsofanycoursesundertakenbyhim;and6.1.9releasethePlayerasrequiredforthepurposesoffulfillingtheobligationsinrespectofrepresentativematchestohisnationalassociationpursuanttothestatutesandregulationsofFIFA.6.2TheClubshallnot,withouttheconsentinwritingofthePlayer:6.2.1takeoruseorpermittobeusedphotographsofthePlayerforanypurposessaveaspermittedbyclause4;or6.2.2useorrevealthecontentsofanymedicalreportsorothermedicalinformationregardingthePlayerobtainedbytheClubsaveforthepurposeofassessingthePlayer’shealthandfitnessobtainingmedicalandinsurancecoverandcomplyingwiththeClub’sobligationsundertheRules.7.InjuryandIllness7.1AnyinjurytoorillnessofthePlayershallbereportedbyhimoronhisbehalftotheClubimmediatelyandtheClubshallkeeparecordofsuchinjuryorillness.7.2IntheeventthatthePlayershallbecomeincapacitatedfromplayingbyreasonofanyinjuryorillness(includingmentalillnessordisorder),theClubshallpaytothePlayerduringsuchperiodofincapacityortheperiodofthiscontract(whicheveristheshorter)thefollowingamountsofremunerationforthefollowingperiods:7.2.1inthecaseofaPlayerInjury,hisbasicwageoverthefirsteighteenmonthsandonehalfofhisbasicwagefortheremainderofhisperiodofincapacity;7.2.2inthecaseofanyotherinjuryorillness,hisbasicwageoverthefirsttwelvemonthsandonehalfofhisbasicwagefortheremainderofhisperiodofincapacity.326PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm197.3Ineachcasespecifiedinclause7.2,abovethereshallbepaidtothePlayerinadditiontohisbasicwageallortheappropriateshareofanybonuspaymentsifandtotheextentthatpaymentorprovisionforcontinuationofthesameisspecificallyprovidedforinSchedule2orintheClub’sBonusScheme.7.4ThepaymentsmadebytheClubpursuanttoclause7.2shallbedeemedtoincludeallandanystatutorysickpayand/oranyotherstatebenefitspayablebyreferencetosicknesstowhichthePlayermaybeentitled.7.5Nothinginthisclause7shallreduceorvarytheentitlementofthePlayertosigningonfeesand/orloyaltypaymentsoranyotherpaymentsofasimilarnatureduetohimunderthiscontract.8.PermanentorProlongedIncapacity8.1Intheeventthat:8.1.1thePlayershallsufferPermanentIncapacity;or8.1.2thePlayerhasbeenincapacitatedfromplayingbyreasonoforresultingfromthesameinjuryorillness(includingmentalillnessordisorder)foraperiod(consecutiveorintheaggregate)amountingtoeighteenmonthsinanyconsecutiveperiodoftwentymonths,theClubshallbeentitledtoserveanoticeuponthePlayerterminatingthiscontract.8.2ThelengthofsuchnoticeshallbetwelvemonthsinthecaseofanincapacitybyreasonofaPlayerInjuryandsixmonthsineveryothercase.8.3Thenoticereferredtoinclause8.1maybeservedatanytimeafter:8.3.1thedateonwhichthePlayerisdeclaredtobesufferingPermanentTotalDisablementunderthetermsoftheLeague’spersonalaccidentinsurancescheme;or8.3.2thedateonwhichsuchPermanentIncapacityisestablishedbytheInitialOpinion;or8.3.3inthecaseofanyincapacityasisreferredtoin8.1.2,thedateonwhichtheperiodofincapacityshallexceedeighteenmonthsasaforesaidbutsothattherighttoterminatepursuanttoclause8.1.2shallonlyapplywhilesuchincapacityshallcontinuethereafter.8.4Intheeventthataftertheserviceofanynoticepursuanttoclause8.1.1,PermanentIncapacityisnotconfirmedbytheFurtherOpinion(ifrequested)327
PremierLeagueContractForm19or(whererelevant)bytheThirdOpinion,thensuchnoticeshalllapseandceasetobeofeffect.8.5Inthecaseofanynoticeofterminationgivenunderthisclause8theClubshallbeentitledbyfurthernoticeonorafterservingnoticeofterminationtoterminatethiscontractforthwithonpayingtothePlayeratthetimeofsuchterminationtheremainderofhisremunerationandanyothersumsproperlyduetohimunderthiscontractandthevalueofanyotherbenefitswhichwouldbepayableoravailabletothePlayerduringtheremainderoftheperiodofhisnoticeoftermination,providedalwaysthattheClub’sobligationspursuanttoclause6.1.3shallcontinuetoapplyduringtheremainderofthesaidnoticeperiodandforanyfurtherrelevantperiodasprovidedtherein.8.6WheretheClubhasmadepaymenttothePlayerduringanyperiodofincapacityowingtoillnessorinjuryandthePlayer’sabsenceisduetotheactionofathirdpartyotherthanofanotherclub,playerormatchofficialinrelationtoanydamageorinjurysustainedonoraboutthefieldofplayorduringtrainingorpractisinggivingthePlayerarightofrecoveryagainstthatthirdparty,thenifthePlayermakesanyclaimagainstsuchthirdpartythePlayermustwhereheisreasonablyabletodosoincludeaspartofsuchclaimfromsuchthirdpartyaclaimforrecoveryofanysuchpaymentanduponsuccessfulrecoveryrepaytotheClubthelesserofthetotaloftheremunerationpaidbytheClubtothePlayerduringtheperiodofincapacityandtheamountofanydamagespayabletoorrecoveredbythePlayerinrespectofsuchclaimorotherwisebyreferencetolossofearningsunderthiscontractunderanycompromisesettlementorjudgment.AnyamountspaidbytheClubtothePlayerinsuchcircumstancesshallconstituteloansfromtheClubtoberepaidtotheClubtotheextentaforesaiduponsuccessfulrecoveryasaforesaid.9.DisciplinaryProcedureExceptinanycasewheretheClubterminatesthePlayer’semploymentpursuanttotheprovisionsofclause10hereof(whentheproceduresetoutthereinshallapply)theClubshalloperatethedisciplinaryproceduresetoutinPart1ofSchedule1heretoinrelationtoanybreachorfailuretoobservethetermsofthiscontractoroftheRules.10.TerminationbytheClub10.1TheClubshallbeentitledtoterminatetheemploymentofthePlayerbyfourteendays’noticeinwritingtothePlayerifthePlayer:328PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm1910.1.1shallbeguiltyofGrossMisconduct;10.1.2shallfailtoheedanyfinalwrittenwarninggivenundertheprovisionsofPart1ofSchedule1hereto;or10.1.3isconvictedofanycriminaloffencewherethepunishmentconsistsofasentenceofimprisonmentofthreemonthsormore(whichisnotsuspended).10.2IftheClubterminatesthePlayer’semploymentforanyreasonunderclause10.1,theClubshallwithinsevendaysthereafternotifythePlayerinwritingofthefullreasonsfortheactiontaken.10.3ThePlayermaybynoticeinwritingservedontheClubandtheLeagueatanytimefromthedateofterminationuptofourteendaysafterreceiptbythePlayerofwrittennotificationunderclause10.2,givenoticeofappealagainstthedecisionoftheClubtotheLeagueandsuchappealshallbedeterminedinaccordancewiththeproceduresapplicablepursuanttotheLeagueRules.10.4IfthePlayerexerciseshisrightofappealtheterminationofthiscontractbytheClubshallnotbecomeeffectiveunlessanduntilitshallhavebeendeterminedthattheClubwasentitledtoterminatethiscontractpursuanttoclause10.1butsothatifitissodeterminedthensubjectonlytoclause10.5.3thePlayershallceasetobeentitledtoanyremunerationorbenefitswitheffectfromtheexpirationoftheperiodofnoticereferredtoinclause10.3andanypaymentmadebytheClubinrespectthereofshallforthwithbecomeduefromthePlayertotheClub.10.5PendingthehearinganddeterminationofsuchappealtheClubmaysuspendthePlayerforuptoamaximumofsixweeksfromthedateofnoticeofterminationand,iftheBoardsodetermine,suchsuspensionshallbewithoutpayprovidedthat:10.5.1thepaymentduetothePlayerinrespectofthefourteendays’noticeperiodunderclause10.1ismadetothePlayerforthwith;10.5.2pendingthedeterminationoftheappealanamountequaltotheremunerationwhichwouldotherwisehavebeenduetothePlayerbutforthesuspensionwithoutpayispaidtoanescrowaccountheldbythePFAasandwhenitwouldotherwisehavebecomedueforpaymenttothePlayerandfollowingthedeterminationoftheappealthePFAwilleitherpaythemoney(includinginterestearned329
PremierLeagueContractForm19onthesaidaccount)tothePlayerorreturnittotheClubaccordingtotheappealdecision;10.5.3allotherbenefitsforthePlayerundertheprovisionsofclauses6.1.3and6.1.4ofthiscontractshallbemaintainedandremaininforcewhiletheappealispending;and10.5.4duringanysuchperiodofsuspensiontheClubshallbeundernoobligationtoassigntothePlayeranyplayingtrainingorotherdutiesandshallbeentitledtoexcludethePlayerfromtheClub’spremisesincludingitsgroundandtrainingground.10.6UponanyterminationofthiscontractbytheClubbecomingoperative,theClubshallforthwithreleasethePlayer’sregistration.11.TerminationbythePlayer11.1ThePlayershallbeentitledtoterminatethiscontractbyfourteendays’noticeinwritingtotheClubiftheClub:11.1.1shallbeguiltyofseriousorpersistentbreachofthetermsandconditionsofthiscontract;or11.1.2failstopayanyremunerationorotherpaymentsorbonusesduetothePlayerormakeavailableanybenefitsduetohimasitortheyfalldueorwithinfourteendaysthereafterandhasstillfailedtomakepaymentinfullormakethebenefitsavailablebytheexpiryofthesaidfourteendays’notice.11.2TheClubmay,withinfourteendaysofreceiptofanynoticeofterminationofthiscontractbythePlayerinaccordancewithclause11.1givewrittennoticeofappealagainstsuchterminationtothePlayerandtotheLeaguewhichshallhearsuchappealinaccordancewithproceduresapplicablepursuanttotheLeagueRules.11.3IftheClubexercisesitsrightofappealpursuanttoclause11.2,theterminationofthiscontractshallnotbecomeoperativeunlessanduntilitshallhavebeendeterminedthatthePlayerwasentitledtoterminatethiscontractpursuanttoclause11.1.11.4UponanyterminationofthiscontractbythePlayerbecomingoperativetheClubshallforthwithreleasethePlayer’sregistration.330PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm1912.GrievanceProcedureIntheeventthatthePlayerhasanygrievanceinconnectionwithhisemploymentunderthiscontractthegrievanceproceduressetoutinPart2oftheSchedule1heretoshallbeavailabletothePlayer.13.RepresentationofPlayerInanydisciplinaryorgrievanceprocedurethePlayershallbeentitledtobeaccompaniedbyorrepresentedbyhisClubcaptainoraPFAdelegateand/oranyofficerofthePFA.14.HolidaysForeachHolidayYearthePlayershallbeentitledtotakeintheaggregatetheequivalentoffiveweekspaidholidaytobetakenatatimeortimesandforsuchdaysduringtheHolidayYearasshallbedeterminedbytheClubbutsothat(subjecttotheClub’sfirstteamandanyinternationalcommitments)theClubshallnotunreasonablyrefusetopermitthePlayertotakethreeofsuchweeksconsecutively.HolidaysnottakenduringanyHolidayYear(orsubjecttoagreementbytheClubwithinonemonthoftheendofsuchHolidayYear)maynotbecarriedforwardintoanysubsequentHolidayYear.15.SurvivalTheprovisionsofthiscontractshallremaininfullforceandeffectinrespectofanyactoromissionofeitherpartyduringtheperiodofthiscontractnotwithstandingtheterminationofthiscontract.16.ConfidentialityThiscontractistobetreatedasbeingprivateandconfidentialanditscontentsshallnotbedisclosedordivulgedeitherdirectlyorindirectlytoanypersonfirmorcompanywhatsoevereitherbytheClubthePlayeroranyIntermediaryoftheCluborthePlayerexcept:16.1withthepriorwrittenagreementofboththeClubandthePlayer;or16.2asmayberequiredbyanystatutory,regulatory,governmentalorquasigovernmentalauthoritiesorasotherwiserequiredbylaworpursuanttotheRulesincluding(whereappropriate)anyrecognisedstockexchange;or16.3inthecaseofthePlayertohisdulyappointedIntermediaryandprofessionaladvisersincludingthePFA;or331
PremierLeagueContractForm1916.4inthecaseoftheClubtoitsdulyappointedIntermediaryanditsprofessionaladvisersortosuchofitsdirectorssecretaryservantsorrepresentativesorauditorstowhomsuchdisclosureisstrictlynecessaryforthepurposesoftheirdutiesandthenonlytotheextentsonecessary.17.ArbitrationAnydisputebetweentheClubandthePlayernotprovidedforinclauses9,10,11,12andSchedule1hereofshallbereferredtoarbitrationinaccordancewiththeLeagueRulesor(butonlyifmutuallyagreedbytheClubandthePlayer)inaccordancewiththeFARules.18.SpecificityofFootballThepartiesheretoconfirmandacknowledgethatthiscontracttherightsandobligationsundertakenbythepartiesheretoandthefixedtermperiodthereofreflectthespecialrelationshipandcharacteristicsinvolvedintheemploymentoffootballplayersandtheparticipationbythepartiesinthegameoffootballpursuanttotheRules,andthepartiesaccordinglyagreethatallmattersofdisputeinrelationtotherightsandobligationsofthepartiesheretoandotherwisepursuanttotheRules,includingastoterminationofthiscontractandanycompensationpayableinrespectofterminationorbreachthereof,shallbesubmittedtoandthepartiesheretoacceptthejurisdictionandallappropriatedeterminationsofsuchtribunalpanelorotherbody(includingpursuanttoanyappealtherefrom)pursuanttotheprovisionsofandinaccordancewiththeproceduresandpracticesunderthiscontractandtheRules.19.Severance19.1IfthePlayershallnotmakeanapplicationtoanEmploymentTribunalforcompensationinrespectofunfairdismissalorredundancyasaresultofnotbeingofferedanewcontracteitherontermsatleastasfavourableasunderthiscontractoratall,thenthefollowingprovisionsofthisclause19shalltakeeffect.19.2IfbytheexpiryofthiscontracttheClubhasnotmadetothePlayeranofferofre-engagementontermsatleastasfavourabletothePlayerasthoseapplicableoverthelasttwelvemonthsofthiscontract(orthelengthofthiscontractifshorter)thensubjecttoclauses19.1and19.3thePlayershallcontinuetoreceivefromhisClub(asaseparatepaymentrepresentingcompensationasmoreparticularlyreferredtointheCodeofPractice)a332PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm19paymentequaltohisweeklybasicwage(attheaverageamountofhisweeklywageoverthepreceding12monthsofthiscontractorthewholeofthiscontractifshorter)foraperiodofonemonthfromtheexpiryofthiscontractoruntilthePlayersignsforanotherclub,whicheverperiodistheshorter,providedthatwherethePlayersignsforanotherclubwithinthatperiodofonemonthatalowerbasicwagethansuchaveragethensuchpaymentshallinadditionincludeasumequaltotheshortfallinsuchbasicwagefortheremainderofsuchperiod;19.3ThemaximumamountpayabletothePlayerundersub-clause19.2isdoublethemaximumsumwhichanEmploymentTribunalcanawardfromtimetotimeasacompensatoryawardforunfairdismissal.20.Miscellaneous20.1ThiscontractandthedocumentsreferredtohereinconstitutetheentireagreementbetweentheClubandthePlayerandsupersedeanyandallprecedingagreementsbetweentheClubandthePlayer.20.2ThefurtherparticularsoftermsofemploymentnotcontainedinthebodyofthiscontractwhichmustbegiventothePlayerincompliancewithPart1oftheEmploymentRightsAct1996aregiveninSchedule2.20.3Thiscontractissignedbythepartiesheretoinduplicatesothatforthispurposeeachsignedagreementshallconstituteanoriginalbuttakentogethertheyshallconstituteoneagreement.20.4ForthepurposesoftheDataProtectionAct1998thePlayerconsentstotheClubtheLeaguePFAandFAcollectingPersonalDataincludingSensitivePersonalData(bothasdefinedinthesaidAct)aboutthePlayer.TheClub’sDataProtectionPolicycanbefoundintheClub’semployeehandbook.21.JurisdictionandLawThiscontractshallbegovernedbyandconstruedinaccordancewithEnglishlawandthepartiessubmittothenonexclusivejurisdictionoftheEnglishCourts.333
PremierLeagueContractForm19Schedule1Part1DisciplinaryProcedureandPenalties1.IntroductionThedisciplinaryprocedureaimstoensurethattheClubbehavesfairlyininvestigatinganddealingwithallegationsofunacceptableconductwithaviewtohelpingandencouragingallemployeesoftheClubtoachieveandmaintainappropriatestandardsofconductandperformance.TheClubneverthelessreservestherighttodepartfromthepreciserequirementsofitsdisciplinaryprocedurewheretheClubconsidersitexpedienttodosoandwherethePlayer’sresultingtreatmentisnolessfair.2.RecordsAllcasesofdisciplinaryactionunderthisprocedurewillberecordedandplacedintheClub’srecordsuntildeletedinaccordancewithparagraph4.2.AcopyoftheClub’sdisciplinaryrecordsconcerningthePlayerwillbesuppliedtothePlayerathisrequest.3.TheProcedureThefollowingstepswillbetakenasappropriateinallcasesofdisciplinaryaction:3.1InvestigationNoactionwillbetakenbeforeaproperinvestigationhasbeenundertakenbytheClubintothemattercomplainedof.IftheClubdeterminesthesametobeappropriatetheClubmaybywrittennoticesuspendthePlayerforuptofourteendayswhiletheinvestigationtakesplace.IfthePlayerissosuspendedthiscontractwillcontinuetogetherwithallthePlayer’srightsunderitincludingthepaymentofthePlayer’sremunerationandbenefitsbutduringtheperiodofsuspensionthePlayerwillnotbeentitledtoaccesstoanyoftheClub’spremisesexceptatthepriorrequestorwiththepriorconsentoftheClubandsubjecttosuchconditionsastheClubmayimpose.ThedecisiontosuspendthePlayerwillbenotifiedinwritingtothePlayerbytheClub.334PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm193.2DisciplinaryHearing3.2.1IftheClubdecidestoholdadisciplinaryhearingaboutthemattercomplainedof,thePlayerwillbegivenfulldetailsinwritingofthecomplaintagainsthimandreasonablenoticeofthedateandtimeofthehearing.AtthehearingthePlayerwillbegivenanopportunitytostatehiscaseeitherpersonallyorthroughhisrepresentativeasprovidedforinclause13ofthiscontract.3.2.2Subjectasprovidedinparagraph3.2.3nodisciplinarypenaltywillbeimposedwithoutfirstgivingthePlayertheopportunitytostatehiscasetotheManagerorifthePlayersorequeststoadirectoroftheClubandwheretheClubconsidersitappropriateorwherethePlayerrequeststhesamewithoutadisciplinaryhearing.3.2.3AdisciplinaryhearingmayproceedinthePlayer’sabsenceandadisciplinarypenaltymaybeimposedifhefailstoappearatsuchhearingafterhavingreceivedpropernoticethereof3.3Appeals3.3.1ThePlayershallhavearightofappealtotheBoardagainstanydisciplinarydecision.ThePlayershouldinformtheBoardinwritingofhiswishtoappealwithinfourteendaysofthedateofnotificationtohimofthedecisionwhichformsthesubjectofsuchappeal.TheBoardwillconductanappealhearingassoonaspossiblethereafteratwhichthePlayerwillbegivenafurtheropportunitytostatehiscase.ThedecisionoftheBoardwillbenotifiedtothePlayerinwritingwithinsevendaysandsubjecttoparagraph3.3.2willbefinalandbindingunwderthisprocedure.3.3.2Intheeventofanysanctionbeingimposedorconfirmedinexcessofanoralwarning,thePlayermaybynoticeinwritingservedontheClubandtheLeaguewithinfourteendaysofreceiptbythePlayerofwrittennotificationofthedecisionoftheBoardgivenoticeofappealagainstittotheLeaguewhowilldeterminethematterinaccordancewiththeLeagueRules.3.3.3IfthePlayerexercisesanyrightofappealasaforesaid,anysanctionimposedbytheClubuponthePlayershallnottakeeffectuntiltheappropriateappealhasbeendeterminedandthesanctionconfirmedvariedorrevokedasthecasemaybe.335
PremierLeagueContractForm194.DisciplinaryPenalties4.1Atadisciplinaryhearingoronanappealagainstadisciplinarydecision,theClubmaydismisstheallegationorifitisprovedtotheClub’ssatisfactionmay:4.1.1giveanoralwarningaformalwrittenwarningorafterapreviouswarningorwarningsafinalwrittenwarningtothePlayer;4.1.2imposeafinenotexceedingtheamountofthePlayer’sbasicwageforaperiodofuptotwoweeksforafirstoffence(unlessotherwiseapprovedbythePFAinaccordancewiththeCodeofPractice)anduptofourweeksforsubsequentoffencesinanyconsecutiveperiodoftwelvemonthsbutonlyinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheCodeofPractice;4.1.3orderthePlayernottoattendatanyoftheClub’spremisesforsuchperiodastheClubthinksfitnotexceedingfourweeks;4.1.4inanycircumstanceswhichwouldentitletheClubtodismissthePlayerpursuanttoanyoftheprovisionsofclause10ofthiscontractdismissthePlayerorimposesuchotherdisciplinaryaction(includingsuspensionofthePlayerand/orafineofallorpartoftheamountofthePlayer’sbasicwageforaperiodnotexceedingsixweeks).4.2AnywarningorsanctiongivenunderthisdisciplinaryprocedurewillbedeletedintheClub’srecordsaftertwelvemonths.Part2GrievanceProcedures1.ThePlayershallbringanygrievanceinformallytothenoticeoftheManagerinthefirstinstance.ThePlayermayberequiredbytheManagertoputanysuchgrievanceinwriting.HavingenquiredintosuchgrievancetheManagerwillthennotifythePlayerofhisdecision.2.IfthegrievanceisnotdeterminedbytheManagertothePlayer’ssatisfactionthePlayermaywithinfourteendaysthereafterserveformalnoticeofthegrievanceinwritingonthesecretaryoftheClubandthemattershallthereuponbedeterminedbythechairmanoftheCluborbytheBoardassoonaspossibleandinanyeventwithinfourweeksofthereceiptofthenotice.336PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm19Schedule2–InsertPlayer’sName…..........................................SupplementalProvisionsandEmploymentRightsAct1996ThefollowingprovisionsshallapplytosupplementtheprovisionsofthiscontractandtheinformationassetouthereininordertocomplywiththerequirementsofPart1oftheEmploymentRightsAct1996.1.ThePlayer’semploymentwiththeClubbeganon.................................2.Thedateofterminationofthiscontractis30June20...........3.NoemploymentwithapreviousemployershallcountaspartofthePlayer’scontinuousperiodofemploymenthereunder.4.ThePlayer’shoursofworkaresuchastheClubmayfromtimetotimereasonablyrequireofhimtocarryouthisdutiesandthePlayershallnotbeentitledtoanyadditionalremunerationforworkdoneoutsidenormalworkinghours.5.TheplaceofemploymentshallbeattheClub’sgroundandtraininggroundbuttheClubshallbeentitledtorequirethePlayertoplayandtoundertakehisdutieshereunderatanyotherplacethroughouttheworld.6.NocontractingoutcertificatepursuanttothePensionsSchemeAct1993isinforceinrespectofthePlayer’semploymentunderthiscontract.7.TheProfessionalFootballers’PensionScheme7.1Immediatelyonsigningthiscontract,thePlayershall:7.1.1beautomaticallyenrolledas;or7.1.2orcontinuetobe;amemberofthe2011SectionoftheProfessionalFootballers’PensionScheme(the“Scheme”)andshallremainsoduringthecontinuanceofhisemploymenthereunderunlesshe:7.1.3notifiestheSchemeAdministratorinwritingthathewishestooptoutoftheScheme;337
PremierLeagueContractForm197.1.4haspreviouslyregisteredwithHMRevenue&CustomsforFixedorEnhancedProtection;7.1.5joinsanInternationalClubonatemporarybasisbywayofInternationalLoanAgreement(inwhichcasehisentitlementtomembershipoftheSchemeshallbesuspendedforthedurationofthatInternationalLoanAgreement);or7.1.6isotherwiseineligibleformembershipoftheSchemeinaccordancewiththetermsoftheScheme’sdefinitivetrustdeedandrulesasamendedfromtimetotime.7.2ForaslongasthePlayerremainsamemberofthe2011Section,anannualcontribution(fundedbythelevyontransferfees)willbepaidintotheSchemeforthebenefitofthePlayer.Theannualcontributionshallbe£5,208orsuchotheramountasdeterminedbytheTrusteesoftheSchemefromtimetotime.7.3ThePlayershallnotberequiredtocontributetothe2011SectionbutmayelecttocontributesuchamountashenotifiestotheSchemeAdministratorinwriting.WhereaPlayerdecidestocontributetothe2011SectionhecanagreewithhisClubandtheSchemeAdministratorforthecontributiontobemadethroughasalarysacrificearrangement.7.4Where,byvirtueofpreviousmembershipoftheScheme,thePlayerhasbuiltupbenefitsunderitsCashSectionand/orIncomeSection,thosebenefitsarefrozenandwillberevalueduntilhisretirementfromtheScheme.ThePlayershallbeentitledtosuchbenefits(includingdeathbenefits)fromeachsectionoftheSchemeinwhichhehasparticipatedonsuchconditionsasaresetoutintheScheme’sdefinitivetrustdeedandrulesasamendedfromtimetotime.7.5ThePlayerfurtheragreesthattheClubmaydisclosehisname,address,gender,dateofbirth,NationalInsurancenumber,salaryinformationanddatesofcommencementandterminationofemploymenttotheLeagueandtheadministratorsoftheSchemeforthepurposesoffacilitatingtheadministrationoftheScheme.338PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm198.RemunerationThePlayer’sremunerationshallbe:8.1BasicWage:£perweek/perannumpayablebymonthlyinstalmentsinarrearfrom.........................to.........................£perweek/perannumpayablebymonthlyinstalmentsinarrearfrom.........................to.........................£perweek/perannumpayablebymonthlyinstalmentsinarrearfrom.........................to.........................£perweek/perannumpayablebymonthlyinstalmentsinarrearfrom.........................to.........................£perweek/perannumpayablebymonthlyinstalmentsinarrearfrom.........................to.........................8.2SuchofthebonusesandincentivesasthePlayershallbeentitledtoreceiveunderthetermsoftheClub’sbonusandincentiveschemeasaresetoutbelow/acopyofwhichisannexedhereto...........................................................................................................................................................8.3Anyotherpaymentsasfollows:..........................................................................................................................................................9.Insurances(ifany)maintainedforthebenefitofthePlayersubjecttothetermsandconditionsthereofduringcurrencyofthiscontractthepremiumsofwhicharepaidbytheClub.NatureofPolicyAmount................................................................................................................................................339
PremierLeagueContractForm1910.Benefits(ifany)tobeprovidedtothePlayerduringthecurrencyofthiscontract.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11.ThePlayer’snormalretirementageis35years.12.ThetermsandconditionsofthiscontractformpartofanumberofcollectiveagreementsbetweentheClub(throughtheLeague)andthePlayer(throughthePFA)affectingthePlayer’semploymentandfulldetailsthereofaresetoutintheCodeofPractice.13.(Ifapplicable)Thefollowingprovisionswhichareadditionalorsupplementaltothosesetoutinclause4havebeenagreedbetweentheClubandthePlayerasreferredtoinclause4.11......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14.Anyotherprovisions:.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................340PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueContractForm19SIGNEDbythePlayer……………………………………………………….......................................inthepresenceof:.............................................................................................................(Witnesssignature)………………………………………………………………………………..................(Address)................................................................................................................................Occupation............................................................................................................................SIGNEDbythePlayer’sparentorguardian(iftheplayerisunder18)...................………………………………………..……………………………………………................................inthepresenceof:............................................................................................................(Witnesssignature)………………………………………………………………...................................(Address)...............................................................................................................................Occupation............................................................................................................................SIGNEDby(name)............................................................................................................forandonbehalfoftheClubinthepresenceof:...................………………………………………..……………………………………………................................(Witnesssignature)……………………………………………………………………………….................(Address)...............................................................................................................................Occupation..........................................................................................................................DidPlayerusetheservicesofanIntermediaryyes/noIfyes,nameofIntermediary............................................................................................SignatureofIntermediary..............................................................................................DidtheClubusetheservicesofanIntermediaryyes/noIfyes,nameofIntermediary...........................................................................................SignatureofIntermediary……………………………………………………………….......................341
PremierLeagueForm20PlayerEthnicityMonitoringQuestionnaire(RuleT.23)Whatisyourethnicgroup?(ChooseONEsectionfromAtoE,thenticktheappropriateboxtoindicatetheethnicitythatyouidentifywithfromthelistbelow)AWhiteBritishEnglishScottishWelshIrishGypsyorIrishTravellerAnyotherWhiteBackground,pleasewritein………………………………...........CAsianorAsianBritishIndianBritish-IndianPakistaniBritish-PakistaniBangladeshiBritish-BangladeshiChineseBritish-ChineseAnyotherAsianbackground,pleasewriteinEOtherBackgroundArabOtherPrefernottosay………………………………...........FUndeclaredPrefernottodisclosemyethnicorigin………………………………...........BMixedWhiteandBlackCaribbeanWhiteandBlackAfricanWhiteandAsianAnyotherMixedBackground,pleasewritein………………………………...........DBlackorBlackBritishCaribbeanBritish-CaribbeanAfricanBritish-AfricanAnyotherBlackbackground,pleasewritein………………………………...........342PremierLeagueFormsNameofAcademyPlayer.....................................................Signed.....................................................Date.....................................................(Parent/GuardiantosignifPlayerisaminor)USEOFINFORMATIONCompletionofthisquestionnaireisvoluntary.Ifyouprovidetheinformationitwillbeusedassetoutbelowandwillnotbeusedforselectionoranyotherpurposes.TheinformationprovidedonthisethnicityquestionnairewillberecordedonacomputersystemsharedbytheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimited(“PremierLeague”)(andTheFootballLeagueLimitedshouldthePlayerevercompeteintheFootballLeague)againstthePlayer’srecordandwillbeused:•TohelpthePremierLeaguegaininsightastowhoisplayingthegameatthislevel•tohelpensurecompliancewiththePremierLeague’sInclusionandAnti-DiscriminationPolicy(acopyofwhichisinAppendix2ofthePremierLeague’sRules)•tocompileaggregatestatisticsandreports-onaclubbyclubbasiswhichwemaywishtosharewiththerelevantclubonlyandTheFootballAssociationLimited.-onaleaguebasiswhichwemaywishtopublishforpublicinterestandtosharewithotherbodiesthathavealegitimateinterestinequalopportunitiessuchastheProfessionalFootballersAssociationandtheEqualityandHumanRightsCommission.
PremierLeagueForm21AmateurRegistrationForm(RuleU.15)Player’sParticularsSurname........................................................Othername(s)........................................................................Address.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................PostCode.....................................Dateofbirth.......................................................................Nationality*.........................................................................ApplicationtoRegisterWeherebyapplyfortheabove-namedPlayertoberegisteredasanAmateurPlayerfor...............................................................................................FootballClubSigned...................................................................AuthorisedSignatoryDate.......................................................................EndorsementbyScoutIconsenttotheaboveapplicationandconsentpursuanttoSchedule2andSchedule3oftheDataProtectionAct1998toTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimitedholdingandprocessingtheabove“personaldata”and“sensitivepersonaldata”forthepurposeofdischargingitsfunctionsasaregulatoryandgoverningbodyoffootball.Icertifythattheaboveparticularsarecorrect.IagreetobeboundbytheRulesofthePremierLeague.[HavingbeenregisteredasaContractPlayer,Iconfirmthatatleast30dayshaselapsedsincemycontractregistrationterminated.**]Signed...................................................................Date.......................................................................*iftheplayerlastplayedforaclubaffiliatedtoanationalassociationotherthanTheFootballAssociation,thisFormmustbeaccompaniedbywrittenconfirmationfromTheFootballAssociationthataninternationalregistrationtransfercertificatehasbeenissuedinrespectoftheplayer.**deletewordsinbracketsifinapplicableIherebycertifythatIhavethisdayregistered(nameofPlayer)...................................................................................……………………....................asanAmateurPlayerwhoseregistrationisheldby................................……………………....................FootballClub.Signed...................................................................Date.......................................................................ForandonbehalfoftheBoardofThePremierLeague343
PremierLeagueForm22OfferOfNewContract(RuleV.17.2)To:[nameandaddressofOutofContractPlayer].................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Copyto:TheBoardThePremierLeagueUndertheprovisionsofRuleV.17.2oftheRulesofthePremierLeague..................................................................................................FootballClubherebyoffersyouanewcontracttocommenceonthe1stJuly...........................................................inthefollowingterms:..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Thisofferremainsopenandcapableofacceptanceforaperiodofonemonthwithinwhichtimeyoumayeitheracceptitandenterintoanewcontractinthetermsofferedordeclineitinwriting.IfyouconsiderthatthetermsofferedarelessfavourablethanthoseinyourcurrentcontractyoumaygivenoticetothateffectinForm23.Signed……………………………............................Position……………………………………………....….Date………………………......................................344PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueForm23ApplicationforFreeTransfer(RuleV.20)To:[nameofClub]......................................................................FootballClubAndto:TheBoardThePremierLeagueIacknowledgehavingreceivedyourofferofanewcontractinForm22datedIconsiderthatthetermsofferedarelessfavourablethanthoseinmycurrentcontractdated...........................................................andIherebygivenoticetothateffectandapplyforafreetransfer.Signed……………………………............................Position……………………………………………....….Date………………………......................................345
PremierLeagueForm24ContingentSumNotification(RuleV.36.2)To:[nameofTransferorClub].................................................................FootballClubCopyto:TheBoardThePremierLeagueAContingentSumbecamepayabletoyouon[date]byvirtueoftheTransferAgreementbetweenusrelatingto[nameofContractPlayer].............................................................................ThecontingenteventresultingintheContingentSumbecomingpayablewas...............................................................................................................................................................................andtheContingentSumwhichwillbepaidintotheCompensationFeeAccountwithinsevendaysofitbecomingdueamountsto£...................................................SignedonbehalfoftheTransfereeClub..........................................................................Position.............................………………………………………Date..............................……………………………………..346PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueForm25FixedPenaltyNotice(RuleW.4)To:Date:..................................................................................YouareinbreachofRule..................................inthaton[date].......................you[descriptionofbreach,indicatinginappropriatecaseswhetheritisafirst,secondorthirdbreachofthatRule]....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Youarerequiredwithin14daysofthedateofthisnoticetopayafixedpenaltyof£......................Alternatively,youareentitledwithinthatperiodtoappealundertheprovisionsofRuleW.62.1.Ifyouappealandyourappealisdismissedthefixedpenaltybecomespayableforthwith.FailuretopaythefixedpenaltyasrequiredbythisnoticeorforthwithuponanyappealbeingdismissedwillconstituteabreachoftheRulesoftheLeagueinrespectofwhichyouwillbeliabletobedealtwithundertheprovisionsofSectionW.Signed……………………………..................................ForandonbehalfoftheBoard347
PremierLeagueForm26SummaryJurisdictionNotice(RuleW.9)To:.............................................................Date:.............................................................YouareinbreachofRule..........................................................inthaton[date]you...............................................................................................................................................TheBoardintendstoexerciseitssummaryjurisdictionandtoimposeonyouafineof£........................................Youarerequiredwithin14daysofthedateofthisnoticetoeither:(1)(2)submittotheBoard’sjurisdictionandpaythefineimposed;orelecttobedealtwithbyaCommission.AnysuchelectionshouldbeinwritingaddressedtomeattheLeagueOffice.FailuretocomplywiththisrequirementwithinthetimelimitwillconstituteabreachoftheRulesoftheLeagueinrespectofwhichyouwillbeliabletobedealtwithundertheprovisionsofSectionW.Signed……………………………..................................ForandonbehalfoftheBoard348PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueForm27Complaint(RuleW.26)To:.............................................................Date:.............................................................TheBoard’scomplaintisthatyouareinbreachofRule........................................inthaton[date].............................................................you[descriptionofbreach]..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Asummaryofthefactsallegedisasfollows:.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................*AnnexedheretoarecopiesofthefollowingdocumentsuponwhichtheBoardrelies:........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................InaccordancewithRuleW.30,within14daysofreceiptofthiscomplaintyouarerequiredtosendtomebyrecordeddeliverypostawrittenanswerinForm28.Signed……………………………..................................ForandonbehalfoftheBoard*deleteifinapplicable349
PremierLeagueForm28Answer(RuleW.30)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueDate:..................................................I/We*acknowledgehavingreceivedthecomplaintdated..............................................................Thecomplaintisadmitted/denied*.I/We*requestthatthecomplaintbedeterminedbywrittenrepresentations.**[Ifthecomplaintisadmitted]I/We*asktheCommissiontotakeintoaccountthefollowingmitigation:...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................§*[Ifthecomplaintisdeniedandistobedeterminedatahearing]My/Our*reasonsfordenyingthecomplaintare:...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................§*[Ifthecomplaintisdeniedandistobedeterminedbywrittenrepresentations]My/Our*representationsareasfollows:.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................§AnnexedheretoarecopiesofthefollowingdocumentsuponwhichI/We*rely:..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................§IconsentpursuanttoSchedule2andSchedule3oftheDataProtectionAct1998toTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimitedholdingandprocessinganyorall“personaldata”and“sensitivepersonaldata”containedaboveand/orannexedtothisForm28forthepurposeofdischargingitsfunctionsasaregulatoryandgoverningbodyoffootball.**Signed......................................................................Position.................................................................[forandonbehalfof*]theRespondent*deleteasappropriate§continueonseparatesheetifnecessary**deletewhereRespondentisnotanindividual350PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueForm29AppealAgainstFixedPenalty(RuleW.66)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueDate:..................................................I/We*herebyappealagainstthefixedpenaltyimposedbythenoticeinForm25dated............................................................My/our*appealis*againstthedecisionoftheBoardtoimposethefixedpenalty.*againsttheamountofthefixedpenalty.*againstthedecisionoftheBoardtoimposethefixedpenaltyanditsamount.Thegroundsofmy/our*appealare:............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................§Adepositof£1,000isenclosed.IconsentpursuanttoSchedule2andSchedule3oftheDataProtectionAct1998toTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimitedholdingandprocessinganyandall“personaldata”and“sensitivepersonaldata”containedaboveand/orannexedtothisForm29forthepurposeofdischargingitsfunctionsasaregulatoryandgoverningbodyoffootball.**Signed#...................................................................................Position....................................................................................[forandonbehalfof*]theRespondent*deleteasappropriate§continueonseparatesheetifnecessary**deletewhereRespondentisnotanindividual#statepositionifsignedonbehalfofaClub351
PremierLeagueForm30AppealAgainstCommissionDecision(RuleW.67)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueDate:..................................................I/We*herebyappealagainstthedecisionoftheCommissionbeforewhichI/We*appeareddated.......................................................................My/our*appealis*againstthedecisionoftheCommission*againsttheamountofthepenalty*againstthedecisionoftheCommissionandthepenalty.*againsttheamountofcompensationorderedbytheCommissionThegroundsofMy/our*appealare:.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................§*I/Weintendtoapplyattheappealhearingforleavetoadducethefollowingfreshevidence...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................§Thereasonsforsuchapplicationare.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................§Adepositof£1,000isenclosed.IconsentpursuanttoSchedule2andSchedule3oftheDataProtectionAct1998toTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimitedholdingandprocessinganyandall“personaldata”and“sensitivepersonaldata”containedaboveand/orannexedtothisForm30forthepurposeofdischargingitsfunctionsasaregulatoryandgoverningbodyoffootball.**Signed#...................................................................................*deletewhicheverareinapplicable§continueonseparatesheetifnecessary**deletewhereRespondentisnotanindividual#statepositionifsignedonbehalfofaClub352PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueForm31RequestforArbitration(RulesX.8orY.3)To:............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................From:...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Adisputehasarisenbetweenusconcerning(briefdescriptionofmattersindispute)................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................I/WewishtohavethedisputesettledbyarbitrationinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofSection[]§oftheRulesofthePremierLeagueandyouareherebyrequiredtoappointanarbitratorpursuantthereto.*IconsentpursuanttoSchedule2andSchedule3oftheDataProtectionAct1998toTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimitedholdingandprocessinganyandall“personaldata”and“sensitivepersonaldata”containedaboveand/orannexedtothisForm31forthepurposeofdischargingitsfunctionsasaregulatoryandgoverningbodyoffootball.Signed.......................................................................Position**.................................................................Date...........................................................................§insert“Y”ifthearbitrationistobedeterminedbytheManagers’ArbitrationTribunal;insert“X”inanyothercase.*deleteifrequestforarbitrationismadeonbehalfofacompany**tobecompletediftheFormissignedonbehalfoftheLeagueoraClub.Copyto:TheBoardThePremierLeague353
PremierLeagueForm32AppointmentofArbitrator(RulesX.10orY.6)To:TheBoardThePremierLeagueFrom:.............................................................................................................................................................................................Pursuanttotherequestforarbitrationmadeby............................................................anddated....................................................................................................,I/weherebyappoint(nameofappointee)....................................................................................asanarbitratorinthearbitrationrequested.Signed......................................................................Position*.................................................................Date..........................................................................Copyto:(theotherparty).................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................*tobecompletediftheFormissignedonbehalfoftheLeagueoraClub.354PremierLeagueForms
PremierLeagueForm33AppointmentofSingleArbitrator(RuleX.15.1)To:TheBoardThePremierLeaguePursuanttotherequestforarbitrationmadeby..............................................................anddated.......................................................we,thepartiestothearbitration,herebyjointlyappoint(nameofappointee)...........................................................................................asthesinglearbitratorinthearbitrationrequested.Signed.................................................................Signed.................................................................onbehalfof......................................................onbehalfof......................................................Position*............................................................Position*............................................................Date....................................................................Date....................................................................*tobecompletediftheFormissignedonbehalfoftheLeagueoraClub355
PremierLeagueForm34NoticeofPreliminaryMeeting(RulesX.20orY.13)To:............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................From:....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Youareherebyrequiredtoattendapreliminarymeetingat(place).........................................................................................on(date)..................................................at(time).....................................whenthetribunalwillgivedirectionsfortheconductofthearbitrationtowhicheachofyouisaparty.Signed…………………………………………………………………..ChairmanDated...............................................................................356PremierLeagueForms
YouthDevelopmentRules
YouthDevelopmentRulesGeneralNote:throughoutthisdocumentbindingPremierLeagueRulesareshadedinlightgrey.GuidanceandothernotesarealsoincludedfortheassistanceofClubs.Suchguidanceandnotesdonot,however,formpartoftheRules.Rule1setsoutdefinitionsusedintheYouthDevelopmentRules.AllothercapitalisedtermsusedinthissectionoftheRulesaredefinedinPremierLeagueRuleA.1.3591.InthisSectionoftheRulesthefollowingtermsshallhavethefollowingmeanings:1.1.“Academy”meansanestablishmentforthecoachingandeducationofAcademyPlayersoperatedbyaClubinaccordancewiththerequirementsofthisSectionoftheRulesandlicensedbythePGBpursuanttoRule18;1.2.“AcademyDoctor”meanstheOfficialreferredtoinRule103;1.3.“AcademyFinancialInformation”meansabudgetforthefollowingseason,togetherwithacomparisonofthebudgetedandactualfiguresforthepreviousseason,allofwhichinformationshallbesetoutintheformattobeprescribedbytheLeague;1.4.“AcademyManagementTeam”hasthemeaningsetoutinRule57;1.5.“AcademyManager”meansthePersonresponsibleforthestrategicleadershipandoperationofaClub’sAcademy,whoseroleandresponsibilitiesaremoreparticularlydefinedatRules59to65;1.6.“AcademyPerformancePlan”meansadocumentwhichsetsout:(a)thegoals,strategyandmeasurableshort-termandlong-termperformancetargetsforallaspectsoftheworkoftheClub’sAcademy,suchstrategyandperformancetargetstobeconsistentwiththeClub’sVisionStatement,CoachingPhilosophyandPlayingPhilosophy;and(b)withoutprejudicetothegeneralityofparagrapha),howtheAcademywilldeliverandintegrateitsCoaching,Education,GamesandSportsScienceandMedicineProgrammes;1.7.“AcademyPlayer”meansamaleplayer(otherthananAmateurPlayer,Non-ContractPlayer(inTheFootballLeague)oraTrialist)whoisinanagegroupbetweenUnder9toUnder21andwhoisregisteredforandwhoiscoachedby,orplaysfootballfororataClubwhichoperatesanAcademypursuanttotheseRules,saveforanyplayerwho:(a)theBoardissatisfiedhasdevelopedtechnical,tactical,physical,psychologicalandsocialskillsofsuchalevelthathewouldnotbenefitfromcontinuedcoachingintheAcademyorparticipatingorcontinuingtoparticipateinitsGamesProgramme(whichincludes,forthepurposeofthisdefinition,theleaguecompetitionreferredtoinRules164to175);and(b)hasenteredintoawrittencontractofemploymentinForm19withthatClub;Definitions
GeneralGuidanceItisemphasisedthatAcademyPlayersaged17oroldermaynolongerbeclassifiedassuchonlywheretheBoardapprovesanapplicationbytheClubinthelightofallthecircumstancesrelevanttotheparticularAcademyPlayerandonsuchtermsastheBoardconsidersappropriate.ThedutiesofaClubinrelationtotheprovisionofanEducationProgramme,SafeguardingandWelfare,SocialDevelopmentandLifestyleManagementcontinue.Clubs’attentionisdrawntoRule78whichrequiresClubstodevelopandimplementaproceduretoenablethetransitionofAcademyPlayerstotheseniorsquad,andalsotoRule118.1whichprovidesthateachAcademyPlayerhasaccesstocoachingtailoredtohisindividualneeds.AnydecisionbyaClubtoceasetreatinganAcademyPlayerassuchwhereitisnotreasonabletodosointhelightofhisoveralldevelopmentandskilllevelmaybetreatedatbeingabreachofthisRule.GuidanceTheterm“employ”isusedintheRuleswithreferencetoAcademyStaff,butitisacceptedthattherelationshipneednotnecessarilybeoneofemployment.Forexample,aClubmayenterintoacontractforserviceswithPartTimeyouthcoacheswherebynoemploymentrelationshipwillarise.Anyreferencesto“employ”or“employment”inthissectionoftheRulesshallbeinterpretedaccordingly.GuidanceToachieveandmaintaintheFIFAtwostarratingundertheFIFAQualityConceptforFootballTurf,theArtificialSurfacepitchneedstobecertifiedonanannualbasisbyaFIFAaccreditedagent.ExistingArtificialSurfacepitcheshaveanaturallifespan.Accordingly,astheyreachtheendoftheirnaturallifespan,theyshouldbereplacedwithpitchesthatachievethenecessarystarratingundertheFIFAQualityConceptforFootballTurf.360YouthDevelopmentRules1.10.“ArtificialSurface”meansaplayingsurfacewhichinthereasonableopinionoftheLeaguemeetstherequirementsoftheFIFAQualityConceptforFootballTurfand:(a)anynewoutdoorArtificialSurfacepitchinstalledbyaClubwhichoperatesorappliestooperateaCategory1AcademymustachievetheFIFArecommendedtwostarratingundertheFIFAQualityConceptforFootballTurf;and(b)anynewindoorArtificialSurfacepitchinstalledbyaClubwhichoperatesorappliestooperateaCategory1AcademymustachievetheFIFArecommendedtwostarratingundertheFIFAQualityConceptforFootballTurf;1.8.“AcademySecretary”meanstheOfficialreferredtoinRule66;1.9.“AcademyStaff”meansthoseOfficialsofaClubemployedorotherwiseengagedtoworkintheClub’sAcademy;
General3611.11.“AuditTool”meanstheonlineapplicationmaintainedbytheLeagueandapprovedbythePGBforthepurposeofundertaking(inparticularbytheISO)theevaluationandauditofAcademiesbytheassessmentof:(a)theextenttowhichaClubmeetsthecriteriaforAcademiessetoutintheseRules;(b)theextenttoandmannerinwhichaClubmeetsorexceedstherecommendedbestpracticecriteriawhicharesetoutintheAuditTool;and(c)itsProductivityProfile;1.12.“AuthorisedGames”means:(a)internationalmatchesarrangedbyanationalassociationincludingpreparationandtrialstherefor;(b)matchesinwhichtheAcademyPlayerplaysfortheClubholdinghisregistration:(i)initsfirstteams;(ii)whicharecomprisedinaGamesProgramme;or(iii)whicharecomprisedinFestivalsorTournaments,participationinwhichislimitedtoAcademyteamsorwhicharesanctionedbyTheFootballAssociationorbyaforeignnationalassociation;(c)friendlymatchesorganisedbytheClubholdingtheAcademyPlayer’sregistrationandplayedatanAcademy,participationinwhichislimitedtoAcademyPlayersregisteredatanAcademyorTrialistsbutexcludingmatchesbetweentwoteamsconsistingofoneClub’sAcademyPlayers;(d)friendlymatchesagainstanyoppositionplayedoutsidetheseasondatessetoutintheGamesProgrammeScheduleinwhichtheAcademyPlayerplaysfortheClubholdinghisregistration;(e)matchesorganisedbytheEnglishSchoolsFootballAssociationorIndependentSchoolsFootballAssociationoranassociationaffiliatedtoeitherofsuchAssociationsinwhichtheAcademyPlayerplayswiththeprioragreementofhisParents(inthecaseofanAcademyPlayerundertheageof18years),allparticipationinsuchmatchestobenotifiedbytheAcademyPlayertotheClubholdinghisregistration;(f)trialmatchesforotherClubsorFootballLeagueclubsinwhichtheAcademyPlayerplayswiththepriorwrittenpermissionoftheClubholdinghisregistration;or(g)anyothermatchauthorisedbytheBoard;1.13.“BasicFirstAidforSportQualification”meansthequalificationofthatnameissuedbyoronbehalfofTheFootballAssociation;
GeneralGuidanceTheBasicFirstAidforSportQualification(“BFAS”)isacoursewhichhasbeendevelopedanddeliveredbyTheFAsinceSeason2012/13.TheBFASwillneedtoberenewedeverythreeyears(itishopedaspartoftherenewalofthemainAcademycoachingqualifications).362YouthDevelopmentRules1.14.“Category”meansoneofthefourcategoriesintowhicheachAcademyshallbeassignedinaccordancewiththecriteriaandproceduressetoutinthissectionoftheRules,and“Category1”,“Category2”,“Category3”and“Category4”shallbeconstruedaccordingly;1.15.“CharterforAcademyPlayersandParents”meanstheinformationtobeprovidedbytheLeaguetotheParentofeachAcademyPlayeruponeachoccasionofhisregistrationforaClubandwhichwillcontain:(a)informationabouttheconsequencesoftheAcademyPlayerbecomingregisteredwithaClub;and(b)asummaryoftheClub’sobligationstotheAcademyPlayer,andtheAcademyPlayer’sobligationstotheClub;1.16.“ChiefExecutive”meanstheOfficialreferredtoinPremierLeagueRuleJ.1.1;1.17.“ClubBoard”meansthoseDirectorsoftheClubwhoseparticularsareregisteredundersection162oftheAct;1.18.“CoachCompetencyFramework”meansadocumentwhichsetsoutthekeycompetenciesandbehaviourswhichtheClubexpectsitsAcademycoachestopossessanddemonstrate;1.19.“CoachingCurriculum”meansaClub’scoachingcurriculumwhichmustbesetoutinwritingandinclude:(a)thetechnical,tactical,physical,psychologicalandsocialskillsthattheClubwishesitsAcademyPlayerstodevelop;(b)theappropriatemeansofcoachingAcademyPlayersinorderthattheydevelopthoseskills(havingdueregardtotheirage);and(c)specificcoachingcurriculaforeachDevelopmentPhase;1.20.“CoachingPhilosophy”meansawrittenstatementwhichsetsoutindetail(includingbydescribingthecontentofindividualcoachingsessionsforeachAcademyPlayer)themeansbywhichtheClubwillcoachitsAcademyPlayersineachagegroupsothattheyhavethebestopportunitytodevelopthetechnical,tactical,physical,psychologicalandsocialskillsthattheClubwishesplayersineachpositiononthepitchtoacquire,assetoutintheClub’sPlayingPhilosophy;1.21.“ContinuedProfessionalDevelopment”meansongoingtrainingforAcademyStaff,relevanttotheirdiscipline,ofsuchquality,contentandfrequencyasisnecessarytoensurethateachmemberofAcademyStaffhasthenecessaryknowledgeandexpertiseinordertofulfilhisrole;
General3631.22.“CoreCoachingTime”meansbetween8.30amand5.30pmonMondaystoFridays,savethatintheFoundationPhaseandYouthDevelopmentPhaseitalsoincludesbetween9amand5pmonSaturdays;1.23.“CoreCondition”meanseachoftheindividualRulesreferredtobelow:RuleNumberDescription29AcademyPerformancePlaninplace.59-65AcademyManager*(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)*TheAcademyManagerRolecanstillbecombinedwiththeHeadofAcademyCoachingroleaslongasthereisaFullTimeAcademyOperationsManager.68-69HeadofAcademyCoaching*(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)*TheAcademyManagerrolecanstillbecombinedwiththeHeadofAcademyCoachingroleaslongasthereisanadditionalFullTimeAcademyOperationsManager.66-67AcademySecretary(CONTRACT)108HeadofEducation(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)87-93HeadofSportsScienceandMedicine(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)109HeadofRecruitment(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)76-77/79-86SeniorProfessionalDevelopmentCoach(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)70-72/79-86Coach1FoundationPhase(LeadPhaseCoach):(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)70-72/79-86Coach2FoundationPhase(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)70-72/79-86Coach1YouthDevelopmentPhase(LeadPhaseCoach):(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)70-72/79-86Coach2YouthDevelopmentPhase(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)70-72/79-86Coach1ProfessionalDevelopmentPhase(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)70-72/79-86Coach2ProfessionalDevelopmentPhase(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)73-75/79-86GoalkeepingCoach(es):(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)186AcademySafeguardingOfficer(CONTRACT)94-96LeadSportsScientist(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)
General364YouthDevelopmentRules1.24.“DevelopmentActionPlan”meansanindividualisedplan,developedandimplementedinaccordancewiththeseRules,fortheprofessionaldevelopmentofanAcademycoach;97-98LeadStrengthandConditioningCoach(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)103Medical99SeniorAcademyPhysiotherapist(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)100-102RegisteredPhysiotherapistmemberoftheHealthandCareProfessionsCouncilandSportsTherapists(QUALIFICATIONSANDCONTRACT)104-105PerformanceAnalyst1(CONTRACT)104-105PerformanceAnalyst2(CONTRACT)180-184EducationProgrammeinplaceforFullTimeTrainingModel(FTTM)andHybridTrainingModel(HTM);includesmonitoringacademicprogression.303Grasspitches.Note:TheISOwillalsoreportonthenumberandconditionofgrasspitchesforthistobeassessedintermsoftheadequacyofavailablegrasspitchesanddemand.308FloodlitoutdoorArtificialSurfacepitchsiteattheAcademy.303DesignatedGoalkeepers(Grass)TrainingArea309IndoorArtificialSurfacepitch310ChangingRooms310Washingandtoiletfacilities311Teammeetingroomonsite(20people)312Guest/Parents’Lounge(50people)313MatchAnalysisSuitetohold20people(fullyequipped)315AcademyAdministrationOfficespaceandfacilities315Privatemeetingroomonsite317Classroomsfor20people(min.20computers)54EachmemberofAcademyStaffhasanemploymentcontractorastatementoftermsofemploymentorinthecaseofanon-employee,acontractforservices.OtherTheISOwillbeaskedtoconfirmalsothatthefollowingarebeingaddressed:•HealthandSafetyauditresultatthecurrentacceptablestandardofascoreatleast85%•Safeguardingprovisions:compliancewithRuleS.
GeneralGuidanceSeefurtherRules83to86.GuidanceTheFAAdvancedYouthAwardcontainsaspecialistelementrelevanttoeachDevelopmentPhase.Coacheswillberequiredtoholdthespecialismrelevanttotheagegroupthattheycoach.3651.33.“FAYouthAward”meansthenon-agespecificqualificationforAcademycoachesawardedbyTheFootballAssociation;1.34.“Festival”meansanevent,whichmaybespreadovermorethanoneday,atwhichteamsfromthreeormoreClubs(orclubs)playaseriesofmatchesinanenvironmentinwhichthematchesarecompetitivebuttheresultsarenotgivenanyparticularsignificance;1.35.“FoundationPhase”meanstheUnder9toUnder11agegroupsinclusive;1.36.“FoundationPhaseGamesProgramme”meansthegamesprogrammesorganisedbytheLeagueandtheFootballLeagueforteamsineachoftheUnder9toUnder11agegroupsassetoutinRules137to141;1.25.“DevelopmentCentre”meansanestablishmentoperatedbyaClubinEnglandorWalesforthecoachingofChildrenwhichisnotanAcademyandincludesanysuchestablishmentbywhatevernameortitleitisknown;1.26.“DevelopmentPhase”meanstheFoundationPhase,theYouthDevelopmentPhaseortheProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseasthecontextrequires,and“DevelopmentPhases”meansalloftheformer;1.27.“EducationAdvisoryGroup”meansthegroupconsistingoftwoPersonsappointedbytheLeague,twoappointedbyTheFootballLeague,andanindependentchair;1.28.“EducationOmbudsman”meansanexpertappointedbytheLeaguetoundertake,amongstotherthings,theverificationofClubs’HybridandFullTimeTrainingModelstoensurethattheycomplywiththeseRules,andtoadvisetheEducationAdvisoryGroupandPGBthereon.AnEducationOmbudsmanshalleitherbeanexperiencededucationalpractitioneroracoachwhohasextensiveexperienceinyouthdevelopment;1.29.“EducationProgramme”hasthemeaningsetoutinRule180;1.30.“ElitePlayerPerformancePlan”meansthedocumentofthatnamedatedMay2011andpresentedtotheGeneralMeetingheldonThursday2June2011;1.31.“EmergencyActionPlan”meansaplandetailingthemedicalfacilitiesandpersonnelwhoshallbeavailableateachClub’shomematchesintheGamesProgrammes,andthecontingencyplanforhowanymedicalemergenciesatsuchmatchesshallbedealtwith;1.32.“FAAdvancedYouthAward”meanstheadvancedqualificationforAcademycoachestobedevelopedandawardedbyTheFootballAssociation;
GeneralGuidanceAClubwillnotbepenalisedshouldamemberofitsAcademyStafffulfillingoneoftherolesrequiredbytheseRulestobeFullTimeifworkingslightlylessthan35hoursperweekprovidedthattherequiredoutputsofthatrolearebeingsatisfactorilydelivered.Seefurther,bywayofcomparison,Rule52andtheguidancethereunder.366YouthDevelopmentRules1.38.“FullTimeEducation”meanstheeducationprovidedforregisteredpupilsatprimaryorsecondaryschoolsorfull-timeequivalentstudentsatcollegesoffurthereducation;1.39.“FullTimeTrainingModel”means:1.39.1.intheProfessionalDevelopmentPhase,aprogrammeofcoachingandeducationwherebytheAcademyPlayer’sacademiceducationshallbescheduledtoenablefourhoursofcoachingperday(whichmaybesplitintotwosessionsoftwohourseach)totakeplacewithintheCoreCoachingTime;and1.39.2.intheYouthDevelopmentPhase,aprogrammewhichcomplieswiththefollowing:(a)theAcademyPlayershallreceivewithintheCoreCoachingTimeaminimumoftwentyhoursofeducation;(b)theAcademyPlayershallreceiveasignificantamountofcoachingwithintheCoreCoachingTime.TheexactamountofsuchcoachingtotakeplacewithintheCoreCoachingTimeistobedeterminedbytheClubforeachindividualAcademyPlayer.TheClubshalldemonstratetheamountofcoachingissignificantlymorethantheamountofcoachingintheCoreCoachingTimewhichtheClubgivestoitsAcademyPlayersengagedontheHybridTrainingModel.FulldetailsmustbesetoutintheAcademyPlayer’sindividualcoachingplanreferredtoinRule118;(c)nosinglecoachingsessionshallendureformorethan90minutes,andiftherearetwoormorecoachingsessionsonasingleday,thereshallbeaperiodofrestbetweeneachsessionsufficienttoensurethattheAcademyPlayerisfullyrested,andofatleast90minutes’duration,unlesstheAcademyPlayer’sindividualcoachingplanrecognisesthathemayhaveshorterrestperiods;and(d)theClub’sdeliveryoftheFullTimeTrainingModelmustcomplywiththeseRules;1.37.“FullTime”means,whenappliedtoarolespecifiedundertheseRules,onewheretheworkinghoursareatleast35hoursperweek(subjecttosuchadditionalhoursastheClubmayrequire).AFullTimerolemaybefulfilledbymorethanoneOfficial(e.g.onajob-sharebasis)providedthattheminimumhoursstatedaboveareundertaken;
GeneralGuidanceAClubwillnotbepenalisedshouldamemberofitsAcademyStafffulfillingoneoftherolesrequiredbytheseRulestobeFullTimeifworkingslightlylessthan35hoursperweekprovidedthattherequiredoutputsofthatrolearebeingsatisfactorilydelivered.Seefurther,bywayofcomparison,Rule52andtheguidancethereunder.366YouthDevelopmentRules1.38.“FullTimeEducation”meanstheeducationprovidedforregisteredpupilsatprimaryorsecondaryschoolsorfull-timeequivalentstudentsatcollegesoffurthereducation;1.39.“FullTimeTrainingModel”means:1.39.1.intheProfessionalDevelopmentPhase,aprogrammeofcoachingandeducationwherebytheAcademyPlayer’sacademiceducationshallbescheduledtoenablefourhoursofcoachingperday(whichmaybesplitintotwosessionsoftwohourseach)totakeplacewithintheCoreCoachingTime;and1.39.2.intheYouthDevelopmentPhase,aprogrammewhichcomplieswiththefollowing:(a)theAcademyPlayershallreceivewithintheCoreCoachingTimeaminimumoftwentyhoursofeducation;(b)theAcademyPlayershallreceiveasignificantamountofcoachingwithintheCoreCoachingTime.TheexactamountofsuchcoachingtotakeplacewithintheCoreCoachingTimeistobedeterminedbytheClubforeachindividualAcademyPlayer.TheClubshalldemonstratetheamountofcoachingissignificantlymorethantheamountofcoachingintheCoreCoachingTimewhichtheClubgivestoitsAcademyPlayersengagedontheHybridTrainingModel.FulldetailsmustbesetoutintheAcademyPlayer’sindividualcoachingplanreferredtoinRule118;(c)nosinglecoachingsessionshallendureformorethan90minutes,andiftherearetwoormorecoachingsessionsonasingleday,thereshallbeaperiodofrestbetweeneachsessionsufficienttoensurethattheAcademyPlayerisfullyrested,andofatleast90minutes’duration,unlesstheAcademyPlayer’sindividualcoachingplanrecognisesthathemayhaveshorterrestperiods;and(d)theClub’sdeliveryoftheFullTimeTrainingModelmustcomplywiththeseRules;1.37.“FullTime”means,whenappliedtoarolespecifiedundertheseRules,onewheretheworkinghoursareatleast35hoursperweek(subjecttosuchadditionalhoursastheClubmayrequire).AFullTimerolemaybefulfilledbymorethanoneOfficial(e.g.onajob-sharebasis)providedthattheminimumhoursstatedaboveareundertaken;
GeneralGuidanceTheGamesProgrammeScheduleincorporatestwoperiodsof“downtime”formatchesintheFoundationPhaseandYouthDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgrammes.ThefirstsuchperiodgenerallyencompassesthelasttwoweeksofJulyandthefirsttwoweeksofAugust,andthesecondencompassestwoweeksoverChristmas.Theexactdatesforeachseason’speriodofdowntimewillbesetoutintheGamesProgrammeSchedulewhenitispublishedbytheLeagueintheprecedingseason.Aprovisionaldateof31JanuaryineachseasonhasbeensetforthepublicationoftheGamesProgrammeSchedule(althoughitmaybesubjecttoamendmentthereafterbutbeforethestartofthefollowingseasontoaccommodate,forexample,newly-classifiedorre-classifiedAcademies).TheLeaguewillconductatleasttwoconsultationmeetingswithClubsperseasontoconsidertheGamesProgrammeScheduleforthefollowingseason.Thefirstofthesewilltakeplaceintheautumn,andthesecondintheearlynewyear.GuidanceClubs’attentionisdrawntoRule198.2,pursuanttowhichtheymustprovideallnecessaryadditionaleducationalsupportsothattheAcademyPlayer’seducationisnotprejudicedasaresultofbeingreleasedfromschooltoundertakecoachingduringtheCoreCoachingTime.3671.47.“IndividualLearningPlan”meansanindividualplanforeachAcademyPlayersettingoutmeasurableobjectivesforthedevelopmentthatheneedstoundertakeandthemeansbywhichhewillobtainthoseobjectives;1.43.“HeadofAcademyCoaching”meanstheOfficialreferredtoinRule68;1.44.“HeadofEducation”meanstheOfficialreferredtoinRule108;1.45.“HeadofRecruitment”meanstheOfficialreferredtoinRule109;1.46.“HybridTrainingModel”meansaprogrammeofcoachingandeducationwherebythecoachingofanAcademyPlayerprimarilytakesplaceoutsidetheCoreCoachingTimesavethat,subjecttotheprovisionsoftheseRules,hemaybereleasedfromattendanceatschoolduringtheSchoolDayforamaximumofhalfadayaweek(ifheisintheFoundationPhase)ortwodaysaweek(ifheisintheYouth
DevelopmentPhase);1.40.“Futsal”meansthevariantofassociationfootballthatisplayedinaccordancewiththeFutsalLawsoftheGameaspublishedfromtimetotimebyFIFA(withanysuchvariationtheretoastheLeaguemayfromtimetotimedetermine),thecurrentsuchLawsbeingavailableat:http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/footballdevelopment/refereeing/51/44/50/lawsofthegamefutsal2014_15_eneu_neutral.pdf1.41.“GamesProgramme”meanstheFoundationPhaseGamesProgramme,theYouthDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgramme,ortheProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgramme;1.42.“GamesProgrammeSchedule”meanstheperiodduringwhichmatchesintheGamesProgrammesshalltakeplace;
GeneralGuidanceNominimumnumberofhoursisspecifiedforPartTimerolesrequiredundertheseRules.ThisislefttoClubs’discretion.However,theLeagueandtheISOwillrequiretobesatisfiedthattherequiredoutputsandresultsareachievedbyaClub’sstaffingstructure.Seefurther,bywayofcomparison,Rule52andtheGuidancethereunder.368YouthDevelopmentRules1.48.“IntermediateFirstAidforSportQualification”meansthequalificationofthatnameissuedbyoronbehalfofTheFootballAssociation;1.49.“ISO”meanstheindependentstandardsorganisationtobeappointedfromtimetotimebythePGBforthepurposesofundertakingtheISOAudits;1.50.“ISOAudit”hasthemeaningsetoutinRule14;1.51.“LifestyleManagementSkills”meansthepersonalandsocialskillsandknowledgewhichitisconsidereddesirableforAcademyPlayerstodevelop,andtraininginLifestyleManagementSkillsshallinclude(withoutlimitation)trainingorcoachinginthefollowing:(a)dealingwiththemedia;(b)useofsocialmedia;(c)anti-doping;(d)gambling,anti-corruptionandothermattersofsportingintegrity;(e)financialmanagement;(f)equalityanddiversity;(g)wellbeingi.e.mentalhealthandnutrition;and(h)furthereducationandcareersadvice;1.52.“Multi-disciplinaryReview”meansareviewofallaspectsofaAcademyPlayer’sfootball,athleticandeducationalperformanceanddevelopmentandwhichshallinclude:(a)reportsfromallrelevantAcademyStaff(includingfromthecoaching,educationandsportsscienceandmedicinedisciplines);(b)forAcademyPlayersontheFullTimeTrainingModelortheHybridTrainingModel,reportsandeducationaldatafromtheAcademyPlayer’sschool(andwheretheLeaguerequests,allAcademyPlayersonthePartTimeTrainingModel);(c)self-assessmentbytheAcademyPlayer;and(d)short,mediumandlong-termtargetsfortheAcademyPlayer’sfootball,athleticandeducationalperformanceanddevelopment;1.53.“PartTime”means,whenappliedtoarolespecifiedundertheseRules,onewheretheworkinghoursarelessthan35hoursperweek.APartTimerolemaybefulfilledbytwoormoreOfficials(e.g.onajob-sharebasis);
GeneralGuidanceTheEducationManagementSystemhasbeendevelopedasanewfunctioncontainedwithinthePerformanceClock.ItmustbeusedforassistingthemanagementofAcademyPlayers’educationalattainmentdata,andreferencetothePerformanceClockintheseRules,particularlyinthecontextofeducation,shouldbereadaccordingly.3691.58.“PerformanceManagementApplication”meanstheonlinesupportservicetobedevelopedandmaintainedbytheLeagueandutilisedbyeachClubforthepurposesofassistingthemanagementoftheAcademyandrecordingandanalysingdata.Suchdatashallinclude(withoutlimitation):(a)eachAcademyPlayer’sPerformanceClock;(b)keydataonAcademyStaffsuchasrecordsofqualificationandContinuedProfessionalDevelopment;(c)suchinformationastheLeaguemayfromtimetotimerequireforthepurposesofnationalorCategory-widebenchmarking;and(d)datareceivedfromTheFootballAssociationinrespectofanAcademyPlayerwhoplaysfor,orwhoiscoachedbyTheFootballAssociationwithaviewtoplayingfor,anEnglandrepresentativeside;1.59.“PlayingPhilosophy”meansawrittenstatementwhichsetsout:(a)theprinciples,values,playingstyleandtacticalapproachofalloftheClub’steams(includingitsfirstteam);and(b)profilesdetailing,foreachagegroupandthefirstteam,theClub’sdesiredtechnical,tactical,physical,psychologicalandsocialskillsofplayersineachpositiononthepitch;1.60.“ProductivityMethodology”meansthemethodologydevelopedbytheLeagueforanalysingtheregistrationandplayinghistoryofPlayersand,asaconsequencethereof,forproducingeachClub’sProductivityProfile;1.54.“PartTimeTrainingModel”meansacoachingcurriculumwherebythecoachingofanAcademyPlayerdoesnotrequirehimtomissanypartoftheSchoolDay;1.55.“PerformanceAnalysis”meanstheanalysisofthephysiological,technicalandtacticalperformanceofeachindividualPlayerand,inagame,oftheteamasawhole.PerformanceAnalysisshallbeundertakenbymeansofsuchvideoand/orITtechnologyastheLeagueshallfromtimetotimedetermine;1.56.“PerformanceAnalysts”meanstheOfficialsreferredtoinRules104and105;1.57.“PerformanceClock”meanstheapplicationutilisedforrecording,measuring,monitoringandevidencingallaspectsofanAcademyPlayer’sprogression,developmentandeducationinaccordancewiththeformatandprocedurestobesetbytheLeague;
General370YouthDevelopmentRules1.61.“ProductivityProfile”meansananalysis,producedbytheLeagueusingtheProductivityMethodology,ofeachClub’strackrecordindevelopingAcademyPlayers,thatistosay:(a)theextenttowhichAcademyPlayerscoachedbyoratitsAcademyhaveprogressedtobecomeestablishedprofessionalPlayers;andaccordingly(b)theextenttowhichtheClubissuccessfulincontributingtothedevelopmentofestablishedprofessionalPlayers;1.62.“ProfessionalDevelopmentLeagues”meanstheleaguesofthatnamemanaged,organisedandcontrolledbytheLeague(inthecaseofClubsoperatingCategory1andCategory2Academies)orbyTheFootballLeague(inthecaseofClubsoperatingCategory3andCategory4Academies)and“ProfessionalDevelopmentLeague1”,“ProfessionalDevelopmentLeague2”and“ProfessionalDevelopmentLeague3”shallbeconstruedaccordingly;1.63.“ProfessionalDevelopmentPhase”meanstheUnder17toUnder21agegroupsinclusive;1.64.“ProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgramme”meansthegamesprogrammesorganisedbytheLeagueandFootballLeagueforteamsintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseassetoutinRules157to163;1.65.“QualifiedTeacherStatus”meanstheaccreditationwhichanindividualmustobtaininordertoteachinstate-maintainedschoolsinEnglandandWales;1.66.“ScholarshipAgreement”meansanagreementmadebetweenaClubandanAcademyPlayerinPLYDForm1;1.67.“SchoolDay”meansthetimeswhenthepupilsofaschoolarerequiredtoattendthatschoolasdeterminedbyitsgovernors;1.68.“SeniorAcademyPhysiotherapist”meanstheOfficialreferredtoinRule99;1.69.“SeniorProfessionalDevelopmentCoach”meanstheOfficialreferredtoinRule76;1.70.“SportsScienceandMedicineProgramme”meansanintegrated,interdisciplinaryprogrammefortheprovisionofsportsscienceandmedicalservicesandanalysisasmoreparticularlydescribedinRules214to225;1.71.“SportsTherapist”meansaPersonwhoholdsatleastanundergraduatedegreeinsportstherapy;1.72.“TechnicalBoard”hasthemeaningsetoutinRules34to36;1.73.“Tournament”meansagroupingofcompetitivematchesbetweenthreeormoreClubs(orclubs)whoseresultsaregivensignificance(e.g.theremaybeawinneroftheTournament)andwhicharetypicallyplayedtogetheratonevenueandoverashortperiodoftime(e.g.onedayorafewdays);
General3711.74.“TrainingCamp”meansaneventfortheAcademyPlayersofoneClubandwhichlastsforoneormoredaysandatwhichavarietyofcoachingandotheron-pitchandoff-pitchactivitiestakesplace;1.75.“TrainingModel”meanstheFullTimeTrainingModel,theHybridTrainingModelorthePartTimeTrainingModel;1.76.“Trialist”meansaplayerplayinginagegroupsUnder9toUnder21whoisattendinganAcademyontrialundertheprovisionsofRules237or238;1.77.“VisionStatement”meansawrittenstatementoftheClub’sdesiredculture,values,ambitionsandstrategicaims,andthebehavioursandactivitieswhichtheClubhasadoptedandwilladopt(includingwithinitsAcademy)inordertoachievethesame;1.78.“YouthDevelopmentPhase”meanstheUnder12toUnder16agegroupsinclusive;and1.79.“YouthDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgramme”meansthegamesprogrammesorganisedbytheLeagueandFootballLeagueforteamsineachoftheUnder12toUnder16agegroups,fulldetailsofwhicharesetoutinRules142to156.2.ForthepurposesofthissectionoftheseRules:2.1.AcademyPlayersshallbeplacedinoneof13agegroupscommencingwithagegroupUnder9andendingwithagegroupUnder21;and2.2.theagegroupintowhicheachAcademyPlayershallbeplacedshallbedeterminedbyhisageon31Augustintheyearinquestion,saveinthecaseofplayersintheUnder21agegroup,whomustbeundertheageof21asat1JanuaryintheyearinwhichtheSeasonconcernedcommences(i.e.forSeason2017/18bornonorafter1January1996).General3.IfaClubengagesinthetraininganddevelopmentofyoungplayersthenitmust:3.1.obtainalicencetooperateanAcademy;and3.2.operateitsAcademyinaccordancewiththissectionoftheRules.4.ThemaximumtermofalicencetooperateanAcademyshallbethreeyears,unlessrevokedearlierinaccordancewiththeseRulesorextendedbythePGBatitssolediscretion.5.ThereshallbefourCategoriesofAcademy.ApplicationstoOperateAcademies6.EachClubwhichoperatesorappliestooperateanAcademyshallgivetheLeagueandtheISOaccesstosuchfacilities,personnel,documentsandrecordsastheyreasonablyrequireinordertoundertaketheirresponsibilitiesundertheseRules.
GeneralGuidanceItisanticipatedthattheISOwillrequiretovisiteachClubforaroundthreedaysinordertoundertakeitsISOAudit.372YouthDevelopmentRules13.SavewhereRule9.1applies,thePGBshallnotdeterminetheapplicationstooperateCategory1Academieswitheffectfrom1July2016untilalltheISOAuditsundertakenpursuanttoRule11havebeencompleted.14.InrespectofeachClubwhichappliesforalicencetooperateanAcademy,theISOshallundertakeananalysis(“theISOAudit”)ofthematterssetoutinRule1.11(a)to(c).7.AClubwhichwishestooperate(orcontinuetooperate)aCategory1Academywitheffectfrom1July2016must:7.1.havesubmittedtothePGBby1May2015awrittenapplicationtodoso,signedonbehalfoftheClubbyanAuthorisedSignatory;and7.2.submittotheLeagueby30July2015evidence(intheformprescribedbytheLeaguefromtimetotime)thatitiscompliantwiththeCoreConditions.8.ThePGB,actingontheadviceoftheISO,shalldeterminewhethereachapplicantClubcomplieswiththeCoreConditionsandnotifyeachsuchClubofitsdeterminationby1September2015.9.ThePGBshalldeterminethataClubeither:9.1.doesnotcomplywiththeCoreConditions,inwhicheventthePGBshallnotgrantitalicencetooperateaCategory1Academy;or9.2.complieswiththeCoreConditions,inwhicheventtheClubmustby30September2015completetheAuditTool.10.TheISOshallconductanISOAuditofeachAcademyatleastonceeverythreeyears(subjecttoanydecisionofthePGBthatanISOAuditshallbeundertakenlessfrequentlyoranyrequirementoftheseRuleswhichprovidesforISOAuditstobeundertakenmorefrequently),theresultsofwhichshallbemadeavailabletotheClub,theLeagueandthePGB.11.TheISOwillundertakeanISOAuditbetweenOctober2015andMarch2016ofeachClubtowhichRule9.2applies.12.EachapplicantClubshallbegivenreasonablenoticeofthedatesofitsISOAuditandmaynotchangethosedatessavewiththepermissionofthePGB,whichshallonlybegrantedifthePGBissatisfiedthereareexceptionalcircumstanceswhichjustifysuchachange.
GeneralGuidanceItisexpectedthattheClubOfficialswhowillattendthemeetingwiththeISOandtheLeaguereferredtoinRule17.2willincludetheAcademyManagerandtheChiefExecutive.37315.WhereaClubwhichwishestoobtainalicencetooperate(ortocontinuetooperate)aCategory2,3or4Academy:15.1.theClubshall:15.1.1.submittotheLeagueanapplicationbythedeadlinestipulatedbytheLeaguepriortothecommencementoftherelevantseason;15.1.2.co-operatewiththeLeague’sassessment(bywhatevermeans)oftheClub’scompliancewiththecriteriaapplicabletotherelevantCategory;15.2.wheretheLeagueissatisfied,actingreasonably,thattheClubwillmeetthecriteriaapplicabletotheCategoryappliedfor,theLeagueshallrecommendtothePGBthatthePGBawardaprovisionallicencetooperateanAcademyforthatCategory;15.3.wheretheLeagueisnotsatisfiedthattheClubwillmeetthecriteriaapplicabletotherelevantCategory,theLeaguemayrecommendtothePGBthatthePGBaward:15.3.1.aprovisionallicencetooperateanAcademyforsuchlowerCategoryasappropriatehavingregardtothecriteriawhicharemetbytheClubasevidencedbytheapplication;or15.3.2.noprovisionallicencetooperateanAcademyatall;15.4.thePGBshallgivedueconsiderationto:15.4.1.aClub’sapplicationforaprovisionallicencetooperateanAcademy;and15.4.2.therecommendationoftheLeagueinaccordancewithRule15.3,andshalldeterminetheCategoryofeachAcademyinrespectofwhichitgrantsaprovisionallicencetooperateanAcademy,ifany.AClubshallonlyhavetherighttomakerepresentationstothePGBinconnectionwithitsapplicationforaprovisionallicenceifRule15.3applies.16.TheISOAuditshallutilisetheAuditToolbyassessingandrecordingthereonascoreinrespectofthematterssetoutinRule1.11(a)to(c).17.PriortoanISOAuditbeingpresentedtothePGB,theISOshall:17.1.givetotheClubacopyofitandoftheISO’srecommendationastowhethertheClubshouldbegrantedalicencetooperateanAcademyandifsowhattheCategoryoftheAcademyshouldbe;17.2.thereafterholdameetingwithOfficialsoftheClubandrepresentativesoftheLeaguetodiscussit;and17.3.consideranyrepresentationsmadebytheClubortheLeagueabouttheClub’sISOAuditandmakeallappropriateamendmentstotheISOAuditconsequentuponthoserepresentations.
General374YouthDevelopmentRules18.ThePGB,havinggivendueconsiderationtoaClub’sISOAuditandrecommendationandtotheadviceoftheLeague,shall(whereappropriate)issuealllicencestooperateAcademiesandshalldeterminetheCategoryofeachAcademyinrespectofwhichitgrantsalicence.19.IndeterminingtheCategoryofeachAcademythePGBwillconsiderandrelyuponananonymisedreportfromtheISOonallapplicationsforthesameCategory,whichshallincludeacomparisonofthescoresobtainedbyeachapplicantandtheirMalusScores,andarecommendationbytheISOastotheCategorytobeawarded,togetherwithreasons.20.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,aClubshallonlyhavetherighttomakerepresentationstothePGBinconnectionwithitsapplicationforalicencetooperateanAcademyifitbelievesthattheISOAuditcontainsmanifesterror.21.AClubmayonlyappealagainstthedecisionofthePGBnottoissueitalicencetooperateanAcademy,oragainstthePGB’sdeterminationoftheCategoryofitsAcademy,ifthatdecisionwas:21.1.reachedasaresultoffraud,maliceorbadfaith;21.2.reachedasaresultofproceduralerrorssogreatthattherightsoftheClubhavebeenclearlyandsubstantiallyprejudiced;21.3.reachedasaresultofaperverseinterpretationofthelaw;or21.4.onewhichcouldnotreasonablyhavebeenreachedbyanytribunalwhichhadapplieditsmindproperlytothefactsofthecase.22.AnyappealbyaClubpursuanttoRule21shallbedealtwithinaccordancewithRuleK(Arbitration)oftheRulesofTheFootballAssociation.23.AClubmaynot:23.1.re-applyforalicencetooperateanAcademywithinthreeyearsofthedeterminationbythePGBofanapplicationmadebyitunless:23.1.1.thePGBissatisfiedthatthereareexceptionalcircumstanceswhichjustifyafurtherapplication;and23.1.2.theClubbearsanycostsoftheLeague,ISOandPGBreasonablyincurredbyanyofthosebodiesinassessinganddeterminingtheClub’sfurtherapplication;or23.2.applyforalicencetooperateanAcademyhigherthanthatwhichtheClubislicensedtooperatewherethoseClubsalreadyoperatinginthathigherCategoryarescheduledtobere-auditedinthefollowingseason.
GeneralGuidanceWhetherthereareexceptionalcircumstanceswhichjustifyafurtherapplicationwillbeentirelyatthediscretionofthePGB.Bywayofexampleonly,thefollowingmaybeconsideredtobe“exceptionalcircumstances”.However,eachcasewillbejudgedonitsownfactsandaccordinglythereisnoguaranteethatevenifthefollowingapplythePGBwillgrantpermissionforare-application.ThecircumstancesreferredtoaboveincludeachangeinownershiporstrategicprioritywithintheClubleadingtoasignificantlyhighlevelofcommitmenttoandinvestmentintheAcademy.TheClubwouldneedtodemonstrateanimprovementinperformanceagainsttargets,notsimplyplanstoimproveperformance.Rule23.2isintendedtorestrict,forexample,aCluboperatingaCategory3AcademyapplyingtoupgradetooperateaCategory2AcademyduringSeason2016/17,astheISOwillbeundertakingfullauditsofallCategory2ClubsfromthestartofSeason2016/17andinthosecircumstancesitisreasonabletoexpecttheClubseekingtheupgradetoalignwiththatprocess.37524.UponaClubmakingafurtherapplicationpursuanttoRule23,theISOshallconductafurtherISOAuditoftheClub.25.AnyCluborOfficialmakingafalsestatement(whethermadeverballyorinwriting)orfalsifyingadocumentinconnectionwith:25.1.anapplicationforanAcademy;25.2.theLeague’sannualevaluationundertakenpursuanttoRule38;25.3.anISOAudit;or25.4.anyotherprovisionoftheseRules,shallbeinbreachoftheseRulesandshallbeliabletobedealtwithinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofSectionWofthePremierLeagueRules.26.If,inbreachofRule3.2,aClubfailstocomplywithanyRuleinthissection,orifaCluborOfficialmakesafalsestatementorfalsifiesadocumentassetoutinRule25,thenthePGBmay:26.1.revoketheClub’slicencetooperateanAcademy;or26.2.suspendtheClub’slicencetooperateanAcademyforsuchtimeasitshalldetermineduringwhichtheClubshallhavetheopportunitytoensureitbecomescompliantwiththerelevantRule;or26.3.determinethattheClub’sAcademyshallhavealowerCategorythanitscurrentCategory;26.4.withdraworsuspendtheClub’sentitlementtoanycentralfundingprovidedforthepurposesofyouthdevelopment;and26.5.inanyoftheabovecasesrequiretheISOtoundertakeanISOAuditoftheClub’sAcademyassoonasreasonablypracticable.27.WithoutprejudicetoRule26,anybreachofRules3.2,6,25,32.2,42to50,54,55,56.1,116to120,123.2,127to129,131,132,140,141,154to156,163to165,172,173,177,178,181to190,194to205,212,217,218,224to230,244,246,247,250to252,253,258,264,267,268,279,282,285,286,287,297,298,300,301,318,321or325shallbeliabletobedealtwithundertheprovisionsofSectionWofthePremierLeagueRules.
GeneralGuidanceFailuretocomplywithanyoftheRulesinthissection,otherthanthosespecifiedinRule27above,willnotordinarilyleadtoliabilitytodisciplinaryactionunderSectionW.However,suchfailuretocomplymaybedealtwithpursuanttothetermsandconditionsoftheClub’sAcademylicenceandmayleadtotherevocation,suspensionordowngradingofthatlicence,orthewithdrawalorsuspensionofcentralfunding,pursuanttoRule26.TheLeagueconsidersthattheRulesspecifiedinRule27areofsuchanaturethatbreachshouldopenthepossibilityofdisciplinaryactionunderSectionWbecausetheyimpactuponotherpeopleorentities,andinparticular,AcademyPlayersand/orotherClubs.376YouthDevelopmentRules
YouthDevelopmentRulesStrategy,LeadershipandManagementoftheAcademyGuidanceSeealsoRule9.2whichrequirestheAcademyPerformancePlantobesubmittedaspartoftheClub’sapplicationtooperate(orcontinuetooperate)anAcademywitheffectfrom1July2016.37730.TheAcademyPerformancePlanshallbedrawnupundertheguidanceoftheAcademyManagerinconsultationwithsuchOfficialsastheClubmayconsiderappropriate(including,bywayofexampleonly,theManager,theChiefExecutive,theAcademyManagementTeamandthetechnicaldirectoriftheClubhasappointedoneandtheTechnicalBoard)andshallbereviewedannuallybytheAcademyManager.31.TheClubBoardshall:31.1.annuallyreviewandapprovetheAcademyPerformancePlan;31.2.ensurethattheAcademyPerformancePlaniscommunicatedtoallrelevantOfficials;and31.3.measuretheperformanceoftheAcademyeachyearagainsttheobjectives,strategyandspecificperformancetargetssetoutintheAcademyPerformancePlanandensurethatappropriateactionistakeniftheperformancetargetshavenotbeenmet.PerformanceManagementApplication32.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshall:32.1.utilisethePerformanceManagementApplicationfromthedateofitsimplementationbytheLeagueandrecordonitthedatalistedinRule1.58;32.2.ensurethatthedataheldonthePerformanceManagementApplicationwhichiswithintheClub’scontrolisheldsecurelyandisonlyreleasedto,oraccessedby,thosePersonswhorequireaccesstoitpursuanttoanyoftheseRules;and32.3.providetheLeaguewithsuchinformationasitmayfromtimetotimerequireforthepurposesofanalysingandbenchmarkingonanationalorCategory-widebasisanyaspectoftheperformanceofAcademyPlayersorClubs.StrategicDocuments28.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshalldocumentandmakeavailabletotheLeagueandtotheISOitsVisionStatement,PlayingPhilosophyandCoachingPhilosophyeachofwhichshallbe:28.1.drawnupbytheTechnicalBoard;and28.2.annuallyreviewedandapprovedbytheClub
Board.AcademyPerformancePlan29.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallprepareandmakeavailabletotheLeagueandtotheISOitsAcademyPerformancePlan.
Strategy,LeadershipandManagementoftheAcademyGuidanceTheClubmaywishtogiveconsiderationtotaskingtheTechnicalBoardwithinvolvementinthefollowingfunctions,inadditiontothoselistedintheaboveRule:•••••definingtheprofile/roleoftheSeniorProfessionalDevelopmentCoach;managementofthetransitionofplayersintothefirstteamsquad;definingtheClub’srecruitmentstrategy(e.g.home-grownplayersvsexternalrecruitment);playingopportunitiesforAcademyPlayersatfirstteamlevel;andanyotherfunctionswhichtheClubdeemsappropriate.EachClubmaywishtogiveconsiderationtoemployingatechnicaldirector.Theemploymentofatechnicaldirectorisnotmandatory.378YouthDevelopmentRules33.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallensurethatthePerformanceManagementApplicationisavailableforaccessbythefollowingindividuals:33.1.relevantAcademyStaff;and33.2.ParentsofitsAcademyPlayersaged17andyounger,andtheAcademyPlayersthemselves,inrelationtoinformationcontainedonthePerformanceManagementApplicationwhichrelatestothatAcademyPlayer(butexcludinginformationwhichintheClub’sreasonableopinionoughtnottobesodisclosed).TechnicalBoard34.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallestablishaTechnicalBoard.35.ThemembershipoftheTechnicalBoardshallconsistofsuchOfficialsastheClubBoarddeemsnecessaryinorderfortheTechnicalBoardtoproperlyperformthefunctionswithwhichitistaskedbytheseRules,andaccordinglymayinclude:35.1.theChiefExecutive;35.2.theManager;35.3.theAcademyManager;35.4.suchOfficialsascangiveinputfromthefollowingfunctionalareas:35.4.1.recruitment;35.4.2.coaching;and35.4.3.ProfessionalDevelopmentPhasecoaching;and35.5.anyotherOfficialthattheClubdeemsappropriate.36.TheTechnicalBoardshallprovidetechnicaladviceandsupportinthedevelopmentoftheClub’sPlayingPhilosophy,CoachingPhilosophyandCoachCompetencyFramework,andinthedevelopment,implementationandmonitoringoftheAcademyPerformancePlan.
YouthDevelopmentRulesEffectiveMeasurement379Academies:Licensing,EvaluationandAudit37.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallconductanannualself-assessmentofitsAcademywhichshall:37.1.beledbyitsAcademyManager;37.2.assesstheextenttowhichtheClubmeetsand/orexceedsthecriteriapertainingtotherelevantCategoryofAcademysetoutinthissectionoftheRulesandintheAuditTool;37.3.utilisetheAuditTool;and37.4.bemadeavailabletotheLeague,theISOand,ifrequired,thePGB.38.TheLeagueshallconduct:38.1.on-goingmonitoringofeachAcademy;and38.2.anannualevaluationofeachAcademywhichshall:38.2.1.considertheClub’sannualself-assessmentreferredtoinRule37anditsmostrecentAcademyFinancialInformation;38.2.2.assesstheextenttowhichtheClubmeetsand/orexceedsthecriteriapertainingtotherelevantCategoryofAcademysetoutinthissectionoftheRulesandintheAuditTool;38.2.3.utilisetheAuditTool;and38.2.4.bemadeavailabletotheClub,theISOand,ifrequired,thePGB.39.AClubshallbeentitledtopublishtheresultsofitsISOAuditandtheCategoryofitsAcademy.ProductivityProfile40.EachyeartheLeaguewillprovideeachClubwhichoperatesanAcademywithanuptodateProductivityProfile,benchmarked(onananonymisedbasis)againstotherClubs(and,ifappropriate,FootballLeagueclubs).
YouthDevelopmentRulesPerformanceManagement,PlayerDevelopmentandProgressionGuidance1.ThePerformanceClockrecordstheplayer’sprogressthroughouthisdevelopment.ThePerformanceClockisanembeddedapplicationinthePerformanceManagementApplication.Informationiscarriedforwardyearonyear(andfromclubtoclub)tobuildintoacomprehensiverecordoftheplayer’sdevelopment.ThePerformanceClockshouldprovideabreakdownofthetimespentinindividualandteamtechnicalandpracticaldevelopment,matchesplayed,sportsscienceandmedicine(includingpsychologicalandsocialdevelopment)andeducationalprogression.ThePerformanceClocklogsqualitativeinformationandevidencedocumentedbybothcoachandplayerrelatingtoaplayer’ssuccessfulprogressionintheaboveareas.ThePerformanceClockalsoevidencestheAcademyPlayer’sMulti-disciplinaryReviews.ItshouldbenotedthatwhilethereisscopewithinthePerformanceClockfortheAcademyPlayertogivefeedbackandcomments,theprimaryresponsibilitytomaintainPerformanceClockslieswiththeClub.AnyClubwhichfailstomaintainitsAcademyPlayers’PerformanceClocks,andmakethemavailableinaccordancewithRule41,mayjeopardiseitscategorisation.2.GuidanceNeithertheAcademyPlayernorhisParentneedbepresentattheMulti-disciplinaryReview.SeehowevertheClub’sobligationsunderRules44,45and47to49.381IndividualLearningPlansandMulti-disciplinaryReviews42.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallensurethatitundertakesaMulti-disciplinaryReviewinrespectofeachAcademyPlayer:42.1.every12weeks(ifheisinoneoftheUnder9toUnder11agegroups);42.2.everysixweeks(ifheisinoneoftheUnder12toUnder18agegroups);and42.3.withsuchfrequencyasisnecessaryaccordingtohisdevelopmentalneeds(ifheisoneoftheUnder19toUnder21agegroups).PerformanceClock41.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallmaintainaPerformanceClockforeachofitsAcademyPlayersandensurethatitismadeavailableto:41.1.theAcademyPlayer;41.2.hisParent(andwithoutprejudicetothegeneralityoftheforegoingtheClubshallprovidetotheAcademyPlayerandhisParentacopyofhisPerformanceClockifheceasestoberegisteredwiththeClub);41.3.theLeague;and41.4.theISO.
PerformanceManagement,PlayerDevelopmentandProgressionGuidanceItisrecommendedthatoneofthemeetingsreferredtoinRule47isheldataroundthemid-seasonpointandtheotherattheendoftheseason.TheannualwrittenreportreferredtoinRule49shouldformthebasisoftheendofseasonmeeting.RegularreviewsofallaspectsofanAcademyPlayer’sdevelopmentareakeypartoftheElitePlayerPerformancePlan.EachperiodicMulti-disciplinaryReviewwillhaveinputfromeachdisciplinewithintheAcademy(coaching,educationandwelfare,andsportsscienceandmedicine).Thefollowingbestpracticerecommendationsaremade,whichsupplementtheaboveminimumrequirements.382YouthDevelopmentRules43.EachMulti-disciplinaryReviewshallassesstheperformanceanddevelopmentoftheAcademyPlayeragainsthisperformancetargetssetatpreviousMulti-disciplinaryReviews.AttheendofeachMulti-disciplinaryReviewtheClubshallupdatetheAcademyPlayer’sIndividualLearningPlantotakeaccountofconclusionsreachedattheMulti-disciplinaryReview.44.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallensurethatitconductsameetingwitheachofitsAcademyPlayers:44.1.atleastevery12weeks(ifheisinoneoftheUnder9toUnder11agegroups);44.2.atleasteverysixweeks(ifheisinoneoftheUnder12toUnder18agegroups);and44.3.withsuchfrequencyasisnecessaryaccordingtohisdevelopmentneeds(ifheisoneoftheUnder19toUnder21agegroups).45.AtthemeetingsreferredtoinRule44,theClubshall:45.1.discusswiththeAcademyPlayerhisIndividualLearningPlan;and45.2.takeallappropriateaction(forexamplebywayofamendinghisIndividualLearningPlantosetmutuallyagreedperformancetargetsand/orsuchindividualcoaching,athleticdevelopmentoreducationalsupportasmaybenecessary).46.EachMulti-disciplinaryReviewshallberecordedontheAcademyPlayer’sPerformanceClock.47.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallmeetwiththeParentofeachAcademyPlayerundertheageof18atleasttwiceayearandprovidetoanddiscusswiththeParentadetailedreviewofallaspectsoftheAcademyPlayer’sperformanceanddevelopmentbasedonhismostrecentMulti-disciplinaryReviews.48.AwrittenrecordofthediscussionreferredtoinRule47shallbegiventotheParentandnotedontheAcademyPlayer’sPerformanceClock.49.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshall,between1Mayand30Juneineachyear,providetotheParentofeachAcademyPlayerundertheageof18anannualwrittenreportonallaspectsoftheAcademyPlayer’sperformanceanddevelopmentovertheprecedingseason.50.EachClubshallpermitarepresentativeoftheLeaguetoattendMulti-disciplinaryReviewsifsorequestedbytheLeague.
PerformanceManagement,PlayerDevelopmentandProgression1.Multi-disciplinaryReviewsshouldnotonlymeasuretheAcademyPlayer’sprogressionagainsthisownperformancetargets,butalsobenchmarkhisdevelopmentagainstthatofhispeers.TheprocedureforundertakingMulti-disciplinaryReviewswithAcademyPlayersshouldfollowastandardprotocol.ThemeetingshouldinvolvetheheadcoachfortheAcademyPlayer’sDevelopmentPhaseandtheHeadofEducation(particularlyiftheClubisprovidingeducationtotheAcademyPlayer),plusanyotherrelevantAcademyStaff(e.g.sportsscientists)asrequired.SimilarprotocolsmaybeadoptedforthemeetingswithParents.Thus,itisrecommendedthatthemeetingisattendedbytheheadcoachfortheAcademyPlayer’sDevelopmentPhase,theHeadofEducationandanyotherrelevantAcademyStaff.2.3.383
YouthDevelopmentRulesStaffGuidanceThefunctionscoveredbythemandatorypostsmustbedeliveredbyallClubsoperatinganAcademy.However,theLeagueacknowledgesthatClubsshouldhaveflexibilityintheorganisationoftheirstaffingstructureprovidedthatthestructurethatisadopteddeliversthesameoutputsandresultsasifthemandatorypostswerefilled.TheexceptionstothisarethepostofAcademyManagerandthecoachessetoutinRules70and71:aClubmustemployaFullTimeAcademyManagerinaccordancewithRules59to65andcoachesinaccordancewithRules70and71.38553.TheClubshalldocumentitsstaffingstructureinanorganisationalchartwhichshall:53.1.showthereportinglinesofeachmemberofAcademyStaff;and53.2.bemadeavailabletoAcademyStaff,theLeagueandtheISO.54.TherelationshipbetweenaClubandeachmemberofitsAcademyStaffshallbeappropriatelydocumentedbywayof:54.1.anemploymentcontract;54.2.astatementoftermsofemploymentpursuanttoSection1oftheEmploymentRightsAct1996;or54.3.inthecaseofanon-employee,acontractforservices.55.EachmemberofAcademyStaffshallbegiven:55.1.awrittenjobdescription(whichmaybecontainedinthedocumentreferredtoinRule54);and55.2.anannualperformanceappraisal.General51.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallestablishastaffingstructureforitsAcademywhichshall:51.1.subjecttoRule52,includethemandatorypostsrequiredbythissectionoftheRulesfortheCategoryapplicabletoitsAcademy;and51.2.haveregardtotheguidelinesandbestpracticesetoutintheElitePlayerPerformancePlan.52.SavefortheAcademyManagerandthecoachesdescribedinRules70and71,aClubneednotemploythoseAcademyStaffwhoseemploymentismandatoryfortheCategoryofitsAcademypursuanttotheseRulesprovidedthattheClubisabletodemonstratetothereasonablesatisfactionoftheLeague,theISOorthePGB(whicheverbodyisappropriate),thatitsstaffingstructureincludesthesameexpertiseandachievesthesameresultsasifallthemandatorypostsrequiredbythissectionoftheRuleswerefilled.
StaffGuidanceItisenvisagedthatCPDwillbedeliveredpartlybyClubsandpartlyexternally(e.g.byTheFootballAssociation).GuidanceThisSectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.IfaClubdoesnotemployoneoftheOfficialsdescribedinRule57.2,ClubsshouldconsiderincludingrepresentationfromtherelevantfunctionalareaontheAcademyManagementTeam.386YouthDevelopmentRulesAcademyManager59.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallemployaFullTimeAcademyManager.60.TheAcademyManager’sappointmentshallbeapprovedbytheClubBoard.61.TheAcademyManagershallreporttotheChiefExecutiveortosuchothersenioradministrativeOfficialoftheClubastheClubBoardshallapprove.AcademyManagementTeam57.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallestablishanAcademyManagementTeamwhichshall:57.1.beledbytheAcademyManager;and57.2.inadditiontotheAcademyManager,consistofsuchotherOfficialsastheClubBoarddeemsnecessaryinorderfortheAcademyManagementTeamtoproperlyperformthefunctionswithwhichitistaskedbytheseRulesandotherwise,andwhichmayaccordinglyincludetheHeadofEducation,theHeadofSportsScienceandMedicine,theHeadofRecruitment,theHeadofAcademyCoachingandtheAcademySecretary.58.TheAcademyManagementTeamshallassisttheAcademyManagerinrunningtheoperationsoftheAcademyinaccordancewiththeClub’sAcademyPerformancePlan.56.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshall:56.1.provideContinuedProfessionalDevelopmenttomembersofAcademyStaffwhererequiredtodosopursuanttotheseRules;and56.2.takeallreasonablestepstoensurethateachmemberofAcademyStaffwhoisrequiredbytheseRulestoundertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentdoesso.
StaffGuidanceItisacknowledgedthatsomeAcademyManagersmayalsohaveimportantrolesascoachesandthattheaboveresponsibilitiesmaylimitthetimetheyhaveforcoaching.Asaconsequence,theAcademyManagerwillbeentitledtodelegatesomeofhisfunctionstootherstaffattheAcademytoenablehimtocontinuetoundertakecoaching.Inparticular,iftheAcademyManageralsohascoachingresponsibilities,ClubsmaywishtogiveconsiderationtoappointinganOperationsManager,beingasenioradministratorwhowillhaveday-to-dayresponsibilityformanyoftheexecutiveandoperationalissuesoftheAcademy.However,itshouldbeborneinmindthattheAcademyManagerwillremainultimatelyresponsibleforalloftheabovemattersregardlessofanydelegation.38763.SubjecttoRule64,eachAcademyManagermusthold:63.1.anuptodateUEFAALicence;63.2.anFAYouthAward;and63.3.anFAAdvancedYouthAward.62.TheresponsibilitiesoftheAcademyManagershallinclude(unlessotherwiseapprovedbytheBoard):62.1.guidingthedevelopmentoftheClub’sPlayingPhilosophy,CoachingPhilosophyandCoachingCurriculum;62.2.drawinguptheAcademyPerformancePlanassetoutin,andsubjecttotheprovisionsof,Rule30;62.3.implementingtheAcademyPerformancePlan;62.4.advisingtheClubBoardon:62.4.1.whethertheAcademyhasmettheperformancetargetssetoutintheAcademyPerformancePlan;and62.4.2.theactiontobetakenbytheClubiftheAcademyhasnotmetthoseperformancetargets;62.5.ensuringtheeffectiveusebyallappropriateAcademyStaffofthePerformanceManagementApplication,PerformanceClocks,andtheAuditTool,includingensuringthatallrelevantdataisrecordedthereon;62.6.thedesign,implementationandmanagementoftheAcademy’sCoachingCurriculum;62.7.conductinganannualself-assessmentoftheAcademyinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofRule37;62.8.providingallnecessaryassistancetotheLeagueinconnectionwithitson-goingmonitoringandannualevaluationsoftheAcademyandtotheISOinconnectionwiththeISOAudits;
62.9.ensuringthatallAcademyStaffundertaketheContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentrequiredofthembythissectionoftheRules;62.10.beingthelinemanageroftheHeadofEducation,HeadofCoachingandHeadofRecruitment;and62.11.liaisingwiththeClub’sManagerasappropriate.
StaffGuidanceAnAcademyManagers’developmentprogrammewillbedevelopedinconjunctionwithClubs.Rule63.3willbecompliedwithregardlessofwhichoftheage-specificspecialistelementoftheAwardtheAcademyManagerholds,solongasheholdsone.GuidanceConsiderationisbeinggiventoaspecificcourse/qualificationforAcademyManagerswhodonotholdtherequiredcoachingqualifications.ThismaybecomemandatoryforsuchAcademyManagers.FurtherguidancewillbegiventoClubsinduecourse.GuidanceThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.388YouthDevelopmentRules65.TheAcademyManagermustundertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentorganisedbytheClub.Inaddition,wheretheAcademyManagerholdsaqualificationsetoutinRule63,hemustattendsuchtrainingprovidedbyTheFAasisnecessarytomaintainthevalidityofthatqualificationandatleastfivehoursofin-servicetrainingtobeprovidedbytheLeagueeveryyearandholdacurrentBasicFirstAidforSportQualificationoranequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoard.AcademySecretary66.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallappointanAcademySecretarywhoshallbeemployedFullTime(inthecaseofaClubwhichoperatesaCategory1orCategory2Academy),andatleastPartTime(inthecaseofaClubwhichoperatesaCategory3orCategory4Academy).67.TheAcademySecretaryshall:67.1.provideadministrativesupporttotheAcademyManagerandtheAcademyManagementTeam;67.2.actasthepointofcontactbetweentheAcademyandtheLeagueforalladministrativematters,includingthesubmissionofrequiredinformation;and67.3.befamiliarwithallrelevantprovisionsoftheseYouthDevelopmentRules,asamendedfromtimetotime.64.AClubmayappointasAcademyManageraPersonwhodoesnotholdthequalificationssetoutinRule63providedthattheHeadofAcademyCoaching:64.1.holdsthesequalifications;64.2.istaskedwithoverseeingtheCoachingCurriculum;and64.3.isamemberoftheAcademyManagementTeamandsitsontheTechnicalBoard.
StaffGuidanceItisrecommended(andmandatoryinthecircumstancessetoutinRule64)thattheHeadofAcademyCoachingwillbeaseniorappointmentintheAcademyandamemberoftheAcademyManagementTeamandsitontheTechnicalBoard.ThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.389HeadofAcademyCoaching68.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallemployaHeadofAcademyCoachingwhoshall:68.1.reporttotheAcademyManager;68.2.subjecttoRule62.6,haveresponsibilityfordeliveryoftheAcademy’sCoachingCurriculum;68.3.beresponsiblefordesigninganddeliveringtheClub’sContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentprogramme,whichshallreflecttheClub’sPlayingPhilosophyandCoachingPhilosophyandeachcoach’sCoachCompetencyFrameworkforalltheClub’sAcademycoaches;68.4.dischargetheresponsibilitieswithregardtoDevelopmentActionPlanssetoutatRules84to86;68.5.holdatleastanuptodateUEFAALicence,anFAYouthAward,andanFAAdvancedYouthAward;68.6.holdacurrentBasicFirstAidforSportQualificationoranequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoard;68.7.haverecentandrelevantexperienceofcoachingAcademyPlayersinanAcademy(orofacomparableenvironment);68.8.beemployedFullTime(inthecaseofaHeadofAcademyCoachingemployedinaCategory1orCategory2Academy)oratleastPartTime(inthecaseofaCategory3orCategory4Academy);68.9.attendatleastfivehoursofin-servicetrainingtobeprovidedbytheLeagueeachyear;68.10.attendsuchtrainingtobeprovidedbyTheFAasisnecessarytomaintainthevalidityofthequalificationssetoutinRule68.5;and68.11.inconjunctionwitheachoftheClub’scoaches,plan,deliverandmonitorthedeliveryofindividualdevelopmentplansforeachsuchcoach.69.Inadditiontothein-servicetrainingreferredtoinRule68.9,theHeadofAcademyCoachingmustundertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentorganisedbytheClub.
StaffGuidanceForthoseClubswhichoperateaCategory3orCategory4Academy,theAcademyManagerandHeadofAcademyCoachingmaycounttowardstheminimumnumbersrequiredunderRule70.FurtherconsiderationwillbegiventothisinduecourseasitishoweverbestpracticethattheyarenotincludedinthecountofcoachesunderRule70.390YouthDevelopmentRules71.InadditiontothecoachessetoutinRule70eachClubshallemploysufficientadditionalcoachingstaff(FullTimeorPartTime)toensurethatthecoachtoAcademyPlayersratiossetoutinRule119aremaintained.72.EachClubshallappointoneFullTimecoachineachDevelopmentPhasewhoshallbetheleadcoachforthatphaseandberesponsibleformanagingthedeliveryofcoachingwithinit,andwhoshallholdatleastanuptodateUEFAALicence.GoalkeepingCoaches73.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallemploy,eitheronaFullTimeorPartTimebasis,suchgoalkeepingcoachesasarenecessarytoensurethateachAcademyPlayerwhoisagoalkeeperreceivestherequiredhoursofcoachingsetoutinRule116.74.Eachgoalkeepingcoachmust:74.1.attendatleastfivehoursofin-servicetrainingtobeprovidedbyTheFootballAssociationeachyear;74.2.attendthefirstaidtrainingforAcademycoachesprovidedbyTheFootballAssociationatleastonceeverythreeyears;and74.3.undertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentorganisedbytheClub.Coaches70.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallemployasaminimumthenumberofFullTimecoachesforeachDevelopmentPhaseinaccordancewiththeCategoryofitsAcademyassetoutinthefollowingtable:FoundationPhaseYouthDevelopmentPhaseProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseCategory1222Category2122Category3112Category4N/AN/A2
StaffGuidanceThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.GuidanceThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.391SeniorProfessionalDevelopmentCoach76.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory1orCategory2Academyshall(andaClubwhichoperatesaCategory3orCategory4Academymay)appointaSeniorProfessionalDevelopmentCoachwhoshall:76.1.reporttotheAcademyManager;76.2.liaisewiththeManager;76.3.holdaUEFAALicenceandtheFAAdvancedYouthAwardwiththeagespecificspecialistelementrelevanttotheProfessionalDevelopmentPhase;76.4.overseeonaday-to-daybasistheCoachingCurriculumfortheUnder19toUnder21agegroups;76.5.managethetransitionofAcademyPlayerstotheClub’sseniorsquadinaccordancewiththeClub’sprocedureforthesamedescribedinRule78;76.6.contributetotheMulti-disciplinaryReviewsofallAcademyPlayersintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhase;and76.7.managetheClub’steamwhichcompetesintheProfessionalDevelopmentLeague.77.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory3orCategory4AcademythatdoesnotappointaSeniorProfessionalDevelopmentCoachinaccordancewithRule76shallassignamemberofthecoachingstaffresponsibleforthecoachingoftheClub’sprofessionalplayerstoactasaliaisoncoachwhoshall:77.1.liaisewiththeAcademyManager;77.2.liaisewiththeManager;and77.3.managethetransitionofAcademyPlayerstotheClub’sseniorsquadinaccordancewiththeClub’sprocedureforthesamedescribedinRule78.78.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshalldevelop,implementandprovideevidenceofaproceduretoenablethetransitionofAcademyPlayerstoitsseniorsquad.75.EachgoalkeepingcoachmustholdanuptodateUEFABLicenceandanFAGoalkeepingCoachingBLicence.
StaffGuidanceTheseRulesrequirethefollowingAcademyStafftoholdanuptodateUEFAALicence:••HeadofAcademyCoaching(Rule68.5);SeniorProfessionalDevelopmentCoach(Rule76.3).GuidanceTheLeague,TheFootballLeagueandTheFAwillestablishandmaintainanationaldatabaseofqualificationsofcoaches,andthein-servicetrainingtheyhaveundertaken.392YouthDevelopmentRules83.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallprepareaCoachCompetencyFramework,whichmustbeapprovedbyitsTechnicalBoard.84.EachClubshallensurethattheHeadofAcademyCoachingprovidestoeachofitsAcademycoaches(includinggoalkeepingcoachesandtheSeniorProfessionalDevelopmentCoach)aDevelopmentActionPlan,thatistosaytheHeadofAcademyCoachingshallundertakeanassessmentofthecompetenciesofeachAcademycoachanddiscussthiswithhim,andagreewithhimthecompetenciesandbehaviourswhichheneedstodevelop,andtheactivitieswhichhewillundertakeinordertodevelopthem,andthetimeframewithinwhichhewillundertakethem,andrecordthesameinwritingandgiveacopytothecoach.85.TheClubmustrecordevidencethattheactionsreferredtointheDevelopmentActionPlanhavebeenundertaken,andreviewthoseactionswithinanappropriateperiodwiththecoach,andamendtheDevelopmentActionPlanifnecessary.86.TheClubshallensurethattheHeadofAcademyCoachingreviews,andifnecessaryamends,eachcoach’sDevelopmentActionPlanwithsuchfrequencyasisnecessary.81.Eachcoach(includinggoalkeepingcoaches)mustattendatleastfivehoursofin-servicetrainingtobeprovidedbytheFootballAssociationorLeagueeachyearandholdacurrentBasicFirstAidforSportQualificationoranequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoard.82.Inadditiontothein-servicetrainingreferredtoinRule81,eachcoachmustundertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentorganisedbytheClub.Coaches:QualificationsandProfessionalDevelopment79.SubjecttoRule80,eachcoach(excludinggoalkeepingcoachestowhomRule74applies)mustfromthecommencementofandthroughouttheiremploymenthold:79.1.anuptodateUEFABLicence(savewheretheseRulesrequireacoachtoholdanuptodateUEFAALicence);79.2.anFAYouthAward;and79.3.anuptodateFAAdvancedYouthAwardwiththeage-specificspecialistelementrelevanttotheDevelopmentPhasewhichhecoaches.80.AcoachemployedbyaClubpriorto1July2015whodoesnotholdaqualificationrequiredbyRule79shallacquireitby30July2017.
StaffGuidanceAClubwhichoperatesaCategory3orCategory4AcademymaychoosetobuyinsupportforthisfunctiononaPartTimebasis.GuidanceUnderRule90.1.2,wheretheAcademyDoctorisnotheadofdepartmentthefurtherqualificationisstillnecessaryifthedoctorisprovidingindependentunsupervisedmanagementintheareaofSportandExerciseMedicine.39389.TheHeadofAcademySportsScienceandMedicineshallberesponsibleformanaginganddeliveringtheSportsScienceandMedicineProgrammeforallAcademyPlayersregisteredwiththeClub.90.TheHeadofAcademySportsScienceandMedicine:90.1.shallbeeither:90.1.1.aregisteredphysiotherapistmemberoftheHealthandCareProfessionsCouncil;90.1.2.aregisteredmedicalpractitionerlicensedtopractisebytheGeneralMedicalCouncil(andshallcomplywiththeGeneralMedicalCouncil’srequirementsconcerningannualappraisal,scopeofpractice,indemnityandrevalidationofdoctors)withadiplomainSportandExerciseMedicineorequivalentorhigherqualification;or90.1.3.theholderofatleastamaster’sdegreeinsportsscience(orotherrelevantdiscipline)fromarecogniseduniversityandhaveorbeworkingtowardsBritishAssociationofSportandExerciseSciencesaccreditation;and90.2.shallhaverecentandrelevantprofessionalexperienceinasportsperformanceenvironment.HeadofAcademySportsScienceandMedicine87.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory1andCategory2AcademyshallappointaFullTimeHeadofAcademySportsScienceandMedicinewhoshallreporttoeithertheAcademyManagerortheOfficialwhoisresponsibleforSportsScienceandMedicinefortheentireClub(andwhicheverhereportsto,heshallliaisecloselywiththeother).88.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory3orCategory4AcademyshalldemonstratetothereasonablesatisfactionoftheLeague,theISOorPGB(whicheverbodyisappropriate)thatitsSportsScienceandMedicineProgrammeforAcademyPlayersisappropriatelymanagedanddelivered.
StaffGuidanceItisenvisagedthatthePersonwhoisappointedtothisroleshallhavehadrecentrelevantexperience(whichwillbeassessedbytheLeagueand/ortheISO),includingmanagerialexperienceinasportsscienceenvironment.ThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.GuidanceForClubs’obligationsgenerallyregardingtheprovisionofsportsscienceandmedicine,seeRules214to225.394YouthDevelopmentRulesLeadSportsScientist94.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory1orCategory2AcademyshallappointaFullTimeLeadSportsScientistwhoshall:94.1.holdatleastabachelor’sdegreeinsportsscience(oranotherrelevantdiscipline)fromarecogniseduniversity;94.2.haverecentandrelevantprofessionalexperienceinasportsperformanceenvironment;94.3.co-ordinateandleadthesportsscienceservicesfortheAcademy;and94.4.holdacurrentBasicFirstAidforSportQualificationoranequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoard.95.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory3orCategory4AcademyshalldemonstratetothereasonablesatisfactionoftheLeague,theISOorthePGB(whicheverbodyisappropriate)thatitdeliverssufficientandappropriatesportsscienceservicestoitsAcademyPlayers.96.TheLeadSportsScientistmustundertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentorganisedbytheClub.91.TheHeadofAcademySportsScienceMedicineshallholdeither:91.1.ifheisaregisteredphysiotherapistmemberoftheHealthandCareProfessionsCounciloraregisteredmedicalpractitioner,acurrentFootballAssociationAdvancedResuscitationandEmergencyAidcertificateoranequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoard;or91.2.ifheisneitheroftheabove,acurrentIntermediateFirstAidforSportQualificationoranequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoard.92.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,iftheHeadofAcademySportsScienceandMedicineisnotaregisteredphysiotherapistmemberoftheHealthandCareProfessionsCounciloraregisteredmedicalpractitioner(assetoutinRule91.1and91.2respectively)thentheprimacyofdecisionsregardingtheclinicaltreatmentofAcademyPlayersshallrestwithaphysiotherapistorregisteredmedicalpractitioner.93.TheHeadofAcademySportsScienceandMedicinemustundertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentorganisedbytheClubortheLeague.
StaffItisenvisagedthatthePersonappointedtothisrolewillhaverecent,relevantexperience(whichwillbeassessedbytheLeagueand/ortheISO).AClubwhichoperatesaCategory3orCategory4Academymaychoosetobuyinsupportforthisfunctiononaparttimebasis.ThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.GuidanceItisrecommendedthatCategory2AcademiesemploytheLeadStrengthandConditioningCoachonaFullTimebasis,buttheLeagueacknowledgesthatthismaynotalwaysbepossible,therefore,theminimumroleisstatedtobePartTime.ThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.395SeniorAcademyPhysiotherapist99.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallappointaSeniorAcademyPhysiotherapistwhoshall:99.1.beFullTimeinthecaseofaCategory1,Category2orCategory3AcademyandatleastPartTimeinthecaseofaCategory4Academy;LeadStrengthandConditioningCoach97.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory1or2AcademyshallemployaLeadStrengthandConditioningCoachwhoshall:97.1.inthecaseofaCategory1Academy,beemployedFullTime,andinthecaseofaCategory2Academy,beemployedatleastPartTime;97.2.beresponsibleforprovidingtotheClub’sAcademyPlayersappropriatestrengthandconditioningtrainingandmonitoringaspartoftheSportsScienceandMedicineProgramme;97.3.holdatleastabachelor’sdegreeinsportsscience(oranotherrelevantdiscipline)fromarecogniseduniversityandhaveorbeworkingtowardsBritishAssociationofSportandExerciseSciencesaccreditation;97.4.holdacurrentBasicFirstAidforSportQualificationoranequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoard;and97.5.haveattendedthefollowingworkshopsrunbytheUKStrengthandConditioningAssociation(orequivalentworkshopsrunbyanyequivalentbody):97.5.1.FoundationWorkshopandCertification(Level1);97.5.2.WeightliftingWorkshop;97.5.3.Plyometric,AgilityandSpeedWorkshop;97.5.4.PlanningEffectiveProgrammesWorkshop;and97.5.5.reporttotheLeadSportsScientist.98.TheLeadStrengthandConditioningCoachmustundertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentorganisedbytheClub.
StaffGuidanceThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.GuidanceAllSportsTherapistsmusthaveadoctororparamedicregisteredwiththeHealthandCareProfessionsCouncilworkingalongsidethemonmatchdayintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhase.AtCategory3andCategory4theforegoingshallapplyunlessaSportsTherapistholdsacurrentIntermediateFirstAidfor396YouthDevelopmentRulesPhysiotherapistsandSportsTherapists100.InadditiontotheSeniorAcademyPhysiotherapistreferredtoatRule99,eachClubwhichoperatesaCategory1orCategory2AcademyshallemployatleastoneFullTimephysiotherapistwhoshallbearegisteredphysiotherapistmemberoftheHealthandCareProfessionsCounciland(wherehisdutiesincludeattendanceatmatches)holdacurrentFootballAssociationAdvancedResuscitationandEmergencyAidcertificate.101.AnySportsTherapistemployedbyaClubmustbesubjecttothemanagementandsupervisionofaregisteredphysiotherapistmemberoftheHealthandCareProfessionsCounciland(wherehisdutiesincludeattendanceatmatches)holdacurrentFootballAssociationAdvancedResuscitationandEmergencyAidcertificate.102.EachphysiotherapistandSportsTherapistemployedpursuanttoRules100and101mustundertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentorganisedbytheClubandeachsuchphysiotherapistshallholdacurrentIntermediateFirstAidforSportQualificationoranequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoard.99.2.bearegisteredphysiotherapistmemberoftheHealthandCareProfessionsCouncil(savethataClubwhichoperatesaCategory3or4AcademymaycontinuetoemployasitsSeniorAcademyPhysiotherapistanyPersonsoemployedatthetimeoftheseRulescomingintoforcewhodoesnotholdthequalificationsspecifiedinthisRuleprovidedthathehassuccessfullycompletedtheFootballAssociation’sDiplomaintheTreatmentandManagementofInjuriescourseoranequivalentorhigherqualification.AnyPersonappointedthereaftermustholdthequalificationsspecifiedbythisRule);99.3.haverecentandrelevantprofessionalexperienceinasportsperformanceenvironment;99.4.ifemployedbyaClubwhichoperatesaCategory1orCategory2AcademyholdacurrentFootballAssociationAdvancedResuscitationandEmergencyAidcertificateorifemployedbyaClubwhichoperatesaCategory3orCategory4AcademyholdacurrentIntermediateFirstAidforSportQualification(orineithercaseanequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoard);99.5.co-ordinateandleadthephysiotherapyservicewithintheAcademy;99.6.ensurethatRules224.1and225arecompliedwith;and99.7.undertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentorganisedbytheClub.
StaffSportQualification.Foryoungeragegroups,Rule225applies.SportsTherapistsarenotcurrentlyeligibletoberegisteredwiththeHealthandCareProfessionsCouncil.Itislikelythatthismaychangeintheyearortwoandthatifandwhenitdoes,anamendmenttotheRuleswillbeproposedtorequireallSportsTherapistsworkingwithinClubstobesoregistered.ThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.Guidance1.WhethertheAcademyDoctorshouldbeFullTimeorPartTimehasnotbeenspecified,itbeingrecognisedthattherolemaybefulfilledbyadoctorwhoalsohasresponsibilitiesfortheprofessionalsquad,orwhohasotherprofessionalresponsibilitiesoutsidetheClub.SeealsoRules224and225concerningthemedicalcoveratcoachingandmatches.TheLeaguewillgatherandsharebestpracticeinrelationtoEmergencyActionPlans.ThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.2.3.4.GuidanceForCategory2Academies,thePerformanceAnalystscouldbe,forexample,astudentundertakingaMastersdegreeinasportssciencerelatedfieldwhoisonaplacementaspartoftheirMasterscourse.397106.ThePerformanceAnalystsshallundertakePerformanceAnalysisofAcademyPlayersregisteredwiththeClub.107.ThePerformanceAnalystsmustundertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentorganisedbytheClub.PerformanceAnalysts104.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory1AcademyshallemployaminimumoftwoFullTimePerformanceAnalysts.105.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory2AcademyshallemployaminimumoftwoPerformanceAnalysts,oneonaFullTimebasis,andtheotheratleastPartTime.AcademyDoctor103.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallappointanAcademyDoctorwhoshall:103.1.bearegisteredmedicalpractitionerlicensedtopractisebytheGeneralMedicalCouncil(andshallcomplywiththeGeneralMedicalCouncil’srequirementsconcerningannualappraisal,scopeofpractice,indemnityandrevalidationofdoctors);103.2.beavailabletoassessand,ifappropriate,undertakethetreatmentofanyplayinginjuriessufferedbyan
AcademyPlayer;103.3.undertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopment;103.4.beavailableforconsultationattheAcademyonatleastoneoccasionperweek(inadditiontoanyattendanceatmatches);and103.5.beresponsibleforthepreparationofeachClub’sEmergencyActionPlan.
StaffGuidanceThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.GuidanceSeealso:1.Rule210whichrequireseachClubtonominateamemberofAcademyStafftoberesponsibleforthemanagementanddeliveryoftheClub’sprogrammetoeducateAcademyPlayersinLifestyleManagementSkills.Itisrecommended(althoughnotmandatory)thattheHeadofEducationandWelfareistaskedwiththis.Rule212pursuanttowhichtheHeadofEducationandWelfareorotherappropriateOfficialmustmanagetheClub’sexit/releasestrategy.2.ThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.398YouthDevelopmentRulesHeadofEducation108.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallappointaHeadofEducationwhoshall:108.1.reporttotheAcademyManager;108.2.haveresponsibilityfor:108.2.1.theorganisation,managementanddeliveryoftheClub’sEducationProgramme;108.2.2.theeducationalprogressionofallAcademyPlayersregisteredwiththeClub(subjecttothedutiesofanyeducationalestablishmentatwhichanAcademyPlayer’seducationistakingplace);108.2.3.ensuringthattheeducationofanAcademyPlayerengagedontheHybridorFullTimeTrainingModelisnotprejudicedasaresultofhisbeingsoengaged;and108.2.4.ensuringalldocumentsandrecordsrelatingtotheeducationofAcademyPlayersrequiredbytheseRulesareinplaceandup-to-date,108.3.undertakebenchmarkingoftheeducationalprogressionofeachyeargroupofAcademyPlayersengagedontheHybridandFullTimeTrainingModelsagainstnationaldata,andmaketheresultofthatbenchmarkingavailabletotheLeague;108.4.ensurethattheAcademy’seducationalprovisionreflectsthestrategyandperformancetargetssetoutintheClub’sAcademyPerformancePlan;108.5.holdQualifiedTeacherStatusandhaverelevantexperience(inthecaseofCategory1and2Academies)or,asaminimum,possessateachingqualificationorfurthereducationteachingqualification(inthecaseofCategory3andCategory4Academies);108.6.beFullTime(inthecaseofCategory1andCategory2Academies);and108.7.undertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentorganisedbytheClub.
StaffGuidance1.IdeallyaClub’sstrategyfortalentidentificationandrecruitmentshouldflowfromitsVisionStatementandPlayingPhilosophyandbefullyintegratedintoitsAcademyPerformancePlanandthemulti-disciplinaryapproachtoyouthdevelopmentenvisagedbytheElitePlayerPerformancePlan.Clubsmaywishtodocumentarecruitmentstrategywhichsetsout:•theprofileoftheplayersitseekstorecruitineachagegroup,havingregardtothedesiredtechnical,tactical,maturation,socialandpsychologicalcharacteristicsrequiredateachage;itstargetgroups(e.g.localvnationalrecruitment,playersattendingDevelopmentCentresorlocalschools/boys’clubsetc);synchronisationbetweencoachesandrecruiterstoensurethat,forexample,assessmentproceduresmatchthosebywhichtheAcademy’sexistingAcademyPlayersareassessed,andthatnewrecruitstransiteasilyintotheAcademyenvironment;astrategyforlatedevelopers(includingtheAcademy’sownAcademyPlayerswhosematurationratesareslowbutwhoeventuallycatchupwiththeirpeers);andensuringaccuratescoutingrecordsaremaintained.••••Clubsmaythenwishtodevelopanactivityplantoimplementtherecruitmentstrategy.WithregardtoRule109.4above,itisenvisagedthatanewqualificationforScoutswillbedevelopedinduecourse.ThissectionoftheRulesshouldbereadsubjecttoRule52.2.3.399HeadofRecruitment109.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallemployaHeadofRecruitmentwhoshall:109.1.reporttotheAcademyManager;109.2.haveresponsibilityfortheorganisation,managementanddeliveryoftheClub’spoliciesandproceduresfortherecruitmentofAcademyPlayers;109.3.haveresponsibilityfortherecruitmentandtrainingoftheClub’sScouts(includingtakingallreasonablestepstoensurethattheycomplywiththerequirementsregardingqualifications,registrationandContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentsetoutatRule226);109.4.beinpossessionofsuchqualificationastheLeaguemayrequirefromtimetotime;109.5.undertakeatleastfivehoursofin-servicetrainingeachyear;109.6.undertakeContinuedProfessionalDevelopmentorganisedbytheClub;and109.7.beFullTimeinthecaseofCategory1andCategory2Academies,andatleastPartTimeinthecaseofCategory3and4Academies.
StaffGuidanceClubs’attentionisalsodrawntoSectionSofthePremierLeagueRules:Safeguarding.ClubsmustensurethattheseRulesarecompliedwithinrespectofanyinterntowhomtheyareapplicable.Clubsmustalsoensurethattheycomplywithallapplicablelegislation,includingthatconcerningthenationalminimumwage.400YouthDevelopmentRulesInterns110.TheHeadofAcademySportsScienceandMedicinemustensurethattheClubrecordsand,ifrequested,makesavailabletotheLeague,thefollowingdetailsofeveryinternworkingwithintheAcademy:110.1.name,dateofbirthandcontactdetails(phonenumber,addressandemailaddress);110.2.qualifications(bothacademicandsportingsuchascoachingqualifications);110.3.detailsoftheintern’scurrentcourse,includingtheinstitutionatwhichheisenrolled,thenameofthecourse,andthenameandcontactdetailsofhistutor;and110.4.thecontactdetailsofamemberofAcademyStaffwhoisresponsibleforsupervisingtheinternwhilstheisattheAcademy.
YouthDevelopmentRulesCoachingGuidanceReferenceismadeintheRuletosections6.6to6.8oftheElitePlayerPerformancePlan,whichsetoutfurtherdetailabouttheCoachingCurriculumineachDevelopmentPhase.ItisrecommendedthattheCoachingCurriculumgivesparticularconsiderationtodesiredoutcomesandthecoachingstrategiesneededtoachievethemateachDevelopmentPhase.SeealsoRule62.6(roleofAcademyManagerintheCoachingCurriculum)andRule68.2(roleoftheHeadofAcademyCoaching).401CoachingHours114.ThecoachingofagegroupsUnder15andolderinCategory1andCategory2Academiesshalltakeplaceover46weeksofeachyear,suchweekstobedeterminedbyreferencetotheGamesProgrammeSchedule(includingthetwoperiodssetoutthereinduringwhichnomatchesintheFoundationPhaseandYouthDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgrammesshalltakeplace).115.AllothercoachinginAcademiesshalltakeplaceover40weeksofeachyear.CoachingCurriculum111.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallprepare(andmakeavailabletotheLeagueandtotheISOonrequest)aCoachingCurriculumwhichshallhaveregardto:111.1.theClub’sVisionStatement,CoachingPhilosophyandPlayingPhilosophy;111.2.theClub’sAcademyPerformancePlan;111.3.sections6.6–6.8oftheElitePlayerPerformancePlan(saveasregardsthereferencetominimumhoursofcoaching,astowhichseeRule116);and111.4.theseRules.112.TheClub’sCoachingCurriculumshallbedrawnupbytheAcademyManager(or,inthecircumstancessetoutinRule64,theHeadofAcademyCoaching)whoshallconsultwithallappropriateClubOfficials(whichmayincludetheManager,theChiefExecutive,coachingstaff,theAcademyManagementTeamandtheTechnicalDirectoriftheClubhasappointedone).113.TheClub’sTechnicalBoardshallapprovetheClub’sCoachingCurriculum.
Coaching402YouthDevelopmentRules116.SaveasotherwisepermittedbythePGB,theminimumhoursofcoachingtobedeliveredbyAcademieseachweektoeachAcademyPlayer(subjecttohisfitness)andthepermittedTrainingModelperCategoryandperDevelopmentPhaseareasfollows:FoundationPhaseYouthDevelopmentPhaseProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseCategory1Coachinghoursperweek4risingto8forolderAcademyPlayers10risingto12forolderAcademyPlayers14reducingto12forAcademyPlayerswhohavecommitmentstotheprofessionalsquadduringtheProfessionalDevelopmentPhasePermittedTrainingModelPartTime,HybridPartTime,Hybrid,FullTimeFullTimeCategory2Coachinghoursperweek3risingto5forolderAcademyPlayers6risingto12forolderAcademyPlayers14reducingto12forAcademyPlayerswhohavecommitmentstotheprofessionalsquadduringtheProfessionalDevelopmentPhasePermittedTrainingModelPartTimePartTime,HybridFullTimeCategory3Coachinghoursperweek34risingto6forolderAcademyPlayers(SeeGuidancebelow)12PermittedTrainingModelPartTimePartTimeFullTimeCategory4CoachinghoursperweekN/AN/A14reducingto12forAcademyPlayerswhohavecommitmentstotheprofessionalsquadduringtheProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgrammesPermittedTrainingModelN/AN/AFullTime
CoachingGuidance1.TheabovehoursofcoachingaretheminimumtheRulesrequireperweek,subjecttotheAcademyPlayer’sfitness.Itisacknowledged,however,thatAcademiescanalterthesehoursastheyseefit,providedthattheabovestatedhoursareachievedonaverageovereachsixor12weekMulti-disciplinaryReviewperiod(asrelevant).Asregards“subjecttofitness”,thisincludesnotonlywhereanAcademyPlayerisrecuperatingfrominjury,butalsowhereintheopinionofthecoachingstaffand/orthemedicalandsportssciencestaff,hiscoachinghoursneedtobereducedforhimtoreceiveadequaterestandrecoveryand/oravoidoveruseinjuries.Coachingintheabovetablesreferstoon-the-pitchcoaching(andfortheavoidanceofdoubtexcludestimeinmatches).ItisexpectedthatClubswillneedtospendadditionaltimeinotherenvironmentsoffthepitchinordertoworkwithAcademyPlayerstoassistthemindevelopingthekeytechnical,tactical,physicalandpsychologicalandsocialskills.WhereanAcademyfallsshortofprovidingitsAcademyPlayerswiththeabovehoursofcoaching,theAcademywillneedtodemonstratethatdespitethis,itsAcademyPlayersarebeingprovidedwithaproperCoachingCurriculum.ThiscanbedemonstratedbytheprogressionoftheAcademyPlayerateachstageofthedevelopmentprocess.ForCategory3ClubsintheYouthDevelopmentPhase,thehoursstatedaboveshouldbeappliedasfollows:2.U12andU13:U14:U15andU16:4hours5hours6hours3.AClubmaybepermittedtooperateaTrainingModelinaparticularDevelopmentPhaseotherthanassetoutinthetableinRule116.ThiswouldneedtobeapprovedinadvancebythePGB(whomaytakeadvicefromtheEducationAdvisoryGroup).403117.ThemaximumtimeinwhichAcademyPlayersintheFoundationPhasecanbeengagedinasinglecoachingsessionis90minutesandtherewillbeappropriaterestperiodsbetweeneachsuchsession.118.EachClubshallensurethat:118.1.eachAcademyPlayerhasaccesstoanindividualcoachingplantailoredtohisspecificneeds;118.2.eachAcademyPlayerismadeawareofhisindividualcoachingplan(andanychangesthereto)assoonasreasonablypracticableinadvanceofhisbeingcoachedinaccordancewithit;and118.3.allcoachingisrecordedontheAcademyPlayer’sPerformanceClock.119.EachClubshallensurethatacoachtoAcademyPlayersandTrialistsratioof1:10ismaintainedforallcoachingsessions(savethattheratioforCategory1AcademiesusingtheFullTimeTrainingModelshallbe1:8).120.EachClubshallensurethateachAcademyPlayerinagegroupsUnder9andolderparticipatesatleastonceayearinaFestival(orothercoachingeventsuchasaTrainingCamporaTournament)whichlastsforatleasttwodays.
CoachingGuidanceTheaboveRulesarebasedontheexistingprovisionsconcerningDevelopmentCentres.ItisproposedthatfurtherconsultationisundertakenwithClubstoexploreandredefinethefutureroleofDevelopmentCentres.404YouthDevelopmentRules121.EachClubshallensurethateachofitscoachesplanseachcoachingsessionbysettingoutthelearningobjectiveswhichthesessionisdesignedtoachieveandthecoachingwhichwillbegiveninordertoachievethem.DevelopmentCentres122.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory1,Category2orCategory3AcademymayoperateoneormoreDevelopmentCentres,tobelocatedwithinonehour’stravellingtimeofthelocationofitsprincipalvenuefortheprovisionofcoachingandeducationtoAcademyPlayers.123.AChildbeingcoachedataClub’sDevelopmentCentre:123.1.maynotberegisteredforthatClub;123.2.maynotplayinmatchesforthatClubunlessregisteredasaTrialist;and123.3.willbefreetoplayforotherteams.124.ClubswhichoperateDevelopmentCentresshallkeepanattendancerecordofalltheChildrenwhoparticipateincoachingsessionsthereat.125.EachDevelopmentCentreoperatedbyaClubmaybeinspectedfromtimetotimebytheLeagueandbytheISO.126.WithoutprejudicetothegeneralityofRule125,theinspectionreferredtointhatRulemayinclude:126.1.inspectionofthefacilitiesprovided;and126.2.assessmentofwhetherthecoachingprovidedattheDevelopmentCentreisinaccordancewiththeClub’scoachingsyllabus.127.NoClubshallcauseorpermitaChildwhoseregistrationisheldbyanotherClub(orclub)orwithwhomanotherClub(orclub)hasenteredintoapre-registrationagreementwhichremainscurrenttoattenditsDevelopmentCentre.128.NoClubshallcauseorpermitateamrepresentingitsDevelopmentCentretoplayfootballagainstateamrepresentinganotherClub(oraFootballLeagueclub).
YouthDevelopmentRulesGamesProgrammeGuidanceWithregardtoRule132.1,thematcheswhicharetoberecordedonanAcademyPlayer’sPerformanceClockincludeallAuthorisedGamesinwhichheplays.ThePerformanceClockmaybeusedtorecordotherplayinginformationabouttheAcademyPlayer,e.g.substitutions,cautions,positionplayedin.ItformspartofthePerformanceManagementApplication.405133.InallmatchesthatformpartoftheGamesProgramme,eachClubisrequiredtoensurethatallparticipatingAcademyPlayerswearashirtbearingaclearlyvisiblenumberontheback,whichcorrespondstothenumberallocatedtotherelevantAcademyPlayeronanyteamsheetsubmittedinaccordancewiththeseRulesorotherwise.PerformanceAnalysis134.EachCluboperatingaCategory1orCategory2Academyshall:134.1.havesuchtechnicalfacilitiesasarenecessarytoundertakethePerformanceAnalysisrequiredofitbyRule134.2;134.2.undertakePerformanceAnalysis(including,inthecaseofaClubwhichoperatesaCategory1Academy,byundertakingGPSevaluationintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseandintheYouthDevelopmentPhaseiftheFullTimeTrainingModelisutilised)oftrainingactivityandmatchesintheYouthDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgramme,theProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgrammeandtheProfessionalDevelopmentLeague;134.3.usetheresultsofsuchPerformanceAnalysisinitsmonitoringofthecoachinganddevelopmentofAcademyPlayersintheYouthDevelopmentPhaseandtheProfessionalDevelopmentPhase;and134.4.makeavailabletotheLeaguesuchPerformanceAnalysisdataasitreasonablyshallrequiretoundertakethebenchmarkingofdataforthatAcademyagainstnationaltrends.General129.SaveaspermittedbytheBoard,ClubsshallnotaffiliatetoanyotheryouthleaguesorenteranycupcompetitionsexceptTheFootballAssociationYouthChallengeCup.130.AnAcademyPlayerwhoseregistrationisheldbyaClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallplayfootballonlyinaGamesProgrammeorinAuthorisedGamesandincoachingandtraininggames(participationinwhichislimitedtoregisteredAcademyPlayersandTrialists)organisedbyandplayedatanAcademy.131.AClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallnotrequire,causeorallowanAcademyPlayerwhoseregistrationitholdstoplayfootballexceptaspermittedbyRule130.132.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallrecordineachAcademyPlayer’sPerformanceClock:132.1.eachmatchinwhichhehasplayed;and132.2.hisplayingtimeineachmatch.
GamesProgrammeGuidanceTheLeaguewillproducefurtherdetailoftheproposednationalprogrammeofPerformanceAnalysisfortheolderAcademyagegroups.TheproposalsinthisregardwillbepresentedtoClubsinduecourse.IfClubsapprovetheseproposals,then(subjecttoClubapproval)arequirementwillbeinsertedintheRulesforClubstocontributeinformationtothisnationalprogramme.406YouthDevelopmentRulesFoundationPhaseGamesProgramme137.TheLeaguewillorganiseagamesprogrammeforteamsineachoftheUnder9toUnder11agegroupsofClubsoperatingCategory1and2Academies(andfortheavoidanceofdoubtteamsfrombothCategoriesshallparticipatetogetherinthisgamesprogramme).138.TheFootballLeaguewillorganiseaGamesProgrammeforteamsineachoftheUnder9toUnder11agegroupsofClubsoperatingCategory3Academies.139.TheGamesProgrammesreferredtoinRules137and138shallconsistofmatcheswhich:139.1.shallbecompetitivebutwhoseresults(exceptinthecaseofTournaments)shallnotgiveanyparticularcompetitivesignificancebetweenAcademies(forexample,noleaguetableorthelikeshallbeproduced);139.2.subjecttoRule139.3shallbeorganisedonalocalbasissothat,asfarasreasonablypossible,noteamhastotravelmorethanonehourtoanawaymatch(savethatlongertraveltimesmaybenecessaryinorderthateachClubcanparticipatemeaningfullyinthegamesprogramme);139.3.maybeplayedinFestivalsorganisedonalocal,regionalornationalbasisandeachClubwhichoperatesaCategory1AcademyshallorganiseandhostaminimumofthreeFestivalsperseason;139.4.shalltakeplaceduringtheGamesProgrammeSchedule;139.5.mayincludematchesagainstrepresentativecountyschoolboysides(beingsidesselectedbytheEnglishSchools’FootballAssociation);139.6.shallbeplayedoutdoors,saveinrespectof:139.6.1.ClubsoperatingCategory1or2Academieswhen,duringthesecondhalfofDecemberandthewholeofbothJanuaryandFebruary,theyshallbeplayedindoors;and139.6.2.ClubsoperatingCategory3Academieswhen,duringthesecondhalfofDecemberandthewholeofbothJanuaryandFebruary,theymaybeplayedindoors.139.7.shallconsistofmatchesplayedinaccordancewiththefollowingformats(savethatsomematchesplayedindoorsmaybeplayedasFutsalgames):135.EachCluboperatingaCategory3orCategory4AcademyshallcomplywithRule134butonlyinrespectofplayersintheUnder17toUnder18agegroups.136.SubjecttoaClubcomplyingwithRule134or135(asappropriatedependingontheCategoryofitsAcademy),andtoasufficientnumberofClubs(andFootballLeagueclubs)likewisecomplying,theLeaguewillmakeavailabletoitbenchmarkeddataderivedfromcomparingthePerformanceAnalysisdataithassubmittedtotheLeaguewiththatsubmittedbyotherClubs(onananonymisedbasis).
GamesProgrammeGuidanceTheLeaguewillorganisearegionalindoorprogrammeduringthesecondhalfofDecember,andtheentiretyofJanuaryandFebruary.Inparticular,aprogrammeofFutsalwillbedeliveredforCategory1andCategory2Academies.ClubswillbefreetoapplytoorganiseAuthorisedGamesoutsidepursuanttoRule140.2.TheLeaguewillorganiseTournaments(lastingmorethanoneday)foreachoftheUnder9,Under10andUnder11agegroupsintheMayorJuneofeachyear(andinschedulingthemitwillbeborneinmindthatJuneisoftenthemonthwhenAcademy“downtime”occurs).TheTournamentssoarrangedfortheUnder11agegroupwillincludeteamsfromclubsincountriesotherthanEnglandandWales.InordertodelivertheFoundationPhaseGamesProgrammetoallClubs,thetargettraveltimeof1hourmaybeexceededfromtimetotime,inparticularinordertoaccommodatethoseClubswhosehome“locality”issmall.BothLeagueswillco-operatetocreatecross-CategoryFestivalsfromtimetotimewhichshallincludeallCategoriesofAcademyandberegionallybased.Asix-weekprogrammeofFestivalsofFutsalandothersmall-sidedindoorfootballforeachagerangeintheFoundationPhasewillbestaged.ThisprogrammewillrunfromNovembertoFebruaryandbeorganisedonabasisoffiveregions(NorthEast,NorthWest,Midlands,LondonandSouthWest,andLondonandSouthEast).AFutsaltournamentinvolvingaregionalqualificationprocessculminatinginanationalfinalseventwillbeorganisedforeachoftheUnder9,Under10andUnder11agegroups.407140.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory1,Category2orCategory3Academy:140.1.mustparticipatefullyintheFoundationPhaseGamesProgramme;and140.2.mayorganiseandparticipateinadditionalAuthorisedGamesofthetypeslistedinparagraphsc),d),f)andg)ofthatdefinitiononly(whichshallbenotifiedtotheLeague(iftheCluboperatesaCategory1orCategory2Academy)nolaterthan72hoursbeforetheyarescheduledtotakeplace).the6v6andTheparticipatingClubsshallendeavourtoagree
whichoftheaboveformatsshallbeutilised,butindefaultofagreementthehomeClubshalldecide.AgegroupTeamsizePitchsize(yards)Goalsize(feet)BallsizeUnder94v4,5v5,6v6or7v730x20to40x30(4v4and5v5)50x30to60x40(7v7)12x63(or4atHomeClub’soption)Under104v4,5v5,7v730x20to40x30(4v4and5v5)50x30to60x40(7v7)12x6(4v4and5v5)12x6to16x7(7v7)4Under117v7or9v950x30to60x40(7v7)70x40to80x50(9v9)12x6to16x7(7v7)16x7(9v9)4
GamesProgrammeGuidanceTheGamesProgrammeSchedulewillincorporatefreeweeks(inadditiontothosereferredtoinRule179)duringwhichnofixtureswillbearrangedbytheLeague.ThiswillallowClubstoorganiseadditionalfixturespursuanttoRule140.2.Inaddition,ClubswillbeabletorearrangefixturesintheFoundationPhaseGamesProgrammeinordertoattendtournamentsandFestivalsprovidedsuitablenoticeisgiven,theintegrityoftheGamesProgrammeismaintained,andasuitabledatefortherearrangementofthefixtureisagreed.GuidanceAnAcademyPlayerintheFoundationPhasemaystillplayforhisschoolteamorschoolrepresentativecountyside.WhenassessingwhetherRule141hasbeencompliedwith,eachAcademyPlayer’splayingtimeoverthecourseoftheseasonwillbeassessedandanaveragecalculated(i.e.theAcademyPlayerneednotplayinhalfthetimeofeverymatch).Inaddition,Rule141requiresthattheplayingtimeisspreadrelativelyevenlyoverthecourseofthefixtureprogramme.ThisistoensureClubsdonottrytobackloadplayingtimeattheendoftheseasonsimplytoensuretheaverageismet.408YouthDevelopmentRulesYouthDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgramme142.TheLeaguewillorganiseagamesprogrammeforteamsineachoftheUnder12toUnder14agegroupsofClubsoperatingCategory1and2Academies(andfortheavoidanceofdoubtteamsfrombothCategoriesshallparticipatetogetherinthisgamesprogramme).TheLeaguewillalsoorganiseagamesprogrammeforteamsintheUnder15agegroupofClubsoperatingCategory1AcademiesandofthoseCategory2Academieswishingtoparticipate.143.TheFootballLeaguewillorganiseagamesprogrammeforteamsineachoftheUnder12toUnder14agegroupsofClubsoperatingCategory3Academies.144.ThegamesprogrammeforCategory1ClubsreferredtoinRule142shallincludetheUnder13,Under14andUnder15PremierLeagueNationalCups,participationinwhichshallnotbemandatory.145.EachClubmustinformtheLeagueby30AprilineachyearwhetheritwishestocompeteintheUnder13,Under14andUnder15PremierLeagueNationalCupsthefollowingseason.141.EachClubshallensurethateachofitsAcademyPlayersintheFoundationPhaseshall,subjecttofitness,participateinatleasthalftheplayingtimeinanyoneSeasonofmatchesintheFoundationPhaseGamesProgrammeandanyothermatchesorganisedbytheClubpursuanttoRule140.2suchplayingtimetobereasonablyspreadoutovertheseason.
GamesProgramme409146.ThegamesprogrammesreferredtoinRules142and143shallconsistofmatcheswhichshall:146.1.becompetitivebutwhoseresults(saveformatchesintheUnder13,Under14andUnder15PremierLeagueNationalCups)shallnotbegivenanyparticularcompetitivesignificancebetweenAcademies(forexample,noleaguetableorthelikeshallbeproduced);146.2.(inthecaseofthegamesprogrammereferredtoinRule142)beorganisedonaregionalbasissothatasfarasreasonablypossiblenoteamhastotravelmorethantwohourstoanawaymatchsavethatlongertraveltimesmaybenecessary:146.2.1.inorderthateachClubcanparticipatemeaningfullyinthegamesprogramme;and146.2.2.formatchesintheUnder13,Under14andUnder15PremierLeagueNationalCups.146.3.(inthecaseofthegamesprogrammereferredtoinRule143)beorganisedonalocalbasissothatasfarasreasonablypossiblenoteamhastotravelmorethanonehourtoanawaymatchand/orregionalbasissothatasfarasreasonablypossiblenoteamhastotravelmorethantwohourstoanawaymatch(savethatinbothcaseslongertraveltimesmaybenecessaryinorderthateachClubcanparticipatemeaningfullyinthegamesprogramme);146.4.shallincludeoneormoreFestivalsorTournamentsforeachCluborganisedonaregional,nationalorinternationalbasis(whichmayincludematchesorganisedpursuanttoRule151),withthenumberofsuchFestivalsandTournamentsincreasingfortheolderagegroupsintheYouthDevelopmentPhase;146.5.takeplaceduringtheGamesProgrammeSchedule;146.6.beplayedoutdoors,exceptformatchesforagegroupsUnder12toUnder15duringthesecondhalfofDecemberandthewholeofbothJanuaryandFebruaryinvolvingteamsofCategory1andCategory2Academies,whichshallbeplayedindoors;and146.7.consistofmatchesplayedinaccordancewiththefollowingformats(savethatsomematchesplayedindoorsmaybeplayedasFutsalgames):AgegroupTeamsizePitchsize(yards)Goalsize(feet)BallsizeUnder1211v11(or9v9ifbothClubssoagree)90x60(11v11)70x40to80x50(9v9)21x7(11v11)16x7(9v9)4Under1311v1190x6021x74Under1411v1190x60to100x6021x7to24x85Under1511v11110x7024x85
GamesProgrammeGuidanceInordertodelivertheYouthDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgrammetoallClubs,thetargettraveltimeoftwohoursmaybeexceededfromtimetotime,particularlyinordertoaccommodatethoseClubswhosehomegeographical“region”issmall.410YouthDevelopmentRules147.TheLeagueshallorganiseagamesprogrammeforteamsconsistingofAcademyPlayersintheUnder16agegroupofClubsoperatingCategory1Academies,andanotherforteamsofAcademyPlayersintheseagegroupsofClubsoperatingCategory2Academies.148.SaveforanymatchesplayedabroadpursuanttoRule151,thegamesprogrammeforCategory1ClubsreferredtoinRule147shall:148.1.beconstitutedeitheronanationalbasisor,ifamajorityofthoseClubs(andFootballLeagueclubs)whichoperateCategory1Academiessodeterminebynolaterthan31MarchintheprecedingSeason,onaregionalbasis(asthattermisdefinedinRule149;and148.2.becompetitivebutwhoseresultsshallnotbegivenanyparticularcompetitivesignificancebetweenAcademies(forexample,noleaguetableorthelikeshallbeproduced).149.ThegamesprogrammeforCategory2ClubsreferredtoinRule147shallbeorganisedonaregionalbasis,thatistosaysothatasfarasreasonablypossiblenoteamhastotravelmorethantwohourstoanawaymatch(savethatlongertraveltimesmaybenecessaryinorderthateachClubcanparticipatemeaningfullyinthegamesprogramme).150.MatchesinthegamesprogrammesforCategory1andCategory2ClubsreferredtoinRule147shall,unlesstheBoardotherwisepermits,beplayedonSaturdaysandarrangedsothatasfaraspossibleaClub’sfixturesinitmirrorthoseofitsteamsintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgramme.151.AspartoftheYouthDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgramme,theLeagueshallorganisematches(whichmaybeorganisedasTournaments)againstteamsfromclubsinmembershipofanationalassociationotherthanTheFootballAssociationortheFootballAssociationofWales.SuchmatchesshallbeorganisedregularlyforClubsoperatingCategory1AcademiesandfromtimetotimeforClubsoperatingCategory2Academies.152.TheFootballLeagueshallorganiseagamesprogrammeforteamsconsistingofplayersintheUnder15andUnder16agegroupsofClubsoperatingCategory3Academies,tobeplayedonaregionalbasissothatasfarasreasonablypossiblenoteamhastotravelmorethantwohourstoanawaymatch(savethatlongertraveltimesmaybenecessaryinorderthateachClubcanparticipatemeaningfullyinthegamesprogramme).
GamesProgrammeGuidanceTheGamesProgrammeSchedulewillincorporatefreeweeks(inadditiontothosereferredtoinRule179)duringwhichnomatcheswillbearrangedbytheLeagues.ThiswillallowClubstoorganiseadditionalmatchespursuanttoRule154.2.GuidanceAnAcademyPlayerintheYouthDevelopmentPhasemaystillplayforhisschoolteamorschoolrepresentativecountyside.WhenassessingwhetherRule155hasbeencompliedwith,eachAcademyPlayer’splayingtimeoverthecourseoftheseasonwillbeassessedandanaveragecalculated(i.e.theAcademyPlayerneednotplayinhalfthetimeofeverymatch).Inaddition,Rule155requiresthattheplayingtimeisspreadrelativelyevenlyoverthecourseofthefixtureprogramme.Thisistoensureclubsdonottrytobackloadplayingtimeattheendoftheseasonsimplytoensuretheaverageismet.411155.EachClubshallensurethateachofitsAcademyPlayersintheUnder12toUnder14agegroupsshall,subjecttofitness,participateinhalftheplayingtimeofmatchesintheYouthDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgrammeandanyothermatchesorganisedbyhisClubpursuanttoRule154.2,theAcademyPlayer’splayingtimetobereasonablyspreadovertheseason.156.EachClubshallensurethateachofitsAcademyPlayersintheUnder15toUnder16agegroupsshall,subjecttofitness,participateinatleast20matchesperseason(beingmatchesintheYouthDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgrammeoranyothermatchesorganisedbyhisClubpursuanttoRule154.2).ParticipationinamatchshallforthepurposesofthisRulemeanplayingatleast50%ofthegametime.153.MatchesplayedpursuanttoRules147to152shall,whenplayedoutdoors,beplayedinaccordancewiththefollowingformat:154.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory1,Category2orCategory3Academy:154.1.mustparticipatefullyintheYouthDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgramme(savethatparticipationintheUnder13andUnder14PremierLeagueNationalCupsisvoluntary);and154.2.mayorganiseandparticipateinadditionalAuthorisedGamesofthetypeslistedinparagraphsc),d),f)andg)ofthatdefinitiononly(whichshallbenotifiedtotheLeague(inthecaseofaCluboperatingaCategory1orCategory2Academy)nolaterthan72hoursbeforetheyarescheduledtotakeplace).TeamsizePitchsize(yards)Goalsize(feet)Ballsize11v11110x7024x85
GamesProgramme412YouthDevelopmentRulesProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgramme157.TheLeaguewillorganisetwogamesprogrammes,oneforteamsofClubsoperatingCategory1AcademiesandoneforteamsofClubsoperatingCategory2Academies.158.TheFootballLeaguewillorganiseagamesprogrammeforteamsofClubsoperatingCategory3andCategory4Academies,andfollowingsuchconsultationdeterminewiththoseClubsinitsabsolutediscretionwhatgamesprogramme(s)shouldbedevelopedforthoseClubs,Rulesrelatingtothegamesprogrammeand(subjecttoRule159.3)howthatgamesprogrammeshouldbedelivered.159.ThegamesprogrammesorganisedbyTheLeagueandTheFootballLeaguepursuanttoRules157and158willbeconstitutedonthefollowinggeographicalbases:159.1.Category1:aregionalleague,withsomematchesplayedonanationalbasisandsomeinternationalmatchesagainstteamsrepresentingclubsinmembershipofnationalassociationsotherthanTheFootballAssociationortheFootballAssociationofWales(andsuchmatchesmaybeplayedeitherinEnglandorabroad);159.2.Category2:159.2.1.intwoleagues,eachofwhichshallbeconstitutedonageographicalbasis(forexampleoneleagueofnorthernbasedteamsandoneofsouthernbasedteams),theexactconstitutionofeachleaguetobedeterminedbytheBoardinitsabsolutediscretionhavingregardtothoseClubs(andFootballLeagueclubs)whichoperateCategory2Academies;159.2.2.wherepractical,internationalmatchesagainstteamsrepresentingclubsinmembershipofanationalassociationotherthanTheFootballAssociationortheFootballAssociationofWales(andsuchmatchesmaybeplayedeitherinEnglandorabroad);and159.3.Categories3and4:159.3.1.intwoormoreleagues,eachofwhichshallbeconstitutedonageographicalbasis(forexampleoneleagueofnorthernbasedteamsandoneofsouthernbasedteams),theexactnumberofleaguesandtheirgeographicalconstitutiontobedeterminedbyTheFootballLeagueinitsabsolutediscretionandhavingregardtothoseFootballLeagueclubs(andClubs)whichoperateCategory3and4Academies.
GamesProgramme413160.MatchesintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgrammeorganisedunderRule157:160.1.shallbeplayedinaccordancewiththeLawsoftheGame(andfortheavoidanceofdoubtshallbeinthe11v11format);160.2.shallbeforPlayersintheUnder18agegroup(andyounger)only,savethataClubmaynameinitsteamsheetagoalkeeperintheUnder19agegroup;160.3.shallonlyhavefivesubstitutesnamedontheteamsheet(andfortheavoidanceofdoubtuptothreesubstitutesmayenterthefieldofplay);160.4.shallconsistofcompetitiveleaguesandTournaments;and160.5.mayincludeofanoptionalFutsalprogrammeorganisedbytheLeague(forClubsoperatingCategory1andCategory2Academies)inthemonthsofDecember,JanuaryandFebruary.161.MatchesintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgrammeorganisedunderRule158:161.1.shallbeplayedinaccordancewiththeLawsoftheGame(andfortheavoidanceofdoubtshallbeinthe11v11format);161.2.shallbeforPlayersintheUnder18agegroup(andyounger)only,savethatuptotwoPlayersintheUnder19agegroupmaybenamedontheteamsheetforamatchprovidedtheyare:161.2.1.agoalkeeper;or161.2.2.registeredasaScholarandareonlycontinuingasaScholarbeyondtheageof18becauseofinjuryorotherextenuatingcircumstancesasapprovedbytheLeagueofwhichtheClubisamemberinaccordancewiththatLeague’srelevantprocedures;161.3.shallonlyhavefivesubstitutesnamedontheteamsheet(andfortheavoidanceofdoubtallfivesubstitutesmayenterthefieldofplay);161.4.shallconsistofcompetitiveleaguesand/orTournaments;and161.5.mayincludeanoptionalFutsalprogrammeorganisedbytheLeagueinthemonthsofDecember,JanuaryandFebruary.162.FurtherprovisionsbindingonClubscompetingintheleaguesreferredtoinRule160.4shallbesetoutintherulesofthoseleagues.163.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademy:163.1.mustparticipatefullyintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgramme;163.2.mayorganiseandparticipateinadditionalAuthorisedGames(whichshallbenotifiedtotherelevantLeaguenolaterthan72hoursbeforetheyarescheduledtotakeplace).
GamesProgrammeGuidanceClubswhooperateCategory2AcademieshaveexpressedadesiretohavesomeelementoftheirGamesProgrammeintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseorganisedonanationalbasis,andnotjustonaregionalbasisassetoutinRule168.TheLeaguewillworktodevelopthisproposalfurther.414YouthDevelopmentRules169.TheFootballLeaguewill,ifrequired,organise(orprocuretheorganisationof,forexample,throughtheFootballCombinationorCentralLeague)ProfessionalDevelopmentLeague3,whichshallconsistofaleagueorleaguesplayedonacompetitivebasisandorganisedonaregionalbasis,thecompositionofsuchregionalleague(s)andtheminimumnumberofmatchestobeplayedbyeachClubtobeattheabsolutediscretionofTheFootballLeaguewhoshallsofarasreasonablypossibledeterminethecompositionofeachsuchleaguetoensurethateachClub(orclub)hastotravelnomorethanthreehourstoeachmatch(savethatlongertraveltimesmaybenecessaryinorderthateachClub(orclub)canparticipatemeaningfullyinProfessionalDevelopmentLeague3).FortheavoidanceofdoubtteamsofClubsoperatingCategory3andCategory4AcademiesshallcompetetogetherinProfessionalDevelopmentLeague3.170.EligibilityineachoftheProfessionalDevelopmentLeaguesshallbelimitedtoplayersinagegroupUnder21oryounger,savethateachClubmaynominateonitsteamsheetforanymatchinaProfessionalDevelopmentLeaguenomorethan:170.1.oneoldergoalkeeper;and170.2.thenumberofolderoutfieldplayersdeterminedpursuanttoRule171.ProfessionalDevelopmentLeague164.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory1AcademyshallcompeteinProfessionalDevelopmentLeague1.165.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory2AcademyshallcompeteinProfessionalDevelopmentLeague2unlessitisabletodemonstratetotheLeaguethatitsstarting11sinitsfirstteammatchesduringtheprecedingseasoninthosecompetitionssetinRuleL.9.1toRuleL.9.5includedonaverageatleastfivePlayersintheUnder21agegrouporyounger.166.EachClubwhichoperatesaCategory3orCategory4AcademymaycompeteinthedevelopmentleaguetobeorganisedbyTheFootballLeague.167.TheLeaguewillorganiseProfessionalDevelopmentLeague1,whichshallconsistofanationalleaguecompetitionplayedonacompetitivebasis.168.TheLeaguewillorganiseProfessionalDevelopmentLeague2,whichshallconsistofaleagueorleaguesplayedonacompetitivebasisorganisedonaregionalbasis,thecompositionofsuchregionalleague(s)tobeattheabsolutediscretionoftheBoardwhoshallsofarasreasonablypossibledeterminethecompositionofeachsuchleaguetoensurethateachClubhastotravelnomorethanthreehourstoeachmatch(savethatlongertraveltimesmaybenecessaryinorderthateachClub(orclub)canparticipatemeaningfullyinProfessionalDevelopmentLeague2).
GamesProgrammeGuidanceTheBoardwillneedtobesatisfied,priortoapprovinganyalternativeground(includingoneatanAcademy)thatitprovidessatisfactoryfacilitiesfortheplayingofmatchesintheProfessionalDevelopmentLeague.Suchfacilitiesincludethepitch,floodlightlevels,changingroomsfortheteamsandMatchOfficials,andspectatorareas.Furtherconsultationontheseissueswillbeundertakeninduecourse.415173.UnlessotherwiseauthorisedbytheBoard,matchesintheProfessionalDevelopmentLeaguesshallbeplayedonSaturdays,savethatthehomeClubshall,subjecttotherulesoftheProfessionalDevelopmentLeagues,havediscretiontochangethedateandkick-offtimeofamatchtoFridayevening,oranytimeonSundayorMonday.174.FurtherprovisionsbindingonClubscompetingintheProfessionalDevelopmentLeagueshallbesetoutintherulesofthoseleagues.175.TheLeaguewillinadditionorganiseinternationalmatches(whichmaytakeplacebywayofTournaments)forteamscompetinginProfessionalDevelopmentLeagues1and2.GamesProgramme:Postponementetc.ofMatches176.AmatchinthegamesprogrammebetweenAcademyteamsinagegroupsUnder9toUnder16inclusiveshallnotbecancelled,postponedorabandonedexceptwiththewrittenconsentoftheBoardorontheinstructionsoftheofficiatingreferee(oriftheofficiatingrefereeisaminor,theofficialofthecountyFAwhohasaccompaniedhimtothematch)whoshallbeempoweredtoinstructthatsuchmatchbecancelled,postponedorabandonedonlyifheconsidersthatthepitchisunfitfor,orifadverseweatherconditionspreclude,theplayingofthematchinwhicheventtheClubatwhosegroundthematchshouldhavebeenplayedshallwithinsevendaysgivetotheBoardnoticeinwritingtothateffect.177.ExceptinthecaseofanUnder9toUnder16gamesprogrammematchwhich,withouteitherparticipatingClubbeingatfault,iscancelled,postponedorabandonedundertheprovisionsofRule176,anyClubwhichcausesthecancellation,postponementorabandonmentofsuchamatchwillbeinbreachoftheseRules.171.ThenumberofolderoutfieldplayersreferredtoinRule170shallbedeterminedinrespectofeachProfessionalDevelopmentLeaguebysuchnumberasamajorityoftheClubs(andFootballLeagueclubs)whocompeteinitsodeterminebynolaterthan31MarchintheprecedingSeason(andinanycaseshallbenofewerthanthreeandnogreaterthanfive).172.AtleastthreematchesintheProfessionalDevelopmentLeagueshallbeplayedattheClub’sStadium,andothermatchesmaybeplayedatanalternativegroundsubjecttotheapprovaloftheBoardorTheFootballLeague(asappropriate).SuchalternativegroundsmayincludeapitchattheClub’sAcademyprovidedthatitisfloodlit,hasafencedoffpitchandprovidesaspectatorarea.
GamesProgramme416YouthDevelopmentRules178.TheBoardshallhavepowertospecifytheequipmentandfacilitiestobeprovidedbyClubsfortheplayingofmatchesbetweenAcademies.179.InconsultationwithTheFootballAssociation,aminimumoffourweekendseachSeasonwillbeidentifiedbytheLeagueuponwhichtherewillbenofixturesforAcademyteams,suchweekendsbeingdevotedtointernationaldevelopment,selectedplayers’coursesandin-servicetrainingofcoachesandstaff.
YouthDevelopmentRulesEducationandWelfareGuidanceInrelationtoRule181.5anyotherprogrammeofeducationapprovedinwritingbyTheFootballLeaguewillbeinconjunctionwiththePFA.417182.EachAcademyPlayer’seducationalprogressionunderhisEducationProgrammeshallberecordedonhisPerformanceClock.183.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallnominateamemberofstaffwhoshallberesponsiblefor:183.1.liaisingwiththeschoolatwhichAcademyPlayersarebeingeducated;183.2.ensuringthatanyissuesconcerninganAcademyPlayer’seducationarisingfromthatliaisonareaddressedtothesatisfactionoftheschool;and183.3.ensuringthatforAcademyPlayersontheFullTimeandHybridTrainingModels(andwheretheLeaguerequests,forAcademyPlayersonthePartTimeTrainingModel)eachAcademyPlayer’sschoolreportsandeducationaldataareobtainedfromhisschoolandrecordedonhisPerformanceClock.General180.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallestablishanEducationProgrammewhichshallsetouttheactivitiestobeundertakenbytheClubtoensurethattheeducationofitsAcademyPlayersandPlayersundertheageof21issupportedeffectivelyandwhich:180.1.isappropriatetotheCategoryofitsAcademy;180.2.complieswithallapplicablerequirementssetoutinthissectionoftheRules;and180.3.isevaluatedbytheClubwithineachDevelopmentPhasetoensureitismeetingitsobjectivesassetouttherein.181.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallensurethateachofitsAcademyPlayersreceivesaformalEducationProgrammewhich:181.1.isappropriatetohisageandTrainingModel;181.2.meetshisspecificacademicneeds;181.3.complieswithalllegalrequirements;181.4.isstructuredtoensurethathisacademicdevelopmentisnotcompromisedasaresultofhisbeingcoachedbytheClub’sAcademy;181.5.inthecaseofanAcademyPlayerwhoisenteredintoaScholarshipAgreementwiththeClub,consistsofeithertheadvancedapprenticeshipframeworkforsportingexcellence(AASE)oranyotherprogrammeofeducationapprovedinwriting
bytheLeague;and181.6.shallcontinuenotwithstandingthattheAcademyPlayersignsaprofessionalcontractandwhichshallcomplywiththerequirementsoftheEducationandSkillsAct2008withregardtoeducationandtraining.
EducationandWelfareGuidanceClubs’attentionisdrawntotheGuidancenoteunderRule1.57:theEducationManagementSystemisafunctioncontainedwithinthePerformanceClock.ItmustbeusedforassistingthemanagementofAcademyPlayers’educationalattainmentdata,andreferencetothePerformanceClockintheseRules,particularlyinthecontextofeducation,shouldbereadaccordingly.418YouthDevelopmentRules184.EachClubshalltakeallreasonablestepstoensurethatitprotectsthewelfareofeachofitsAcademyPlayersandPlayersundertheageof21byofferingsupportforhiswellbeingandpastoralcaregenerally.185.TheprovisionsofSectionSoftheLeague’sRules(concerningtheSafeguardingofVulnerableGroupsandSafeRecruitment)applytoAcademiesandDevelopmentCentres.186.WithoutprejudicetothegeneralityofRule185eachClubshallappointanAcademysafeguardingofficerwhoshall:186.1.undertakethefunctionssetoutinRuleS.5.7specificallywithregardtotheAcademy;and186.2.liaisewiththeClub’sHeadofSafeguarding.187.ClubsandAcademyStaffshallobserveandcomplywithanyguidanceissuedbytheLeagueinrespectofsafeeventmanagementandanybreachthereofshallbetreatedasabreachoftheseRules.188.ClubsshallensurethattheirAcademyPlayersareinsuredinaccordancewithadvicecirculatedbytheLeaguefromtimetotime.189.Clubsshallestablish,maintainand,whennecessary,implementacomplaintsprocedureforAcademyPlayersandParents,acopyofwhichshallbesubmittedtotheLeague.190.TheCodeofConductsetoutinAppendix12shallbebindingonAcademyPlayersofcompulsoryschoolageattendingAcademiesandtheirParentsandonClubsandOfficialsandanybreachthereofbysuchAcademyPlayersorbyClubsorOfficialsshallbetreatedasabreachoftheseRules.InductionEvents191.EachClubshallarrangeapre-seasoninductioneventforAcademyPlayersandtheirParentsandthereshallbeatleastonesuchinductioneventperDevelopmentPhase.192.TheinductionmeetingreferredtoinRule191shallprovidesuchinformationtotheAcademyPlayersandtheirParentsasisnecessaryinorderforthemtounderstandthecoachingand,ifrelevant,educationthattheAcademyPlayerwillreceivefromtheClub.193.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallpermitarepresentativeoftheLeaguetoattendsuchinductionmeetingsonrequest.
EducationandWelfareGuidanceWithregardtoRule195.2,Rule42.2statesthatAcademyPlayersintheUnder12toUnder18agegroupsshallreceiveaMulti-disciplinaryRevieweverysixweeks.Theeducationalprogressreportneedonlybeundertakenonceevery12weeks(i.e.notforeachMulti-disciplinaryReview)butmustbeundertakenaspartofaMulti-disciplinaryReview.GuidanceThePartTimeTrainingModelmaybeusedbyCategory1,2and3AcademiesintheFoundationPhase(Under9toUnder11),andbyCategory2and3AcademiesintheYouthDevelopmentPhase:seefurtherRule116.ThePartTimeTrainingModelenvisagesthatcoachingwilltakeplaceoutsidetheCoreCoachingTime,butClubsshouldneverthelessestablishgoodcommunicationwitheachAcademyPlayer’sschool,obtainhisschoolreportsand,wherepossible,educationalattainmentdata,monitorandrecordhisacademicprogressiononhisPerformanceClock,andaddressanyrelevantissueswhichariseasaresultoftheAcademyPlayerbeingcoachedattheAcademy(andinparticularanyconflictbetweenthedemandsofhiscoachingandthoseofhiseducation).419197.HybridTrainingModelEachClubwhichoperatestheHybridTrainingModelmustappointasufficientnumberofappropriatelyqualifiedteachingstafftoprovidetheeducationalsupportreferredtoinRule198.2.DeliveryoftheEducationProgramme196.PartTimeTrainingModelEachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshall,inrespectofeachofitsAcademyPlayersbeingtrainedunderthePartTimeTrainingModel:196.1.informtheAcademyPlayer’sschoolthatheisbeingsotrained;196.2.iftheLeaguesorequestsobtainfromtheAcademyPlayer’sschoolhisschoolreportsand,wherepossible,educationalattainmentdata;196.3.usetheinformationobtained(ifany)tomonitortheAcademyPlayer’sacademicprogressionbyreferencetohisschoolreportsand,wherepossible,educationalattainmentdata,andrecorditonhisPerformanceClock;and196.4.liaisewiththeschoolonaregularbasisinordertodiscussandaddressanyissuesconcerningtheAcademyPlayer’seducationwhichhaverisenormayariseasaconsequenceofhisbeingtrainedattheClub’sAcademy.ReportsonEducationalProgression194.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallprovideprogressreportstotheParentofeachAcademyPlayertowhomitprovidesaFullTimeEducationProgramme.195.Theprogressreportsshall:195.1.detailtheeducationalprogressionoftheAcademyPlayer;and195.2.beprovidedasandwhennecessary,butasaminimumatleastonceevery12weeks.
EducationandWelfareGuidanceTheHybridTrainingModelmaybeusedbyCategory1AcademiesintheFoundationPhase(Under9toUnder11),andbyCategory1andCategory2AcademiesintheYouthDevelopmentPhase:seefurtherRule116.Clubs’attentionisdrawntothefollowingcommentsinsection7.3.1oftheEPPP.AlthoughthesecommentsrefertotheFoundationPhase,theyarerelevanttotheHybridTrainingModelgenerally.“Itisassumedthatthemajorityofthecoachingwillbedeliveredafterschoolandatweekends.FlexingtheseasonwillalsoenableAcademiestogaingreateraccesstoplayers.ItisrecommendedthatwhereverpossibleandparticularlyinthecaseofCategory1Academieswherethecontacttimeishighest,theafterschoolsessionsareestablishedinsidetheCoreCoachingTimeandthismayrequiresomenegotiationwithschoolsandparentstoestablishtheprogrammeeffectively.Closeliaisonwithschoolstoensurethatplayersaremanagingthejointworkloadsisappropriatebutnootherspecificeducationinterventionsarebeingproposedinthisphase.”420YouthDevelopmentRules199.FullTimeTrainingModelEachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshall,inrespectofeachofitsAcademyPlayersintheYouthDevelopmentPhasebeingtrainedundertheFullTimeTrainingModel,ensurethatitprovidestheAcademyPlayerwithcoachingandeducationinaccordancewithaprogrammewhichcomplieswithRules200to205andwhichisapprovedinadvancebytheLeague.198.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshall,inrespectofeachofitsAcademyPlayersbeingtrainedundertheHybridTrainingModel:198.1.undertakeallnecessaryliaisonandco-operationwiththeAcademyPlayer’sschooltoensurethattherequiredelementofcoachingcantakeplacewithintheCoreCoachingTime;198.2.providetotheAcademyPlayersuchadditionaleducationalsupport(tobedetailedinthewrittenagreementreferredtoinRule198.5asshallbenecessarytocompensateforteachinghehasmissed,andtoensurethathiseducationisnotadverselyaffected,asaresultofbeingreleasedfromschooltoundertakecoachingduringtheCoreCoachingTeam;198.3.obtainfromtheAcademyPlayer’sschoolhisschoolreportsand,wherepossible,educationalattainmentdata;198.4.monitortheAcademyPlayer’sacademicprogression(includingbyuseoftheinformationobtainedfromtheAcademyPlayer’sschoolpursuanttoRule198.3)andrecordtheinformationobtainedpursuanttoRule198.3onhisPerformanceClockinatimelyfashionandatleastevery12weeks(tocoincidewithdatesofhisMulti-disciplinaryReviews);198.5.enterintoawrittenagreementwiththeAcademyPlayer’sschoolandParentwhichsetsoutdetailsofthedeliveryoftheHybridTrainingModeltotheAcademyPlayer,includingweeklytimetables,thelikelyimpactontheAcademyPlayer’seducation,andanyadditionaleducationalsupporttobeprovidedbytheClub;and198.6.liaisewiththeschoolatleasteverysixweeksinordertodiscussandaddressanyissuesconcerningtheAcademyPlayer’seducationwhichmayariseorhavearisenasaconsequenceofhisbeingsotrained.
EducationandWelfareGuidanceWithregardtoRule201.8pursuanttoRule42.2AcademyPlayersintheUnder12toUnder18agegroupsmustreceiveaMulti-disciplinaryRevieweverysixweeks.TherequirementinRule201.8mustbeundertakenateverysecondsuchMulti-disciplinaryReview.421202.WithoutprejudicetothegeneralityofRule38,eachClubwhichoperatestheHybridorFullTimeTrainingModelmustinrespectofeachsuchTrainingModel:202.1.notdosounlessthePGBhaspre-approvedandannuallycertifieditsproposeddeliveryoftheTrainingModel;202.2.permittheLeagueandPGBtomonitorandassessitsdeliveryoftheTrainingModel,includinginrespectofanindividualAcademyPlayer,inordertoensurethatitcomplieswiththeseRules;and202.3.forthwithimplementanychangestoitsdeliveryoftheTrainingModelthattheLeagueorPGBmayrequire.200.TheeducationelementoftheFullTimeTrainingModelmustcomplywiththeseRulesandbestructuredinaccordancewithoneofthefouroptionssetoutbeloworinaccordancewithsuchotherproposalsastheLeaguemayapprove.201.EachClubwhichoperatestheFullTimeTrainingModelmust:201.1.enterintoanagreementwithanyschoolatwhichitsAcademyPlayersarebeingeducatedsettingouttheobligationsoftheClubandtheschoolinrespectoftheeducationofthoseAcademyPlayers;201.2.ensurethatAcademyPlayersintheUnder12,Under13andUnder14agegroupsbeingeducatedatschoolsarefullyintegratedwithotherpupilsoftheirage,whichobligationshallinclude(withoutlimitation)attendinglessonswithsuchotherpupilsaccordingtotheschool’snormaltimetable(savewheretheAcademyPlayersarebeingcoachedintheCoreCoachingTimeinaccordancewiththeseRules);201.3.ensurethatthereisinplaceawrittenagreementbetweentheClub,eachAcademyPlayerengagedontheFullTimeTrainingModel,hisParentandhisschoolwhichsetsoutfulldetailsofhiseducationandCoachingCurriculum;201.4.ensurethattheEducationProgrammeofeachsuchAcademyPlayerprovideshimwithaminimumof20hours’educationduringeachweekoftheschoolterm;201.5.ensurethatappropriatestaff/studentratiosareutilisedforalleducationalactivityinwhichtheAcademyPlayerisengaged;201.6.ensurethateachsuchAcademyPlayer’seducationistailoredtohisacademicabilityandattainmenttargetsandmeetsnationalguidelines;201.7.obtainfromtheAcademyPlayer’sschoolhisschoolreportsand,wherepossible,educationalattainmentdata;and201.8.monitortheAcademyPlayer’sacademicprogression(includingbyuseoftheinformationobtainedfromtheAcademyPlayer’sschoolpursuanttoRule201.7)andrecordtheinformationobtainedpursuanttoRule201.7onhisPerformanceClockinatimelyfashionandatleastevery12weeks(tocoincidewithdatesofhisMulti-disciplinaryReviews).
EducationandWelfareGuidanceTheLeagueandPGBmaytakeadvicefromtheEducationAdvisoryGroup(andutilisetheEducationOmbudsmen)inconnectionwiththeassessmentpursuanttoRule202.InthecaseofconcernsoveraTrainingModelwhichhasbeenpreviouslyapproved,itisanticipatedthatinthefirstinstanceanactionplantoaddressanyissueswouldbedrafted,andtheClubSupportManagerorEducationOmbudsmanwouldworkwiththeCluboveraspecificperiodtoputtherecommendationsinplace.Accordingly,Rule203belowwouldberegardedasalastresort.GuidanceTheFullTimeTrainingModelmaybeusedbyCategory1AcademiesintheYouthDevelopmentPhase,andmustbeusedbyallAcademiesintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhase:seefurtherRule116.FormPLYD5AmustbeusedforallAcademyPlayerswhomtheClubwishestoengageontheFullTimeTrainingModel.IftheAcademyPlayerisnotalreadyregisteredwiththeClub,FormPLYD5(AcademyPlayerRegistrationApplication)mustalsobecompletedandsubmittedtotheLeague(seeRule258).IftheAcademyPlayerisalreadyregisteredwiththeClub,FormPLYD5neednotalsobesubmitted.Clubs’attentionisdrawntotheundertakingsthattheymustgiveunderPLYD5.ThefouroptionsreferredtoinRule200aresetoutbelow.Thislistofoptionsisnotexhaustive,andClubsarefreetodevelopothermodelswhichdeliverthesameresultsastheoptionssetoutintheElitePlayerPerformancePlan.EachClub’sproposalsforhowitwilldelivertheFullTimeTrainingModelmustbeapprovedinadvancebytheLeague.TheLeaguemayalsocheckeachClub’sdeliveryoftheFullTimeTrainingModelinordertoverifythatitisinaccordancewiththeseRulesandwiththepre-approvedproposals,andinordertoverifythatnoAcademyPlayer’seducationisbeingprejudicedasaresultofhisbeingprejudicedasaresultofhisbeingengagedontheFullTimeTrainingModel.Clubs’attentionisdrawntoRules273and274inthisregard.Option1ClubsmayenterintocontractualrelationshipswithanidentifiedschoolorschoolsatwhichAcademyPlayersreceivetheireducation.TherelationshipwillneedtobeflexedintermsoftheamountoftimethatAcademieswouldrequireAcademyPlayerstobeavailablefordailycoaching.TheschooldaywillneedtobeflexedtoaccommodatetheCoachingCurriculumwhilstensuringthatboy’seducationaldevelopmentdoesnotsuffer.422YouthDevelopmentRules203.IftheLeagueisnotsatisfiedthataClub’sdeliveryoftheHybridorFullTimeTrainingModelcomplieswiththeseRules:203.1.itmayrefusetoanapplicationtoregisteranAcademyPlayeronit;and203.2.theBoardmayexerciseitspowerssetoutinRule274.204.IfaClubwishestoengageanAcademyPlayerontheFullTimeTrainingorHybridModel(whetherornottheAcademyPlayerisalreadyregisteredwiththeClub),itshallcompleteandsubmittotheBoardeitherPLYDForm5AorPLYDForm5B(asappropriate)signedonbehalfoftheClubbyanAuthorisedSignatory.205.IftheregistrationofanAcademyPlayerontheFullTimeTrainingModelisterminatedbytheCluborbytheBoardofitsownvolition,orifhechangestoanotherTrainingModel,theClubshall,unlesshisParentagreesotherwise,continuetoprovidetohimuntiltheendoftheacademicyearinwhichhereachestheageof16educationandaccommodationinaccordancewiththearrangementsmadeatthetimeofhewasfirstengagedontheFullTimeTrainingModel.
EducationandWelfareSpecifictutorsupportfortheEducationProgrammewillberequiredforallAcademyPlayersengagedintheFullTimeTrainingModeloverandabovethenormalcurriculum.AdditionaltutorsupportwillneedtobeindividuallytailoredtotheAcademyPlayers’needs.ClubswillneedtodecidehowandwhereAcademyPlayerswillbecoached.TheoptimumenvironmentisattheClub’sdedicatedtrainingfacilitiesbutthiswillrequireaschoolinEducationOption1tobeincloseproximitytotheClub’strainingfacilitysothattheAcademyPlayerscanmoveeasilybetweentheschoolandtheClub.WiththeFullTimeTrainingModel,theschoolwillneedtobeincloseproximitytothetraininggroundorelsethetrainingwillneedtobeaccommodatedattheschool.TheothermajorconsiderationforClubswhichoperateCategory1Academieswillbetheneedtoprovidededicatedhousing,houseparentsandasecureenvironmentinwhichtoliveandworkwhilststayingwiththeClub.ThiswillneedtoapplytoallAcademyPlayerswholiveoutsideashortcommutefromtheirClub’strainingground.Option2Inthisoption,Clubsmaychoosetodevelopandextendtheirowneducationalfacilitiesatthetraininggroundand,ineffect,developanonsiteschoolfacility.ForClubswhichoperateaCategory1Academy,accommodationwouldstillberequiredonornearthetraininggroundtohousetheAcademyPlayersandtheassociatedsocialandwelfaresupportwouldneedtobefactoredintothedeliveryofthisapproach.Clubsmaycontinuetocontractaneducationalpartner/providerbuttheschoolingwouldtakeplaceattheClub.Option3Clubsmaywishtoestablishtheirownschools.TheseschoolsmaybegeneralintheirrecruitmentwithspecialistclassesorgroupsofclassescateringfortheAcademyPlayers’specialistneeds.InthisEducationOptionthesameissuesregardingthelocationoftheschoolonornearthetraininggroundremainrelevantasdoestheneedtoprovideappropriatehousingandcare.Option4WheretwoorthreeAcademiesareclusteredtogether,especiallyinurbanareas,itmaybepossibletoidentifyasingleschoolwhereeachoftheClubssendstheirAcademyPlayers.ThisschoolwouldthenbecomethehubfortheAcademies.TheCoachingCurriculummaybesplitbetweenthetraininggroundandtheschoolpremisessubjecttothelocationoftheschoolinrelationtotheClub.FurtherguidanceinrespectofeducationintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhase,whereallClubsmustutilisetheFullTimeTrainingModel,issetoutinparagraph7.3.3oftheElitePlayerPerformancePlan:AllClubsintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhasewillberequiredtodelivertheFullTimeTrainingModel.AcademyPlayerswillhaveaccesstotraininguptofourhoursadayintwoseparatesessions.Theseasonwillbedevelopedincreasinglytomirrortheprofessionalgamesotherewillbelessopportunitytoflextheseasonforpurposesofcreatinggreatercoachingcontacttimeduringthesummermonths.ClubswhichoperateCategory1and2AcademieswillhavethenecessaryinfrastructureattheirtraininggroundstoenablethemtoprovideformaleducationprovisionforAcademyPlayersintheUnder17andUnder18agegroupswhichmaybedeliveredprincipallyatthetraininggroundratherthanoffsiteataschoolorcollege.ThisapproachenvisagesthedeliveryoftheformaleducationcomponentsatthetraininggroundinpurposebuiltfacilitiesandaspartofanintegratedflexibleweeklyprogrammewhichcomplimentsandsupportstheCoachingCurriculum.ThedeliveryoftheformalEducationProgrammemaybeeitherthroughfullyqualifiedinhousestafforthroughanoutsideproviderwhoisabletomeettheneedsanddemandsoftheintegratedprogramme.DeliveringtheEducationProgrammeinthiswaywillprovidemaximumflexibilityallowingcoachestoflexandstretchtheCoachingCurriculumtosuittheparticularneedsofeachAcademyPlayer.423
EducationandWelfareCategory3and4Academieswillnotnecessarilybeequippedtoprovidetheformaleducationcomponentatthetrainingground.Category3and4Academiesmaychoosetodelivertheformaleducationprovisionoffsiteatalocaleducationprovider.ThiswillrequireHeadsofEducationtoensurethatasflexibleanEducationProgrammeaspossiblecanbecreatedinpartnershipwithaschool/collegesothatcoachescangainaccesstotherequiredtimeforcoaching.424YouthDevelopmentRules206.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallnotifytheLeague,insuchamannerastheLeagueshallfromtimetotimespecify,oftheTrainingModelonwhicheachofitsAcademyPlayersisengagedand,ifanAcademyPlayerchangestotheHybridTrainingModelorPartTimeTrainingModel,forthwithinformtheLeagueofthechangeandprovidesuchevidenceastheLeaguemayrequiretoshowthattheAcademyPlayerandhisParentconsentedtothechange.Welfare,SocialDevelopmentandLifestyleManagement207.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallestablishaprogrammetoeducateeachofitsAcademyPlayersinLifestyleManagementSkills.208.TheprogrammereferredtoinRule207shallensurethateachAcademyPlayertrainedundertheFullTimeTrainingModeland/orintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhasehastheopportunitytoengageinactivitiesoutsidetheAcademywhichwillencouragehimtotakeanactivepartinthecommunityanddevelopanunderstandingofgoodcitizenship.209.EachAcademyPlayershallengageintheactivitiesreferredtoinRule208unlesshehasgoodcausenottodosoandeachClubshalltakeallreasonablestepstoensurethateachofitsAcademyPlayersdoessoengage.210.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallnominateamemberofAcademyStafftomanageanddeliverthesaidprogramme.211.EachClubshallnominateanOfficialtoberesponsibleforthewelfareandsupervisionofAcademyPlayersengagedonthePartTimeTrainingModelorHybridTrainingModel,whiletheyarepresentattheClub’sfacilities.PlayerExit/ReleaseStrategy212.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshalldeviseandimplementaprogramme,tobemanagedbyitsHeadofEducationandWelfareorotherappropriateOfficialtoassistitsAcademyPlayersreleasedfromtheAcademyatcompletionoftheirUnder16,Under17orUnder18yearincircumstanceswhereitappearstheywillnotbejoininganotherClub(orclub).213.AnysuchprogrammeinrespectofAcademyPlayersbeingreleasedatthecompletionoftheirUnder18yearshallbedesignedsothatitdovetailswiththesupportprogrammeforsuchreleasedAcademyPlayerstobeoperatedbytheLeague.
YouthDevelopmentRulesSportsScienceandMedicine425SportsScienceandMedicineProgramme214.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallestablishaSportsScienceandMedicineProgramme(inaccordancewiththecriteriasetoutintheseRuleswhichapplytotheCategoryofitsAcademy)forthebenefitofitsAcademyPlayers.215.EachClub’sSportScienceandMedicineProgrammeshallbemanagedbyitsHeadofAcademySportsScienceandMedicine(inthecaseofaClubwhichoperatesaCategory1orCategory2Academy)orbyanappropriatelyqualifiedOfficial(inthecaseoftheClubwhichoperatesaCategory3orCategory4Academy).216.TheSportsScienceandMedicineProgrammeofeachClubshoulddetailtheplannedprovisiontoeachofitsAcademyPlayersofatleastthefollowingareas:216.1.sportsscience(includingphysiology,biomechanics,physicaltestingandmeasurement);216.2.physiotherapy(includinghydrotherapyandsportsmassage);216.3.medicalservices(includingthepreventionandtreatmentofinjuryanddietandnutrition);216.4.PerformanceAnalysis;and216.5.psychology.217.TheprogressanddevelopmentofeachAcademyPlayerundertheSportsScienceandMedicineProgramme(includingwithoutlimitationtheresultsofthetestssetoutinRule218,andfulldetailsofanyinjuries,thetreatmentthereof,andthelengthofanyperiodofrehabilitation)shallbenotedinhisMulti-disciplinaryReviewandrecordedinhisPerformanceClock.218.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallensurethateachofitsAcademyPlayersundergoesthefollowingteststomeasurephysicalandphysiologicalfitness(assuchtestsaredefinedintheAuditTool):218.1.age-appropriatemedicalandphysicalscreening;218.2.anthropometricassessments;218.3.physiological/fitnesstesting;218.4.movementandposture/functionalscreening;218.5.predictivetestingofsizeandshape/maturationmeasurement(savethataCluboperatingaCategory4Academyshallnotbeobligedtoconductsuchtests);218.6.psychologicalprofiling(Category1Academiesonly);and218.7.monitoringofphysicalexertion(Category1Academiesonly),andshallsubmittotheLeaguesuchinformationasitmayfromtimetotimerequireinordertoestablishanationaldatabaseofathleticdevelopment.219.SubjecttoaClubcomplyingwithRule218,theLeaguewillmakeavailabletoit(onananonymisedbasis)benchmarkeddataderivedfromtheinformationprovidedtoitbyallClubs.
SportsScienceandMedicineGuidanceFortheavoidanceoffdoubt,theEmergencyActionPlanshouldbeproducedinadditiontotheClub’sMedicalandSafetyActionPlan(seePremierLeagueRuleO.16).AllmembersoftheAcademy’smedicalstaffshouldbemadeawareofthecontentsoftheClub’sMedicalandSafetyActionPlan.SeeRule103.5:theAcademyDoctorshallberesponsibleforthepreparationofhisClub’sEmergencyActionPlan.TheLeaguewillassistwiththesharingofEmergencyActionPlans.426YouthDevelopmentRules224.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallensurethatthereisavailableatallgamesinvolvingAcademyteamsappropriatefirstaidorprimarycareprovisionand,withoutprejudicetothegeneralityoftheforegoingortoanyRulesapplicabletoanAuthorisedGame,that:224.1.adoctorwhoholdsacurrentFootballAssociationAdvancedResuscitationandEmergencyAidcertificateoranequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoardorparamedic(inthecaseofaClubwhichoperatesaCategory1orCategory2Academy)oraphysiotherapistwhoholdstheIntermediateFirstAidforSportqualificationoranequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoard(inthecaseofaClubwhichoperatesaCategory3orCategory4Academy)ispresentateachgameintheProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseGamesProgramme;224.2.adoctororphysiotherapistwhoholdstheIntermediateFirstAidforSportqualificationoranequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoardispresentateachvenueatwhichmatchesintheFoundationPhaseandYouthDevelopmentPhasetakeplace;and224.3.adefibrillatorismaintainedateachvenueatwhichmatchesareplayedandatwhichcoachingtakesplace.220.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallensurethateachofitsregisteredAcademyPlayersontheFullTimeTrainingModelisregisteredwithanNHSgeneralpractitionerfortheprovisionofgeneralmedicalservices,usingtheaddressatwhichheresides.221.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallensurethatdetailsofallinjuriessufferedbyitsAcademyPlayersandofallrehabilitationarerecordedandprovidedtotheLeagueandTheFAinorderthatanationalauditofinjuryandrehabilitationmaybemaintained.222.SubjecttoaClubcomplyingwithRule221,theLeaguewillmakeavailabletoitbenchmarkeddataderivedfromthenationalauditofinjuryandrehabilitation.223.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallensurethatithasinplaceanEmergencyActionPlan,andthatallrelevantAcademyStaffareawareofitscontents,andthatitprovidesacopyofitinadvanceofallitshomematchesintheGamesProgrammestoitsopponents.
SportsScienceandMedicineGuidanceRule81requireseachcoachtoholdacurrentBasicFirstAidforSportQualificationoranequivalentorhigherqualificationapprovedbytheBoard.Thus,allcoachesattendingmatchesinalloftheDevelopmentPhasesshouldholdthisqualification.KnowledgeofhowtouseadefibrillatorisarequirementoftheBasicFirstAidforSportQualification.Accordingly,theneteffectoftheseRulesisthattheremustbesomebodypresentatallgameswhoknowshowtouseadefibrillator.EachClub’sEmergencyActionPlanshouldincludedetailsofthemembersofAcademyStaffrequiredbyRules224.1and224.2.427225.AphysiotherapistqualifiedassetoutinRule99.2orRule100oracoachwhoholdstheFootballAssociation’sDiplomaintheTreatmentandManagementofInjuriesoranequivalentorhigherqualificationoramemberofstaffwhoholdsacurrentemergencyfirstaidqualificationawardedbyTheFA,theBritishRedCross,StJohnAmbulance(orbyanotherentityprovideditisapprovedbytheHealthandSafetyExecutiveasanemergencyfirstaidqualification)shallbepresentatallcoachingtakingplaceinAcademies(withoutprejudicetotherequirementsofRule224).
YouthDevelopmentRulesTalentIdentificationandRecruitment429Scouts:Qualifications226.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallensurethateachofitsScoutswhosedutiesincludetheidentificationofAcademyPlayerswhoseregistrationtheClubmaywishtosecure(inadditiontocomplyingwiththeprovisionsofSectionQofthePremierLeagueRules):226.1.isinpossessionofsuchqualificationastheLeaguemayrequirefromtimetotime;226.2.understandsandcompliesinfullwiththePremierLeagueRules,theseRulesandtheCodeofConductforScouts;and226.3.undertakesContinuedProfessionalDevelopmenteachyear.227.EachClubshallensurethat,wheretherelevantScout’sdutiesincludethosereferredtoinRule226,inadditiontocomplyingwiththeScoutregistrationrequirementsofSectionQofthePremierLeagueRules,itprovidesevidencetotheLeaguewithinfivedaysofemployingorengagingtheScoutthattheScoutholdsthequalificationrequiredbyRule226.1,andtheLeagueshallregistertheScoutwhereitissatisfiedthattheregistrationrequirementsofSectionQhavebeencompliedwithandtheScoutholdsthequalificationrequiredbyRule226.1.Scouts:AttendanceatMatches228.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallpermittheScoutsofotherClubstoattendatmatchesplayedintheGamesProgrammesprovidedthat:228.1.theClubwhichhasemployedorengagedtheScoutnotifiesbothClubsinvolvedinthematchoftheScout’sproposedattendancebynolaterthan12noononthelastWorkingDaybeforethepublisheddateofthematch;and228.2.theScoutisabletoproduceondemandtothehomeClubtheidentificationcardissuedtohimbyhisClubinaccordancewiththePremierLeagueRules.229.EachScoutshallinformthehomeClubofhisarrivalatamatch.230.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallprepareandproduceadocumentsettingouttheprocessofhowScoutsemployedbythatClubshouldapproachAcademyPlayers(andotherplayers)andtheprocessthereafter.SuchprocessshouldcomplyinfullwiththePremierLeagueRules,theseRulesandtheCodeofConductforScoutsandshouldbuilduponthetrainingthattheScoutreceivedwhileobtainingtherelevantscoutingqualificationreferredtoinRule226.1.
TalentIdentificationandRecruitmentGuidanceRule231TheLeaguewillwherepossiblesendtheRulesandChartertoParentsbyemailwitharead-receipt,orbyrecordeddeliveryifnoemailaddressisprovided.Rule235ThepresumptionsetoutinthisRuleisrebuttableifthenewClubcanestablishtothesatisfactionoftheBoardthatitdidnotinfactbreachRule297.430YouthDevelopmentRulesRegistrationsandProvisionofInformationbytheLeague231.UponreceivinganapplicationbyaClubtoregisteranAcademyPlayer,theLeagueshallimmediatelyprovidetotheAcademyPlayer’sParentacopyoftheseRulesandoftheParent’sCharter.232.SubjecttoRule233,theLeaguewillundertaketheregistration(whichshallbebackdatedtothedateofapplication)oftheAcademyPlayerif:232.1.sevendayshaveelapsedfromthedatetheLeaguereceivestheapplicationreferredtoabove;and232.2.duringthattime,theLeaguehasnotbeencontactedbytheAcademyPlayerorhisParenttoinformtheLeaguethathenolongerwishestoberegisteredasanAcademyPlayerforthatClub,andinsuchcircumstances,theAcademyPlayermaybecoachedbyandplayfortheClubduringtheperiodofsevendaysreferredtoinRule232.1.TheprovisionsofRules297to300shallapplyduringtheperiodreferredtoinRule232.1.233.WithoutprejudicetoitspowersofinquiryunderSectionWofthePremierLeagueRules,priortoundertakinganyregistrationofanAcademyPlayer,theLeaguemay,initsabsolutediscretion,request:233.1.anyOfficialoftheClubseekingtoregistertheAcademyPlayer,anyOfficialofaClubwithwhichtheAcademyPlayerhaspreviouslybeenregistered,theAcademyPlayerhimselfand/orhisParent(s)toappearbeforeittoanswerquestions;and233.2.suchPersonsoranyClub(orclub)toproducedocuments,ineachcase,toensurethattherehasbeennobreachofRules297to300.234.WherearequestismadebytheLeagueinaccordancewithRule233,theLeaguemay,initsabsolutediscretion,staytheregistrationoftheAcademyPlayeruntilitissatisfiedthattherehasbeennobreachofRules297to300(and,insuchcircumstances,theAcademyPlayermaynotbecoachedbyorplayfortheClubseekingtoregisterhimuntiltheLeaguenotifiestheAcademyPlayerandtheClubthattheregistrationhasbeenundertaken).235.IftheAcademyPlayerdirectlyorindirectlycontactsanotherClub,andsuchcontactresultsintheAcademyPlayerbecomingregisteredwiththatotherClubwithouttheconsentoftheClubreferredtoinRule231,theotherClubshallbepresumedtohavebreachedRule297.
TalentIdentificationandRecruitment431Time/DistanceRules236.SubjecttoRule265,eachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallbepermittedtoregisterAcademyPlayerswhoresidewithinthetraveltimesmeasuredfromthelocationoftheClub’sprincipalvenuefortheprovisionofcoachingandeducationsetoutinthefollowingtable.AnyquestionordisputeconcerningthetravellingtimerequirementsinthisRule,andwhetherpermissionshouldbegrantedtoregistertherelevantAcademyPlayer,shallbedeterminedbytheBoard.Trials237.SubjecttotheconditionssetoutinRules238and244,aTrialistmayattendanAcademyforuptosixconsecutiveweeksinanyoneseasonwithoutbeingregisteredprovidedthat:237.1.atleastsevendays’priorwrittennoticetothateffectshallbegiventoanyjuniorclubofwhichsuchTrialistisamember;and237.2.beforethetrialcommenceshisparticularsshallbenotifiedforthwithtotheLeaguebysendingtotheBoardPLYDForm2dulycompleted,togetherwithproofofhishomeaddressanddateofbirthinsuchformasisrequiredbytheBoard.238.InthecaseoftheTrialistinoneoftheagegroupsUnder9toUnder16,aClubmayapplytotheBoardforpermissiontoextendtheperiodofsixweeksreferredtoinRule237foraninitialadditionalperiodofsixweeks,andthenforafurtherperiodofsixweeksthereafter.Permittedrecruitmenttime/distanceFoundationPhaseYouthDevelopmentPhaseProfessionalDevelopmentPhaseCategory11hourNolimitforAcademyPlayersengagedintheFullTimeTrainingModel;1½hoursforallotherAcademyPlayersintheYouthDevelopmentPhase.nolimitCategory21hour1½nolimitCategory31hour1½nolimitCategory4N/AN/Anolimit
TalentIdentificationandRecruitmentGuidanceTheEducationOmbudsmanmaybeaskedtoadviseontheactualandproposedarrangementsputinplacebytheClubtoprovidefortheeducationalprogressionofanyTrialistinrespectofwhomanapplicationunderRule243ismade.432YouthDevelopmentRules244.TheconditionsreferredtoinRule237areasfollows:244.1.atrialmaybeofferedorgivenbyaClubtoanyoneinagegroupsUnder9toUnder11inclusivewhohashispermanentresidencewithinonehour’stravellingtimeoftheClub’sAcademy;244.2.atrialmaybeofferedorgivenbyaClubwhichispermittedtorecruitnationally(becauseitoperatesaCategory1AcademyandispermittedtorecruitnationallypursuanttoRule236)toanyoneinagegroupsUnder12andUnder13;244.3.atrialmaybeofferedorgivenbyanyClubtowhichRule244.2doesnotapplytoanyoneinagegroupsUnder12andUnder13whohashispermanentresidencewithinoneandahalfhours’travellingtimeoftheClub’sAcademy;244.4.atrialmaybeofferedorgivenbyaClubtoanyoneinagegroupsUnder14toUnder16inclusive;244.5.subjecttoRule244.6.2atrialmaybeofferedorgivenbyoneormoreClubstoanAcademyPlayerinagegroupUnder16whohasbeeninformedbytheClubholdinghisregistrationthatitwillnotoffertoenterintoaScholarshipAgreementwithhim,anysuchtrialorseriesoftrialsmaynotintheaggregateexceedsixweeks;239.Anapplicationtoextendatrialperiodmustbe:239.1.madebytheClubatleasttwoweeksbeforetheTrialist’strialperiodisduetoexpire;239.2.accompaniedbysuchinformationandassurancesastheLeaguemayrequire;and239.3.consentedtobytheTrialistandhisParent.240.AnapplicationtoextendatrialperiodshallonlybegrantedbytheLeagueifitissatisfiedastoarrangementsputinplacebytheClubforthewelfareandeducationoftheTrialist.241.ATrialistmaynotregisterwithanotherClub(orclub)duringtheinitialsixweektrialperiodbutmayatanytimeterminateanextendedtrialperiodtowhichheissubject.242.Rule41(PerformanceClocks)andRule42(Multi-disciplinaryReviews)shallapplywithregardtoTrialists.243.EachClubshallgivetheLeagueallsuchaccesstoinformationandPersonsasitmayrequireinordertomonitorthewelfareandprogressionofTrialistsandtodeterminewhethertograntanapplicationtoextendatrialperiod.
TalentIdentificationandRecruitment433244.6.atrialmaynotbeofferedorgiventoanyone:244.6.1.whoisontrialatanotherAcademy;or244.6.2.whoseregistrationisheldbyanotherClub(orclub)exceptwiththewrittenconsentofsuchClub(orclub)orinthecaseofanAcademyPlayerwhoisexercisinghisentitlementundereitherRule269,Rule270orRule271toseekregistrationasanAcademyPlayerattheAcademyofanotherClub(orclub).AnyquestionordisputeconcerningthetravellingtimerequirementsinthisRuleshallbedeterminedbytheBoardinitsabsolutediscretion.245.IfaTrialistattendinganAcademyisinjuredsothathecannotbecoachedorplayfootballoriftheperiodofhistrialisinterruptedbyanyotheroccurrence,applicationmaybemadetotheBoardinwritingtoextendtheperiodofhistrial,givingfullreasonstherefor,andtheBoardshallhavepowertoextendsuchperiodinsuchtermsasitmaythinkfit.246.IfbeforethedateuponwhichaTrialist’strialperiodisduetoendhistrialisterminated,noticetothateffectshallbegiventotheLeaguebysendingtotheBoardPLYDForm3dulycompleted.247.UponaTrialistcommencingatrial,theLeaguemayprovidetohimandhisParentacopyoftheseRulesandsuchotherinformationastheLeagueconsidersrelevant.248.WhereaClubmakesanapplicationtotheLeagueinPLYDForm5thatanAcademyPlayerwhoisaTrialistwiththatClubatthetimeoftheapplicationberegisteredasanAcademyPlayerwiththatClub,therelevanttrialwillbeimmediatelydeemedcancelledbytheLeagueandtheprovisionsofRules231to235shallapply.Pre-RegistrationAgreements249.SubjecttotheprovisionsofArt.19oftheFIFARegulationsontheStatusandTransferofPlayers,onorafter1stJanuaryinanyseasonaClubmayenterintoapre-registrationagreementwithaplayerwhodoesnotresidewithinoneandahalfhours’travellingtimeofitsAcademyprovidedthatsuchaplayeristhen:249.1.inhisUnder16,Under17orUnder18year;and249.2.inFullTimeEducation;and249.3.notregisteredwithanotherCluborFootballLeagueclub.250.Apre-registrationagreementshallbeinPLYDForm4andshallincludeanundertakingbytheClubtoenterintoaScholarshipAgreementwiththeplayerupontheClubhavingacquiredtheplayer’sregistrationand250.1.inthecaseofaplayerinhisUnder16year,onorafterthelastFridayinJuneintheacademicyearinwhichtheAcademyPlayerreachestheageof16;or250.2.inthecaseofaplayerinhisUnder17orUnder18year,uponhisceasingFullTimeEducation.UnlessauthorisedinwritingbytheBoard,abreachofsuchanundertakingwillconstituteabreachoftheseRules.
TalentIdentificationandRecruitmentGuidanceTheLeagueintendstointroduceaschemeofplayeridentificationintheformofIDcardsduringSeason2017/18formatchesthatformpartoftheGamesProgrammeandAcademycoachingsessionstomonitorcompliancewithRule253(amongothers).ItisalsointendedthataprotocolfortheimplementationoftheschemewillbeissuedtoallClubsbeforethestartoftheSeason.WhileabreachoftheprotocolduringSeason2017/18willnotconstituteaRulebreach,anyfailurebyaCluborAcademyPlayertocomplywiththetermsofthatprotocoloranyotherfacetoftheplayeridentificationschememayconstituteevidenceofabreachofRule253.434YouthDevelopmentRules254.SubjecttoRule255,playersinagegroupsUnder9,Under10,Under11,Under12,Under14andUnder16shallberegisteredforoneyearandthoseinagegroupsUnder13andUnder15fortwoyears.255.TheregistrationofanAcademyPlayershallendureuntilthelastFridayinJuneintheacademicyearinwhichhereachestheageof16if:255.1.heisengagedintheFullTimeTrainingModel;or255.2.theClubhasmadeanapplicationtotheBoardtothisend,havingofferedtoengagetheAcademyplayerontheFullTimeTrainingModelandtheAcademyPlayerhavingrejectedthisofferforsoundeducationalreasons.InsuchacasetheBoardshallenquireintothecircumstancesandsatisfyitselfastothebonafidesoftheapplication,andifsosatisfiedshallhavethepowertodeterminethattheAcademyPlayer’sregistrationshouldsoendure.256.TheregistrationofAcademyPlayerswillbeundertakenbytheLeague.257.RegistrationsofAcademyPlayersundertakenbyTheFootballLeaguewhichareheldbyClubspromotedtotheLeagueshallbetreatedashavingbeenundertakenbytheLeagueprovidedallcircumstancessurroundingthatregistrationcomplywiththeseRules,failingwhichtheLeagueshallbeatlibertytorejectthatregistrationunlessotherwisedeterminedbytheBoard.251.ClubsshallsubmittotheBoardcopiesofallpre-registrationagreementswithinfivedaysoftheirbeingenteredinto.252.AwrittenCoachingCurriculumshallbeannexedtoeachpre-registrationagreementandtheplayershallnotbecoachedbyorattheClub’sAcademyorparticipateinitsmatches,tours,Festivals,TrainingCampsorTournamentsuntiltheprogrammehasbeenapprovedinwritingbytheBoardandthenonlytotheextentsetoutintheprogramme.Registrations253.ExceptforTrialistsattendingtrialsinaccordancewithRule237,andplayersattendingDevelopmentCentresandplayerswithwhomaClubhasenteredintoapre-registrationagreementinaccordancewithRule249,noplayershallbecoachedbyoratanAcademyorparticipateinmatches,tours,Festivals,TrainingCampsorTournamentsinwhichtheCluboperatingthatAcademyisinvolvedunlessthatClubholdshisregistration.
TalentIdentificationandRecruitmentGuidanceTheLeaguemayrequirethatfurtherinformationand/ordocumentsbesubmittedatthesametimeasPLYDForm5tofacilitatetheschemereferredtointheGuidancetoRule253.Suchinformation/documentsmayinclude,bywayofexample,acurrentphotographof(and/orbiometricdatarelatingto)theAcademyPlayer.435259.AClubshallrequesteachAcademyPlayer(orifheisaminorhisParent)tocompletePLYDForm6atthesametimethathecompletesPLYDForm5.IfhedoessotheClubshallsubmitthecompletedPLYDForm6totheBoardatthesametimethatitsubmitsPLYDForm5.IftheAcademyPlayerorhisParent(asapplicable)electsnottocompletePLYDForm6,heshouldneverthelesssubmitPLYDForm5totheBoardforthwith.260.AnapplicationinPLYDForm5shallberefusedifitismadeinrespectofaplayerwithwhomaClub(orclub),otherthantheapplicantClub,hasenteredintoapre-registrationagreementwhichremainscurrent.261.ExceptinthecaseofaScholar,aplayershallnotberegisteredasanAcademyPlayerunlessheisinFullTimeEducation.262.TheBoardmayfromtimetotimedirecttheminimumnumberofAcademyPlayerstoberegisteredbyeachClubineachagegroup,andeachClubshallcomplywithanysuchdirection.263.ThemaximumnumbersofAcademyPlayersregistrablebyaClubatanyonetimeareasfollows:AgegroupsUnder9toUnder14inclusive:30ineachagegroupAgegroupsUnder15andUnder16inclusive:20ineachagegroupAgegroupsUnder17andUnder18:30acrossbothagegroupsAgegroupsUnder19toUnder21inclusive:15ineachagegroup264.NoapplicationtoregisteranyAcademyPlayerintheUnder9agegroupmaybesignedbytheAcademyPlayerbeforethethirdSaturdayinMayimmediatelyprecedinghisUnder9year.258.AnapplicationfortheregistrationofanAcademyPlayeratanAcademyshallbemadebycompletingandsubmittingtotheBoardPLYDForm5signedonbehalfoftheClubbyanAuthorisedSignatorytogetherwithacopyofboththeCodeofConductreferredtoinRule190andproofofboththeAcademyPlayer’shomeaddressanddateofbirthinsuchformasisrequiredbytheBoard.ThecompletedPLYDForm5mustbesubmittedtotheBoardbytheClubwithinfivedaysofsignaturebytheAcademyPlayer.
TalentIdentificationandRecruitment436YouthDevelopmentRules265.AplayerinagegroupsUnder14toUnder16inclusivewhoresidesmorethanoneandahalfhours’travellingtimefromthenearestAcademymayberegisteredasanAcademyPlayeratthenearestClubwhichoperatesanAcademyoftheappropriateCategorysubjecttothefollowingconditions:265.1.anapplicationforregistrationofanAcademyPlayerundertheprovisionsofthisRuleshallbeaccompaniedbyawrittenCoachingCurriculumwhichshallincludefullparticularsofanycoachingtheAcademyPlayerwillreceiveatorinthelocalityofhisplaceofresidence;265.2.theCoachingCurriculumshallbedesignedsoastoensurethatitdoesnotcausetheAcademyPlayertobeabsentfromschool;265.3.inthecaseofanAcademyPlayerregisteredundertheprovisionsofthisRuleatanAcademy,theHeadofEducationshallmakeenquiriesoftheAcademyPlayer’sschoolatleastfourtimeseachseasonduringthecurrencyofhisregistrationsoastosatisfyhimselfthattheAcademyPlayer’sbestinterestsarebeingservedbytheCoachingCurriculumandthatitisnotadverselyaffectinghiseducation;theresultofeachenquiryshallbereportedinwritingtotheAcademyManagerwhointheeventofanadversereportshallapplytotheBoardforthecancellationoftheAcademyPlayer’sregistration;and265.4.unlessanyothertravellingarrangementshavebeensubmittedtoandapprovedinwritingbyoronbehalfoftheBoard,ontheoccasionofeachvisitbytheAcademyPlayertotheAcademyatwhichheisregisteredheshallbeaccompaniedonboththeoutwardandthereturnjourneybyhisParent.266.AnapplicationtoregisteranAcademyPlayershallberefusedif:266.1.theAcademyPlayerisinagegroupsUnder10,Under11orUnder12;266.2.theregistrationofthatAcademyPlayerwasheldbyanotherCluborFootballLeagueclub(“theformerClub”)withintheperiodof12monthspriortothemakingoftheapplication;266.3.theformerClubhadgivennoticetothatAcademyPlayerundertheprovisionsofRules268.1or268.2thatitintendedtoretainhisregistration;and266.4.theClubmakingtheapplicationhadwithinthesaidperiodof12monthsregisteredtwoAcademyPlayersinagegroupsUnder10,Under11orUnder12whoseregistrationshadbeenheldbytheformerClub,unlesstheClubmakingtheapplicationandtheformerClubagreeotherwise.267.OnorbeforethethirdSaturdayinMayineveryyeareachClubshallsendtotheBoardalistinPLYDForm7containingthenamesofeachoftheAcademyPlayerswhoseregistrationitthenholds(otherthanthosewhohaveenteredintoaScholarshipAgreementwhosenamesareincludedinthelistrequiredbyRuleU.32),indicatingwhichitretains,whichitintendstoretainandwhichitintendstoterminatewitheffectfromthefirstSaturdayinJune.
TalentIdentificationandRecruitment437EndofSeasonProcedure268.ExceptinthecaseofanAcademyPlayerwhohasbeenofferedandhasacceptedaScholarshipAgreementinaccordancewithRule278:268.1.onorbeforethethirdSaturdayinMayineveryyearinwhichhisregistrationisheld,eachClubshallgiveorsendtoeachofitsAcademyPlayersinagegroupsUnder9toUnder11PLYDForm8notifyinghimwhetheritintendstoretainortoterminatehisregistrationwitheffectfromthefirstSaturdayinJune;and268.2.onorbeforethethirdSaturdayinMay,eachClubshallgiveorsendtoeachofitsAcademyPlayersinagegroupsUnder12andUnder14PLYDForm9notifyinghimwhetheritintendstoretainhisregistrationforthenexttwoseasonsortoterminateitwitheffectfromthefirstSaturdayinJune.269.AnAcademyPlayerwhoreceivesnotificationunderRule268.1orRule268.2ofhisClub’sintentiontoterminatehisregistrationshallbeatlibertyfollowingreceiptofsuchnotificationtoseekregistrationasanAcademyPlayerattheAcademyofanyotherClub(orclub).270.AnAcademyPlayerwhoreceivesnotificationunderRule268.1orRule268.2ofhisClub’sintentiontoretainhisregistrationshalllikewisebeatlibertyafterthefirstSaturdayinJunetoseekregistrationasanAcademyPlayerattheAcademyofanyotherClub(orclub)providedthat:270.1.bythefirstSaturdayinJunehehasgivenwrittennoticetohisClubandtheBoardterminatinghisregistration;and270.2.hehasreceivedtheBoard’swrittenacknowledgementofthesame.271.AnAcademyPlayerinagegroupUnder16whohasnotreceivedanoffertoenterintoaScholarshipAgreementby31DecembershallthereafterbeatlibertytoseekregistrationasanAcademyPlayerattheAcademyofanyotherClub(orclub)and,insuchcircumstances(savewheretheAcademyPlayerconcernedremainsinFullTimeEducationbeyondhisUnder16year),theClubthatholdshisregistrationshallnotbeentitledtoreceivecompensationfromanyClub(orclub)thatsubsequentlyregisterstheAcademyPlayerforitstraininganddevelopmentofthat
AcademyPlayer,inaccordancewithRule326.TerminationofRegistration272.SubjecttoRule273,theregistrationofanAcademyPlayerwhohasnotenteredintoaScholarshipAgreementwithaClubshallterminateuponthehappeningoftheearliestofthefollowingevents:272.1.theAcademyPlayercompletinghisFullTimeEducation;272.2.thereceiptbytheBoardatanytimeofamutualcancellationnotificationinPLYDForm10dulycompletedandsignedbytheAcademyPlayerandhisParentandonbehalfoftheClubholdinghisregistration;272.3.thereceiptbytheBoardoftheAcademyPlayer’snoticedulygiveninaccordancewiththeprovisionsofRule270.1;
TalentIdentificationandRecruitment438YouthDevelopmentRules272.4.thefirstSaturdayinJunefollowingthereceiptbytheBoardofPLYDForm7uponwhichhisClubhasindicateditsintentiontoterminatetheAcademyPlayer’sregistration;or272.5.theexpiry,surrender,suspensionorrevocationoftheAcademylicenceoftheClubholdingtheregistration.273.TheBoardshallhavepoweratanytimetocanceltheregistrationofanAcademyPlayer:273.1.uponthewrittenapplicationofeither:273.1.1.theAcademyPlayeror,iftheAcademyPlayerisaChild,hisParentonhisbehalf(andoneofthegrounds,butnottheonlyground,onwhichsuchanapplicationmaybemadeisthatthecategorisationoftheClub’sAcademyhasbeenloweredpursuanttoRule26.3);or273.1.2.theClubholdinghisregistration;or273.2.ofitsownvolitioninthecircumstancessetoutinRule274.274.IftheBoardisnotsatisfiedthataClubiscomplyingwithanyoneormoreoftheRulesconcerningtheHybridorFullTimeTrainingModel,orifitisoftheviewthattheeducationofanAcademyPlayerengagedontheHybridorFullTimeTrainingModelisbeingprejudicedasaresultofhisengagementthereon(regardlessofwhethertheClubisincompliancewiththeseRules)itmay,eitherofitsownvolitionoronthewrittenapplicationofanAcademyPlayerwhoisaffectedthereby(orofhisParentonhisbehalfifheisaChild):274.1.canceltheregistrationoftheAcademyPlayer;or274.2.orderthattheAcademyPlayerbedeemedtobeengagedononeoftheotherTrainingModels.275.TheBoardwillnotexerciseitspowerssetoutinRule274withouthavingfirstgiventheClub,theAcademyPlayerandhisParenttheopportunitytomakerepresentationstoit.276.TheBoardshalldeterminesuchanapplicationinsuchmannerasitshallthinkfitand,inparticular,shallhavepowertoappointoneormoresuitablyqualifiedPersonstoenquireintoallthecircumstancesoftheapplication(adoptingsuchproceduresasareconsideredappropriate)andtoreporttotheBoard,recommendingwhethertheapplicationshouldbegrantedorrefused.Iftheapplicationisgranted,theBoardmayimposeconditions(e.g.astocompensation)onthecancellationoftheregistration.277.UponanAcademyPlayer’sregistrationterminatingbyvirtueoftheprovisionsofRule272.2,theBoardshallprovidehimwithacopyofPLYDForm10asevidencethereof.
TalentIdentificationandRecruitment439Scholarships278.Onorafter1Januaryintheyearinwhichheattainstheageof14yearsandinanyeventonorbefore31DecemberinhisUnder16year,aClubmayoffertoenterintoaScholarshipAgreementwithanAcademyPlayerwhoseregistrationitholds.279.FailurebyaClubtohonouranyofferofascholarshipmadepursuanttoRule278withoutreasonablecauseshallrenderthatClubliabletodisciplinaryactionpursuanttoSectionWofthePremierLeagueRules.280.AClubmaylikewiseoffertoenterintoaScholarshipAgreementwithanAcademyPlayerinagegroupUnder16whoisseekingregistrationundertheprovisionsofRule271.281.AclubwhichoperatesaCategory4AcademymayonlyoffertoenterintoaScholarshipAgreementwith:281.1.anyonewhoisnotanAcademyPlayer;or281.2.anAcademyPlayerinagegroupUnder16whoisseekingregistrationundertheprovisionsofRule271butonlyonorafter1JanuaryinhisUnder16Year.282.AnyoffermadeundertheprovisionsofRules278or280shallbeinPLYDForm11,acopyofwhichshallbesenttotheBoardbytheClubmakingtheofferwithinfivedaysofitbeingmade.283.AnAcademyPlayerreceivinganofferinPLYDForm11shallrespondtheretowithin28daysbycompletingandsubmittingtotheClubmakingtheofferPLYDForm12,acopyofwhichshallbesenttotheBoardbytheClubwithinfivedaysofreceipt.AnAcademyPlayerwhodoesnotaccepttheoffershallbeatlibertyafterthefirstSaturdayinJunefollowinghisUnder16yeartoseekregistrationatanyotherClub(orclub).284.AnAcademyPlayerwhofailstorespondasrequiredbyRule283shallbedeemedtohavenotacceptedtheoffer.285.AClubmayenterintoaScholarshipAgreementwithanAcademyPlayerif:285.1.itholdshisregistration;or285.2.hisregistrationisnotheldbyanotherClub(orclub);and285.3.(exceptinthecaseofanAcademyPlayerwhohasenteredintoaScholarshipAgreementwithanotherClub(orclub)whichhasbeencancelledbymutualagreement)heisundertheageof18years;and285.4.theScholarshipAgreementcommencesnoearlierthanthelastFridayinJuneintheacademicyearinwhichtheAcademyPlayerreachestheageof16.286.AnAcademyPlayerwhoentersintoaScholarshipAgreementwithaClubshallbe:286.1.entitledtoreceivesuchremunerationasshallbedeterminedbytheBoardfromtimetotime;and286.2.requiredtocompletehisEducationProgramme(asdefinedinPLYDForm1).
TalentIdentificationandRecruitment440YouthDevelopmentRules287.TheregistrationofanAcademyPlayerwhoentersintoaScholarshipAgreementwithaClubshallbeeffectedbycompletionofandsubmissiontotheBoardofFootballAssociationFormG(4),signedonbehalfoftheClubbyanAuthorisedSignatory,togetherwithcopiesoftheAcademyPlayer’sScholarshipAgreement,theinitialdurationofwhichmustnotexceedtwoyears,andbirthcertificate.288.IfthepartiestoaScholarshipAgreementhaveagreedinwritingthattheywillenterintoacontractofemploymentinForm19priortoorimmediatelyupontheterminationoftheScholarshipAgreement,andprovidedthatthewrittenagreementbetweenthemspecifiesthelengthofthecontractandfulldetailsofalltheremunerationandbenefitspayableunderit,theClubshallnotbeobligedtocompleteandsignamutualcancellationnotificationupontheAcademyPlayer’sapplicationforcancellationofhisregistrationpursuanttoclause13.1oftheScholarshipAgreement.IftheClubchoosesnottocanceltheAcademyPlayer’sregistration,theAcademyPlayershallremainregisteredwiththeClubandtheScholarshipAgreementshallremaininfullforceandeffect.289.AppealagainstTerminationAnappealbyanAcademyPlayerundertheprovisionsofclause10.3orbyaClubundertheprovisionsofclause12.3ofPLYDForm1shallbecommencedbynoticeinwritingaddressedtotheotherpartytotheagreementandtotheBoard.290.AppealagainstDisciplinaryDecisionAnappealbyanAcademyPlayerundertheprovisionsofparagraph3.3.2oftheScheduletoPLYDForm1shallbecommencedbynoticeinwritingaddressedtotheClubandtotheBoard.291.AppealspursuanttoRule289orRule290shallbeconductedinsuchmannerastheBoardmaydetermine.292.TheBoardmayallowordismissanysuchappealandmakesuchotherorderasitthinksfit.293.OrderforCostsTheBoardshallhavepowertomakeanorderforcosts:293.1.indeterminingappealsunderRule289orRule290;and293.2.ifanysuchappeal,havingbeencommenced,iswithdrawn.294.TheBoardshallhavepowertodeterminetheamountofanysuchcostswhichmayinclude,withoutlimitation,thoseincurredbytheLeagueintheconductoftheappeal.295.Costsorderedtobepaidasaforesaidshallberecoverable:295.1.inthecaseofaClub,undertheprovisionsofRuleE.27;or295.2.inthecaseofanAcademyPlayer,asacivildebt.
TalentIdentificationandRecruitment441296.FurtherAppealWithin14daysofadecisionoftheBoardgivenundertheprovisionsofRule292eitherpartymaybynoticeinwritingappealagainstsuchdecisiontothePremierLeagueAppealsCommitteewhosedecisionshallbefinal.ApproachesbyandtoClubsandInducements297.AClubshallnot,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,makeanyapproachtoorcommunicatewith:297.1.anAcademyPlayerregisteredwithanotherClub(orclub);or297.2.aplayerwithwhomanotherClub(orclub)hasenteredintoapre-registrationagreementwhichremainscurrent.298.ApublicstatementmadebyanOfficialoforIntermediaryforaClubexpressinginterestinanAcademyPlayerwhoseregistrationisheldbyanotherClub(orclub)oraplayerwithwhomanotherClub(orclub)hasenteredintoapre-registrationagreementwhichremainscurrentshallbedeemedforthepurposeofRule297tobeanindirectapproachinbreachofthatRule.299.ExceptaspermittedbyRules269,270and271,anAcademyPlayerwhoseregistrationisheldbyaClubshallnot,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,makeanyapproachtoanotherClub(orclub).300.ExceptthataClubmay,notearlierthan1JanuarynextfollowingthecommencementofhisUnder16year,offeranAcademyPlayeracontractasaContractPlayeruponhisattainingtheageof17yearsandsubjecttoRules249and278:300.1.noClubshallinduceorattempttoinduceaplayertobecomeregisteredasanAcademyPlayerbythatClubbyofferinghim,oranyPersonconnectedwithhim,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,abenefitorpaymentofanydescriptionwhetherincashorinkind;300.2.noClubshalllikewiseinduceorattempttoinduceanAcademyPlayertoenterintoaScholarshipAgreementandinparticularnoClubshallpayoroffertopaytoanAcademyPlayeruponhisenteringintoaScholarshipAgreementremunerationinexcessoftheremunerationreferredtoinRule286.1;300.3.noAcademyPlayershall,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,acceptanysuchinducement.
YouthDevelopmentRulesFacilities443Facilities301.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallensurethat:301.1.itprovidesasaminimumthefacilitiesandaccommodationsetoutinRules303to317;and301.2.ifitoperatesaCategory1Academy,suchfacilitiesandaccommodationareavailablefortheexclusiveuseofitsAcademyatalltimeswhenitrequiresaccesstotheminordertocomplywiththeseRules.302.Savewhereotherwiseindicated,orwiththepermissionoftheBoard,thefacilitiesandaccommodationsetoutinRules303to317shallbeprovidedattheClub’sprincipalvenueforthecoachingandeducationofAcademyPlayers.303.Grasspitches304.EachClubshalltakeallreasonablestepstomaintaineachgrasspitchusedbyitsAcademyatalltimeswhensuchpitchesarerequiredbytheAcademyformatchesorcoaching.Category1a)Asufficientnumberofgrasspitchesoftheappropriatesizes(asrequiredbytheRulesrelatingtoGamesProgrammesandwithgoalssizedasrequiredbytheRulesrelatingtoGamesProgrammes)toenabletheClubtoplayallitsmatchesintheGamesProgrammesandfulfilitscommitmentsundertheseRulesasregardscoaching.b)Onefloodlitgrasspitchenclosedwithperimeterfencingandwithdesignatedareasforspectatorattendance(savethatifaClubisunabletoobtainplanningpermissionforfloodlightingthentherequirementforfloodlightingshallbewaived);c)Adesignatedarea(ongrass)forthecoachingofgoalkeepers.Category2and3a)Asufficientnumberofgrasspitchesoftheappropriatesizes(asrequiredbytheRulesrelatingtoGamesProgrammesandwithgoalssizedasrequiredbytheRulesrelatingtoGamesProgrammes)toenabletheClubtoplayallitsmatchesintheGamesProgrammesandfulfilitscommitmentsundertheseRulesasregardscoaching.b)Adesignatedareaforthecoachingofgoalkeepers.Category4a)Asufficientnumberofgrasspitchesoftheappropriatesizes(asrequiredbytheRulesrelatingtoGamesProgrammesandwithgoalssizedasrequiredbytheRulesrelatingtoGamesProgrammes)toenabletheClubtoplayallitsmatchesintheGamesProgrammesandfulfilitscommitmentsundertheseRulesasregardscoaching.b)Adesignatedarea(ongrass)forthecoachingofgoalkeepers.
FacilitiesGuidanceBecauseofRule307,ClubsmayneedtohaveagreaternumberofpitchesthanthebareminimumnecessarytofulfilmatchesintheGamesProgramme.444YouthDevelopmentRules308.ArtificialSurfacePitch309.IndoorareafortrainingandtheplayingofmatchesNote:ideallyaClub’sindoorfacilityshouldbelocatedatitsprincipalvenueforthecoachingofAcademyPlayersandanynewfacilitymustbelocatedattheprincipalvenue.Itisaccepted,however,thatanumberofClubshaveexistingindoorfacilitieswhicharelocatedelsewhere,orthatitmaybeimpossibleforaClub’sindoorfacilitytobelocatedatitsprincipalvenueforplanningreasons.Insuchcases,wheretheBoardissatisfiedthattheClub’sindoorfacilitymaybelocatedotherthanatitsprincipalvenue,thereshallalsobearequirementthattheRulesrelatingtothemaximumtraveltimefromanAcademyPlayer’sresidencetothecoachingvenuearecompliedwith.Categories1and2OneindoorArtificialSurfacepitchmeasuringaminimumof60yardsby40yardswhichshallbeownedbytheClub(oralternativelytheClubmusthavealegallyenforceableagreementwiththeownerofthefacilityforitsusebytheClub,expiringnotearlierthantheendofthecurrentSeason)andwhichshallbefortheexclusiveuseoftheAcademyatalltimes.(Note:anindoorpitchwhichcomplieswiththesizerequirementssetoutinRuleK.15isrecommended).Categories1and2Categories3and4OnefloodlitoutdoorArtificialSurfacepitch(savethatifaClubisunabletoobtainplanningpermissionforfloodlightingthentherequirementforfloodlightingshallbewaived).Itisrecommendedandmandatorywitheffectfrom1July2016thatthispitchcomplieswithRuleK.15.AccesstoonefloodlitoutdoorArtificialSurfacepitch(whichneednotbeattheprincipalvenue).305.TheLeagueshallinspecttheAcademygrasspitchesofeachClubwhichoperatesaCategory1orCategory2Academyatleasttwiceayear,andofeachClubwhichoperatesaCategory3Academyfromtimetotime.306.EachClubshalltakesuchstepsastheBoardmayrequireiftheBoardisnotsatisfiedthatapitchisbeingmaintainedtoanadequatestandard.307.WithoutprejudicetothegeneralityofRule304,eachClubshallensurethatthequalityofitspitchesusedformatchesintheGamesProgrammeisnotadverselyaffectedbycoachingtakingplaceonthem.
FacilitiesGuidanceThePremierLeagueandFootballLeagueareconsultingontherequirementsforCategory3Clubs’indoorfacilitiestohaveanArtificialSurface.GuidanceSufficientandsuitablefacilitiesmustbeprovidedatallvenues.Thus,ifaCategory3orCategory4AcademyutilisesanArtificialSurfacepitchoranindoorpitchwhichislocatedawayfromitsprincipalvenue,itmustensurethatthereissubstantialcompliancewiththisRule310withregardtochangingroomandwashingfacilities.Achangingroommaynotbeusedasanyoftheotherrooms(e.g.teammeetingroom)requiredbytheseRules.GuidanceInCategory3and4Academies,thisroom:a)b)neednotbelocatedattheprincipalvenue;butifitissolocated(butnototherwise),mayalsobeusedastheguestloungedescribedinRule312.445311.TeammeetingroomCategories1to4Adedicatedroomlargeenoughtohold20peopleandequippedwithindividualdesks(oneperPerson),audio/visualprojectionequipmentandalargescreen,internetaccessandcomputers.310.ChangingroomsandwashingfacilitiesCategories1to4a)suitably-sizedchangingroomsequalinnumbertothenumberofteams(includingvisitingteams)playingattheAcademyatanyonetimesothateachsuchteamhasexclusiveuseofachangingroom;b)asufficientnumberofwashingandtoiletfacilities,ofasuitablequality,fortheexclusiveuseofallregisteredAcademyPlayers;c)asufficientnumberofseparatewashingandtoiletfacilities,ofasuitablequality,fortheuseofvisitingteams;d)asufficientnumberofseparatechangingroomsandwashingandtoiletfacilities,ofasuitablequality,fortheexclusiveuseofMatchOfficials(withseparatemaleandfemalefacilities);ande)(inthecaseofCategory1andCategory2Academiesonly)asufficientnumberofchangingroomsandwashingandtoiletfacilities,ofasuitablequality,fortheexclusiveuseoftherapistsandcoachesemployedattheAcademyandotherrelevantAcademyStaff.Categories3and4AccesstooneindoorArtificialSurfacepitchmeasuring60yardsby40yardsduringthemonthsofNovembertoApril.Alternatively,thepitchmaymeasure30yardsby20yardsbutifsotheClubshallonlybepermittedtocoachthefollowingmaximumnumbersofAcademyPlayersatanyonetime:AgegroupsUnder9toUnder14inclusive:18ineachagegroupAgegroupsUnder15andUnder16inclusive:15ineachagegroupAgegroupsUnder17toUnder21inclusive:12ineachagegroup
FacilitiesGuidanceEachclubshouldcarefullyconsiderprovisionoffacilitiessuitableforthemedicalpracticeundertakenateachvenue.Ingeneral,amedicalconsultingroomshouldbenotlessthan16squaremetresandshouldbelargerifitincludesaseparateareafortheexaminationcouch.Thereshouldbeprovisionfor:••Privacysufficienttoensureconfidentialityofconsultation;Desk,examinationcouchandequipmenttofacilitatemedicalexaminationstoinclude:•Thermometer;•Sphygmomanometer;•Otoscopeandophthalmoscope;•Stethoscope;Electronicorpapermedicalrecordsinsecureformat;Secure/lockablefilingsystem;Secure/lockablestorageforanymedicines;Sufficientprovisionsforallaspectsofmedicaltreatmenttobeundertakenincluding:•ProtocolsandequipmentfortheprovisionofBasicLifeSupportandifnotprovidedelsewhere;•ProtocolsandequipmentsufficientforAdvancedTraumaandLifeSupport;Basinwithhotandcoldwater,provisionofhandcleansers,clinicaltaps,handdryingfacilitiesandallnecessaryprovisionforeffectiveinfectioncontrolprocedures;Provisionofspaceandseatingforpersonaccompanyingexaminee;Flooringandfittingsofmaterialswhichcanbecleanedtomeetinfectioncontrolstandards;Telephone.••••••••446YouthDevelopmentRules312.Guestlounge313.Matchanalysissuite314.MedicalfacilitiesSuchmedicalfacilitiesastheClubrequirestodeliveritsSportsScienceandMedicineProgramme.Categories1and2Aroomlargeenoughtohold20peopleandequippedwithsuchappropriatevideoandITtechnologyasisnecessarytoundertake,andpresenttheresultsof,PerformanceAnalysis.Ifthefacilityissharedwiththeprofessionalsquad,accessfortheAcademysufficientforitspurposesneedstobeclearlydemonstrated.Category3Amatchanalysissuiteisrecommendedbutnotmandatory.Categories1to4AguestloungefortheuseofParentsateachtrainingsessionandmatchthatisopentoParents.Theguestloungeshallbelargeenoughtohold50peopleandhaveaccesstorefreshmentsandtoiletfacilities.Note:inCategory3and4Academies,thisroommayalsobeusedastheteammeetingroomdescribedinRule311providedthatitislargeenough.
FacilitiesGuidanceForCategory3andCategory4Academies,thesecanbeprovidedataplaceotherthantheprincipalvenue(e.g.attheClub’sStadium).GuidanceClubsmayprovidesuchaccommodationbylodgingstudentswithprivatehouseholds(subjecttocompliancewithallapplicablelegalrequirementsincludingastoDBSchecks)orbyoperatingtheirowndedicatedfacilities(suchashostels).447317.ClassroomsCategory1Aminimumofthreeclassroomswhichshalleach:•containsufficientdesksfor20students;•contain20computerswithaccesstotheinternet;and•conforminallrespectswithanyrequirementsforclassroomsissuedbytheDepartmentforEducation.Category2Aminimumoftwoclassroomswhichshalleach:•containsufficientdesksfor20students;and•contain20computerswithinternetaccess.AtleastoneoftheclassroomsmustconforminallrespectswithanyrequirementsforclassroomsissuedbytheDepartmentforEducation.Categories3and4AccessforAcademyPlayersandTrialiststoastudyarealargeenoughtohold20peopleandwhichcontainsatleast20computerswithinternetaccess.316.AcademyPlayeraccommodationCategories1to4SufficientandadequateaccommodationforallregisteredAcademyPlayersandTrialistsundertheageof18notresidingwiththeirParents.ClubsshallcomplywithanyguidelinesaboutAcademyPlayeraccommodationpublishedbytheLeaguefromtimetotimeandwithallapplicablelegalrequirementsinrelationtotheprovisionofsuchaccommodation.SuchaccommodationshallbelocatedinascloseproximityasisreasonablypracticabletotheClub’sprincipalvenueforthecoachingandeducationofAcademyPlayersandtotheplaceatwhichAcademyPlayersundertaketheireducation(ifthisisnottheprincipalvenue).315.AdministrationofficespaceCategories1to4a)SuchofficespaceandaccesstoIT,emailandtheinternetaseachmemberofAcademyStaffrequiresinordertoperformtheresponsibilitiessetoutinhisjobdescription;b)Aprivatemeetingroom.
FacilitiesGuidanceInCategory3and4Academies,thismayalsobeusedastheteammeetingroomprovidedthatthetimetablingoflessonsintheclassroomsallows.FlexibilitywillbeaccordedtoaClub’sprovisionofclassroomsdependingonthenumberofAcademyPlayersthatareengagedineachTrainingModel.ClubswhichoperateaCategory3orCategory4AcademywhohaveinplaceanartificialpitchwhichdoesnotmeettherequirementsofsuchapitchasdefinedinRule1.10maycontinuetousesuchapitchuntiltheendofitsnaturallife.Thereafterhowever,theymustuseapitchwhichcomplieswiththedefinition.448YouthDevelopmentRules
YouthDevelopmentRulesFinanceandExpensesGuidanceTheLeaguewillproducebenchmarkedClubbyClubinformation(onananonymisedbasis)withregardstoexpenditureonyouthdevelopmentonanannualbasis.TheLeaguewillkeeptheAcademyFinancialInformationprovidedtoitpursuanttoRules318and320confidentialsavethat:1.theLeaguemaydisclosetheInformationifproperlyrequiredtodosobylaworbyanyregulatoryauthority;theLeaguemaydisclosetheInformationtotheISOorthePGB(andifitdoesso,theLeagueshalluseallreasonableendeavourstoensurethattheISOorPGBkeepstheInformationconfidential);theLeaguemaydisclosetheInformationtoanyPersonorentityretainedtoundertakeanauditofaClub’sAcademyFinancialInformationpursuanttoRule322(andifitdoesso,theLeagueshalluseallreasonableendeavourstoensurethatthePersonorentitysoretainedkeepstheInformationconfidential);andtheLeaguemayusetheInformationtodevelopandpublishbenchmarkedinformationonananonymisedbasis.2.3.4.449Expenses324.WithoutprejudicetoRules297to300,eachClubthatoperatesanAcademyshallbepermittedtoreimburseAcademyPlayersandtheirParentsforactualexpenseslegitimatelyincurredasadirectresultoftheAcademyPlayer’sparticipationintheactivitiesoftheAcademy,inaccordancewithsuchguidanceasisissuedbytheBoardtoClubsfromtimetotime.Finance318.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallby1JulyineachyearsubmittotheLeagueitsbudgetedAcademyFinancialInformationforitsAcademyforthefollowingseason.319.EachClubwhichoperatesanAcademyshallby1SeptemberineachyearsubmittotheLeagueitsactualAcademyFinancialInformationforitsAcademyforthepreviousseasontogetherwiththebudgetedAcademyFinancialInformationforthatseason.320.TheAcademyFinancialInformationrequiredbyRule318shallbesubmittedintheformatrequiredbytheLeague.321.TheLeaguemay,atitsdiscretion,require(andtheClubshalldeliver),suchfurtherinformationandexplanationsasitdeemsfitinconnectionwiththeAcademyFinancialInformationsubmittedbytheClubpursuanttoRules318and320.322.TheLeagueshallhavethepowertoobtainanindependentauditofaClub’sAcademyFinancialInformationsubmittedpursuanttotheseRules.323.EachClub’sAcademyFinancialInformationshallbeassessedbytheBoardinordertodeterminewhethertoawardtotheClubagrantfromtheProfessionalYouthGameFund.
FinanceandExpenses450YouthDevelopmentRules325.WithoutprejudicetoRules297to300,nopaymentofanykindmaybemadebyaClubtoanAcademyPlayerorhisParent(whetherdirectlyorindirectly)outsidethetermsoftheguidanceissuedbytheBoardinaccordancewithRule324,withouttheexpresspriorconsentoftheBoard.
YouthDevelopmentRulesCompensation451Compensation326.TheregistrationofanAcademyPlayeratanAcademyshallimposeanobligationontheapplicantCluborFootballLeagueclub(“theApplicantClub”)topaycompensationforthetraininganddevelopmentofthatAcademyPlayertoanyCluborFootballLeagueclubwhichpreviouslyheldhisregistration(“theTrainingClub”)providedthat:326.1.theTrainingClubhadindicatedinPLYDForm7(or,inthecaseofaFootballLeagueclub,theequivalentFootballLeagueform)itsintentiontoretaintheAcademyPlayer’sregistration;or326.2.theTrainingClubhadofferedtoenterintoaScholarshipAgreementpursuanttoRule278withtheAcademyPlayer;or326.3.theAcademyPlayersoughtregistrationattheApplicantClubbecausehehadmovedresidenceoutsidethepermittedtravellingtimefromhislastTrainingClub;or326.4.savewhereRule271applies,theTrainingClubandAcademyPlayermutuallyagreedtoterminatetheAcademyPlayer’sregistrationpursuanttoRule272.2andagreedthattheTrainingClubshouldretaintherighttoreceivecompensationshouldtheAcademyPlayersignforanotherClub(orclub);or326.5.theBoardhasmadeadeterminationtothateffectpursuanttoRule276;and326.6.inalltheabovecases,theTrainingClubheldavalidlicencetooperateanAcademyinaccordancewiththeseRules(ortooperateaFootballAcademyorCentreofExcellenceinaccordancewiththeRulespertainingtoyouthdevelopmentwhichtheseRulesreplaced).327.TheamountofcompensationreferredtoinRule326shallbe:327.1.suchsumasshallbeduepursuanttothissectionoftheRules;or327.2.asregardsthecompensationpayablebytheApplicantClubtothemostrecentTrainingClub,suchsumasshallhavebeenagreedbetweenthem.328.Rules330to340governthecompensationdueinrespectofanAcademyPlayerwhoisin,orabouttoenter,anyagegroupbetweenUnder9andUnder16atthetimewhenheisfirstregisteredwiththeApplicantClubsaveforanAcademyPlayertowhomRule329.2applies.329.IndefaultofagreementbetweentheApplicantClubandtheAcademyPlayer’smostrecentTrainingClub,theProfessionalFootballCompensationCommitteeshall(inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofAppendix11)determinethecompensationpayabletothelatterinrespectofanAcademyPlayer:329.1.whoisinanyagegroupbetweenUnder17andUnder21whenheisregisteredfortheApplicantClub;or329.2.towhomtheTrainingClubmadeanofferofaScholarshipAgreementpursuanttoRule278.
CompensationGuidanceTheremaybetwo“applicablefixedfees”.Forexample,ifanAcademyPlayerwasregisteredwithaCategory2TrainingClubfromtheageofUnder9toUnder16,thentheapplicablefixedfeeis£3,000foreachofhisinitialthreeyearsofdevelopment(totalling£9,000)and£25,000foreachofthefivesubsequentyears(totalling£125,000)makingatotalinitialfeeof£134,000.452YouthDevelopmentRules333.TheapplicableannualfixedfeesbyreferencetotheagegroupoftheAcademyPlayerandtheCategoryofAcademyareasfollows:AgegroupoftheAcademyPlayerCategoryoftheAcademyoftheTrainingClubattherelevanttimeApplicableAnnualFixedFeeUnder9toUnder11AllCategories£3,000Under12toUnder16Category1£40,000Under12toUnder16Category2£25,000Under12toUnder16Category3£12,500330.ThecompensationdueinrespectofanAcademyPlayertowhomRule328appliesshallconsistofaninitialfeepayabletothemostrecentTrainingClub(andtobepaidwithinsevendaysoftheAcademyPlayerbeingregisteredfortheApplicantClub)and,iftheAcademyPlayerisinagegroupUnder12orolder,contingentcompensationispayabletoallqualifyingTrainingClubsinaccordancewiththeseRules.331.TheinitialfeereferredtoinRule330shallbecalculatedby:331.1.multiplyingtheapplicableannualfixedfee(orfees)calculatedinaccordancewithRule332bytheapplicablenumberofyears;and331.2.addingtheretoanyinitialfee(cappedatsuchsumaswouldhavebeenpayablewhencalculatedinaccordancewiththissectionoftheRules)paidbythemostrecentTrainingClubwhenitacquiredtheregistrationoftheAcademyPlayer.332.InRule331:332.1.the“applicableannualfixedfee”meansthefeesetoutinthetableinRule333referableto:332.1.1.theagegroupoftheAcademyPlayerduringanyyearthathewasregisteredwiththeTrainingClub;and332.1.2.theCategoryoftheTrainingClub’sAcademyduringthatyear;and332.2.the“applicablenumberofyears”meansthenumberofyearsforwhichtheAcademyPlayerwasregisteredfortheTrainingClub(subjecttoRule339).
CompensationGuidanceInordertogiveeffecttothecompensationRulesundertheEPPP,Clubs’previousFootballAcademiesandCentresofExcellencewillhavea“deemed”,retrospectivecategorisationtogiveeffecttotheprovisionsforfixedfeecompensationinrespectoftheyearsupuntilthecomingintoforceoftheRules.Thefollowingapplies:453334.ThecontingentcompensationreferredtoinRule330shallconsistof:334.1.appearancefeescalculatedbyreferencetothenumberofFirstTeamAppearances(uptoamaximumof100)madebytheAcademyPlayerfortheApplicantCluboranyotherCluborFootballLeagueclubforwhomtheAcademyPlayersubsequentlybecomesregistered(includingbywayofaTemporaryTransferorotherloan)andtothedivisionalstatusoftherelevantClubassetoutinthetableinRule335;334.2.iftheAcademyPlayer’sregistrationistransferredpriortohistwenty-thirdbirthdaytoaclubaffiliatedtoanationalassociationotherthanTheFA(saveforanyWelshclubwhichisamemberoftheLeague,TheFootballLeagueortheNationalLeague),20%ofanyCompensationFee,LoanFeeandContingentSumthattheApplicantClubreceiveswhichisinexcessof:334.2.1.anyamountsoftrainingcompensationand/orsolidaritypaymentpaidtotheApplicantClubandtheTrainingClubpursuanttotheFIFARegulationsfortheStatusandTransferofPlayers;and334.2.2.theactualsum(ifany)paidbytheApplicantClubtotheTrainingClubtoacquiretheAcademyPlayer’sregistration;334.3.5%ofallCompensationFees(andtransferfees,whereapplicable),LoanFeesandContingentSumspaidinrespectof:334.3.1.allfuturetransfersoftheAcademyPlayer’sregistrationtoClubs(orclubs)inmembershipoftheLeague,TheFootballLeagueortheNationalLeague;and334.3.2.allfuturetransfersonloantoaclubaffiliatedtoanationalassociationotherthantheFootballAssociation(saveforanyWelshclubwhichisamemberoftheLeague,TheFootballLeagueortheNationalLeague).StatusDeemedretrospectiveCategoryforthepurposesofcalculatingcompensation(inrespectoftheperiodupuntiltheendofSeason2011/12)CluboperatedalicensedFootballAcademywhichisplacedintoCategory1underthenewRules(allCategory1ClubswillbethesubjectofanISOauditbynolaterthan31May2012)Category1CluboperatedalicensedFootballAcademywhichisnotplacedintoCategory1underthenewRules.Category2CluboperatedalicensedCentreofExcellenceCategory3
CompensationGuidanceClubswillbeobligedtopaycontingentcompensationasitfallsdueinaccordancewithRuleV.36(paymentwithinsevendaysofthetriggeringevent).454YouthDevelopmentRules335.TheappearancefeesreferredtoinRule334.1areasfollows:336.InRule334:336.1.“FirstTeamAppearance”meansanappearanceeitherinthestartingelevenorasaplayingsubstituteinafirstteamfixtureinthePremierLeague,theFootballLeagueChampionshipandFootballLeagues1and2(includingplay-offs),theFootballLeagueCup,theFACup,theFootballLeagueTrophy,theUEFAEuropaLeagueortheUEFAChampionsLeague;336.2.intheeventthattheAcademyPlayer’sregistrationataClub(orFootballLeagueclub)isterminated(whetherbyeffluxionoftime,cancellation,transferorotherwise)priortohishavingmadesufficientappearancestotriggeroneofthepaymentssetoutinRule335,thatClub(orFootballLeagueclub)shallpayaprorataamounttotherelevantTrainingClub(s)andtheobligationtopayfuturesumspursuanttothatRuleshalltransfertoanynewClub(orFootballLeagueclub)forwhomtheAcademyPlayersubsequentlybecomesregistered;and336.3.“CompensationFee”,“LoanFee”and“ContingentSum”shallbeinterpretedtoexcludecompensationpayablepursuanttoRule326.DivisionalStatusoftheClubNumberofFirstTeamAppearancesPremierLeagueClubFootballLeagueChampionshipClubFootballLeague1ClubFootballLeague2Club10£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£5,000
CompensationGuidanceRule340coversthefollowingsituations:1.WhereanAcademyPlayerhasbeenregisteredforonlyoneTrainingClubbutnotfortheentiretyoftheperiodfromthestartofhisUnder12yeartotheconclusionofhisUnder16year;andWheretheAcademyPlayerhasbeenregisteredformorethanoneTrainingClubduringtheperiod.2.Ineithercase,theTrainingClub(s)receive(s)contingentcompensationproratatotheperiodthatit/theyheldtheAcademyPlayer’sregistration.455341.ThecompensationsetbytheProfessionalFootballCompensationCommitteeinrespectofanAcademyPlayertowhomRule329appliesshallbedeterminedinaccordancewiththeCommittee’sRegulations(setoutatAppendix11).337.ReferenceinRules334and336tothetransferorterminationofanAcademyPlayer’sregistrationshallbeinterpretedtoincludetransfersorterminationsofhisregistrationafterhehasceasedtobeanAcademyPlayerandClubswhosubsequentlysigntheAcademyPlayershallbeboundtocomplywithRules334.1and334.3andfortheavoidanceofdoubttheoriginalApplicantClubshallnotbeliabletotheTrainingClubinrespectof:337.1.anyappearancefeespayablepursuanttoRule334.1anddueinrespectofappearancesmadebytheAcademyPlayerafterhehasceasedtobepermanentlyregisteredfortheApplicantClub;or337.2.sumspayablepursuanttoRule334.2and334.3arisingfromtransfersinrespectofwhichtheApplicantClubwasnottheTransferorClub.338.AnyagreementbetweenaClubandanotherClub(orclub)astothecompensationpayableonthetransferofaregistration,whetherpursuanttoRule327.2orotherwise,maynottakeeffectsoastovarythecontingentcompensationpayablepursuanttothissectionoftheRulestoanyotherClub(orFootballLeagueclub).339.IfanAcademyPlayerhasspentpartonlyofanyyearattheTrainingClub,theamountofcompensationinrespectofthatyearshallbecalculatedprorata(takingintoaccountwhetherornottheTrainingClub’sAcademywasoperationalornotduringtheCloseSeasonoranypartofit).340.IftheAcademyPlayerhasbeenregisteredforaTrainingClubforpartonlyoftheperiodbetweenthestartofhisUnder12yeartotheconclusionofhisUnder16year,theamountofcontingentcompensationpayabletothatTrainingClubcalculatedinaccordancewiththeseRulesshallbepaidproratatotheTrainingClub.
CompensationGuidanceThefeessetoutinRules333and335aretoberevisedannuallybythePGB.TheRegulationsoftheProfessionalFootballCompensationCommitteereferredtoinRule341areinAppendix11toPremierLeagueRules.Theyremainunchangedasregardsthecalculationofcompensationfor:••AcademyPlayersintheUnder18andolderagegroups;anAcademyPlayerwithwhomtheTrainingClubhadagreedtoenterintoaScholarshipAgreement;andanAcademyPlayerwithwhomtheApplicantClubentersintoaScholarshipAgreement.•456YouthDevelopmentRules342.ThenewregistrationofaContractPlayerunderPremierLeagueRuleU.17shallimposeanobligationontheClubnextholdinghisregistrationtopaytotheformerClub(orclub)compensationforthetraininganddevelopmentofthatPlayeriftheClub(orclub):342.1.hadheldthatPlayer’sregistrationasanAcademyPlayer;342.2.hadofferedtoenterintoaScholarshipAgreementwithhimwhichofferhehadnotaccepted;or342.3.hadenteredintoaScholarshipAgreementwithhim;andeither342.3.1.theScholarshipAgreementhadbeenterminatedatthePlayer’srequest;or342.3.2.inaccordancewiththetermsthereoftheformerClub(orclub)hadofferedhimacontractasaContractPlayerwhichofferhehadnotaccepted.343.TheamountofcompensationpayablepursuanttoRule342shallbe:343.1.suchsumasshallhavebeenagreedbetweentheapplicantClub(orclub)andtheformerClub;or343.2.suchsumastheProfessionalFootballCompensationCommitteeontheapplicationofeitherClub(orclub)shalldeterminepursuanttoRule341.344.AnyagreementbetweenClubsorbetweenaClubandaFootballLeagueclubastotheamountofcompensationpayableshallbeinwriting,andacopyprovidedtotheLeaguewithinfivedaysofbeingenteredinto.345.Allcompensation(includinginstalmentsthereofandcontingentsums)payabletoaCluborFootballLeagueclubshallbepaidbytheApplicantClubintotheCompensationFeeAccount.
Premier League and The Football League PLYD Form 1ScholarshipAgreementAN AGREEMENT madethe(day) dayof(month and year) Between(club company name) whoseregisteredofficeisat(address)(hereinafter called “the Club”) oftheonepartand(Scholar’s full name) of(address) (hereinaftercalled“theScholar”)oftheotherpartWHEREBY itisagreedasfollows:1. Definitions and Interpretation
1.1Thewordsandphrasesbelowshallhavethefollowingmeanings:
“Authorised Games” shallhavethemeaningsetoutintheLeagueRules;
“the Board” shallmeantheboardofdirectorsoftheClubforthetimebeingoranydulyauthorisedcommitteeofsuchboardofdirectors;
“the Club Rules” shallmeantherulesorregulationsaffectingtheScholarfromtimetotimeinforceandpublishedbytheClub;
“Contract Player” shallmeananyplayer(otherthanaAcademyPlayerorScholarorYouthPlayer)whohasenteredintoawrittencontractofemploymentwithaClubasdefinedbytheLeagueRules;
“Education Programme” shallmeantheprogrammeofeducationprovidedbytheClubbeingeithertheadvancedapprenticeshipframeworkforsportingexcellence(AASE)oranyotherprogrammeofeducationapprovedinwritingbytheLeagueinconjunctionwiththePFA;
“the FA” shallmeanTheFootballAssociationLimited;
“the FA Rules” shallmeantherulesandregulationsfromtimetotimeinforceoftheFA;
“Football Development Programme” shallmeantheprogrammeoffootballtrainingprovidedbytheClubincludingtheScholar’sparticipationinAuthorisedGames;
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“Gross Misconduct” shallmeanseriousorpersistentconduct,behaviour,activityoromissionbytheScholarinvolvingoneormoreofthefollowing:
(a)theftorfraud;
(b)deliberateandseriousdamagetotheClub’sproperty;
(c)useorpossessionofortraffickinginaProhibitedSubstance;
(d)incapacitythroughalcoholaffectingtheScholar’sperformanceasaplayer;
(e)breachoforfailuretocomplywithanyofthetermsofthisagreement;
orsuchothersimilarorequivalentseriousorpersistentconduct,behaviour,activityoromissionbytheScholarwhichtheBoardreasonablyconsiderstoamounttogrossmisconduct;
“the League” shallmeanthefootballleagueofwhichtheClubisamemberfromtimetotime;
“the League Rules” shallmeantherulesorregulationsfromtimetotimeinforceoftheLeague;
“National Minimum Wage” meanstheNationalMinimumWageasdeterminedbytheLowPayCommissionfromtimetotime;
“Parent” meansapersonwhohasparentalresponsibilityfortheScholar;
“PFA” shallmeantheProfessionalFootballersAssociation;
“Player” shallhavethemeaningsetoutintheLeagueRules;
“Prohibited Substance” shallhavethemeaningsetoutintheFARules;
“the Rules” shallmeantheFARules,theLeagueRulesandtheClubRules.
1.2Forthepurposeofthisagreementandprovidedthecontextsopermits,thesingularshallincludethepluralandviceversaandanygender
includesanyothergender.
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2. Purpose
2.1ThepurposeofthisagreementistoprovidetheScholarwithaperiodofwork-basedlearninginpreparationforapossiblefuturecareerasaprofessionalassociationfootballplayer.
3. Duration
3.1Subjectashereinafterprovided,thisagreementshallremaininforcefromthedatesetoutinScheduleOnefortwoyears.
3.2IfduringthecurrencyofthisagreementtheClubwishestooffertheScholaracontractasaContractPlayeritmayonlydosoontheconditionthattheScholarcontinueshisEducationProgramme.
4. Extension of Agreement
4.1IfbyreasonofillnessorinjurytheScholarispreventedfromparticipatingintheFootballDevelopmentProgrammeforaperiodinexcessoffiveweeks(hereafter“theexcessperiod”):
4.1.1thedurationofthisagreementshallbeextendedbythelengthoftheexcessperiodor,ifearlier,untiltheScholar’snineteenthbirthday;
and
4.1.2withinfourteendaysoftheendoftheexcessperiodtheClubshallgivewrittennoticetotheLeagueandtotheFAindicatingthedatetowhichthedurationoftheagreementisextended.
4.2TheClubshallbeentitledtoextendthedurationofthisagreementbyoneyearbygivingtotheScholarwrittennoticetothateffectonorbefore
thethirdSaturdayinMayinthesecondyearoftheagreementandacopyofanysuchnoticeshallbesenttotheLeagueandtotheFAwithinfourteendaysofthedateonwhichitwasgiven.
5. Obligations of the Scholar
5.1TheScholaragrees:
5.1.1toparticipateintheFootballDevelopmentProgrammeandtheEducationProgramme;
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5.1.2whendirectedbyanauthorisedofficialoftheClubto:
5.1.2.1attendatanyreasonableplaceforthepurposesofandtoparticipateintrainingandmatchpreparation;
5.1.2.2playinanyAuthorisedGamesinwhichheisselectedtoplayfortheClub;
5.1.2.3attendothermatchesinwhichtheClubisengaged;
5.1.3totrainandplaytothebestofhisskillandabilityatalltimes;
5.1.4excepttotheextentpreventedbyinjuryorillness,tomaintainahighstandardofphysicalfitnessatalltimes;
5.1.5toobservetheLawsoftheGamewhenplayingfootball;
5.1.6toobservetheRulesbutinthecaseoftheClubRulestotheextentonlythattheydonotconflictwithorseektovarytheexpressterms
ofthisagreement;
5.1.7thathehasgivenallnecessaryauthoritiesforthereleasetotheClubofhismedicalrecordsandwillcontinuetomakethesameavailableasrequestedbytheClubfromtimetotimeduringthecontinuanceofthisagreement;
5.1.8tosubmitpromptlytosuchmedicalanddentalexaminationsastheClubmayreasonablyrequireandundergosuchtreatmentasmaybe
prescribedbythemedicalordentaladvisersoftheCluband/ortheClub’sinsurers;
5.1.9topermittheClubtophotographhimindividuallyorasamemberofasquadofplayersandstaffoftheClubprovidedthatsuchphotographsareforuseastheofficialphotographsoftheClub;
5.1.10tocomplywithandactinaccordancewithalllawfulinstructionsofanyauthorisedofficialoftheClub;and
5.1.11tosignthedeclarationsetoutatScheduleThreetothisAgreementandtoprocurethathisParentsignsthesame.
5.2SubjecttoClause5.3.4below,theScholarmaycontributetothemediainaresponsiblemannerbutwhenevercircumstancespermittheScholar
shallgivetotheClubreasonablenoticeofhisintentiontomakeanycontributiontothepublicmediainordertoallowrepresentationstobemadetohimonbehalfoftheClubifitsodesires.
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5.3TheScholarshallnot:
5.3.1resideatanyplacewhichtheClubreasonablydeemsunsuitablefortheperformanceofhisobligationsunderthisagreement;
5.3.2undertakeorbeengagedinanyemploymentorbeengagedorinvolvedinanytrade,businessoroccupation;
5.3.3indulgeinanyactivityorpracticewhichmightendangerhisfitnessorinhibithismentalorphysicalabilitytotrainorplayorwhich
mightcausetobevoidorvoidableanypolicyofinsuranceprovidedfortheScholarbytheClubincompliancewiththeRules;or
5.3.4knowinglyorrecklesslydo,writeorsayanythingwhichislikelytobringtheCluborthegameoffootballintodisrepute.6. Obligations of the Club
TheClubshall:
6.1providetheFootballDevelopmentProgrammeandtheEducationProgramme;
6.2observetheRules,savethattheFARulesandLeagueRulesshalltakeprecedenceovertheClubRules;
6.3paytotheScholarthroughoutthedurationofthisagreement(andduringagreedholidayperiods)theremunerationwhichbyvirtueoftheLeagueRulesheisentitledtoreceiveasmoreparticularlysetoutinScheduleOne.SuchremunerationshallnotbelessthantheNationalMinimumWageandshallnotexceedanymaximumamountspecifiedpursuanttotheLeagueRules;
6.4providetheScholareachyearwithcopiesofalltheRuleswhichaffecttheScholarandthetermsandconditionsofthepolicyofinsurance
referredtoinclause5.3.3;
6.5arrangepromptlysuchmedicalanddentalexaminationsandtreatmentasmaybeprescribedbythemedicalordentaladvisorsoftheClubinrespectofanyinjurytoorillnessoftheScholarandshallensurethatanysuchtreatmentforanyfootballrelatedinjuryisundertakenandcompletedwithoutexpensetotheScholarnotwithstandingthatthisagreementexpiresaftersuchtreatmentisprescribed;
6.6complywithallrelevantstatutoryprovisionsrelatingtoindustrialinjuryandanyregulationsmadepursuantthereto;and
6.7onorbeforethethirdSaturdayinMayinthefinalyearofthisagreementgivewrittennoticetotheScholarindicatingwhetherornotuponthe
expiryofthisagreementitintendsofferingtotheScholaraprofessionalcontractasaContractPlayerandifsosettingoutthetermsthereof,whichoffershall
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remainopenandcapableofacceptancebytheScholarforaperiodofonemonthfromthedateuponwhichtheClubgaveittohim.
7. Illness and Injury
7.1AnyinjurytoorillnessoftheScholarshallbereportedbyhimoronhisbehalftotheClubimmediatelyandtheClubshallkeeparecordofsuchillnessorinjury.
8. Permanent Incapacity
8.1IntheeventthattheScholarshallbepermanentlyincapacitatedtheClubshallbeentitledtoserveanoticeupontheScholarterminatingthisagreement.
8.2Theminimumlengthofsuchnoticeshallbethreemonths.
8.3Thenoticemaybeservedatanytimeafter:
8.3.1theScholarisdeclaredtosufferfromPermanentTotalDisablementasdefinedintheLeague’spersonalaccidentinsurancescheme;or
8.3.2anappropriatelyqualifiedindependentmedicalconsultant(theidentityofwhomshallbeagreedbetweentheClubandtheScholar,
eachactingreasonably,savethatintheeventthatthepartiesareunabletoagree,suchindividualasshallbeappointedbythePresidentornextavailableofficeroftheRoyalCollegeofSurgeons)certifiesthattheScholarhassufferedpermanentincapacity.
9. Disciplinary Procedure
9.1TheClubshalloperatethedisciplinaryproceduresetoutinScheduleTwoheretoinrelationtoanyallegationthattherehasbeenabreachoforfailuretoobservethetermsofthisagreementortheRules.
10. Termination by the Club
10.1TheClubshallbeentitledtoterminatethisagreementbyfourteendays’noticeinwritingtotheScholarifafterdueinvestigationandenquiryitisreasonablysatisfiedthathe:
10.1.1shallbeguiltyofGrossMisconduct;or
10.1.2hasfailedtoheedanyfinalwrittenwarninggivenundertheprovisionsofScheduleTwohereto;or
10.1.3isconvictedofanycriminaloffencewherethepunishmentconsistsofanimmediatecustodialsentenceoforexceedingthreemonths.
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10.2ThereshallbeincludedinanysuchnoticefullparticularsoftheClub’sreasonsforterminatingtheagreementandacopyofitshallbesenttothe
League,theFAandthePFA.
10.3WithinsevendaysofreceivingaterminationnoticetheScholarbywrittennoticeservedontheClubandtheLeaguemayappealagainstthedecisionoftheClubtotheLeagueinaccordancewiththeLeagueRulesandthepartiesshallseektoensurethatsuchappealshallbeheardwithinafurther28days.
10.4IftheScholarexerciseshisrightofappealtheterminationofthisagreementshallnotbecomeeffectiveunlessanduntilitshallhavebeen
determinedthattheClubwasentitledtoterminatetheagreementpursuanttoclause10.1.PendingsuchdeterminationtheClubmaysuspendtheScholar.
10.5AnysuchterminationshallbesubjecttotherightsofthepartiesprovidedforintheLeagueRules.
11. Grievance Procedure
11.1Intheeventofanygrievanceinconnectionwithhiseducationunderthisagreementand/oritsoperationthefollowingproceduresshallbeavailabletotheScholarintheordersetout:
11.1.1thegrievanceshallinthefirstinstancebebroughtinformallytothenoticeofsuchpersonastheClubidentifiesasthepersondealing
withgrievances,failingwhichtoanymemberoftheClub’syouthmanagement;
11.1.2ifthegrievanceisnotsettledtotheScholar’ssatisfactionwithin14daysthereafterformalnoticeofthegrievancemaybegiveninwritingtotheSecretaryoftheClubrequiringittobeconsideredbytheBoard.ThemattershallthereuponbedealtwithbytheBoardatitsnextconvenientmeetingandinanyeventwithinfourweeksofreceiptofthenotice;
11.1.3ifthegrievanceisnotsettledbytheClubtotheScholar’ssatisfactiontheScholarshallhavearightofappealtotheLeagueexercisable
withinsevendaysofreceiptbytheScholarofwrittennoticeofthedecisionoftheBoardbynoticeinwritingtotheClubandtheLeagueandsuchappealshallbedeterminedinaccordancewiththeLeagueRules.
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12. Termination by the Scholar
12.1TheScholarshallbeentitledtoterminatethisagreementbyfourteendays’noticeinwritingtotheClubiftheClubshallbeguiltyofseriousorpersistentbreachofthetermsandconditionsofthisagreement.
12.2ThereshallbeincludedinanysuchnoticefullparticularsoftheScholar’sreasonsforterminatingtheagreementandacopyofitshallbesentto
theLeague,theFAandthePFA.
12.3WithinsevendaysofreceivingaterminationnoticetheClubbywrittennoticeservedontheScholarandtheLeaguemayappealagainsttheterminationandtheappealshallbedeterminedinaccordancewiththeLeagueRulesandthepartiesshallseektoensurethatsuchappealshallbeheardwithinafurther28days.
12.4IftheClubexercisesitsrightofappealtheterminationofthisagreementshallnotbecomeeffectiveunlessanduntilitshallhavebeen
determinedthattheScholarwasentitledtoterminatetheagreementpursuanttoclause12.1.
12.5AnysuchterminationshallbesubjecttotherightsofthepartiesprovidedforintheLeagueRules.13. Cancellation of Registration
13.1AtanytimeduringthecurrencyofthisagreementtheScholarwithoutgivinganyreasonthereforemayapplytotheClubforcancellationofhisregistration,whereupontheClubshallcompleteandsignamutualcancellationnotificationinaccordancewiththeLeagueRuleswhereuponthisagreementshallterminate.
13.2Inconsequenceofsuchatermination,theScholarshallnotbepermittedbytheLeaguetoberegisteredasaPlayeruntiltheexpiryoftwoyears
fromitseffectivedateunlesseither:
13.2.1theClubgivesitswrittenconsent;or
13.2.2theClubhasreceivedcompensationforthetraininganddevelopmentoftheScholarinaccordancewiththeLeagueRules.
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14. Holidays
14.1TheScholarshallbeentitledtofiveweeksholidayayear,tobetakenatatimeortimesasshallbedeterminedbytheClub.15. Miscellaneous
15.1ThisagreementconstitutestheentireagreementbetweentheClubandtheScholarandsupersedesanyandallprecedingagreementsbetweentheClubandtheScholar.
15.2ForthepurposesoftheDataProtectionAct1998theScholarconsentstotheClubprocessingPersonalDataincludingSensitivePersonalData
(bothasdefinedinthesaidAct)abouttheScholarandusingitforallrelevantadministrativeandstatisticalpurposesconnectedwiththeScholar’seducationandpotentialfutureinprofessionalfootballandsharingsuchDatawiththeLeague,theFA,thePFAandanyrelevanttrainingbodyforthesamepurposes.
16. Jurisdiction and Law
16.1ThisagreementshallbegovernedbyandconstruedinaccordancewithEnglishlawandthepartiessubmittothenon-exclusivejurisdictionoftheEnglishcourts.
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Schedule One PLYD Form 1ScholarshipAllowanceSupplemental Provisions and Employment Rights Act 19961. ThisScholarshipAgreementcommencesonandterminateson2. TheScholar’semploymentwiththeClubbeganonthedatesetoutinparagraph1[replace the words in italics with the appropriate date if it began
earlier].3. NoemploymentwithapreviousemployershallcountaspartoftheScholar’scontinuousperiodofemploymenthereunder.4. TheScholar’shoursofworkaresuchastheClubmayfromtimetotimereasonablyrequireofhimtocarryouthisdutiesandtheScholarshallnotbe
entitledtoanyadditionalremunerationforworkdoneoutsidenormalworkinghours.5. TheplaceofemploymentshallbeattheClub’sgroundandtraininggroundbuttheClubshallbeentitledtorequiretheScholartoplayandtoundertake
hisdutieshereunderatanyotherplacethroughouttheworld.6. ThetermsandconditionsofthiscontractformpartofanumberofcollectiveagreementsbetweentheClub(throughtheLeague)andtheScholar(through
thePFA)affectingtheScholar’semployment.7. NocontractingoutcertificatepursuanttothePensionsSchemeAct1993isinforceinrespectoftheScholar’semploymentunderthiscontract.8. ThereisnoentitlementtopensionsbenefitinrelationtotheScholar’semployment.However,theClubshallprovideaccesstoadesignatedstakeholder
pensionschemeasrequiredbylaw.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,theClubwillnotmakeanycontributionstosuchstakeholderscheme.9. ThewagepayablebyvirtueofClause6.3ofthisagreementiscalculatedasfollowsandshallbepaidmonthlyinarrears:-
£perweekfromto£perweekfromto
IftheagreementisextendedpursuanttotheexercisebytheCluboftheoptionsetoutinClause4.2,therateofwagewillbeasfollows:
£perweekfromto
Anyotherprovisions:
468
Schedule Two PLYD Form 1DisciplinaryProcedureandPenalties1. Introduction
ThedisciplinaryprocedureaimstoensurethattheClubbehavesfairlyininvestigatinganddealingwithallegationsofunacceptableconductwithaviewtohelpingandencouragingallScholarstoachieveandmaintainappropriatestandardsofconductandperformance.TheClubneverthelessreservestherighttodepartfromthepreciserequirementsofitsdisciplinaryprocedurewheretheClubconsidersitexpedienttodosoandwheretheScholar’sresultingtreatmentisnolessfair.
2. Records
AllcasesofdisciplinaryactionunderthisprocedurewillberecordedandplacedintheClub’srecordsuntildeletedinaccordancewithparagraph4.2.AcopyoftheClub’sdisciplinaryrecordsconcerningtheScholarwillbesuppliedtotheScholarathisrequest.
3. The Procedure
Thefollowingstepswillbetakenasappropriateinallcasesofdisciplinaryaction
3.1Investigation
NoactionwillbetakenbeforeaproperinvestigationhasbeenundertakenbytheClubintothemattercomplainedof.IftheClubdeterminesthesametobeappropriatetheClubmaybywrittennoticesuspendtheScholarforuptofourteendayswhiletheinvestigationtakesplace.IftheScholarissosuspendedthisagreementwillcontinuetogetherwithalltheScholar’srightsunderitexceptthatduringtheperiodofsuspensiontheScholarwillnotbeentitledtoaccesstoanyoftheClub’spremisesexceptatthepriorrequestorwiththepriorconsentoftheClubandsubjecttosuchconditionsastheClubmayimpose.ThedecisiontosuspendtheScholarwillbenotifiedinwritingtotheScholarbytheClub.
3.2DisciplinaryHearing
3.2.1IftheClubdecidestoholdadisciplinaryhearingaboutthemattercomplainedoftheScholarwillbegivenfulldetailsinwritingofthe
complaintagainsthimandreasonablenoticeofthedateandtimeofthehearing.AtthehearingtheScholarwillbegivenanopportunitytostatehiscaseeitherpersonally,throughhisrepresentativeorthePFA.
469
3.2.2Subjectasprovidedinparagraph3.2.3nodisciplinarypenaltywillbeimposedwithoutfirstgivingtheScholartheopportunitytostate
hiscase.
3.2.3AdisciplinaryhearingmayproceedintheScholar’sabsenceandadisciplinarypenaltymaybeimposedifhefailstoappearatsuchhearingafterhavingreceivedpropernoticethereof.
3.3Appeals
3.3.1TheScholarshallhavearightofappealtotheBoardagainstanydisciplinarydecision.TheScholarshouldinformtheBoardinwriting
ofhiswishtoappealwithinsevendaysofthedateofnotificationtohimofthedecisionwhichformsthesubjectofsuchappeal.TheBoardwillconductanappealhearingassoonaspossiblethereafteratwhichtheScholarwillbegivenafurtheropportunitytostatehiscaseeitherpersonallyorthroughhisrepresentative.ThedecisionoftheBoardwillbenotifiedtotheScholarinwritingwithinsevendaysandsubjecttoparagraph3.3.2willbefinalandbindingunderthisprocedure.
3.3.2IntheeventofanysanctionbeingimposedorconfirmedinexcessofanoralwarningtheScholarmaybynoticeinwritingservedon
theClubandtheLeaguewithinsevendaysofreceiptbytheScholarofwrittennotificationofthedecisionoftheBoardappealagainstittotheLeagueandsuchappealshallbedeterminedinaccordancewiththeLeagueRules.
3.3.3IftheScholarexercisesanyrightofappealasaforesaidanysanctionimposedbytheClubupontheScholarshallnottakeeffectuntil
theappealhasbeendeterminedandthesanctionconfirmed,variedorrevokedasthecasemaybe.4. Disciplinary Penalties and Termination
4.1AtadisciplinaryhearingoronanappealtotheBoardagainstadisciplinarydecisiontheClubmaydismisstheallegationorifitisprovedtotheClub’ssatisfactionmay:
4.1.1giveanoralwarning,aformalwrittenwarningorafterapreviouswarningorwarningsafinalwrittenwarningtotheScholar;
4.1.2imposeafinenotexceedingtheamountofthebasicwageforaperiodofuptotwoweeks;
470
4.1.3ordertheScholarnottoattendatanyoftheClub’spremisesforsuchperiodastheClubthinksfitnotexceedingtwoweeks;or
4.1.4wherethecircumstancessetoutinClause10.1ofthisagreementapply,terminatethisagreement.
4.2AnywarningorsanctiongivenunderthisdisciplinaryprocedurewillbedeletedintheClub’srecordsaftertwelvemonths.
SIGNEDbytheScholar
inthepresenceofhisParent:
[Signature]
[Address]
[Occupation]
SIGNEDby[insert name]
forandonbehalfoftheClubinthepresenceof:
[Signature]
[Address]
[Occupation]
471
Schedule Three PLYD Form 1DeclarationbyScholarandParents*To be signed by the Scholar:I,(full name) of(address)
PostCodecertifythattheClubhasnotmadeanyapproachtomeorengagedinanycommunicationwithmeoranypersonconnectedwithme,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,whilstIwasregisteredwithanotherclubinmembershipofthePremierLeagueorEFL(a“LeagueClub”)saveaspermittedbytheLeagueRules,norhaveIapproachedorengagedincommunicationwiththeClub,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,whilstregisteredwithanotherLeagueClub,norhastheClubinducedorattemptedtoinducemetoenterintothescholarshipagreementdated(the“ScholarshipAgreement”)byofferingmeoranypersonconnectedwithme,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,abenefitorpaymentofanydescriptionwhetherincashorinkind,norhaveIacceptedanysuchinducementfromanybodyinconnectionwiththeScholarshipAgreement.IagreetobeboundbytheLeagueRules.Signed
Date
To be signed by the Parents*:I,(full name) of(address)
PostCodeand(email address) beingapersonhavingparentalresponsibilityfortheabove-namedScholar,certifythat:(a)theClubhasnotmadeanyapproachtoorengagedinanycommunicationwithme,mysonoranypersonconnectedwithmeormyson,eitherdirectlyor
indirectly,whilstmysonwasregisteredwithanotherLeagueClub,saveaspermittedbyLeagueRules;(b)IhavenotapproachedorengagedincommunicationwiththeClub,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,whilstmysonwasregisteredwithanotherLeagueClub,
saveaspermittedbyLeagueRules;(c)theClubhasnotinducedorattemptedtoinducemeoranyoneconnectedwithme,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,throughanybenefitorpaymentofany
descriptionwhetherincashorinkind,topersuadeorencouragemysontoenterintotheScholarshipAgreement;or
472
(d)sofarasIamaware,theClubhasnotinducedorattemptedtoinducemysonoranyoneconnectedwithhim,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,throughany
benefitorpaymentofanydescriptionwhetherincashorinkind,toenterintotheScholarshipAgreement.Iacknowledgethattheacceptanceofanyinducementreferredtoatpoints(c)and(d),above,and/orengaginginanyapproachorcommunicationreferredtoatpoints(a)and(b),above,constitutesabreachoftheLeagueRulesbymyson.Ifurtheracknowledgeandagreethat(e)theLeaguemayrequestthatIattendameetinginpersontoanswerquestionsrelatingtotheScholarshipAgreementandthepaymentofanysuch
inducementand/ortheengagementinanysuchapproach/communicationand/ortoproducerelevantdocuments(including,forexample,financialrecordsand/ortelecommunicationsrecords)withinareasonabledeadline;and
(f)shouldIrefuseorfailtocomplywithanyrequestbytheLeagueinaccordancewithpoint(e),above,theLeaguemayrefusetoregistermysonasa
ScholarwiththeCluborsuspendorcancelanysuchregistrationalreadyinplaceandanytribunalappointedtoconsideranallegedbreachofLeagueRulesbymysonwillbeentitledtodrawanadverseinferenceagainsthiminthoseproceedings.
Signed
Date
*AdeclarationinthisformmustbesignedbyeveryParent(asdefined)oftheAcademyPlayer
473
Premier League PLYD Form 2NotificationofTrialist’sParticulars(YouthDevelopmentRule237.2)To: The Board
The Premier LeagueWeherebygivenoticethattheTrialistwhoseparticularsappearbelowisattendingtheAcademyofFootballClub:SurnameOthername(s)AddressPostCodeParents’emailaddressTravellingtimefromthisaddresstotheAcademy#DateofbirthPlaceofbirthNationalityCountriesforwhicheligibletoplay(ifknown)DateofcommencementoftrialperiodDatetrialperiodisduetoend§Otherclubs(ifany)atwhoseAcademytheTrialisthasattendedforatrialduringthecurrentSeasonOtherclubs(ifany)atwhichtheTrialisthasbeenregistered:ClubFromToClubFromTo(ContinueseparatelyifmorethanthreesuchClubs)Certificate by PlayerIherebycertifythattheaboveparticularsarecorrectandconsenttothisapplication,and,whereIamovertheageof16,Ifurtherconsentto:·theconductofdrugtestingonmeinaccordancewithTheFA’sMemorandumonDrugTestingandtomereceivingmedicationasinstructedandanyemergencydental,medicalorsurgicaltreatment,includinganaestheticorbloodtransfusion,asconsiderednecessarybythemedicalauthoritypresent;
·pursuanttoSchedule2andSchedule3oftheDataProtectionAct1998totheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimitedholdingandprocessinganyandall“personaldata”and“sensitivepersonaldata”relatingtomecontainedwithinthisFormforthepurposeofdischargingitssanctionasaregulatory,administrativeandgoverningbodyoffootball.
IfurthercertifythatIhaveprovidedtotheClubgivingthisnoticefullwrittenparticularsofanymedicalconditionfromwhichIsufferandIundertaketoinformtheClubforthwithinwritingifanysuchmedicalconditionarisesduringthetrialperiod.Finally,IconfirmthatIhavereadandagreetobeboundbyandcomplywiththeRulesofthePremierLeagueandtheYouthDevelopmentRules(copiesofwhichcanbefoundonthePremierLeaguewebsite—www.premierleague.com).
474
Endorsement by Parent+I,(full name) of(address)
PostCodebeingtheParent(asdefinedinPremierLeagueRuleA.1.119.)oftheabove-namedTrialist,herebycertifythattheaboveparticularsarecorrectandconsenttothisapplication,totheconductofdrugtestingonhiminaccordancewithTheFA’sMemorandumonDrugTestingandtohisreceivingmedicationasinstructedandanyemergencydental,medicalorsurgicaltreatment,includinganaestheticorbloodtransfusion,asconsiderednecessarybythemedicalauthoritiespresent.IfurtherconsentpursuanttoSchedule2andSchedule3oftheDataProtectionAct1998toTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimitedholdingandprocessinganyandall“personaldata”and“sensitivepersonaldata”relatingtotheabove-namedTrialistcontainedwithinthisFormforthepurposeofdischargingitsfunctionsasaregulatoryandgoverningbodyoffootball.IfurthercertifythatIhaveprovidedtotheabove-namedClubfullwrittenparticularsofanymedicalconditionfromwhichtheabove-namedTrialistsuffersandIundertaketoinformtheClubforthwithinwritingifanysuchmedicalconditionarisesduringthetrialperiod.Signed by the Parent
Date
Countersigned by the Trialist
Date
Signed on behalf of the Club
Position
Date
# to be completed if the Trialist is in age groups Under 9 to Under 14 inclusive (subject to the exception in Youth Development Rule 244.2)§ not more than 6 consecutive weeks from the date of commencement+ to be completed if the Trialist is a minor
475
Premier League PLYD Form 3NoticeofEndingofTrialPeriod(YouthDevelopmentRule246)To:The Board
The Premier League
Weherebygivenoticethatthetrialperiodof[name of Trialist]whohasbeenattendingtheAcademyofFootballClubontrialendedon[date]
Signed
Position
Date
476
Premier League PLYD Form 4Pre-RegistrationAgreement(YouthDevelopmentRule250)Date
Parties(1)FootballClubof(“theClub”)(2)of(“theplayer”)whosedateofbirthisPlaceofbirthNationalityCountriesforwhicheligibletoplay(ifknown)Undertakings by the ClubPursuanttoRule250ofthePremierLeagueYouthDevelopmentRules(“theRules”),theClubherebyundertakesthat:1. upontheplayerreachingthestatutoryschoolleavingageapplicableinEngland/ceasingFullTimeEducation*itwillapplytoregistertheplayerasan
AcademyPlayeratitsAcademyandhavingacquiredtheregistrationwillenterintoaScholarshipAgreementwiththeplayerintheformannexedtotheRules;
2. upontheplayer’sCoachingCurriculum(ofwhichacopyisannexedhereto)oranyvariationofitbeingapprovedundertheprovisionsofRule252ofthe
Rules,tocoachtheplayerinaccordancetherewithuntilthesaidScholarshipAgreementisenteredinto.Undertakings by the PlayerTheplayerherebyundertakesthat:1. heisnotregisteredwithnorduringthecurrencyofthisagreementwillheconsenttobecomingregisteredwithanyPremierLeagueorFootballLeague
clubotherthantheClub;2. uponhisCoachingCurriculumoranyvariationofitbeingapprovedasaforesaid,hewillparticipateinthesametotheverybestofhisability.
477
IconsentpursuanttoSchedule2andSchedule3oftheDataProtectionAct1998toTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimitedholdingandprocessingtheabove“personaldata”andanyandall“sensitivepersonaldata”whichmaybecontainedinand/orreferredtointheannexedplayer’sCoachingCurriculumforthepurposeofdischargingitsfunctionsasaregulatoryandgoverningbodyoffootball.Signed on behalf of the Club
Position
Signedonbehalfoftheplayer
Signed by his Parent
*deleteasappropriateCertificateIcertifythattheCoachingCurriculumannexedtothePre-RegistrationAgreementofwhichthisisacopyhasbeenapproved/notapproved*bytheBoard.Signed
ForandbehalfoftheBoardofthePremierLeagueDate
478
Premier League PLYD Form 5AcademyPlayerRegistrationApplication(YouthDevelopmentRule258)Academy Player’s ParticularsSurnameOthername(s)Address
PostcodeParent’semailaddress:Travellingtimefromtheaboveaddresstotheprincipalvenues§DateofbirthPlaceofbirthNationalityCountriesforwhicheligibletoplay(ifknown)Otherclubs(ifany)atwhichtheAcademyPlayerhasbeenregistered:ClubFromToClubFromToSchoolTrainingModelonwhichtheAcademyPlayeristobeengaged:
+Lengthofregistration:year(s)[completeasappropriate]Lastdayofregistration:20[ Note : Youth Development Rules 272 to 277 set out the circumstances in which an Academy Player’s registration can be terminated earlier than the date set outabove, and the consequences of early termination. Further guideance can be obtained from the Premier League or from the PFA Independent RegistrationAdvisory Service, both of whose contact details are set out in the Charter for Academy Players and Parents which the Premier League will send to the AcademyPlayer’s parent when it receives this form. ]
479
†
Application to RegisterWe,FootballClub(“theClub”),applyfortheAcademyPlayertoberegisteredatourAcademyfortheperiodsetoutabove.Wecertifythatwehavenot,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,madeanimproperapproachtohimnorhaveweinducedorattemptedtoinducehimtobecomeregisteredasanAcademyPlayerwiththeClubbyofferinghim,oranypersonconnectedwithhim,abenefitorpaymentofanydescriptionwhetherincashorinkind.Signed
Authorised Signatory
Date
Endorsement by Academy PlayerIconsenttothisapplicationandconsentpursuanttoSchedule2andSchedule3oftheDataProtectionAct1998totheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimited(“thePremierLeague”)holdingandprocessingtheabove“personaldata”and“sensitivepersonaldata”(includingKeyStage2andKeyStage4outcomesobtainedfromtheDepartmentforEducation)forthepurposeofdischargingitsfunctionsasaregulatoryandgoverningbodyoffootball.Icertifythattheaboveparticularsarecorrect.IfurthercertifythattheClubhasnotmadeanapproachtomeorengagedinanycommunicationwithmeoranypersonconnectedwithme,saveaspermittedbyLeagueRules,norhaveIapproachedorengagedinanycommunicationwiththeClub,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,whilstregisteredwithanotherclubinmembershipofthePremierLeagueorEFL(a“LeagueClub”),norhastheClubinducedorattemptedtoinducemetobecomeregisteredwithitbyofferingmeoranypersonconnectedwithme,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,abenefitorpaymentofanydescriptionwhetherincashorinkind,norhaveIacceptedanysuchinducementfromanybodyinconnectionwithmyregistrationattheClub.IagreetobeboundbytheRulesofthePremierLeague.Signed
Date
480
Endorsement by Parents*I,(full name) of(address)
PostCode(andoftheaboveemailaddress)beingthepersonhavingparentalresponsibilityfortheabove-namedAcademyPlayer,certifythattheabovedetailsarecorrectandconsentto:(a)thisapplication;(b)theconductofdrugtestingontheAcademyPlayerinaccordancewiththeFootballAssociation’sAnti-DopingRegulations;(c)hisreceivingmedicationasinstructedandanyemergencydental,medicalorsurgicaltreatment,includinganaestheticorbloodtransfusion,asconsidered
necessarybythemedicalauthoritiespresent;and(d)theClubhavingaccesstotheAcademyPlayer’sschoolreportsandeducationalattainmentdata(includingKeyStage2andKeyStage4outcomesobtained
fromtheDepartmentforEducation).Furthermore,Icertifythat:(e)theClubhasnotmadeanyapproachtoorengagedinanycommunicationwithme,mysonoranypersonconnectedwithmeormyson,eitherdirectlyor
indirectly,whilstmysonwasregisteredwithanotherLeagueClub,saveaspermittedbytheLeagueRules;(f)IhavenotapproachedorengagedincommunicationwiththeClub,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,whilstmysonwasregisteredwithanotherLeagueClub,save
aspermittedbytheLeagueRules;(g)theClubhasnotinducedorattemptedtoinducemeoranyoneconnectedwithme,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,throughanybenefitorpaymentofany
descriptionwhetherincashorinkind,toregistermysonasanAcademyPlayerwiththeClubortoencourageorfacilitatethatregistration;or(h)sofarasIamaware,theClubhasnotinducedorattemptedtoinducemysonoranyoneconnectedwithhim,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,throughanybenefit
orpaymentofanydescriptionwhetherincashorinkind,toregisterwiththeClubasanAcademyPlayer.
481
Iacknowledgethattheacceptanceofanyinducementreferredtoatpoints(g)and(h),above,and/orengaginginanyapproachorcommunicationreferredtoatpoints(e)and(f),above,constitutesabreachoftheYouthDevelopmentRulesbymyson.Ifurtheracknowledgeandagreethat:(i)thePremierLeaguemayrequestthatIattendameetinginpersontoanswerquestionsrelatingtomyson’sproposedregistrationandthepaymentofany
suchinducementand/ortheengagementinanysuchapproach/communicationand/ortoproducerelevantdocuments(including,forexample,financialrecordsand/ortelecommunicationsrecords)withinareasonabledeadline;and
(j)shouldIrefuseorfailtocomplywithanyrequestbythePremierLeagueinaccordancewithpoint(g),above,thePremierLeaguemayrefusetoregistermysonasanAcademyPlayerwiththeClubor(suspendorcancelanysuchregistrationalreadyinplace)andanyCommissionappointedtoconsideranallegedbreachofYouthDevelopmentRule300.3bymyson,inaccordancewithSectionW(Disciplinary)ofthePremierLeagueRules,willbeentitledtodrawanadverseinferenceagainsthiminthoseproceedings.
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 AcademyPlayers (see Youth Development Rule 236).
†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 under10 years, this Form must be accompanied by written confirmation from the Football Association that an international registration transfer certificate has beenissued 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 LeagueRules) of the Academy Player
+ Complete Form PLYD5A if the Academy Player is to be registered on the Full Time Training Model.
482
Premier League PLYD Form 5AFullTimeTrainingModel(YouthDevelopmentRule204)Academy Player’s ParticularsSurnameOthername(s)Address
PostCodeDateofbirthPlaceofbirthApplication to Register the Academy Player on the Full Time Training Model1. We,FootballClub,applytoregistertheabove-namedAcademyPlayerontheFull
TimeTrainingModeluntil20,beingthelastFridayinJuneintheacademicyearinwhichhereachestheageof16.2. TheresidencearrangementsfortheAcademyPlayerwillbeasfollows:3. Weundertaketo:
3.1ensuretheAcademyPlayer’scoachingandeducationarescheduledinaccordancewiththerequirementsoftheFullTimeTrainingModelassetoutintheYouthDevelopmentRules;
3.2providetheAcademyPlayerwitheducationuntilthedatesetoutinparagraph1(eveniftheAcademyPlayer’sregistrationisterminatedbyusor
histrainingisswitchedtoadifferentTrainingModel)asfollows(beingeitheroneofthefouroptionssetoutintheguidancetoYouthDevelopmentRule196oranothermodelwhichhasbeenapprovedbytheLeague):
3.3ensurethattheAcademyPlayerhastheopportunitytoengageincommunityandcitizenshipactivitiesassetoutinYouthDevelopmentRule208;and
3.4advisetheAcademyPlayer’sParent(s),schoolandtheLeagueimmediatelyiftheClubchangesorproposestochangeanyoftheabove
arrangements.Signed
Date
Authorised Signatory
483
Consent by Academy PlayerIconsenttotheaboveapplicationandconsentpursuanttoSchedule2andSchedule3oftheDataProtectionAct1998toTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimited(“thePremierLeague”)holdingandprocessingtheabove“personaldata”and“sensitivepersonaldata”(includingKeyStage2andKeyStage4outcomesobtainedfromtheDepartmentforEducation)forthepurposeofdischargingitsfunctionsasaregulatoryandgoverningbodyoffootball.Icertifythattheaboveparticularsarecorrect.IagreetobeboundbytheRulesofthePremierLeague.Signed
Date
Consent by Parent to be completed if the Academy Player is a minorI,(full name) of(address) PostCode(andoftheaboveemailaddress)beingthepersonhavingparentalresponsibilityfortheabove-namedAcademyPlayer,herebycertifythattheaboveparticularsarecorrectandconsenttothisapplication,totheaccessofKeyStage2andKeyStage4outcomesobtainedfromtheDepartmentforEducation,totheconductofdrugtestingonhiminaccordancewiththeFootballAssociation’sAnti-DopingRegulationsandtohisreceivingmedicationasinstructedandanyemergencydental,medicalorsurgicaltreatment,includinganaestheticorbloodtransfusion,asconsiderednecessarybythemedicalauthoritiespresent.Signed
Date
484
Premier League PLYD Form 5BHybridTrainingModel(YouthDevelopmentRule204)Academy Player’s Particulars
Surname Othername(s)
Address
PostCode
Dateofbirth Placeofbirth
Application to Register the Academy Player on the Hybrid Training Model1. We,FootballClub,applytoregistertheabove-namedAcademyPlayerontheHybridTrainingModeluntil202. Weundertaketo:
2.1ensuretheAcademyPlayer’scoachingandeducationarescheduledinaccordancewiththerequirementsoftheHybridTrainingModelassetoutintheYouthDevelopmentRulesandinaccordancewiththewrittenagreementwithhisschoolandParententeredintopursuanttoRule198.5,acopyofwhichisannexedhereto;
2.2ensurethattheAcademyPlayerhastheopportunitytoengageincommunityandcitizenshipactivitiesassetoutinYouthDevelopmentRule208;and
2.3advisetheAcademyPlayer’sParent(s),schoolandtheLeagueimmediatelyiftheClubchangesorproposestochangeanyoftheabovearrangements.
Signed
Authorised Signatory
Date
485
Consent by Academy PlayerIconsenttotheaboveapplicationandconsentpursuanttoSchedule2andSchedule3oftheDataProtectionAct1998toTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimited(“thePremierLeague”)holdingandprocessingtheabove“personaldata”and“sensitivepersonaldata”(includingKeyStage2andKeyStage4outcomesobtainedfromtheDepartmentforEducation)forthepurposeofdischargingitsfunctionsasaregulatoryandgoverningbodyoffootball.Icertifythattheaboveparticularsarecorrect.IagreetobeboundbytheRulesofthePremierLeague.Signed
Date
Consent by Parent to be completed if the Academy Player is a minorI,(full name) of(address)
PostCodeandemailaddress(andoftheaboveemailaddress)beingthepersonhavingparentalresponsibilityfortheabove-namedAcademyPlayer,herebycertifythattheaboveparticularsarecorrectandconsenttothisapplication,totheaccessofKeyStage2andKeyStage4outcomesobtainedfromtheDepartmentforEducation,totheconductofdrugtestingonhiminaccordancewiththeFootballAssociation’sAnti-DopingRegulationsandtohisreceivingmedicationasinstructedandanyemergencydental,medicalorsurgicaltreatment,includinganaestheticorbloodtransfusion,asconsiderednecessarybythemedicalauthoritiespresent.Signed
Date
486
Premier League PLYD Form 6AcademyEthnicityMonitoringQuestionnaire(YouthDevelopmentRule259)USE OF INFORMATION
Completionofthisquestionnaireisvoluntary.Ifyouprovidetheinformationitwillbeusedassetoutbelowandwillnotbeusedforselectionoranyotherpurposes.
TheinformationprovidedonthisethnicityquestionnairewillberecordedonacomputersystemsharedbytheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimited(“Premier League” )(andTheFootballLeagueLimitedshouldthePlayerevercompeteintheFootballLeague)againsttheAcademyPlayer’srecordandwillbeused:
·tohelpthePremierLeaguegaininsightastowhoisplayingthegameatthislevel
·tohelpensurecompliancewiththePremierLeague’sInclusionandAnti-DiscriminationPolicy(acopyofwhichisinAppendix2ofthePremierLeague’s
Rules)·tocompileaggregatestatisticsandreports
·onaclubbyclubbasiswhichwemaywishtosharewiththerelevantclubonlyandTheFootballAssociationLimited
·onaleaguebasiswhichwemaywishtopublishforpublicinterestandtosharewithotherbodiesthathavealegitimateinterestinequalopportunities
suchastheProfessionalFootballersAssociationandtheCommissionforRacialEqualityWhat is your ethnic group?(Choose ONE section from A to E, then tick the appropriate box to indicate your cultural background)
A
White C
Asian or Asian British E
Other Background
oBritish
oIndian
oArab
oEnglish
oBritish-Indian
oOther
oScottish
oPakistani
oPrefernottosay
oWelsh
oBritish-Pakistani
oIrish
oBangladeshi
oGypsyorIrishTraveller
oBritish-Bangladeshi F
Undeclared
oAnyotherWhite
oChinese
oPrefernottodisclose
Background,
oBritish-Chinese
myethnicorigin
pleasewritein
oAnyotherAsian
background,
pleasewritein
Name of Academy PlayerB
Mixed
oWhiteandBlack D
Black or Black British
Caribbean
oCaribbean
Signed
oWhiteandBlack
oBritish-Caribbean
African
oAfrican
oWhiteandAsian
oBritish-African
Date
oAnyotherMixed
oAnyotherBlack
Background,
background,
pleasewritein
pleasewritein
(Parent/Guardianto
signifAcademyPlayer
isaminor)
487
Premier League PLYD Form 7ListofAcademyPlayers(YouthDevelopmentRule267)To: The Board
The Premier LeagueTheregistrationsofthefollowingAcademyPlayers(otherthanthosewhohavesignedaScholarshipAgreement)areheldbyFootballClubasatthethirdSaturdayinMay(year)
Full Name
Current Age Group
Category Signed
Position
Date
[Note : The categories of Academy Players are :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.
488
Premier League PLYD Form 8Retention/TerminationNotification(YouthDevelopmentRules268.1)For Academy Players entering into age groups under 10, under 11 and under 12To: [nameandaddressofAcademyPlayer]
We,FootballClub,herebygiveyounoticethatitisourintentiontoretain/terminate*yourregistrationwitheffectfromthefirstSaturdayinJune.
Signed
Position
Date
* delete as appropriate. If the registration is retained, it is for a period of 1 year pursuant to Rule 254 (subject to Rule 255).
489
Premier League PLYD Form 9Retention/TerminationNotification(YouthDevelopmentRule268.2)For Academy Players entering into age groups under 13 and under 15To: [nameandaddressofAcademyPlayer]
We,FootballClub,herebygiveyounoticethatitisourintentiontoretain/terminate*yourregistrationwitheffectfromthefirstSaturdayinJune.[YourregistrationwillberetainedontheFullTimeTrainingModel+.]
Signed
Position
Date
* delete as appropriate. If the registration is retained, it is for a period of two years pursuant to Youth Development Rule 254 (subject to Rule 255).
+ delete if inapplicable
490
Premier League PLYD Form 10AcademyPlayer’sRegistration:MutualCancellationNotification(YouthDevelopmentRule272.2)To: The Board
The Premier League
Theregistrationof[nameofAcademyPlayer]heldbyFootballClubhastodaybeencancelledbymutualagreement.UnlessotherwisesetoutbelowtheClubwillretainrightstocompensationinrespectoftheAcademyPlayerpursuanttothePremierLeagueYouthDevelopmentRulesandtheFIFAregulationsfortheStatusandTransferofPlayers.
Signed by the Academy Player
Signed by the Parent*
Signed on behalf of the Club
Position
Date
* if the Academy Player is aged under 18 years
491
Premier League PLYD Form 11ScholarshipOffer(YouthDevelopmentRule282)To : [nameandaddressofAcademyPlayer]
We,FootballClub,herebyoffertoenterintoaScholarshipAgreementwithyouuponyourreachingthestatutoryschoolleavingageapplicableinEngland.
TheScholarshipAgreementwillbeinPLYDForm1.
Signed
Position
Date
492
Premier League PLYD Form 12ResponsetoScholarshipOffer(YouthDevelopmentRule283)To: FootballClub(“theClub”).I,[nameofAcademyPlayer]herebyaccept/refuse*yourofferinPLYDForm11datedSigned by the Academy Player
Signed by his Parent
* delete as appropriateWheretheofferinPLYDForm11hasbeenacceptedbytheAcademyPlayer,thefollowingdeclarationsmustalsobesigned:Endorsement by Academy PlayerIcertifythattheClubhasnotmadeanapproachtomeorengagedinanycommunicationwithmeoranypersonconnectedwithme,saveaspermittedbyLeagueRules,norhaveIapproachedorengagedinanycommunicationwiththeClub,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,whilstregisteredwithanotherclubinmembershipofthePremierLeagueorEFL(a“LeagueClub”),norhastheClubinducedorattemptedtoinducemetoacceptitsofferinPLYDForm11byofferingmeoranypersonconnectedwithme,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,abenefitorpaymentofanydescriptionwhetherincashorinkind,norhaveIacceptedanysuchinducementfromanybodyinconnectionwithmyacceptanceoftheoffer.IagreetobeboundbytheRulesofthePremierLeague.Signed
Date
493
To be signed by the Parents*:I,(full name) of(address) PostCodebeingapersonhavingparentalresponsibilityfortheabove-namedAcademyPlayer,certifythat:(a)theClubhasnotmadeanyapproachtoorengagedinanycommunicationwithme,mysonoranypersonconnectedwithmeormyson,eitherdirectlyor
indirectly,whilstmysonwasregisteredwithanotherLeagueClub,saveaspermittedbytheLeagueRules;(b)IhavenotapproachedorengagedincommunicationwiththeClub,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,whilstmysonwasregisteredwithanotherLeagueClub,
saveaspermittedbytheLeagueRules;(c)theClubhasnotinducedorattemptedtoinducemeoranyoneconnectedwithme,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,throughanybenefitorpaymentofany
descriptionwhetherincashorinkind,topersuadeorencouragemysontofacilitatetheacceptanceofthisPLYDForm12;or(d)sofarasIamaware,theClubhasnotinducedorattemptedtoinducemysonoranyoneconnectedwithhim,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,throughanybenefit
orpaymentofanydescriptionwhetherincashorinkind,toacceptthatoffer.Iacknowledgethattheacceptanceofanyinducementreferredtoatpoints(c)and(d),above,and/orengaginginanyapproachorcommunicationreferredtoatpoints(a)and(b),above,constitutesabreachoftheLeagueRulesbymyson.Ifurtheracknowledgeandagreethat(e)theLeaguemayrequestthatIattendameetinginpersontoanswerquestionsrelatingtotheScholarshipAgreementandthepaymentofanysuchinducement
and/ortheengagementinanysuchapproach/communicationand/ortoproducerelevantdocuments(including,forexample,financialrecordsand/ortelecommunicationsrecords)withinareasonabledeadline;and
(f)shouldIrefuseorfailtocomplywithanyrequestbytheLeagueinaccordancewithpoint(c),above,theLeaguemayrefusetoregistermysonasaScholar
withtheClub(orsuspendorcancelanysuchregistrationalreadyinplace)andanytribunalappointedtoconsideranallegedbreachofLeagueRulesbymysonwillbeentitledtodrawanadverseinferenceagainsthiminthoseproceedings.
Signed
Date
*AdeclarationinthisformmustbesignedbyeveryParent(asdefined)oftheAcademyPlayer
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Appendix 1ScheduleofOffences(RuleF.1.5.3)Offence
Contrary to
DishonestlyreceivingaprogrammebroadcastfromwithintheUKwithintenttoavoidpayment
Copyright,DesignsandPatentsAct1988s.297
Admittingspectatorstowatchafootballmatchatunlicensedpremises
FootballSpectatorsAct1989,s.9
Personssubjecttoabanningorder(asdefined)
FootballSpectatorsAct2000Schedule1
Tickettouting—footballtickets
CriminalJusticeandPublicOrderAct1994s.166
497
Appendix 2InclusionandAnti-DiscriminationPolicy(RuleJ.4)1. ThePremierLeagueandClubs,toachievetheircommitmenttoinclusionandtoremovingdiscrimination,whetherbyreasonofage,race,religionorbelief,
sexualorientation,disability,diversity,genderreassignmentorsex,willactasfollows:
·beanequalopportunitiesemployer;
·encourageandpromotesimilarcommitmentfromeveryotherorganisationorindividualactingwithinthegame;
·nottoleratediscriminatorybehaviour,whetherphysicalorverbal,andtakeappropriatedisciplinaryorotheraction;and
·supporttrainingandawarenessraisingactivities.2. EachClubshall:
·holdthePreliminaryLeveloftheEqualityStandardby30June2016forClubsinMembershipinSeason2015/16or31DecemberintheSeasonfollowingitspromotionfromTheFootballLeagueforanyotherclub;and
·holdtheAdvancedLeveloftheEqualityStandardbytheendof31DecemberintheSeasontwoyearsaftertheobtainingofthePreliminaryLevel.
“Equality Standard” istheawardandrelevantcriteriaandstandardsagreedbyClubsfromtimetotimeandaspublishedbytheBoard.
498
Appendix 3CameraPositions(RuleK.62)EachClubshallprovideateachLeagueMatchplayedatitsStadiumpositionsfortelevisioncamerasinaccordancewiththerequirementsofthisAppendix3,andeachsuchpositionshallbeHardwired.1. PursuanttoRuleK.62,andsubjecttoparagraph2below,ClubsmustprovideHardwiredcamerapositionsinthelocationsshownon:
1.1PlanAinrespectofLeagueMatchestobebroadcastliveintheUnitedKingdom;and
1.2PlanBinrespectofallotherLeagueMatches.2. Ineachcase,thekeytotherelevantPlanexplainsthetypeofcamerarequiredandprovidesfurtherdetail.3. TheStadiumlay-outshowninPlansAandBisindicativeonly.ItisnotintendedtobeanexactrepresentationofaStadium;ratheritisintendedtoshow:
3.1wherecamerasshouldbeplacedinrelationtothepitch;and
3.2therelativeheightabovethepitchofeachcamera.4. TheLeaguewillworkwitheachClubtoidentifyandagreethelocationofeachcameraillustratedonthePlansattheClub’sStadium.Thiswillthenbe
recordedontheClub’sagreedTechnicalSpecification.CAMERA PLANS: KEYNumbersinbracketsrefertothedesignatedCameraNumber.Allcamerapositionsmustprovideafullandclearviewofthewholepitch.Allcamerapositionsaremanned,withtheexceptionofcamera13andcameras16-21,whichareremotelyoperatedcameras.(1) Main Camera
·Positionedontelevisiongantryexactlyonthehalfwaylinefacingawayfromthesun
·Idealangleis12-14degreesfromthegantrytothecentrespotand22-24degreesfromthegantrytothenear-sidetouchline
·Thiscamerawillbeusedtoprovidethemainwide-shotcoverageofthegame
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(2) Close-Up Camera
·Positionedontelevisiongantry.Normallylocatednexttothecamera1,itisusedtoprovideclosercoverageoftheactionandplayer/refereeclose-ups
·Alargelensmustbeused(3) Pitch-Side Halfway Camera
·Afixedcameraonthehalf-waylineatpitchlevelonthesamesideascamera1
·Thepositionshouldenableanunobstructedviewofthefieldofplayandsubstitutes’benchesforthe4thOfficial,andaclearviewofthepitchfortheClubrepresentatives
·Alargelensmustbeused
(4) Close-Up Camera
·Positionedontelevisiongantry.Normallylocatednexttocameras1and2,itisusedtoprovideclosercoverageoftheactionandplayer/refereeclose-ups
·Alargelensmustbeused
(5+6) Steadicams
·Uptotwohandheldportable“steadicams”,eachpositionedeithersideofthehalf-waylineonthesamesideasmaincameramayworkthelengthofeachhalfbutconcentratingonazoneextendingbetweenthegoal-lineand18yardline
·Thecamerasshouldnotcauseanyviewingobstructionstothetrainers’benchesandsufficientspacemustbeallowedforPlayerstowarmup
·HostBroadcastersarepermittedtousetheir“steadicams”onthepitchduringthepre-matchwarmupforashortperiodoftime,upuntil30seconds
beforekick-offandafterthefinalwhistle
·PositionsandtimingstobeagreedwitheachClubatthestartofeachseason(7+8) 18 Yard Cameras
·Twocamerasinstalledonthesamesideascamera1atthesamelevelorhigherthanthemaincamerapositions,facingeachofthe18yardlines.Oftenusedtocoverplayinawideangle,butalsousedforcloseupcoverage
·Largelensesmaybeused
·(Cameras5&6ontheUKNon-LiveCameraPlan)
(9+10) High-Behind Goal Camera
·Twocamerasinstalledinthestandsbehindeithergoal,ataheightwhichpermitsanunobstructedviewofthepenaltyspotfromabovethecrossbar.Both
500
camerasneedtobeabletoseethefarsidegoalinitsentiretyandallfourcornerflags.Largelensesmaybeused
·(Camera8ontheUKNon-LiveCameraPlan,andonlyoneofthetwoshownwillbeused)
(11+12) Low-Behind Goal Cameras
·Twocameras,oneateachend,atpitchlevelinfixedpositionsbehindeachgoal-line,onthesideclosesttocamera1.Ideallyalignedwherethesixyardlinemeetsthegoal-line
·(Camera7ontheUKNon-LiveCameraPlan)
(13) Beauty-Shot Camera
·Afixedcameramountedhighinthestadiumtogiveapanoramicstaticshotofthepitch
·Thiscameraisremotelyoperated
·(Camera10ontheUKNon-LiveCameraPlan)(14+15) Reverse Angle Camera
·Twocameraslocatedoppositecamera1for“reverse-angle”coverageandusuallyforcoverageofthetrainers’benches
·Onorclosetothecentreline
·OneofthesecamerascoverscloseupshotsoftheManagers,thereforeifyourgantryisoppositethetrainers’benches,camera14shouldbeincludedaspartoftheTVgantryrequirement
·Largelensesmaybeused
·(Camera9ontheUKNon-LiveCameraPlan)
(16+17) Pole Cameras
·Acameraonapolemountmaybeusedbehindgoalsinfrontoftheadvertisingboards.Thesecanberiggedatvaryingheight,betweenthefloorlevelandthetopofthegoal
(18+19) Goal-Line Cameras
·Twocameraslocatedonthesamesideasthemaincamera,levelwiththegoal-lineandwithanunobstructedviewofthewholegoalandthegoal-lineinsidethepenaltyarea
501
(20+21) Mini-Cameras
·Mini-camerasmaybeplaceddirectlybehindthegoalnetbutcannotbeattachedtothenetortheactualpostsandcrossbar.Itcanbeasclosetothenetasdesiredaslongasitdoesnottouchthenet.Amini-cameramaythereforebeattachedtothepoleswhichsupportthenetorthecableconnectingthebackofthenettotheverticalstanchionsdirectlybehindthegoal
(22, 23, 24 and 25) Corner Cameras
·Optionsforcamerastobeplacedinallfourcornersapproximatelyfivemetresabovethepitch
·Largelensesmaybeused
·(Camera9ontheUKNon-LiveCameraPlan)(26, 27, 28 and 29) Electronic Newsgathering (ENG) Cameras
·FourportableENGcamerasatpitchlevel,behindeachgoal-line
·Thesecamerasmustbepositionedoutside(nearerthetouchline)thecabledHostBroadcastercamerasandwouldberequiredtobefixedduringeachhalf
·Theremaybearequirementforthesecamerastochangeendsathalf-time
(30 and 31) Hi Motion or Big Lens Close Up Cameras
·Uptofourbiglenscameras,atpitchlevel,betweenthesixyardand18yardline(32 and 33) ISO and Analysis Cameras
·Twocameraspositionedonthetelevisiongantry.Ifspaceisnotavailableonthemaingantrythensuitablepositionsmustbemadeavailablenearto,andatasimilarlevelto,themaingantryandnotmorethan20metresfromthehalf-wayline
·Largelensesmaybeused
502
Plan A
UK Live Camera Plan
503
Appendix 4MedicalExaminationsandInformationtobeConducted/CollectedAnnuallyonallContractPlayersandAcademyPlayersRegisteredonScholarshipAgreements(RuleO.23)
Requirement
Mandatory or Recommended
Comment
Personal details
NameDateofbirthDetailsofnextofkinorguardianHomeaddressNameandaddressofGPFaithorreligionLanguagesspokenandunderstood
Mandatory
Necessaryminimumdatasetrequiredinemergencies
Medical history
Medicalhistoryandexamination
Mandatory
Toincludefamilyhistoryandpersonalmedicalhistory
Allergies
Mandatory
Asthmaorotherpotentiallylifethreateningconditions
Mandatory
MedicationsandsupplementsbeingtakenbythePlayer
Mandatory
CurrenttherapeuticuseexemptionsheldbythePlayer
Mandatory
Testing
Concussionhistoryandbaselinetesting:
·conductSCATandcomputerisedneurocognitivebaselinetestatrecruitment
·Repeatatintervalsnogreaterthantwoyears
Mandatory
TheseexaminationsshouldcomplywiththerequirementssetoutinguidelinespublishedbyTheFA
Cardiactesting:
·aphysicalexamination,cardiachistoryandstandard12-lead
ECGandechocardiographymustbeperformedonallPlayeronsigningtheirfirstprofessionalcontract;
Mandatory
TheseexaminationstocomplywithTheFAandPFACompleteStandardOperatingProceduresforCardiacScreeningScholarshipProgramme
505
·aphysicalexamination,cardiachistoryandstandard12-
leadECGshouldbeconductedwhenthePlayerisaged18andagainwhenheisaged20;andandagainwhenheisaged20;and
·inaddition,anyfurthercardiacinvestigationsorfollow-upshouldbeperformed,asadvisedbyexpertopinion.
Bloodandurinetesting:
·annualfullbloodcount,liverandkidneyfunctionandaurinedip-testforblood,sugar,andprotein;and
·asingletest,whereappropriate,forhaemoglobinopathies.
Mandatory
Doctorsmayseefittoconductotherinvestigations
Thesestipulatedtestsareconsideredtheminimumnecessaryforplayersonaprofessionalcontract
Immunisation
Immunisationhistoryandstatus
Mandatory
SeeFAguidelinesonbloodborneviruses
HepatitisBcarrier/immunestatustobecheckedandimmunisationofferedtoall.
MeningitisACWYimmunisation
Mandatory
NowadministeredbyGPstoscholarsOtherimmunisationsandmedicinesnecessaryforforeigntravel
Mandatory
Toreflectworkrelatedtravelplansfortheage-group
CollectionoftheaboveinformationisconsiderednecessaryforthesafetyofthePlayertoensurethatmedicalemergenciescanbemanagedappropriately.Fortournamentsandforeigntrips,itisrecommendedthattheresponsibleclinicianhasaccesstothesedetailsincaseofemergency.Beyondthis,nofurthertestsaremandated.However,itisrecognisedthatClubswillcollectmorepersonalinformationandmayjustifyandundertakemoretests;inparticular,thoseClubscompetinginUEFAcompetitionswillbesubjecttoadditionalobligationsunderUEFA’srules.
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Appendix 4APocketConcussionRecognitionTool(RuleO.20)
Pocket CONCUSSION RECOGNITION TOOL™To help identify concussion in children, youth and adults
RECOGNIZE & REMOVE
Concussionshouldbesuspectedif one or more ofthefollowingvisibleclues,signs,symptomsorerrorsinmemoryquestionsarepresent.
1. Visible clues of suspected concussionAnyoneormoreofthefollowingvisualcluescanindicateapossibleconcussion:LossofconsciousnessorresponsivenessLyingmotionlessonground/SlowtogetupUnsteadyonfeet/Balanceproblemsorfallingover/lncoordinationGrabbing/ClutchingofheadDazed,blankorvacantlookConfused/Notawareofplaysorevents
2. Signs and symptoms of suspected concussionPresenceofanyoneormoreofthefollowingsigns&symptomsmaysuggestaconcussion:
·Lossofconsciousness ·Headache·Seizureorconvulsion ·Dizziness·Balanceproblems ·Confusion·Nauseaorvomiting ·Feelingsloweddown·Drowsiness ·“Pressureinhead”·Moreemotional ·Blurredvision·Irritability ·Sensitivitytolight·Sadness ·Amnesia·Fatigueorlowenergy ·Feelinglike“inafog”·Nervousoranxious ·NeckPain·“Don’tfeelright” ·Sensitivitytonoise·Difficultyremembering ·Difficultyconcentrating ©2013ConcussioninSportGroup
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3. Memory function
Failuretoansweranyofthesequestionscorrectlymaysuggestaconcussion.
“What venue are we at today?”“Which half is it now?”“Who scored last in this game?”“What team did you play last week/game?’’“Did your team win the last game?”
Any athlete with a suspected concussion should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY, and should not be returned to activity until theyare assessed medically. Athletes with a suspected concussion should not be left alone and should not drive a motor vehicle .
Itisrecommendedthat,inallcasesofsuspectedconcussion,theplayerisreferredtoamedicalprofessionalfordiagnosisandguidanceaswellasreturntoplaydecisions.evenifthesymptomsresolve.
RED FLAGS
IfANYofthefollowingarereportedthentheplayershouldbesafelyandimmediatelyremovedfromthefield.Ifnoqualifiedmedicalprofessionalisavailable,considertransportingbyambulanceforurgentmedicalassessment:
·Athletecomplainsofneckpain ·Deterioratingconsciousstate·Increasingconfusionorirritability ·Severeorincreasingheadache·Repeatedvomiting ·Unusualbehaviourchange·Seizureorconvulsion ·Doublevision·Weaknessortingling/burninginarmsorlegs
Remember:
·Inallcases,thebasicprinciplesoffirstaid(danger,response,airway,breathing,circulation)shouldbefollowed.
·Donotattempttomovetheplayer(otherthanrequiredforairwaysupport)unlesstrainedtosodo
·Donotremovehelmet(ifpresent)unlesstrainedtodoso.
fromMcCroryet.al,ConsensusStatementonConcussioninSport.BrJSportsMed47(5),2013
©2013ConcussioninSportGroup
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Appendix 5CodeofConductforManagers(RuleP.1)1. AManagershallstrictlyobservethetermsofhiscontractwithhisClubandshallnot(eitherbyhimselforthroughanythirdparty)enterintonegotiations
withanotherClub(orclub)relatingtohisemploymentwithouthavingfirstobtainedthepermissionofhisClubtodoso.2. AManagershallnot,eitherdirectlyorindirectly(includingbymakinganystatementtothemedia):
2.1makeanapproachtoaContractPlayerwithaviewtotheManager’sClubnegotiatingacontractwithsuchPlayerexceptaspermittedbyeitherRuleT.1orRuleT.2;
2.2makeanapproachtoanAcademyPlayerregisteredattheAcademyofanotherClub(orclub)oraplayerwithwhomanotherClub(orclub)has
enteredintoapre-registrationagreementwhichremainscurrent;or
2.3makeanapproachtoanyotheremployeeofanotherClub(orclub)withaviewtoinducingorattemptingtoinducesuchemployeetoterminateacontractofemploymentwiththatClub(orclub),whetherornotbybreachofthatcontract,exceptwiththewrittenconsentoftheClub(orclub)bywhichheisemployed.
3. AManagershallcomplywiththeLawsoftheGame,theRulesandRegulationsofTheFootballAssociation(including,withoutlimitation,TheFootball
AssociationRegulationsonWorkingwithIntermediaries),theRulesofthePremierLeague,therulesofanycompetitioninwhichhisClubparticipatesandhisClubRules(collectively“theRules”)andheshallnotencourageorinviteanyperson(includingPlayersandotheremployeesofhisClub)toactinbreachofthesamebutshalltakeallpossiblestepstoensurethattheycomplywiththem.
4. AManagershallusehisbestendeavourstoensurethatthereisinforceathisClubafairandeffectivedisciplinarypolicyapplicabletoPlayersandother
employeesunderhiscontrolandthatitisappliedconsistently.5. AManagershallnotuseracistorotherdiscriminatorylanguage.AManager’sbehaviourshoulddemonstratetoPlayersandotheremployeesunderhis
controlthatdiscriminationinanyformisunacceptable.AManagershalluseallpossiblestepstoensurethatothersinhiscontroladoptthesamestandardsofbehaviourinthisregard.
509
6. AManagershalltakeallreasonablestepstoensurethatPlayersandotheremployeesunderhiscontrolacceptandobservetheauthorityanddecisionsof
MatchOfficialsandtopromotethehigheststandardsonthefieldofplaygenerally.7. AManagershallnotmakepublicanyunfaircriticismofanyMatchOfficialoranyotherManageroranyPlayer,Officialoremployeeofhisoranother
Club.8. AManagershallensurethatheunderstandsandactsinaccordancewithhisClub’swrittentransferpolicy(seeRuleH.4).9. Inalldiscussions,negotiations,transactionsandarrangementsrelatingtotheemploymentofPlayersbyhisClub(“PlayerTransactions”)including,
withoutlimitation,therenewalorrenegotiationofexistingcontractsoranyrelatedcontractsorarrangementsinvolvinghisClubandaPlayerand/orthirdparty(forexample,involvinghisClub’soraPlayer’sintellectualpropertyrights,includingtheexploitationofnameorimage),aManagershall,inadditiontohisdutytoactinaccordancewiththeclub’swrittentransferpolicy,actwiththeutmostgoodfaithandinaccordancewithhisprimarydutytoactinthebestinterestsofhisClub.
10. AManagershallatalltimesobservetheprinciplesofhonesty,transparency,accountabilityandpersonalimpartiality(whetherfinancialorotherwise)in
hisdealingsinvolvingPlayerTransactions.11. AManagershallforthwithdisclosetohisClubthenatureandextentofanydirectorindirectinterestoranyconflictorpotentialconflictofinteresthe
mayhaveinanytransactionorarrangementinvolvinghisClub(including,withoutlimitation,anyPlayerTransaction),heshallnotbeinvolvedinthesamewithoutthewrittenconsentofhisClub,and,ifsuchconsentisgranted,heshallaccounttohisClubforanybenefitwhicheitherdirectlyorindirectlyhederivestherefrom.
12. IfaManagerisinanydoubtastowhetherthereexistsanyinterestorconflict(actualorpotential)tobedisclosedasrequiredbyparagraph11above,he
mayconsultwiththeLeagueManagersAssociationforguidanceandadvice.13. UponbecomingawareofanybreachoftheRules,includingbywayofexampleonly,anyfinancialorotherbenefitorinducementofferedinconnection
withaPlayerTransactioninbreachoftheRules,aManagershallimmediatelyreportsuchbreachinwritingtotheLeague.
510
14. AManagershallconducthimselfatalltimesinanethicalandprofessionalmannerandshallobservethehigheststandardsofintegrityandfairdealing.15. AManagershalltakeallpossiblestepstopromotethereputationofthegameofassociationfootballandtopreventitbeingbroughtintodisrepute.
511
Appendix 6CodeofConductforClubs(RuleP.2)1. Inalldiscussions,negotiationsandtransactionsrelatingtotheemploymentofManagers,eachClubshallbehavetowardseachotherClubwiththeutmost
goodfaith.2. AClubshallnot(eitherdirectlyorthroughanythirdparty)enterintonegotiationsrelatingtotheemploymentofanotherClub’sManagerwithoutthe
priorpermissionofthatClub.3. AClubshallnottakeanysteps(includingthemakingofstatementstothemedia)toinduceanotherClub’sManagertoactinbreachofthetermsofhis
contractwithhisClub.4. AClubshallstrictlyobservethetermsofitscontractwithitsManagerand,inparticular,ifonthedeterminationofthecontractanysumispayablebythe
ClubtotheManager,theClubshallensurethatpromptsettlementismade.
512
Appendix 7StandardClausesforinclusioninManagers’ContractsofEmployment(RuleP.8.1)1. TheManagershallobserveandcomplywiththerulesandregulationsforthetimebeinginforceofanyorganisationorbodytherulesandregulationsof
whichtheClubisboundtoobserveincludingthoseofTheFootballAssociationandtheLeagueandinparticularheshallatalltimesactinaccordancewiththeLeague’sCodeofConductforManagers.
2. TheManagershallcomplywithallreasonableinstructionsandrequests
(a)giventoClubManagersbytheLeagueor(b)giventotheManagerbytheClub
whichariseinthefirstcaseoutofanycommercialcontractenteredintobytheLeagueforthebenefitofitsmembersorinthesecondcaseoutofanysuchcontractenteredintobytheClubforitsownbenefitandtheManagershallnothimselfenterintoanysuchcontractwhichconflictsorcompetesorisreasonablylikelytoconflictorcompetewiththoseenteredintobytheLeagueorbytheClubasaforesaid.
3. AnydisputeordifferencearisingbetweenthepartiesheretoastotheconstructionofthisAgreementortherightsdutiesorobligationsofeitherparty
hereunderoranymatterarisingoutoforconcerningthesameortheManager’semploymenthereundershallbereferredtotheManagers’ArbitrationTribunalinaccordancewiththeRulesoftheLeagueforthetimebeinginforce.Notwithstandingtheforegoingprovisionsofthisclause[3]andwithoutprejudicethereto,thepartiesshalluseanduntiltheconclusionofthearbitrationshallcontinuetousetheirbestendeavourstoattempttoreachasettlementoftheirdisputebymediation.
[Note : The names and addresses of organisations offering an appropriate mediation service are available upon application to the League. ]
513
Appendix 8CodeofConductforScouts(RuleQ.7)1. ThefunctionofaScoutistoidentifytohisClubplayerswithwhomhisClubmaywishtoenterintonegotiationswithaviewtosecuringtheir
registration.Scoutsarenotthemselvesentitledtoenterintoanysuchnegotiationsnoraretheyabletomakepromisestoorofferinducementstoanyplayerswhomtheyapproach.
2. ScoutsareemployedbyandrepresenttheirClubsandareOfficialswithinthemeaningoftheRulesofthePremierLeague(“theRules”)bywhichthey
arebound.3. ScoutsmustthereforebefamiliarwiththeRulesandinparticularthoserelatingtoAcademyPlayerssetoutintheYouthDevelopmentRules.Theymust
maintainanawarenessofandatalltimescomplywiththeRulessettingoutthecircumstancesinwhichtheirClubmaymakeanapproachtoaPlayerorAcademyPlayer(asdefinedintheRules)whoseregistrationisheldbyanotherClub.Inaddition,thoseScoutsthatcomeintocontactwithand/orhaveaccesstoChildrenaspartoftheirdutiesmustfamiliarisethemselveswith(andabideby)theirClub’ssafeguardingpoliciesandproceduresandtheLeague’s‘GuidanceforSaferWorkingPractice’.
4. WhenactinginthecourseofhisdutiesaScoutshallatalltimescarrytheformalmeansofidentificationissuedtohimbyhisCluband/ortheLeagueand
shallproducethesameupondemand.5. ScoutsareresponsiblefortheconductoftheircontactsandshallbeliableforanyactoromissionbyacontactwhichconstitutesabreachoftheRules.6. ScoutsshallconductthemselvesinamannerbefittingtheirroleasOfficialsoftheirClubsandshalltakeallpossiblestepstopromotethereputationofthe
gameofassociationfootballandtopreventitbeingbroughtintodisrepute.7. AScoutshallforthwithdisclosetohisClubthenatureandextentofanydirectorindirectinteresthemayhaveinanytransactionorarrangement
involvinghisClubandheshallaccounttohisClubforanybenefitwhicheitherdirectlyorindirectlyhederivestherefrom.8. AScoutshallconducthimselfatalltimesinanethicalandprofessionalmannerandshallobservethehigheststandardsofintegrityandfairdealing.
514
Appendix 9StandardClausesforinclusioninreplicaStripmanufacturers’contracts(RuleR.16)1. [Themanufacturer’sname](“theCompany”)willnotitselforthroughanyofficeroftheCompanyoranypersonauthorisedtoactonbehalfofthe
Company:-
1.1includeinacontractforsaleoragreementrelatingtothesaleofreplicafootballkitatermorconditionwhichpurportstoestablishorprovidefortheestablishmentofminimumpricestobechargedontheresaleofreplicafootballkitintheUnitedKingdom;
1.2require,asaconditionofsupplyingreplicafootballkittoadealer,theinclusioninacontractoragreementofanysuchtermorcondition,orthe
givingofanyundertakingtothelikeeffect;
1.3notifytodealers,orotherwisepublishonorinrelationtoreplicafootballkit,apricestatedorcalculatedtobeunderstoodastheminimumpricewhichmaybechargedontheresaleofthosegoodsthereplicafootballkitintheUnitedKingdom;or
1.4withholdsuppliesofreplicafootballkitfromadealerseekingtoobtainthemforresaleintheUnitedKingdomonthegroundthatthedealer:
1.4.1hassoldintheUnitedKingdomatapricebelowtheresalepricereplicafootballkitobtained,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,fromthe
Company,orhassuppliedsuchreplicafootballkit,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,toathirdpartywhohaddoneso;or
1.4.2islikely,ifthereplicafootballkitissuppliedtohim,tosellitintheUnitedKingdomatapricebelowthatprice,orsupplyit,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,toathirdpartywhowouldbelikelytodoso.
Inthissubclause1.4,“resaleprice”inrelationtoasaleofanydescription,meansanypricenotifiedtothedealerorotherwisepublishedbyoronbehalfoftheCompanyasthepriceorminimumpricewhichistobechargedonorisrecommendedasappropriateforasaleofthatdescription,oranypriceprescribedorpurportingtobeprescribedforthatpurposebyacontractoragreementbetweenthedealerandtheCompany.
515
2. Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,nothingshallpreventtheCompanyfromrecommendingresalepricestodealersprovidednoimpressionisgiventhat,indoing
so,theCompanyisnotifyingaminimumprice.3. TheCompanymay,notwithstandinganyoftheforegoing,withholdsuppliesfromadealer,orcauseorprocureasuppliertodoso,ifithasreasonable
causetobelievethatwithintheprevious12monthsthedealer,oranyotherdealertowhomthedealersuppliesgoods,hasbeenusingasaloss-leaderanyreplicafootballkitwhetherornotobtainedfromtheClub.
516
Appendix 10NoticetoManufacturerLicensedtoManufactureandDistributeClubReplicaStrip(RuleR.17)1. Youwillnot:
1.1includeinacontractforsaleoragreementrelatingtothesaleofreplicafootballkitatermorconditionwhichpurportstoestablishorprovidefortheestablishmentofminimumpricestobechargedontheresaleofreplicafootballkitintheUnitedKingdom;
1.2require,asaconditionofsupplyingreplicafootballkittoadealer,theinclusioninacontractoragreementofanysuchtermorcondition,orthe
givingofanyundertakingtothelikeeffect;
1.3notifytodealers,orotherwisepublishonorinrelationtoreplicafootballkit,apricestatedorcalculatedtobeunderstoodastheminimumpricewhichmaybechargedontheresaleofreplicafootballkitintheUnitedKingdom;or
1.4withholdsuppliesofreplicafootballkitfromadealerseekingtoobtainthemforresaleintheUnitedKingdomonthegroundthatthedealer:
1.4.1hassoldintheUnitedKingdomatapricebelowtheresaleprice*replicafootballkitobtained,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,fromyou,or
hassuppliedsuchreplicafootballkit,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,toathirdpartywhohaddoneso;or
1.4.2islikely,ifthereplicafootballkitissuppliedtohim,tosellitintheUnitedKingdomatapricebelowthatprice,orsupplyit,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,toathirdpartywhowouldbelikelytodoso.
2. Youshallnotbepreventedfromrecommendingresalepricestodealersprovidednoimpressionisgiventhat,indoingso,youarenotifyingaminimum
price.3. Youmay,notwithstandinganyoftheforegoing,withholdsuppliesfromadealer,orcauseorprocureasuppliertodoso,ifithasreasonablecauseto
believethatwithintheprevious12monthsthedealer,oranyotherdealertowhomthedealersuppliesgoodshasbeenusingasaloss-leaderanyreplicafootballkitwhetherornotobtainedfromtheClub.
*In this paragraph 1.4.1 “resale price” in relation to a sale of any description means any price notified to the dealer or otherwise published by you as the price orminimum 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 prescribedfor that purpose by a contract or agreement between the dealer and you.
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Appendix 11RegulationsoftheProfessionalFootballCompensationCommitteeDefinitions1. IntheseRegulations:
1.1“Club” meansafootballclubinmembershipofthePremierLeagueortheFootballLeague;
1.2“Compensation Fee” meansanysumofmoney(exclusiveofValueAddedTax)payablebyaTransfereeClubtoaTransferorClubuponthetransferoftheregistrationofaPlayer;
1.3“the Football League” meansTheFootballLeagueLimited;
1.4“PFNCC” meanstheProfessionalFootballNegotiatingandConsultativeCommittee;
1.5“Player” meansaplayerwhoisthesubjectofanapplicationtotheProfessionalFootballCompensationCommittee(“the Committee” )
pursuanttoRegulation2oftheseRegulations;
1.6“the Premier League” meansTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimited;
1.7“Secretary” meansthepersonorbodyappointedbythePFNCCtoadministertheseRegulations;
1.8“Transferee Club” meansaClubtowhichtheregistrationofaPlayerhasbeentransferred;and
1.9“Transferor Club” meansaClubfromwhichtheregistrationofaPlayerhasbeentransferred.Jurisdiction2. TheCommitteeshalldetermineapplicationsmadepursuantto:
2.1PremierLeagueRulesT.38,V.27.2andYouthDevelopmentRules329and343.2;
2.2FootballLeagueRegulations61.20,61.21,61.22,65.5andFootballLeagueYouthDevelopmentRules329and343.2;
2.3appealsfromadecisionoftheBoardoftheFootballLeaguemadepursuanttoFootballLeagueRegulation63.1.
3. Inmakingadeterminationasaforesaid,theCommitteeshalltakeintoaccountthecostssetoutinRegulation4andanyofthefollowingcriteria:
3.1thestatusofeachoftheTransferorClubandtheTransfereeClub;
3.2theageofthePlayer;
3.3theTrainingModel(s)(asthattermisdefinedinYouthDevelopmentRule1.75)onwhichthePlayerwasengagedwiththeTransferorClub.
518
3.4theamountofanyfeepaidbytheTransferorClubuponacquiringtheregistrationofthePlayer;
3.5thelengthoftimeduringwhichtheTransferorClubheldtheregistrationofthePlayer;
3.6thetermsofthenewcontractofferedtohimbyboththeTransferorClubandtheTransfereeClub;
3.7hisplayingrecordincludinganyinternationalappearances;
3.8substantiatedinterestshownbyotherclubsinacquiringtheregistrationofthePlayer.
4. ThecoststobetakenintoaccountunderRegulation3shallbe:
4.1anycostincurredbyeitherClubinoperatinganAcademy,aFootballAcademyorCentreofExcellenceincluding(withoutlimitation)thecostofprovidingforplayersattendingthereat:
4.1.1livingaccommodation
4.1.2trainingandplayingfacilities;
4.1.3scouting,coaching,administrativeandotherstaff;
4.1.4educationandwelfarerequirements;
4.1.5playingandtrainingstripandotherclothing;
4.1.6medicalandfirstaidfacilities;and
4.1.7friendlyandcompetitivematchesandoverseastours;,
4.2anyothercostincurredbyeitherClubdirectlyorindirectlyattributabletothetraininganddevelopmentofplayersincludinganyfeereferredto
inRegulation3.3.Composition of the Committee5. TheCommitteeshallbecomposedof:
5.1anindependentchairmanwithanappropriatelegalbackgroundwho,subjecttothepriorwrittenapprovalofthePremierLeague,theFootball
LeagueandTheProfessionalFootballers’Association,shallbeappointedbythePFNCCinsuchtermsasitthinksfit;
5.2anappointeeofeachoftheleaguesofwhichtheTransferorClubandtheTransfereeClubaremembersor,iftheTransferorClubandtheTransfereeClubarebothmembersofthesameleague,anappointeeofthatleague;
5.3anappointeeofTheProfessionalFootballers’Association;
5.4anappointeeofTheLeagueManagers’Association.
519
6. IfthechairmanoftheCommitteeisunabletoactortocontinueactingassuchinthedeterminationofanyapplication,thePFNCCshallappointinhis
steadapersonwithanappropriatelegalbackground.7. IffollowinghisappointmentanyothermemberoftheCommitteeisunabletoactortocontinueacting,hisappointormayappointareplacementsothat
thecompositionoftheCommitteeismaintainedasprovidedinRegulation5.8. IfthemembersoftheCommitteefailtoagree,theyshalldecidebyamajorityprovidedthat,iftheCommitteeiscomposedofanevennumberof
members,thechairmanshallhaveasecondorcastingvote.Committee Procedures9. ThepartiestoproceedingsbeforetheCommitteeshallbetheTransferorClubandtheTransfereeClub.10. ProceedingsshallbecommencedbyeitherpartymakingawrittenapplicationtotheSecretary:
10.1identifyingtherespondentClubandthePlayer;
10.2settingoutthefactssurroundingtheapplicationincludingthecriteriareferredtoinRegulation3;
10.3identifyinganydocumentsreliedupon,copiesofwhichshallbeannexed;and
10.4inthecaseofanapplicationmadebyaTransferorClub,givingfullparticularsofthecostssetoutinRegulation4.11. EachClubwhichisapartyinproceedingsshallpayanadministrationfeetotheSecretarytheamountofwhichwillbedeterminedbythePFNCCfrom
timetotime.12. UponreceiptofanapplicationtheSecretaryshall:
12.1procurethatforthepurposeofdeterminingtheapplicationtheCommitteeiscomposedinaccordancewithRegulation5;
12.2sendacopyoftheapplicationandanydocumentsannexedtoittothechairman;
12.3sendacopyofthesamebyrecordeddeliveryposttotherespondent.13. Within14daysofreceiptofthecopyapplicationtherespondentshallsendtotheSecretarybyrecordeddeliverypostawrittenresponsetothe
application,annexingtheretocopiesofanydocumentsreliedupon,and,inthecaseofaresponsebyaTransferorClub,givingfullparticularsofthecostssetoutinRegulation4.
520
14. UponreceiptoftheresponsetheSecretaryshallsendacopythereoftogetherwithacopyofanydocumentannexedto:
14.1thechairman;and
14.2thepartymakingtheapplication.15. ThechairmanoftheCommitteeshallgivedirectionsashethinksfitforthefutureconductoftheproceedingsaddressedinwritingtothepartieswith
whichthepartiesshallcomplywithoutdelay.16. TheCommitteebyitschairmanshallhavepowertosummonanypersontoattendthehearingoftheproceedingstogiveevidenceandtoproduce
documentsandanypersonwhoisboundbytheseRegulationsandwho,havingbeensummoned,failstoattendortogiveevidenceortoproducedocumentsshallbeinbreachoftheseRegulations.
17. UpontheChairman’sdirectionshavingbeencompliedwithortimeforcompliancehavingpassedtheSecretaryshallmakeallnecessaryarrangementsfor
thehearingoftheproceedings(includingsupplyingafullcopyofalldocumentsnecessaryforthehearingtoeachmemberoftheCommittee)andshallgivewrittennoticeofthedate,timeandplacethereoftotheparties.
18. IfapartytotheproceedingsfailstoattendthehearingtheCommitteemayeitheradjournitorproceedintheirabsence.19. ThechairmanoftheCommitteeshallhaveanoverridingdiscretionastothemannerinwhichthehearingoftheproceedingsshallbeconducted.20. TheCommitteeshallnotbeboundbyanyenactmentorruleoflawrelatingtotheadmissibilityofevidenceinproceedingsbeforeacourtoflaw.21. Thehearingshallbeconductedinprivate.22. Eachpartyshallbeentitledtoberepresentedatthehearingbyasolicitororcounselprovidedthattheyshallhavegiventotheotherpartyandtothe
chairmanoftheCommittee14days’priorwrittennoticetothateffect.23. TheCommittee’sdecisionshallbeannouncedassoonaspracticableandifpossibleattheendofthehearingandshallbeconfirmedinwritingbythe
Secretarytotheparties.
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24. TheCommitteeshallgivereasonsforitsdecision.25. ThedecisionoftheCommitteeshallbefinalandbinding.Fees and Expenses26. ThechairmanandmembersoftheCommitteeshallbeentitledtoreceivefeesandexpensesinsuchsumorsumsasshallbedeterminedbythePFNCC
fromtimetotime.Committee’s Powers27. UpondetermininganapplicationmadeinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheseRegulations,theCommitteemaymakeanorderwithregardtothe
amountandpaymentofaCompensationFeeandanyotherorderasitthinksfit.Amendments28. NoamendmenttotheseRegulationsshallbeproposedormadewithoutthepriorwrittenapprovalofthePremierLeague,theFootballLeagueandthe
ProfessionalFootballers’Association.
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Appendix 12CodeofConductforAcademyPlayersofCompulsorySchoolAge(YouthDevelopmentRule190)PriortosigningthisCodeofConductandregisteringtheAcademyPlayeratitsAcademy,fulldiscussionhastakenplaceandagreementhasbeenreachedbetweentheAcademy,theAcademyPlayerandtheparentsastotheeducational,technicalandmatchprogrammetobeprovidedbytheAcademytotheAcademyPlayer.(“theAcademyPlayer”)hasthepotentialtobecomeafootballeratthehighestlevelandwillberegisteredasanAcademyPlayerattheFC(“theClub”).BoththeAcademyPlayerandtheAcademyPlayer’sparentsunderstandthattheClubiscommittedtotheAcademyPlayer’swellbeing,futuredevelopmentandrealisationofpotential,butthatthelevelofachievementultimatelyreachedcannotbeguaranteed.InregisteringtheAcademyPlayeratitsFootballAcademy,theClub,theparentsandtheAcademyPlayeragreetothefollowingCodeofConduct.The Club agrees to provide·asafeenvironmentinwhichtheAcademyPlayercanlearnanddevelopwithoutfearofabuse·medicalscreening,monitoringandsupportfortheAcademyPlayer·astructuredfootballlearningprogramme,appropriatetotheage,abilityandgrowthoftheAcademyPlayer·participationinfootballmatchesarrangedorapprovedbythePremierLeague·trained,screenedandqualifiedcoachingandotherstaffandfacilitiesasdeterminedbytherulesgoverningAcademies·guidelinestotheAcademyPlayerandparentsonthebestwaysforthemtocontributetotheAcademyPlayer’sfootballandpersonaldevelopment·educationalsupport(inconsultationwiththeAcademyPlayer’sschool)forthecontinuedacademicandpersonaldevelopmentoftheAcademyPlayer·regularcommunicationandreportstotheAcademyPlayerandparentsontheStudent’sprogress·aCodeofConductandRulesforitsAcademy
523
The Academy Player agrees to·attendtheAcademyregularlyandpunctually,behavewithself-disciplineandgivenoticeofandreasonsforanyabsence·practisethetechniquesandskillstaughtbytheAcademyandattempttoapplytheminmatches·participateinfootballmatchesoutsidenormalschoolhoursonlyasspecifiedbytheAcademy·attendschoolregularlyandpunctually,completeschoolassignmentsandbehaveatschoolasattheAcademy·followalifestyleappropriatetodevelopment—spendingleisuretimepositively;eating,drinking,relaxingandsleepingsensibly·adheretotheClub’sCodeofConductandRulesforitsAcademyThe Parents agree to·encourageandhelptheAcademyPlayermeettargets,includingthisCodeofConductandtheClub’sCodeofConductandRulesforitsAcademy·supporttheAcademyPlayerwithoutpressure,praisegoodworkandrefrainfromcriticisinglapses·setagoodexampletotheAcademyPlayer·respecttheopportunitygiventotheAcademyPlayerandnotapproachorpermitanyotherpersontoapproachanyotherclubduringthecurrencyofthis
registrationexceptasallowedundertheRulesgoverningAcademies·communicatewiththeAcademystaff,keepingtheminformedaboutmattersaffectingtheAcademyPlayer·permittheAcademyPlayertoplayonlyfootballmatchesoutsidenormalschoolhoursasspecifiedbytheAcademy·adheretotheClub’sCodeofConductandRulesforitsAcademy
524
We,theundersigned,agreetotheAcademyCodeofConduct
Name
FootballClub Signature
Name
AcademyPlayer Signature
Name
Parents Signature
Note: This Code of Conduct should be signed in quadruplicate, one copy being provided to the Academy Player, one to his parents, one being submitted to theLeague in accordance with Youth Development Rule 258 and the fourth being retained by the Club.
525
National List of RefereesSeason2017/18ADCOCK,JG(James)Nottinghamshire
KAVANAGH,C(Chris),LancashireATKINSON,M(Martin)WestYorkshire
KETTLE,TM(Trevor)RutlandATTWELL,SB(Stuart)Warwickshire
KINSELEY,N(Nick)EssexBACKHOUSE,A(Anthony)Cumbria
LANGFORD,O(Oliver)WestMidlandsBANKES,P(Peter)Merseyside
LEWIS,RL(Rob)ShropshireBOND,D(Darren)Lancashire
LININGTON,JJ(James)IsleofWightBOYESON,C(Carl)EastYorkshire
MADLEY,AJ(Andy)WestYorkshireBROOKS,J(John)Leicestershire
MADLEY,RJ(Bobby)WestYorkshireBREAKSPEAR,C(Charles)Surrey
MALONE,BJ(Brendan)WiltshireBROWN,M(Mark)EastYorkshire
MARRINER,AM(André)WestMidlandsBUSBY,(John)Oxfordshire
MARTIN,S(Stephen)StaffordshireCLARK,R(Richard)Northumberland
MASON,LS(Lee)LancashireCOGGINS,A(Antony)Oxfordshire
MILLER,NS(Nigel)CountyDurhamCOLLINS,LM(Lee)Surrey
MOSS,J(Jon)WestYorkshireCOOTE,D(David)Nottinghamshire
NIELD,T(Tom)SheffieldCOY,M(Martin)Durham
OLDHAM,S(Scott)LancashireDAVIES,A(Andy)Hampshire
OLIVER,M(Michael)NorthumberlandDEADMAN,D(Darren)Cambridgeshire
PAWSON,CL(Craig)SouthYorkshireDEAN,ML(Mike)Wirral
PROBERT,LW(Lee)WiltshireDRYSDALE,D(Darren)Lincolnshire
ROBINSON,T(Tim)WestSussexDUNCAN,S(Scott)Northumberland
SALISBURY,G(Graham)LancashireEAST,R(Roger)Wiltshire
SALISBURY,M(Michael)LancashireELTRINGHAM,G(Geoff)CountyDurham
SARGINSON,CD(Chris)StaffordshireENGLAND,DJH(Darren)SouthYorkshire
SCOTT,GD(Graham)OxfordshireFRIEND,KA(Kevin)Leicestershire
SIMPSON,J(Jeremy)LancashireHAINES,A(Andy)Tyne&Wear
STOCKBRIDGE,S(Seb)Tyne&WearHARRINGTON,T(Tony)Cleveland
STROUD,KP(Keith)HampshireHANDLEY,D(Darren),Lancashire
SWABEY,L(Lee)DevonHAYWOOD,M(Mark)WestYorkshire
SWARBRICK,ND(Neil)LancashireHEYWOOD,M(Mark)Cheshire
TAYLOR,A(Anthony)CheshireHICKS,C(Craig)Surrey
TIERNEY,PPaul)LancashireHOOPER,SA(Simon)Wiltshire
TONER,B(Ben)LancashireHORWOOD,G(Graham)Bedfordshire
WARD,GL(Gavin)SurreyHUXTABLE,B(Brett)Devon
WEBB,D(David)CountyDurhamILDERTON,EL(Eddie)Tyne&Wear
WHITESTONE,D(Dean)NorthamptonshireJOHNSON,KA(Kevin),Somerset
WOOLMER,KA(Andy)NorthamptonshireJOYCE,R(Ross)Cleveland
YATES,O(Oliver)StaffordshireJONES,MJ(Michael)Cheshire
JONES,R(Rob)Merseyside
528
National List of Assistant RefereesSeason2017/18AKERS,C(Chris)SouthYorkshire
DACOSTA,A(Anthony)CambridgeAMEY,JR(Justin)Dorset
DABBS,R(Robert)DorsetAMPHLETT,MJ(Marvyn)Worcestershire
DAVIES,N(Neil)MerseysideASPINALL,N(Natalie)Lancashire
DEGNARAIN,A(Ashvin)LondonATKIN,R(Robert)Lincolnshire
DENTON,MJ(Michael)LancashireAVENT,D(David)Northamptonshire
DERMOTT,P(Philip)LancashireAYLOTT,A(Andrew)Bedfordshire
DERRIEN,M(Mark)DorsetBARNARD,N(Nicholas)Cheshire
DUDLEY,IA(Ian)NottinghamshireBARTLETT,R(Richard)Cheshire
DUNCAN,M(Mark)CheshireBECK,SP(Simon)Bedfordshire
DWYER,M(Mark)WestYorkshireBENNETT,S(Simon)Staffordshire
EATON,D(Derek)GloucestershireBENTON,DK(David)SouthYorkshire
EVA,M(Matt)SurreyBESWICK,G(Gary)CountyDurham
FARRIES,J(John)OxfordshireBETTS,L(Lee)Norfolk
FINCH,S(Steven)SouthamptonBICKLE,O(Oliver)Derby
FITCH-JACKSON,C(Carl)SuffolkBLUNDEN,D(Darren)Kent
FLYNN,J(John)WiltshireBRISTOW,M(Matthew)Manchester
FOLEY,MJ(Matt)LondonBROWN,S(Stephen)Kent
FORD,D(Declan)LincolnshireBRYAN,DS(Dave)Lincolnshire
FOX,A(Andrew)WarwickshireBURT,S(Stuart)Northamptonshire
FREEMAN,L(Lee)SheffieldBUTLER,S(Stuart)Kent
FYVIE,G(Graham)Tyne&WearBYRNE,H(Helen)Liverpool
GANFIELD,RS(Ron)SomersetCANN,DJ(Darren)Norfolk
GARRATT,AM(Andy)WestMidlandsCHEOSIAUA,R(Ravel)Worcestershire
GEORGE,M(Mike)NorfolkCHILD,SA(Stephen)Kent
GOOCH,P(Peter)LancashireCLARK,J(Joseph)WestMidlands
GORDON,B(Barry)CountyDurhamCLAYTON,A(Alan)Cheshire
GRAHAM,P(Paul)ManchesterCLAYTON,S(Simon)CountyDurham
GRATTON,D(Danny)StaffordshireCOBB,B(Ben)Dorset
GREENHALGH,N(Nick)LancashireCOLLIN,J(Jake)Liverpool
GREENWOOD,AH(Alf)NorthYorkshireCOOK,D(Daniel)Essex
GRIFFITHS,M(Mark)SouthYorkshireCOOK,D(Daniel)Hampshire
GRUNNILL,W(Wayne)EastYorkshireCOOPER,IJ(Ian)Kent
HALLIDAY,A(Andy)NorthYorkshireCOOPER,N(Nicholas)Suffolk
HANLEY,M(Michael)LiverpoolCROPP,B(Barry)Lancashire
HARTY,T(Thomas)WestMidlandsCROWHURST,L,(Leigh)Sussex
HATZIDAKIS,C(Constantine)KentCRYSELL,A(Adam)Essex
HAYCOCK,KW(Ken)WestYorkshireCUNLIFFE,M(Mark)Liverpool
HENDLEY,AR(Andy)WestMidlandsD’AGUILAR,M(Michael)Staffordshire
HILTON,G(Gary)Lancashire
529
HOBDAY,P(Paul)WestMidlands
MELLOR,G(Gareth)WestYorkshireHODSKINSON,P(Paul)Lancashire
MELLOR,JM(Mark)HertfordshireHOLMES,AR(Adrian)WestYorkshire
MERCHANT,R(Rob)StaffordshireHOPKINS,AJ(Adam)Devon
MEREDITH,S(Steven)NottinghamshireHOPTON,N(Nicholas)Derbyshire
METCALFE,RL(Lee)LancashireHOWICK,K(Kevin)Oxfordshire
MOORE,A(Anthony)CheshireHOWSON,A(Akil)Leicestershire
MORRIS,K(Kevin)HerefordshireHUDSON,S(Shaun)Tyne&Wear
MULRAINE,K(Kevin)CumbriaHUNT,J(Jonathan)Liverpool
NEWBOLD,AM(Andy)LeicestershireHUSBAND,C(Christopher)Worcestershire
NEWHOUSE,P(Paul)CountyDurhamHUSSIN,(Ian)Liverpool
NUNN,AJ(Adam)WiltshireHYDE,RA(Robert)London
OGLES,S(Samuel)HampshireISHERWOOD,C(Chris)Lancashire
PARRY,MJ(Matthew)LiverpoolJONES,M(Matthew)Staffordshire
PASHLEY,A(Alix)DerbyshireJONES,MT(Mark)Nottinghamshire
PEART,T(Tony)NorthYorkshireKANE,G(Graham)EastSussex
PERRY,MS(Marc)WestMidlandsKELLY,P(Paul)Kent
PLANE,S(Steven)WorcestershireKENDALL,R(Richard)Bedfordshire
PLOWRIGHT,DP(David)NottinghamshireKHAN,A(Abbas)Leicestershire
POTTAGE,M(Mark)DorsetKHATIB,B(Billy)CountyDurham
POWELL,CI(Chris)DorsetKIDD,C(Christopher)Oxfordshire
RAMSEY,T(Thomas)EssexKIRKUP,PJ(Peter)Northamptonshire
RASHID,L(Lisa)BirminghamKNAPP,SC(Simon)Bristol
RATHBONE,I(Ian)NorthamptonshireLAVER,AA(Andrew)Hampshire
READ,G(Gregory)SurreyLEACH,D(Daniel)Oxfordshire
REES,P(Paul)SomersetLEDGER,S(Scott)SouthYorkshire
ROBATHAN,DM(Daniel)SurreyLEE,M(Matthew)WestSussex
RUSHTON,S(Steven)StaffordshireLENNARD,HW(Harry)EastSussex
RUSSELL,GR(Geoff)NorthamptonshireLEWIS,S(Samuel)Bedfordshire
RUSSELL,M(Mark)SomersetLIDDLE,G(Geoff)CountyDurham
SCHOLES,MS(Mark)BuckinghamshireLONG,SJ(Simon)Devon
SHARP,N(Neil)ClevelandLUGG,N(Nigel)Surrey
SHAW,S(Simon)GloucestershireMAINWARING,J(James)Lancashire
SIDDALL,I(Iain)LancashireMARKS,L(Louis)Hampshire
SIMPSON,J(Joe)ManchesterMASKELL,G(Garry)London
SLAUGHTER,A(Ashley)WestSussexMASSEY-ELLIS,SL(Sian)WestMidlands
SMALLWOOD,W(William)CheshireMATTHEWS,A(Adam)Gloucestershire
SMART,E(Edward)WestMidlandsMcDONOUGH,M(Mick)Tyne&Wear
SMEDLEY,I(Ian)DerbyshireMcGRATH,M(Matt)EastYorkshire
SMITH,M(Michael)Essex
530
SMITH,N(Nigel)DerbyshireSMITH,R(Rob)HertfordshireSMITH,W(Wade)CheshireSTRAIN,D(Darren)CheshireSTREET,DR(Duncan)WestYorkshireTAYLOR,C(Craig)StaffordshireTAYLOR,G(Grant)BirminghamTHOMPSON,P(Paul)DerbyshireTRANTER,A(Adrian)DorsetTRELEAVEN,D(Dean)WestSussexVENAMORE,L(Lee)KentWADE,C(Christopher)HampshireWADE,S(Stephen)EastYorkshireWALCHESTER,C(Callum)SuffolkWARD,C(Christopher)NottinghamshireWARREN,G(George)LondonWATERS,A(Adrian)KentWEBB,MP(Michael)SurreyWEST,RJ(Richard)EastYorkshireWIGGLESWORTH,RJ(Richard)SouthYorkshireWILD,R(Richard)LancashireWILDING,D(Darren)WorcesterWILKES,MJ(Matthew)WestMidlandsWILLIAMS,A(Andrew)MiddlesexWILSON,J(James)CheshireWILSON,M(Marc)CambridgeshireWOOD,T(Tim)GloucestershireYATES,P(Paul)Kent
531
Memorandum & Articles of AssociationNo.2719699THECOMPANIESACT1985COMPANYLIMITEDBYSHARESMEMORANDUMOFASSOCIATIONofTHE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE LIMITED1. ThenameoftheCompanyis“THEFOOTBALLASSOCIATIONPREMIERLEAGUELIMITED”.2. TheregisteredofficeoftheCompanywillbesituatedinEngland.3. TheobjectsforwhichtheCompanyisestablishedare:
(a)toorganiseandmanageunderthejurisdictionofTheFootballAssociationaleagueofassociationfootballclubstobeknownas“TheFootballAssociationPremierLeague”orsuchothernameastheCompanymayfromtimetotimeadopt(“thePremierLeague”);
(b)tomake,adopt,varyandpublishrules,regulationsandconditionsforthemanagementofthePremierLeagueandmattersrelatingthereto,andto
takeallsuchstepsasshallbedeemednecessaryoradvisableforenforcingsuchrules,regulationsandconditions;
(c)topromote,providefor,regulateandmanagealloranydetailsorarrangementsorotherthingsasmaybeconsiderednecessaryordesirablefor,orancillaryto,thecomfort,conduct,convenienceorbenefitoffootballplayersandofthepublicorofanyotherpersonsconcernedorengagedinorassociatedwiththePremierLeague;
(d)toenterintotelevision,broadcasting,sponsorship,commercialorothertransactionsofanykindinconnectionwiththePremierLeague;
(e)toco-operatewithTheFootballAssociationandtheInternationalFootballAssociationBoardinallmattersrelatingtointernationalcompetitions
orrelatingtothelawsofthegameofassociationfootballandgenerallytoadheretoandcomplywiththeapplicablerulesandregulationsofTheFootballAssociation;
(f)tocarryoutoperationsandtoproduceordealwithgoodsandtopurchaseorotherwiseacquire,construct,lease,holdordealwithproperty,
rightsorprivileges;
534
(g)tocarryoutanyothertransactionsorthingsascanbeadvantageouslycarriedoninconnectionwithorancillarytothePremierLeagueorasmay
becalculateddirectlyorindirectlytoenhancethevalueoforrenderprofitableanyofthepropertyorrightsoftheCompany;
(h)toinvestanddealwiththemoniesoftheCompanynotimmediatelyrequiredinanymannerandholdanddealwithanyinvestmentsomade;
(i)topayortoprovideortomakearrangementsforprovidinggratuities,pensions,benefits,loansandothermattersandtoestablish,support,subsidiseandsubscribetoanyinstitution,association,club,scheme,fundortrust;
(j)toraiseorborrowmoneyandtogivesecurityovertheCompany’sassets;
(k)tolendoradvancemoneyandtogivecreditandtoenter(whethergratuitouslyorotherwise)intoguaranteesorindemnitiesofallkinds,whether
securedorunsecured,andwhetherinrespectofitsownobligationsorthoseofsomeotherpersonorcompany;
(l)topayoragreetopayalloranyofthepromotion,formationandregistrationexpensesoftheCompany;
(m)tocontributetoorsupportanycharitable,benevolentorusefulobjectrelatingtoassociationfootball,orparticipantstherein;
(n)todoallotherthingstofurthertheobjectsoftheCompanyorasmaybedeemedincidentalorconducivetotheattainmentofsuchobjectsoranyofthem.
Itisherebydeclaredthat(exceptwherethecontextexpresslysorequires)noneoftheseveralparagraphsofthisclause,ortheobjectsthereinspecified,orthepowerstherebyconferredshallbelimitedby,orbedeemedmerelysubsidiaryorauxiliaryto,anyotherparagraphofthisclause,ortheobjectsinsuchotherparagraphspecified,orthepowerstherebyconferred.
4. Theliabilityofthemembersislimited.5. ThesharecapitaloftheCompanyis£100dividedinto99OrdinarySharesof£1eachand1SpecialRightsPreferenceShareof£1.
We,theseveralpersonswhosenames,addressesanddescriptionsaresubscribed,aredesirousofbeingformedintoaCompanyinpursuanceofthisMemorandumofAssociationandwerespectivelyagreetotakethenumberofsharesinthecapitaloftheCompanysetoppositeourrespectivenames.
535
Names,Addressesand NumberandclassofDescriptionsofSubscribers sharestakenbyeachsubscriber RickN.Parry 22OrdinarySharesChiefExecutive—F.A.PremierLeague
14DormerClose
Rowton
ChesterCH37SA
R.H.G.Kelly 1SpecialRightsPreferenceShareChiefExecutive—FootballAssociation
16LancasterGate
LondonW23LW
Datedthe22nddayofMay1992
Witnesstotheabovesignatures:
I.L.Hewitt GraemeE.C.SloanSolicitor Solicitor65FleetStreet 65FleetStreetLondonEC4Y1HS LondonEC4Y1HS
536
No.2719699THECOMPANIESACT1985PRIVATECOMPANYLIMITEDBYSHARESARTICLESOFASSOCIATIONofTHE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE LIMITED(AsamendedbySpecialResolutionpassedon4June2015)Interpretation1.1 TheregulationscontainedinTableA(asprescribedpursuanttoSection8oftheCompaniesAct1985)inforceatthedateofadoptionoftheseArticles
shallnotapplytotheCompanybuttheregulationscontainedinthefollowingclauses(asoriginallyadoptedorasfromtimetotimealteredbySpecialResolution)shallbetheArticlesofAssociationoftheCompany.
1.2 IntheseArticles:
“the Act” meanstheCompaniesAct1985includinganystatutorymodificationorreenactmentthereofforthetimebeinginforce;
“the Articles” meanstheArticlesofAssociationoftheCompanyandreferencetoanumberfollowingtheword“Article”isareferencetoanarticlesonumberedintheArticles;
“Association Football” meansthegameoffootballasplayedinaccordancewiththerulesandregulationsof,oradoptedby,theFootballAssociation;
“the Board” meanstheboardofdirectorsforthetimebeingoftheCompany;
“Chairman” meansthepersonappointedastheChairmanpursuanttoArticle42oranyactingChairmanappointedpursuanttoArticle56.1;
“Club” meansanAssociationFootballclubwhichisforthetimebeingaMember;
“the Company” meanstheTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimited;
“clear days” inrelationtotheperiodofanoticemeansthatperiodexcludingthedayforwhichthenoticeisgivenoronwhichitistotakeeffectbutincludingthedaywhenthenoticeisgivenordeemedtobegiven;
“Director” meansadirectoroftheCompany;
“the Football Association” meansTheFootballAssociationLimited;
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“the Football Association Rules” meanstherulesandregulationsforthetimebeingoftheFootballAssociation;
“F.A Cup” meanstheFootballAssociationChallengeCupcompetition;
“the Football League” meansTheFootballLeagueLimited;
“Former Companies Acts” hasthemeaningsetoutinsection735(1)oftheAct.
“General Meeting” meansanymeetingoftheMembersandshallincludeforthepurposeoftheArticles(exceptwhereexpresslystated)theannualgeneralmeetingandaseparateclassmeetingoftheholdersofOrdinarySharesintheCompany;
“the League” meanstheAssociationFootballleaguemanagedbytheCompanyandconsistingofAssociationFootballclubswhicharefromtimetotimeMembers;
“League Office” meanstheregisteredofficeforthetimebeingoftheCompany;
“Member” meansanAssociationFootballclubthenameofwhichisenteredintheregisterofMembersastheholderofanOrdinaryShare;
“the Memorandum” meanstheMemorandumofAssociationoftheCompany;
“Ordinary Share” meansanordinaryshareof£1inthecapitaloftheCompany;
“Representative” meansanydirectororthesecretaryofaCluboranypersonwhohasbeenauthorisedtoactastherepresentativeofaClubasreferredtoinArticle36.1;
“Resolution” meansaresolutionoftheCompanywhichhasbeenpassedataGeneralMeetingbyamajorityofMembersasspecifiedinArticle27oraresolutionoftheMemberspassedpursuanttotheprovisionsofArticle33;
“the Rules” meanstherulesoftheLeagueasmade,adoptedoramendedfromtimetotimepursuanttotheprovisionsofArticle16;
“the Seal” meansthecommonsealoftheCompany;
“Secretary” meansthesecretaryoftheCompanyoranyotherpersonappointedtoperformthedutiesofthesecretaryoftheCompany,includingajoint,assistantordeputysecretary;
“Special Share” meanstheonespecialrightspreferenceshareof£1referredtoinArticle3;
538
“Successor” meansanymanager,receiver,administrativereceiverorliquidatorappointedinanyofthecircumstancesreferredtoinArticle10.1;
“the Special Shareholder” meanstheholderoftheSpecialShare;
“the United Kingdom” meansGreatBritainandNorthernIreland;
“written” or“in writing” shallincludewithoutlimitationtelextelegramcablefacsimiletransmissionorothermeansoftelecommunicationinpermanentwrittenform.
Areferencetoapersonincludesabodycorporateandanunincorporatedbodyofpersons.
Unlessthecontextotherwiserequires,wordsorexpressionscontainedintheArticlesbearthesamemeaningasintheActbutexcludinganystatutorymodificationorre-enactmentthereofnotinforcewhentheArticlesortherelevantpartsthereofareadopted.
Headings2. TheheadingsintheArticlesarefortheconvenienceonlyandshallnotaffecttheinterpretationoftheArticles.Share Capital3. TheauthorisedsharecapitaloftheCompanyatthedateofadoptionoftheArticlesis£100dividedinto99OrdinarySharesandonespecialrights
preferenceshareof£1.4. SubjectasprovidedinArticle12,anOrdinaryShareshallonlybeissued,allottedortransferredtoanAssociationFootballclubentitled,pursuanttothe
ArticlesandtheRules,tobeaMemberandsuchclubshall,onissue,allotmentortransfertoitofanOrdinaryShare,becomeaMember.5. NopersonshallbeentitledtobeaMemberunlessthatpersonis:
5.1acompanylimitedbysharesformedandregisteredinEnglandandWalesundertheAct;or
5.2acompanylimitedbysharesformedandregisteredinEnglandandWalesunderanyoftheFormerCompaniesActs;or
5.3anyotherpersonwhichtheBoardmaydetermine,initsdiscretion,shallbeentitledtobeaMember.
539
6. Nomembershallbeentitledtoown,orhaveabeneficialinterestin,morethanoneOrdinaryShare.The Special Share7.1 TheSpecialSharemayonlybeissuedtoandheldbytheFootballAssociation.7.2 NotwithstandinganyprovisionintheArticlesortheRulestothecontrary,eachofthefollowingmattersshallbedeemedtobeavariationoftherights
attachingtotheSpecialShareandshallaccordinglybeeffectiveonlywiththeconsentinwritingoftheSpecialShareholderandwithoutsuchconsentshallnotbedoneorcausedtobedone:
7.2.1theamendment,orremoval,orthealterationoftheeffectof(which,fortheavoidanceofdoubt,shallbetakentoincludetheratificationofany
breachof)alloranyofthefollowing:
(a)theobjectsoftheCompanysetoutinclause3oftheMemorandum;
(b)inArticle1thedefinitionof‘SpecialShare”or‘theSpecialShareholder”;
(c)Article4(issueofOrdinaryShares);
(d)thisArticle7(rightsattachingtotheSpecialShare);
(e)Article42(numberofDirectors);
(f)Article44(appointmentandre-appointmentofDirectors);
(g)Article79(adherencetotheFootballAssociationRules);and
(h)Articles80and81(winding-up);
7.2.2anychangeofthenameoftheCompany;
7.2.3thevariationofanyvotingrightsattachingtoanysharesintheCompany;
7.2.4themakingandadoptionoforanyamendmentto,removaloforwaiverofanyoftheprovisionsoftheRuleswhichrelateto:
(a)thenameoftheLeague;
(b)thenumberofMembersandpromotiontoandrelegationfromtheLeague;
(c)thecriteriaformembershipoftheLeague;
(d)thearrangingoffixturesonorpriortospecifiedinternationalmatchdatesandcommitmenttosupporttheFootballAssociationinrelationtointernationalmatches;
(e)theobligationofeachClubtoentertheF.A.Cup;
(f)theownershipofmorethanoneclub;
(g)anyrulescommontotheLeagueandtheFootballLeague.
540
7.3 TheSpecialShareholdershallhavealltherightsofaMemberinrelationtoreceivingnoticeof,andattendingandspeakingatGeneralMeetingsandto
receivingminutesofGeneralMeetings.TheSpecialShareholdershallhavenorighttovoteatGeneralMeetings.7.4 OnanydistributionofcapitalonawindingupoftheCompany,theSpecialShareholdershallbeentitledtorepaymentofthecapitalpaiduportreatedfor
thepurposesoftheActortheInsolvencyAct1986aspaidupontheSpecialShareinprioritytoanyrepaymentofcapitaltoanyMember.TheSpecialShareshallcarrynootherrighttoparticipateinthecapital,andnorighttoparticipateintheprofits,oftheCompany.
Share Certificates8.1 EveryClub,uponbeingregisteredastheholderofanOrdinaryShare,shallbeentitledwithoutpaymenttoonecertificatefortheOrdinarySharesoheld.
EverycertificateshallbesealedwiththeSealandshallspecifythedistinguishingnumberoftheOrdinarySharetowhichitrelatesandtheamountpaidupthereon.
8.2 Ifasharecertificateisdefaced,worn-out,lostordestroyed,itmayberenewedonsuchterms(ifany)astoevidenceandindemnityandpaymentofthe
expensesreasonablyincurredbytheCompanyininvestigatingsuchevidenceastheBoardmaydeterminebutotherwisefreeofcharge,and(inthecaseofdefacementorwearing-outofthesharecertificate)subjecttodeliveryupoftheoldcertificate.
Transfer of Shares9.1 TheinstrumentoftransferofanOrdinarySharemaybeinanyusualformorinanyotherformwhichtheBoardmayapproveandshallbeexecutedbyor
onbehalfofthetransferorand,unlesstheshareisfullypaid,byoronbehalfofthetransferee.9.2 TheBoardshallrefusetoregisterthetransferofanOrdinarySharetoapersonwhoisnotentitled,pursuanttotheArticlesortheRules,tobeaMember.9.3 TheBoardmayalsorefusetoregisterthetransferofanOrdinaryShareunless:
9.3.1theinstrumentoftransferrelatingtheretoislodgedattheLeagueOfficeoratsuchotherplaceastheBoardmayappointandisaccompaniedbythecertificatefortheOrdinarySharetowhichitrelatesandsuchotherevidenceastheBoardmayreasonablyrequiretoshowtherightofthetransferortomakethetransfer;and
9.3.2itisinrespectofonlyoneOrdinaryShare.
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10.1 IfaMember
10.1.1entersintoaCompanyVoluntaryArrangementpursuanttoPart1oftheInsolvencyAct1986(‘the1986Act”whichexpressionshallincludeanystatutorymodificationorre-enactmentthereofforthetimebeinginforce)oracompromiseorarrangementwithitscreditorsunderPart26oftheAct,oritentersintoanycompromiseagreementwithitscreditorsasawhole;or
10.1.2lodges,oritsshareholdersordirectorslodge,aNoticeofIntentiontoAppointanAdministratororaNoticeofAppointmentofanAdministrator
attheCourtinaccordancewithparagraphs26and29ofScheduleB1tothe1986ActoritoritsshareholdersordirectorsmakeanapplicationtotheCourtforanAdministrationOrderunderparagraph12ofScheduleB1tothe1986ActorwhereanAdministratorisappointedoranAdministrationOrderismadeinrespectofit(‘Administrator”and‘AdministrationOrder”havingthemeaningsattributedtothemrespectivelybyparagraphs1and10ofScheduleB1tothe1986Act);or
10.1.3hasanAdministrativeReceiver(asdefinedbysection251ofthe1986Act)oraLawofPropertyActReceiver(appointedundersection109of
theLawofPropertyAct1925)oranyReceiverappointedbytheCourtundertheSupremeCourtAct1981oranycourtappointedReceiveroranyotherReceiverappointedoveranyofitsassetswhich,intheopinionoftheBoard,arematerialtotheClub’sabilitytofulfillitsobligationsasaMember;or
10.1.4hasitsshareholderspassaresolutionpursuanttosection84(1)ofthe1986Acttovoluntarilywinditup:or
10.1.5hasameetingofitscreditorsconvenedpursuanttosection95orsection98ofthe1986Act;or
10.1.6hasawindingupordermadeagainstitbytheCourtundersection122ofthe1986Actoraprovisionalliquidatorisappointedoveritunder
section135ofthe1986Act;or
10.1.7ceasesorformsanintentiontoceasewhollyorsubstantiallytocarryonitsbusinesssaveforthepurposeofreconstructionoramalgamationotherwiseinaccordancewithaschemeofproposalswhichhavepreviouslybeensubmittedtoandapprovedinwritingbytheBoard;or
10.1.8entersintoorisplacedintoanyinsolvencyregimeinanyjurisdictionoutsideEnglandandWaleswhichisanalogouswiththeinsolvency
regimesdetailedinArticles10.1.1toArticles10.1.6hereof;
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thentheBoardmayatanytimethereafterbynoticeinwritingcallupontherelevantSuccessortotransfertheOrdinaryShareheldbysuchMembertosuchpersonastheBoardshalldirectatapriceof£1andonreceiptofsuchnoticetheMembershallthereuponceasetobeentitledtobeaMemberoftheLeague.10.2 IfanyMembershallceasetobeentitledtobeamemberoftheLeaguepursuanttotheprovisionsoftheRules,thenthatMember,shall,onreceiving
noticeinwritingfromtheBoardtothateffect,transferitsOrdinarySharetosuchpersonastheBoardshalldirectatapriceof£1.10.3 AnyMemberceasingtobeentitledtobeamemberoftheLeagueasreferredtoinArticle10.1or10.2shall,asfromthedateofreceivingthenotice
thereinreferredto,havenorightsinrelationtotheOrdinaryShareheldbyitsaveinrelationtoArticles80and81.10.4 IfanyMemberoritsSuccessor(asthecasemaybe)shallfailtotransfersuchMember’sOrdinaryShareinaccordancewithandwithinsevendaysofthe
noticeinwritingbytheBoardcallingforthetransferofthesame,theBoardmayauthoriseeitherDirectortoexecuteatransferthereofinfavourofapersonentitledtobeamemberoftheLeagueandatransfersoexecutedshallbeasvalidandeffectiveasifthesamehadbeenexecutedbytheMemberoritsSuccessor(asthecasemaybe)andthetransfereeshallbeenteredintotheregisterofMembersastheholderofsuchOrdinaryShareaccordingly.
10.5 OnregistrationofthetransferofanOrdinaryShareheldbyaMember,executedbysuchMember,itsSuccessororeitherDirector(asthecasemaybe)
pursuanttotheprovisionsofthisArticle10,theMembershallceasetobeaMember.11.1 NofeeshallbechargedfortheregistrationofanyinstrumentoftransferorotherdocumentrelatingtooraffectingthetitletoanyOrdinaryShare.11.2 IftheBoardrefusestoregisteratransferofanOrdinaryShare,theBoardshall,withintwomonthsafterthedateonwhichtheinstrumentoftransferwas
lodgedwiththeCompany,sendtothetransfereenoticeoftherefusal.11.3 TheCompanyshallbeentitledtoretainanyinstrumentoftransferwhichisregistered,butanyinstrumentoftransferwhichtheBoardrefusestoregister
shallbereturnedtothepersonlodgingitwhennoticeoftherefusalisgiven.
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Excess Shares12.1 IntheeventthatthemaximumnumberofAssociationFootballclubsentitledtobemembersoftheLeagueinaccordancewiththeArticlesortheRulesis
lessthanthenumberofOrdinarySharestheninissuethen,unlesstheexcessofsuchOrdinarySharesshallbepurchasedbytheCompanyorotherwiseredeemedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheAct,suchexcessOrdinarySharesshallbetransferredtoandberegisteredinthenameoftheSecretaryand,whilstsoregistered,suchOrdinarySharesshallcarrynovoting,dividendorotherrights,includingonanywindingupoftheCompany.
12.2 OnanychangeoftheSecretary,anyOrdinarySharessoregisteredinthenameoftheSecretaryshallforthwithbetransferredintothenameoftheperson
holdingsuchofficefollowingsuchchangeandintheeventthatsuchsharesshallnotbesotransferredwithinfourteendaysofthechangeoftheSecretary,theBoardmayauthoriseeithertheDirectortoexecuteatransferofsuchsharesinfavouroftheSecretaryforthetimebeingoftheCompanyandatransfersoexecutedshallbeasvalidandeffectiveasifthesamehadbeenexecutedbytheholderofsuchsharesandthetransfereeSecretaryshallbeenteredintheregisterastheholderofsuchOrdinarySharesaccordingly.
Alteration of Share Capital13. TheCompanymaybyResolutioncancelOrdinaryShareswhich,atthedateofthepassingoftheResolution,havenotbeenissuedandallottedoragreed
tobeissuedandallottedtoanyAssociationFootballclubentitledtheretoanddiminishtheamountofitssharecapitalbytheamountofthesharessocancelled.
14. SubjecttotheprovisionsoftheAct,theCompanymaybyspecialresolutionreduceitssharecapital,anycapitalredemptionreserveandanyshare
premiumaccount.Purchase of Own Shares15. SubjecttotheprovisionsoftheAct,theCompanymaypurchaseitsownshares(includinganyredeemableshares)andmakeapaymentinrespectofthe
redemptionorpurchaseofitsownsharesotherwisethanoutofdistributableprofitsoftheCompanyortheproceedsofafreshissueofshares.
544
Rules16.1 TheCompanymaybyResolutionmakeandadoptandfromtimetotimeamendtheRulesforthepurposeofregulatingallmattersaffectingthe
organisationandmanagementoftheLeaguetotheextentnotprovidedforin,andsofarasthesamedonotconflictwith,theprovisionsoftheArticles.16.2 UnlessotherwisestatedintheArticlesortheRules,theprovisionsoftheArticlesshallprevailintheeventofanyconflictwithanyoftheprovisionsof
theRules.General Meetings17.1 AGeneralMeetingmaybeconvenedbytheBoardatanytime.17.2 IfthereareatanytimelessthantwoDirectorsthenacontinuingDirectorortheSecretarymayconveneaGeneralMeetingforthepurposesreferredtoin
Article56.1.17.3 TheBoardshallconveneeachyearatapproximatelyquarterlyintervalsnotlessthanfourGeneralMeetings(toincludeanannualgeneralmeeting)tobe
heldatsuchtimeandatsuchplaceastheBoardshalldetermine.17.4 TheBoard(andiftherearelessthantwoDirectors,acontinuingDirectorortheSecretary)shallonreceiptbytheCompanyoftherequisitiontothat
effectfromtwoormoreMembersforthwithproceedtoconveneaGeneralMeeting(otherthananannualgeneralmeeting)foradatenotlaterthan:
17.4.1twentyeightcleardaysafterthereceiptofsuchrequisitionifitissignedbylessthantwothirdsinnumberoftheMembers;or
17.4.2fourteencleardaysafterthereceiptofsuchrequisitionifitissignedbytwothirdsormoreinnumberoftheMembers;or
17.4.3twentyonecleardaysafterreceiptofsuchrequisitionifthemeetingisforanyofthepurposesreferredtoinArticles18.1.2,18.1.3,or18.1.4.
545
Notice of General Meetings (1)18.1 Atleasttwentyonecleardays’noticeinwritingshallbegivenfor:
18.1.1anyannualgeneralmeeting;
18.1.2anymeetingatwhichitisproposedtopassaspecialresolutionoranelectiveresolution;
18.1.3anymeetingatwhichitisproposedtopassaResolutionappointingapersonasaDirector;
18.1.4anymeetingatwhichitisproposedtomake,adoptoramendtheRules.18.2 Atleastfourteencleardays’noticeinwritingshallbegivenforanyotherGeneralMeeting.19. ThenoticeofaGeneralMeetingshallspecifythetimeandplaceofthemeeting,thegeneralnatureofthebusinesstobetransactedandshallincludea
statementthataMemberentitledtoattendandvoteisentitledtoappointoneortwoproxiestoattendandvoteinsteadofthatMemberandthataproxyneednotalsobeaMemberand,inthecaseofanannualgeneralmeeting,shallspecifythemeetingassuch.
20. NoticeofanyGeneralMeetingshallbegiventotheSpecialShareholder,alltheMembers,anySuccessorofaMemberandtoeachDirectorandthe
auditors.21. Theaccidentalomissiontogivenoticeofameetingto,orthenon-receiptofnoticeofameetingby,anymemberorpersonentitledtoreceivenoticeshall
notinvalidatetheproceedingsatthatmeeting.Proceedings at General Meetings22. NobusinessshallbetransactedatanyGeneralMeetingunlessaquorumispresent.SaveasotherwiseprovidedintheseArticles,twothirdsinnumberof
theMemberswhoarepresentbyaRepresentativeorbyproxyshallconstituteaquorumforallpurposes.
(1) By elective resolution passed at a General Meeting of Shareholders held on 3rd December 1998 it was resolved that the provisions of Section 369(4) andSection 378(3) of the Companies Act 1985 (as amended by the Companies Act 1989) are to have effect in relation to the Company as if, for the references, in thosesections, to 95%, there were substituted references to 90%. Accordingly any agreement of the members to the calling of a general meeting on short notice (Section 369) or to consider a special resolution at a GeneralMeeting on short notice, requires the agreement of a majority of 90% (rather than 95%) in number, of the members having the right to attend and vote at ameeting.
546
23. Ifsuchaquorumisnotpresentwithinhalfanhourfromthetimeappointedforthemeeting,orifduringameetingsuchaquorumceasestobepresent,the
meetingshallstandadjournedtothesamedayinthenextweekatthesametimeandplaceortosuchtimeandplaceastheBoardmaydetermine.Ifattheadjournedmeetingaquorumisnotpresentwithinhalfanhourfromthetimeappointedforthemeetingthenoticeofthemeetingshallbedeemedtobe,andthemeetingshallbe,cancelled.
24. TheChairman,or,inhisabsence,aDirectorshallpresideaschairmanofthemeeting.Ifnoneiswillingtoactaschairman,orifnotpresentwithinfifteen
minutesafterthetimeappointedforholdingthemeeting,theMemberspresentshallelectanotherDirectororoneoftheRepresentativesofaMemberwhoispresenttobethechairmanofthemeeting.
25. NotwithstandingthatheisnotaMember,aDirectorshallbeentitledtoattendandspeakatanyGeneralMeeting.26. Thechairmanofthemeetingmay,withtheconsentofaGeneralMeetingatwhichaquorumispresent(andshall,ifsodirectedbythemeeting),adjourn
themeetingfromtimetotimeandfromplacetoplacebutnobusinessshallbetransactedatanadjournedmeetingotherthanbusinesswhichmightproperlyhavebeentransactedatthemeetinghadtheadjournmentnottakenplace.WhenameetingisadjournedforthirtydaysormorenoticeshallbegiveninaccordancewithArticle18specifyingthetimeandplaceoftheadjournedmeetingandthegeneralnatureofthebusinesstobetransacted.Otherwiseitshallnotbenecessarytogiveanysuchnotice.
27. ExceptwheretheActspecifiesthataparticularresolutionoftheCompanyrequiresagreatermajority,two-thirdsofsuchMemberswhoarepresentand
whovotebytheirRepresentativeorbyproxyataGeneralMeetingofwhichnoticehasbeendulygivenshallberequiredforthepassingofallresolutionsoftheCompany.
28. AresolutionputtothevoteofaGeneralMeetingshallbedecidedonashowofhandsunlessbefore,oronthedeclarationoftheresultof,theshowof
hands,apollisdulydemanded.SubjecttotheprovisionsoftheAct,apollmaybedemanded:
28.1bythechairmanofthemeeting;or
28.2byatleasttwoMembers;andademandbyapersonasRepresentativeoforproxyforaMembershallbethesameasademandbytheMember.
29. Unlessapollisdulydemanded,adeclarationbythechairmanofthemeetingthataresolutionhasbeencarriedorcarriedunanimouslyorbyaparticular
majorityorlost,ornotcarriedbyaparticularmajority,andanentrytothateffectintheminutesoftheGeneralMeetingshallbeconclusiveevidenceofthefactwithoutproofofthenumberorproportionofthevotesrecordedinfavouroforagainsttheresolution.
30. Thedemandforapollmay,beforethepollistaken,bewithdrawn,butonlywiththeconsentofthechairmanofthemeetingandademandsowithdrawn
shallnotbetakentohaveinvalidatedtheresultofashowofhandsdeclaredbeforethedemandwasmade.31. Apollshallbetakenasthechairmanofthemeetingdirectsandhemayfixatimeandplacefordeclaringtheresultofthepoll.Theresultofthepollshall
bedeemedtobetheresolutionofthemeetingatwhichthepollwasdemanded.32.1 Apolldemandedontheelectionofachairmanofthemeetingoronaquestionofadjournmentshallbetakenforthwith.Apolldemandedonanyother
questionshallbetakeneitherforthwithoratsuchtimeandplaceasthechairmanofthemeetingdirectsnotbeingmorethanthirtydaysafterthepollisdemanded.Thedemandforapollshallnotpreventthecontinuanceofameetingforthetransactionofanybusinessotherthanthequestiononwhichthepollwasdemanded.Ifapollisdemandedbeforethedeclarationoftheresultofashowofhandsandthedemandisdulywithdrawn,themeetingshallcontinueasifthedemandhadnotbeenmade.
32.2 Nonoticeneedbegivenofapollnottakenimmediatelyifthetimeandplaceatwhichitistobetakenareannouncedatthemeetingatwhichitis
demanded.Inanyothercaseatleastsevencleardays’noticeshallbegivenspecifyingthetimeandplaceatwhichthepollistobetaken.33. AresolutioninwritingsignedonbehalfofalltheMembersbyaRepresentativeofeachofthemshallbeasvalidandeffectiveasifithadbeenpassedata
GeneralMeetingdulyconvenedbynoticeappropriatetheretoandheld.AnysuchresolutionmayconsistofseveraldocumentsinthelikeformeachsignedonbehalfofoneormoreoftheMembersbyaRepresentativeofeachofthem.
548
Votes of Members34. EveryMemberpresentataGeneralMeetingbyaRepresentativeorproxyshallhaveonevotewhetheronashowofhandsoronapoll.35. NoobjectionshallberaisedtothequalificationofanyRepresentativeorproxyexceptattheGeneralMeetingoradjournedmeetingatwhichthevote
objectedtoistendered,andeveryvotenotdisallowedatthemeetingshallbevalid.Anyobjectionmadeinduetimeshallbereferredtothechairmanofthemeetingwhosedecisionshallbefinalandconclusive.
Representatives36.1 AnydirectororthesecretaryofaClubshallbeentitledtoactastheRepresentativeoftheClubat,andforallthepurposesofbusinessat,anyGeneral
Meeting.AClubmayseparatelyoradditionally,byresolutionofitsdirectors,authoriseanyotherpersonasitthinksfit(notbeingadirectororthesecretaryasaforesaid)toactastheRepresentativeoftheClubatanyGeneralMeeting.TheBoardmayrequirereasonableevidenceofanysuchauthorisation.
36.2 ARepresentativeshallbeentitledtoexerciseallthepowersofaMemberforwhomheactsasRepresentative.36.3 EachClubshall,onbecomingaMember,orwhensorequestedbytheSecretary,givenoticetotheSecretary,settingout,insuchorderorpriorityasthe
Clubshalldetermine,detailsofeachofitsdirectors,secretaryandanyotherindividualwhohasbeenauthorisedbytheClubtoactasitsRepresentativeatGeneralMeetingsandshallfromtimetotimesendtotheSecretarydetailsofanychangesinsuchpersons.
36.4 ARepresentativeshallbeentitledtoattendandwhereappropriatevoteataGeneralMeetingnotwithstandingthatthememberofwhichheisthe
Representativehasappointedaproxytoattendthesame.Proxies37.1 Aninstrumentappointingaproxyshallbeinwriting,signedonbehalfoftheMemberbyoneofitsdirectorsoritssecretaryoranypersonauthorisedby
theMembertosignthesameandshallbeintheusualcommonformorinsuchformastheBoardshallapprove.
549
37.2 Unlessotherwiseindicatedontheinstrumentappointingtheproxy,theproxymayvoteorabstainfromvotingassuchproxyshallthinkfit.38. Theinstrumentappointingaproxyand(wheresuchinstrumentisnotsignedbyadirectororthesecretaryofaMember)acopyoftheauthorityunder
whichitissignedshallbeinwritingandmay:
38.1bedepositedattheLeagueOfficeorwiththeSecretaryatanytimebeforethetimeoftheGeneralMeetingwhichthepersonorpersonsnamedintheinstrumentproposetoattendunlessotherwisespecifiedinthenoticeconveningsuchGeneralMeeting;or
38.2inthecaseofapolltakenmorethanfortyeighthoursafteritisdemanded,bedepositedasaforesaidafterthepollhasbeendemandedandbefore
thetimeappointedforthetakingofthepoll;or
38.3wherethepollisnottakenforthwithbutistakennotmorethanfortyeighthoursafteritwasdemanded,bedeliveredattheGeneralMeetingatwhichthepollwasdemandedtothechairmanofthemeetingortotheSecretary.
39. Thechairmanofthemeetingmayinhisdiscretionpermittheappointmentofaproxyotherthanasprovidedhereinifthecircumstancesarisewhich
preventaMemberattendingaGeneralMeeting.Voting40.1 AmaximumoftwoRepresentativesorproxiesofaClubshallbeentitledtoattendGeneralMeetingsbut,intheeventthatmorethanoneofsuch
Representativesorproxiesshallattendthen,whilstsuchRepresentativesorproxiesshallbeentitledtospeak,onlytheRepresentativepresentwhoisseniorinorderofpriorityinthenoticereferredtoinArticle36.3or,(ifnoRepresentativebutmorethanoneproxyispresent),onlythefirstnamedproxyshallbeentitledtovoteatsuchGeneralMeetingonbehalfoftheClub.
40.2 UnlessotherwiseagreedbytheBoardorbyamajorityoftheMemberspresentatanyGeneralMeeting,nootherRepresentative,proxyoranyother
personrepresentingaClubshallbeentitledtoattendGeneralMeetingsandinanyeventsuchperson,shallnotbeentitledtospeakthereatunlessinvitedtodosobythechairmanofthemeeting.
41. AvotegivenorpolldemandedbytheRepresentativeorproxyofaMembershallbevalidnotwithstandingthepreviousterminationoftheauthorityofthe
person
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votingordemandingapollunlessnoticeofsuchterminationwasreceivedbytheCompanyattheLeagueOffice(oratsuchotherplaceatwhichtheinstrumentofproxywasdulydeposited)beforethecommencementoftheGeneralMeetingoradjournedmeetingatwhichthevoteisgivenorthepolldemandedor(inthecaseofapolltakenotherwisethanonthesamedayastheGeneralMeetingoradjournedmeeting)thetimeappointedfortakingthepoll.
Number and Appointment of Directors42. TheBoardshallconsistofnotlessthantwoandnomorethanthreeDirectorsoneofwhomshallbetheChairman(whoshallbethechiefexecutive
officer).ADirectorwhoisnottheChairmanshallbenon-executive.43. ADirectorneednotholdanysharesoftheCompanytoqualifyhimasaDirectorbutheshallbeentitledtoattendandspeakatallGeneralMeetings.44. Nopersonshallbeappointedorre-appointedasChairmanorasaDirectorexceptpursuanttoaResolutionandunless:
44.1suchpersonisproposedbytheBoardandnoticeofintentiontoproposesuchpersonisincludedinthenoticeoftheGeneralMeetingatwhichtheResolutionistobeproposed;or
44.2wheretheGeneralMeetinghasalreadybeenconvened,notlessthanfourteenand,wheretheGeneralMeetinghasnotalreadybeenconvened,
notlessthantwentytwoand,inanycasenot,morethanthirtyfivecleardaysbeforethedateappointedforaGeneralMeeting,anoticesignedbyaMemberhasbeengiventotheCompanyoftheintentiontoproposethatpersonforappointmentorre-appointment;and
44.3ineachcase,appointmentorre-appointmenthasbeenorisendorsedbytheSpecialShareholder(suchendorsementnottobeunreasonably
withheld,refusedordelayed).45. Thetermsandconditionsrelatingtotheappointmentorre-appointmentof,andtheremunerationandothertermsandotherconditionsofserviceof,the
ChairmanoranyotherDirector,shallbedeterminedorconfirmedbyResolution.46. SubjecttotherequirementsoftheAct,andwithoutprejudicetoanyclaimorrightsinrespectofanybreachofcontractbetweentheCompanyandsuch
person,theMembersmaybyResolutionterminatetheappointmentoftheChairmanorofanyDirector(asthecasemaybe).
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Powers of the Board47. SubjecttotheMemorandumandtheArticlestheaffairsoftheCompanyshallbemanagedbytheBoardsubjectalwaystoanydirectionsfromtimeto
timegivenandanypolicyresolveduponbytheMembersinGeneralMeeting.48. The Board shall:
48.1managetheaffairsoftheCompanyincludingtheoperationoftheLeagueandtheoperationandimplementationoftheRules;
48.2exerciseallpowersoftheCompanybutsubjectalwaystosuchpowersofsupervisionandpolicydirectionastheMembersinGeneralMeetingmayfromtimetotimeexerciseorgive;
48.3takesuchexecutivestepsasitconsidersnecessarytogiveeffecttoanypolicyresolveduponbytheMembersinGeneralMeeting;
48.4makesuchrecommendationstotheMembersonsuchmattersofimportancetotheCompanyasitconsidersappropriate;and
48.5subjecttotheprovisionsoftheArticlesandtheAct,determineanyandallmattersofproceduretobefollowedbytheCompany.
49. TheBoardshallnotinrelationtoanydealingsrelatingtotelevision,broadcasting,sponsorshiporliketransactionsorothermattersmateriallyaffecting
thecommercialinterestsoftheMembersenterintoanycontractoragreementorconductthemselvesinanywayaswouldbindtheCompanytoanycontractoragreementwithoutthepriorauthorityorapprovalbyResolutionoftheMembers.
50. NoalterationoftheMemorandumortheArticlesnoranydirectionoftheMembersshallinvalidateanyprioractoftheBoardwhichwouldhavebeen
validifthatalterationhadnotbeenmadeorthatdirectionhadnotbeengiven.Delegation of the Board’s Powers51. TheBoardmaydelegatetotheChairmanasthechiefexecutiveofficersuchofitspowersastheBoardconsidersdesirable.52. AnysuchdelegateunderArticle51maybemadesubjecttoanyconditionstheBoardortheMembersbyResolutionmayimpose,andeithercollaterally
withortotheexclusionoftheBoard’sownpowersandanysuchdelegationmayberevokedoraltered.
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53. TheBoardmayappointanypersonorgroupofpersons(includinganypersonwhoisaRepresentativeofaClub)tocarryoutorundertakesuchspecific
dutiesfortheCompanywithsuchpowersandauthorityasitshalldetermineand,inrelationthereto,theBoardshallbeentitledtoremunerateorpaysuchfeestosuchpersonforsuchdutiesonsuchbasisandonsuchtermsandconditions,astheBoardshalldetermine.
Borrowing Powers54. TheBoardmaywiththepriorapprovalorauthorityofaResolutionexerciseallthepowersoftheCompanytoborroworraisemoneyandtomortgageor
chargeitsassetsand,subjecttoSection80oftheAct,toissuedebenturestockandotherdebtsecuritiesassecurityforanydebt,liabilityorobligationoftheCompanyorofanythirdparty.
Disqualification and Removal of Directors55. TheofficeofaDirectorshallbevacateduponthehappeningofanyofthefollowingevents:
55.1ifheresignshisofficebynoticeinwritingunderhishandtotheSecretarysenttoorleftattheLeagueOffice;
55.2ifhebecomesbankruptormakesanyarrangementorcompositionwithhiscreditorsgenerally;
55.3ifheis,ormaybe,sufferingformmentaldisorderandeither:
55.3.1heisadmittedtohospitalinpursuanceofanapplicationforadmissionfortreatmentundertheMentalHealthAct1983or,inScotland,anapplicationforadmissionundertheMentalHealth(Scotland)Act1984,or
55.3.2anorderismadebyacourthavingjurisdiction(whetherintheUnitedKingdomorelsewhere)inmattersconcerningmentaldisorderfor
hisdetentionorfortheappointmentofareceiver,curatorbonisorotherpersontoexercisepowerswithrespecttohispropertyoraffairs;
55.4ifhedies;
55.5ifheceasesforanycausetoholdofficeasChairman
55.6ifheceasestobeaDirectorbyvirtueofanyprovisionoftheActorbecomesprohibitedbylawfrombeingadirector;
55.7ifheattainstheageof70.
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56.1 (2)IntheeventofavacancyoccurringontheBoard,thecontinuingDirector(s)shallforthwithconveneaGeneralMeetingforthepurposeofappointinga
DirectortofillthatvacancyandmayappointasaDirectorapersonwhoiswillingtoactincludingasactingChairman.AnactingDirectorsoappointedshallholdofficeuntiltheGeneralMeetingconvenedasaforesaidshallbeheldandifnotreappointedthereatshallvacateofficeattheconclusionthereof.
56.2 PendingsuchGeneralMeetinganactingChairmanorotherDirector(asthecasemaybe)appointedasaforesaidshallbetreatedasandshallhaveallthe
powersanddutiesoftheChairmanorDirector(asthecasemaybe)forallthepurposesoftheArticles.Directors’ Expenses57. ADirectorandanypersonappointedbytheBoardunderArticle53maybepaidallreasonabletravelling,hotel,andotherexpensesproperlyincurredby
theminconnectionwiththeirattendanceatmeetingsoftheBoardorotherwiseinconnectionwiththedischargeoftheirduties.Directors’ Interests58. SubjecttotheprovisionsoftheActandprovidedthathehasdisclosedtotheMembersthenatureandextentofanymaterialinterestwhichhehas,and
obtainedtheconsentoftheMembersbyResolution,aDirectornotwithstandinghisoffice:
58.1maybeapartyto,orotherwiseinterestedin,anytransactionorarrangementwiththeCompanyorinwhichtheCompanyisotherwiseinterested;
58.2maybeadirectororotherofficerof,oremployedby,orapartytoanytransactionorarrangementwith,orotherwiseinterestedin,anybodycorporatepromotedbytheCompanyorinwhichtheCompanyisotherwiseinterested;and
58.3shallnot,byreasonofhisoffice,beaccountabletotheCompanyforanybenefitwhichhederivesfromanysuchofficeoremploymentorfrom
anysuchtransactionorarrangementandnosuchtransactionorarrangementshallbeliabletobeavoidedonthegroundofanysuchinterestorbenefit.
(2) By Resolution signed by all the Members on 11th March 1999 the words “(not then being on officer of a Club)” were deleted from this Article.
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59. ForthepurposeofArticle58:
59.1ageneralnoticegiventotheMembersthataDirectoristoberegardedashavinganinterestofthenatureandextentspecifiedinthenoticeinanytransactionorarrangementinwhichaspecifiedpersonorclassofpersonsisinterestedshallbedeemedtobeadisclosurethattheDirectorhasaninterestinanysuchtransactionofthenatureandextentsospecified;and
59.2aninterestofwhichaDirectorhasnoknowledgeandofwhichitisunreasonabletoexpecthimtohaveknowledgeshallnotbetreatedasan
interestofhis.Proceedings of the Board60. SubjecttotheprovisionsoftheArticlesandtheRules,theBoardmayregulateitsproceedingsasitthinksfit.ADirectormay,andtheSecretaryatthe
requestofaDirectorshall,callameetingoftheBoard.AnyquestionarisingatameetingoftheBoardonwhichtheDirectorsarenotunanimousshallbereferredtotheMembersatthenextGeneralMeeting.
61. ThequorumforthetransactionofthebusinessoftheBoardshallbetwoDirectors,oneofwhichshallbetheChairman.62. IfthenumberofDirectorsislessthantwo,thecontinuingDirectormayactonlyforthepurposeofcallingaGeneralMeetingorforthepurposesreferred
toinArticle56.1.63. TheChairmanshallbethechairmanofallmeetingsoftheBoardorinhisabsenceoneoftheDirectorspresent.64. AllactsdonebyameetingoftheBoard,orbyapersonactingasaDirector(asprovidedbytheArticles)shall,notwithstandingthatitbeafterwards
discoveredthattherewasadefectintheappointmentoftheDirectororsuchotherpersonorthatanyofthemwasdisqualifiedfromholdingoffice,orifaDirector,hadvacatedoffice,orwasnotentitledtovote,beasvalidasifeverysuchpersonhadbeendulyappointedandwasqualifiedand,ifaDirector,hadcontinuedtobeaDirectorandhadbeenentitledtovote.
65. AresolutioninwritingsignedbytheDirectorsshallbeasvalidandeffectiveasifithadbeenpassedatameetingoftheBoardandmayconsistofseveral
documentsinthelikeformeachsignedbyoneoftheDirectors.
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66. WithoutprejudicetoArticle65,ameetingoftheBoardmayconsistofaconferencebetweentheDirectorswhoarenotinoneplace,butwhereeachis
able(directlyorbytelephoniccommunication)tospeaktotheother,andtobeheardbytheothersimultaneously.ADirectortakingpartinsuchaconferenceshallbedeemedtobepresentinpersonatthemeetingandshallbeentitledtovoteorbecountedinaquorumaccordingly.InrelationtoanymeetingoftheBoardreferencetotheword“meeting”intheArticlesshallbeconstruedaccordingly.
67. UnlessauthorisedbyaResolutiontodoso,aDirectorshallnotvoteatanymeetingoftheBoardoronanyresolutionconcerningamatterinwhichhe
has,directlyorindirectly,aninterestordutywhichismaterialandwhichconflictsormayconflictwiththeinterestsoftheCompanybutshallneverthelessbecountedinthequorumofDirectorspresentatthatmeeting.
Secretary68. SubjecttotheprovisionsoftheAct,theSecretaryshallbeappointedbytheBoardsubjecttoratificationbytheMembersinGeneralMeetingforsuch
term,atsuchremunerationanduponsuchtermsandconditionsastheBoardthinksfitandanySecretarysoappointedmayberemovedbytheBoardorbyResolutionoftheMembers.
Minutes69. TheBoardshallcauseminutestobemadeinbookskeptforthepurposeofallproceedingsatGeneralMeetings,ofallResolutionspassedbythe
MembersandofallmeetingsoftheBoard,includingthenamesoftheDirectorspresentateachofsuchBoardmeetings.TheBoardshallcauseallsuchminutestobecirculatedtoMemberswithinfourteendaysofthedateofanysuchmeeting.
Execution of Documents70. TheSealshallonlybeusedpursuanttotheauthorityoftheBoard.TheBoardmaydeterminewhoshallsignanyinstrumenttowhichtheSealisaffixed
andunlessotherwisesodetermineditshallbesignedbythetwoDirectorsoroneDirectorandtheSecretary.AnydocumentsignedbytwoDirectorsoroneDirectorandtheSecretaryandexpressed(inwhateverformofwords)tobeexecutedbytheCompanyhasthesameeffectasifexecutedundertheSeal.
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Dividends71.1 NodividendshallbedeclaredorpaidinrespectofanyshareexceptpursuanttoaResolutioninGeneralMeeting.71.2 Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,Article71.1shallnotaffecttheprovisionsrelatingtopaymentstoMembersinrespectofbroadcastingorsponsorshiporother
incomereceivedbytheCompanywhichshallbeaslaiddownfromtimetotimeintheRulesandwhichshallbeimplementedbytheBoardinaccordancewiththeRules.
Accounts72. NomemberorotherpersonhasanyrighttoinspectanyaccountingrecordorbookordocumentoftheCompanyunless:
72.1heisentitledbylaw;
72.2heisauthorisedtodosobytheBoard;or
72.3heisauthorisedtodosobyaResolution.Notices73.1 AnoticecallingameetingoftheBoardneednotbeinwriting.73.2 AnyothernoticetobegiventoorbyanypersonpursuanttotheArticlesshallbeinwriting.74. AnynoticeorotherdocumentmaybeservedordeliveredbytheCompanyonortoanyMemberoranyDirectoreitherpersonally,orbysendingitby
postaddressedtotheMemberorDirectorathisregisteredaddressorbyfacsimiletransmissionorelectronicmailorotherinstantaneousmeansoftransmissiontothenumberorothertransmissionaddressoridentificationprovidedbytheMemberortheDirectorforthispurpose,orbyleavingitatitsregisteredaddressaddressedtotheMemberortheDirector,orbyanyothermeansauthorisedinwritingbytheMemberorDirectorconcerned.
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75. Anynoticeorotherdocument,whichissentbypost,shallbedeemedtohavebeenservedordeliveredtwentyfourhoursafterpostingand,inprovingsuch
serviceordelivery,itshallbesufficienttoprovethatthenoticeordocumentwasproperlyaddressed,stampedandputinthepost.Anynoticeorotherdocumentleftataregisteredaddressotherwisethanbypost,orsentbyfacsimiletransmissionorelectronicmailorotherinstantaneousmeansoftransmission,shallbedeemedtohavebeenservedordeliveredwhenitwasleftorsent.
76 WithoutprejudicetotheprovisionsofArticle75relatingtoserviceordeliveryofanynoticeordocumentanynoticeordocumentnotpostedordelivered
personallyshallalsobeconfirmedbysendingordeliveringacopythereofbypostorpersonallyasprovidedinArticle74butsothat,inanysuchcase,theaccidentalomissiontosopostorservethesameornonreceiptofthesameshallnotinvalidatethedueserviceordeliveryofthenoticeorotherdocumentinquestion.
77. AMemberpresent,eitherbyRepresentativeorbyproxy,atanyGeneralMeetingshallbedeemedtohavereceivednoticeofthemeetingand,where
requisite,ofthepurposesforwhichitwascalled.78. AnoticemaybegivenbytheCompanytoaSuccessorofaMemberinconsequenceoftheinsolvency,administrationorreceivershipofaMember,by
sendingordeliveringit,inanymannerauthorisedbytheArticlesforthegivingofnoticetoaMember,addressedtotheMemberbynameortotheSuccessorattheaddress,ifany,withintheUnitedKingdomsuppliedforthatpurposebytheSuccessor.Untilsuchanaddresshasbeensupplied,anoticemaybegiveninanymannerinwhichitmighthavebeengiveniftheinsolvency,administrationorreceivershiphadnotoccurred.
Rules of The Football Association79. TheCompanyshalladheretoandcomplywiththeFootballAssociationRules.
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Winding Up80. Onthewinding-upoftheCompanythesurplusassetsshallbeappliedfirst,inrepayingtotheMemberstheamountpaidontheirsharesrespectivelyand,if
suchassetsshallbeinsufficienttorepaythesaidamountinfull,theyshallbeappliedrateably.81. IfthesurplusassetsshallbemorethansufficienttopaytotheMembersthewholeamountpaidupontheirshares,thebalanceshallbepaidovertoThe
FootballAssociationBenevolentFundortosuchothercharitableorbenevolentobjectconnectedwithAssociationFootballasshallbedeterminedbyResolutionatorbeforethetimeofwinding-upandapprovedbyTheFootballAssociation.
Indemnity82. SubjecttotheprovisionsoftheAct,butwithoutprejudicetoanyindemnitytowhichaDirectormayotherwisebeentitled,everyDirectororotherofficeror
auditoroftheCompanyshallbeindemnifiedoutoftheassetsoftheCompanyagainstanyliabilityincurredbyhimindefendinganyproceedings,whethercivilorcriminal,inwhichjudgmentisgiveninhisfavourorinwhichheisacquittedorinconnectionwithanyapplicationinwhichreliefisgrantedtohimbythecourtfromliabilityfornegligence,default,breachofdutyorbreachoftrustinrelationtotheaffairsoftheCompany.
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Points Based SystemGoverningBodyEndorsementRequirementsforPlayers2017/2018SeasonIntroductionThepurposeofthisdocumentistoexplainhowfootballclubsinEnglandandWelshclubswithmembershipofthePremierLeagueorEnglishFootballLeagueseektoobtainGoverningBodyEndorsements(wherenecessary)fromTheFAforindividualplayersunderTiers2(Sportsperson)and5(TemporaryWorker—CreativeandSporting)oftheHomeOfficePointsBasedSystem(“PBS”)forthe2017/2018season.Unlessotherwisedefined,capitalisedtermsaregiventhemeaningssetoutintheGlossary.ConsultationThecriteriasetoutinthisdocumenthavebeenagreedbytheHomeOfficefollowingconsultationbetweentheStakeholders.DurationThecriteriasetoutinthisdocumentwillapplyforthe2017/2018seasonandwillbeeffectivefrom1May2017throughto30April2018.Thecriteriawillbereviewedinearly2018inorderthatrevisedcriteriamaybeissuedby1May2018tooperateforseason2018/2019.GlossaryAggregated FIFA World Rankings meanstheaggregatedrankingslistforseniormen’sinternationalteamsovertheReferencePeriodthatarepublishedbyTheFAonamonthlybasisfollowingpublicationoftheFIFAWorldRankings.Thislistisavailableonwww.thefa.com.Available Minutes meansthetotalnumberofminutes(excludinganyperiods(s)ofinjuryoraddedtime)playedbytheplayer’sclubinitsdomesticleaguecompetition.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,allminutesplayedbyaclubincompetitionsotherthanitsdomesticleaguecompetitionaretobeexcluded.Certificate of Sponsorship meansacertificateassignedtoanon-EU/EEAplayerbyaclubfollowingthegrantingofaGBEforthatplayerbyTheFA.SuchacertificatewillquoteauniquereferencenumberthatlinkstoinformationheldbytheHomeOfficeabouttheindividual’sjobandpersonaldetails.
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Competitive International Match meansanymatchplayedinthefollowingtournaments:·FIFAWorldCupFinals;·FIFAWorldCupQualifyingGroups;·FIFAConfederationsCup;and·ContinentalCupQualifiersandFinals,includingbutnotlimitedto:
·UEFAEuropeanChampionshipsandQualifiers;
·CAFAfricanCupofNationsandQualifiers;
·AFCAsiaNationsCupandQualifiers;
·CONCACAFGoldCup;
·CONCACAFCopaCaribe;
·UNCAFNationsCup;
·CONMEBOLCopaAmerica;and
·OFCNationsCup.Continental Competition meansanyofthefollowingtournaments:·theUEFAChampionsLeague;·theUEFAEuropaLeague;and·theCopaLibertadoresdeAmérica.Cumulative Total Score meansthecumulativetotalofanypointsthataplayermayscoreunderthePartAobjectivecriteriaaddedtothepointsthataplayermayscoreunderthePartBobjectivecriteria(assetoutinAppendix1).Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,CumulativeTotalScoreshallnotincludeanypointsthathavebeenduplicatedacrossPartAandPartB.FIFA meanstheFédérationInternationaledeFootballAssociation.FIFA World Rankings meanstherankingsforseniorinternationalmen’steamspublishedontheFIFAwebsite(theserankingscancurrentlybefoundathttp://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/).Governing Body Endorsement or GBE meansanendorsementissuedbyTheFAtoaclubforanon-EU/EEAeliteplayerwhoisinternationallyestablishedatthehighestlevel,whoseemploymentwillmakeasignificantcontributiontothedevelopmentoffootballatthehighestlevelinEngland.Home Associations meansTheScottishFootballAssociation,theFootballAssociationofWalesandTheIrishFootballAssociation.
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Home Office meansthedepartmentoftheUKgovernmentresponsibleforimmigration,counter-terrorism,police,drugspolicy,andrelatedscienceandresearch.National Association meansafootballassociationthatisamemberofandrecognisedbyFIFA.Qualifying Transfers meansalltransferstoPremierLeagueclubsinthepreviousseasoninrespectofplayerssubmittedonPremierLeaguesquadlists.TheQualifyingTransfersvaluewillbeprovidedbyTheFAdirectlytoThePremierLeagueandTheEnglishFootballLeaguepriortoeachseasonandwillremaininforceforthedurationofthatseason.Qualifying Wages meansthebasicwagespaidtothetop30earnersineachPremierLeagueclubattheendoftheseasonpriortothedateoftheapplication.ThevalueofQualifyingWageswillbeprovidedbyTheFAdirectlytoThePremierLeagueandTheEnglishFootballLeaguepriortoeachseasonandwillremaininforceforthedurationofthatseason.Reference Period meansthetwentyfour(24)monthperiodimmediatelyprecedingthedateoftheapplicationforaGoverningBodyEndorsementunlesstheplayeristwentyone(21)orunderatthetimeoftheapplicationforaGoverningBodyEndorsementwhenthereferenceperiodisreducedtotheimmediatelyprecedingtwelve(12)monthperiod.Relevant Interested Parties meansanappropriaterepresentativeoftheeitherThePremierLeagueorTheEnglishFootballLeague(dependingontheleagueinwhichtheplayerplays)andtheProfessionalFootballers’Association.Required Percentage means:·forNationalAssociationsrankedbetween1and10oftheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankings,30%andabove;·forNationalAssociationsrankedbetween11and20oftheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankings,45%andabove;·forNationalAssociationsrankedbetween21and30oftheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankings,60%andabove;and·forNationalAssociationsrankedbetween31and50oftheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankings,75%andabove.Secondary League means:·the2EuropeanleagueswhicharenotTopLeaguesbutprovidethenextmostplayerstothetoptwenty(20)squadsintheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankingsat
therelevantpointintime;and
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·theCentralandSouthAmericanleaguewhichisnotaTopLeaguebutwhichprovidesthethirdmostplayerstothetoptwenty(20)squadsintheAggregated
FIFAWorldRankingsattherelevantpointintime.AlistsettingouttheSecondaryLeagueswillbepublishedonTheFAwebsitepriortoeachseasonandthislistwillremaininplaceforthedurationoftheseason.Secondary Percentage means:·forNationalAssociationsrankedbetween1and10oftheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankings,25%andabove;·forNationalAssociationsrankedbetween11and15oftheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankings,30%andabove;·forNationalAssociationsrankedbetween16and20oftheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankings,40%andabove;·forNationalAssociationsrankedbetween21and25oftheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankings,45%andabove;·forNationalAssociationsrankedbetween26and30oftheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankings,55%andabove;·forNationalAssociationsrankedbetween31and50oftheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankings,60%andabove;and·forNationalAssociationsrankedbetween51and60oftheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankings,75%andabove.Sponsor meansaPremierLeagueorEnglishFootballLeagueclubwhichhassatisfiedtheHomeOfficecriteriatoassignCertificatesofSponsorship.Stakeholders meansTheFA,ThePremierLeague,TheEnglishFootballLeague,TheProfessionalFootballers’AssociationandtheHomeAssociations.The FA meansTheFootballAssociationLimited,acompanyincorporatedinEnglandandWaleswithregisterednumber00077797andwhoseregisteredofficeisatWembleyStadium,Wembley,LondonHA90WS,designatedforthesepurposesasthe“recognisedgoverningbody”whichshallberepresentedbytheHeadofPlayerStatusandCompetitionsortheirnominee.The Premier League meansTheFootballAssociationPremierLeagueLimited,acompanyincorporatedinEnglandandWaleswithregisteredcompanynumber02719699andwhoseregisteredofficeisat30GloucesterPlace,LondonW1U8PL.
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The English Football League meansTheEnglishFootballLeagueLimited,acompanyincorporatedinEnglandandWaleswithregisterednumber00080612andwhoseregisteredofficeisat10—12WestCliff,Preston,PR18HU.The Professional Footballers’ Association meansThePFA,acompanyincorporatedinEnglandandWaleswithregisteredcompanynumber01088411andwhoseregisteredofficeisat20OxfordCourt,ManchesterM23WQ.Top League means:·thesix(6)Europeanleagueswhichprovidethemostplayerstothetop20squadsintheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankingsattherelevantpointintime;and·thetwo(2)CentralandSouthAmericanleagueswhichprovidethemostplayerstothetoptwenty(20)squadsintheAggregatedFIFAWorldRankingsatthe
relevantpointintime.AlistsettingouttheTopLeagueswillbepublishedonTheFAwebsitewww.thefa.compriortoeachseasonandthislistwillremaininplaceforthedurationoftheseason.Transfer Fee meansthefixed,guaranteedelementofatransferfee(ifapplicable)andistakenfromthetransferfeesubmittedbytheclubtoTheFA.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,freetransfers,playersforwhomthetransferfeeconsistsofonlytrainingcompensationandswapormulti-playerdealsaretobedisregardedwhencalculatingthetransferfee.Unavailable for Selection meanstheplayerwasnotavailabletoplayduetoinjuryorsuspensionandwrittenevidencesupportingthis,settingoutthegamesmissedandthereason(s),hasbeenprovidedbytheplayer’sNationalAssociationorclubdoctortoTheFA.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,aplayermaynotbeclassedasinjured(andthereforeUnavailableforSelection)ifhewaslistedasasubstituteinamatchandwasnotused.Suchmatchesmaybecountedasnon-appearanceswhencalculatingtheRequiredPercentage.Wages meansthefixed,guaranteedelementofthewagespayabletotheplayerandthefigureistakenfromthecontractsubmittedbytheapplicantclubtoTheFA.Inthecaseofloanplayers,onlytheplayer’swagesforwhichtheapplicantclubisliablewillbeassessed.Anyelementoftheplayer’sfullcontractualwagewhichistobemetbyhisparentclubistobedisregarded.
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1. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
1.1. Eligibility to become a Sponsor
InordertoapplyforaGoverningBodyEndorsementfromTheFA,anapplicantclubmustholdaSponsor’slicenceunderTier2and/orTier5ofthePBSandtherebybeeligibletoassignCertificatesofSponsorship.TobeeligibletobecomeaSponsorandassignCertificatesofSponsorshipaclubmustbeamemberofThePremierLeagueorTheEnglishFootballLeague.ASponsor’slicenceissuedunderTier2orTier5isvalidforaperiodof4years,afterwhichtimeitmayberenewed.ClubsshouldnotethataSponsor’slicencemayberevokedbytheHomeOfficeatanytimeiftheSponsorisseentobefailinginitscompliancewithitsduties.WhereaSponsor’slicenceisrevoked,aplayer’sleavemaybecurtailed.ThismeansthataplayermustmakeachangeofemploymentapplicationifhewishestoremainintheUK.
1.2. Certificates of Sponsorship
ACertificateofSponsorshipwillbeassignedtoaplayerbytheclubonceTheFAhasconfirmedthattheapplicationonbehalfoftheplayerhassatisfiedtherequirementsforaGBE.AnyCertificateofSponsorshipassignedtoaplayermustbesubmittedtoTheFAbytheapplicantclub.
1.3. Length of Season
ForthepurposesofthePBS,theplayingseasonforthissportisfromAugusttoMay.Thismayvaryslightlyfromseasontoseasondependingonthearrangementofthefirstandlastmatches.
1.4. Period of Validity
AclubcanapplyforaGoverningBodyEndorsementatanytimeduringtheseasonandanyapplicationwillbeconsideredagainstthecriteriasetoutbelow.ClubsshouldtakeintoconsiderationthefactthataGoverningBodyEndorsementforaplayer,onceissued,mustbepresentedtotheHomeOfficeaspartofanapplicationforentryclearanceorleavewithinthreemonthsofaCertificateofSponsorshipbeingassignedtoaplayer.AnewGoverningBodyEndorsementwillberequiredifthepreviousGoverningBodyEndorsementhasexpired.
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2. OBTAINING A GOVERNING BODY ENDORSEMENT UNDER THE PBS
2.1. Criteria under which a Governing Body Endorsement will automatically be granted
TheFAwillautomaticallygrantaplayeraGBEundereitherTier2orTier5iftheapplicantclubisabletoshow(1)thatthatplayerhasparticipatedintheRequiredPercentage(2)ofseniorCompetitiveInternationalMatches(3)playedbythatplayer’sNationalAssociationduringtheReferencePeriod.
Notes:
(1)Theapplicantclubmustprovidewrittenconfirmationsettingoutallmatches(includingCompetitiveInternationalMatches,friendliesandanyotherinternationalmatchesthattheplayerwasinvolvedin)inwhichtheplayer:
·tookpart;
·wasUnavailableforSelection;and
·didnottakepartbutwasnotUnavailableforSelection.
Anapplicantclubshouldobtainsuchconfirmationfromtheplayer’sNationalAssociation.IftherelevantNationalAssociationisnotabletoconfirmthis,thisfactshouldbeconfirmedbytheapplicantclubtoTheFA.Atwhichstage,TheFAwillseektoindependentlyverifythisinformationthroughitsownsources.Theresponsibilitylieswiththeapplicantclubtoprovidethisinformationwhereitisabletodoso.Adecisionwillnotbemadeuntilthisprocesshasbeencompletedandanyrelevantsupportingevidenceissubmitted.
(2)IncalculatingtheRequiredPercentage,anyCompetitiveInternationalMatchesforwhichtheplayerwasUnavailableforSelectionaretobe
excluded.
(3)Iflessthan30%ofaNationalAssociation’smatchesduringtheReferencePeriodareCompetitiveInternationalMatches,friendlymatcheswillbeincludedinthecalculation.
2.2. Discretionary criteria under which a Governing Body Endorsement may be granted
Ifaplayerdoesnotmeettheautomaticcriteriasetoutabove,anapplicantclubcanrequestthatanExceptionsPanelconsidertheplayer’sexperienceandvalueinordertodeterminewhetheraGoverningBodyEndorsementshouldneverthelessbegranted.
TheapplicantclubmustmaketherequestforanExceptionsPaneltothePlayerStatusDepartmentatTheFAwhichwillthenappointanExceptionsPanelinaccordancewiththebelow.Clubsshouldensurethatallevidence
thattheywanttobeconsideredinrespectoftheplayerissubmittedinwritingaheadofthedeterminationbytheExceptionsPanel.
2.2.1.TheExceptionsPanelwillbemadeupofthree(3)memberswhowillbeappointedbyTheFA.
2.2.2.Thethree(3)memberExceptionsPanelwillbeconstitutedasfollows:
2.2.2.1.anindependent,legallyqualifiedChair(“Chair” );and
2.2.2.2.two(2)additionalindependentpanelmembershavingrelevantexperienceatthetoplevelofthegame(“Independent
Members” ),(whoshalltogetherbereferredtoasthe“Panel Members” ).
2.2.3.NoindividualwhowouldobjectivelybeconsideredtohaveacurrentassociationwiththeapplicantclubwillbeappointedtotheExceptionsPanel.
2.2.4.IntheeventthataPanelMember(s)considerstheretobeanactualorperceivedconflictofinterest(whetherornotanobjectionis
raisedbytheapplicantclub)onthepartofaPanelMember(s)(whichfortheavoidanceofdoubtcanincludethemselves)where:
2.2.4.1.thisrelatestoanIndependentMember(s),thePanelMember(s)mustdeclarethistotheChair;and
2.2.4.2.thisrelatestotheChair,thismustbedeclaredtoTheFA.
Ineithercase,thismustbedeclaredattheearliestopportunityand,inanyevent,inadvanceofdeterminationofthecase.
2.2.5.TheapplicantclubwillbeinformedofthemembershipoftheExceptionsPanelattheearliestopportunityinadvanceoftheExceptionsPanelsittingtodecidethecase.AnapplicantclubmaychallengetheappointmentofanyPanelMemberifcircumstancesexistwhichgiverisetoanactualorperceivedconflictofinterestonthepartofthatPanelMember.IfaclubintendstochallengetheappointmentofaPanelMember,theclubmustdeclarethisattheearliestopportunityand,inanyevent,beforetheExceptionsPanelsitstodeterminetheplayer’sapplication.
2.2.6.Wheretheactualorperceivedconflictundereither2.2.4or2.2.5aboverelatestoanIndependentMember(s),theChairwilldetermine
inhisabsolutediscretionwhethertherelevantIndependentMember(s)shouldbeexcludedfromparticipatinginthepanelhearingandvotingontheapplication.IftheChairdecidesinhisabsolutediscretionthattheIndependentMember(s)cannotparticipate,theChairwillnotifyTheFAofthisandTheFA
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willappointareplacementIndependentMember(s)whomayalsobechallengedifthereisaperceivedoractualconflictofinterest.
2.2.7.Wheretheactualorperceivedconflictundereither2.2.4or2.2.5aboverelatestotheChair,TheFAwilldeterminewhethertheChairis
eligibletoparticipateandvote.IfTheFAdeterminesthattheChaircannotparticipate,TheFAwillappointareplacementChair.
2.2.8.TheFAwillprovideappropriatesecretariatsupport.
2.2.9.TheExceptionsPanelwillconsiderthecasefollowingtheproceduresandguidancesetoutinAppendix1tothisdocument.
2.2.10.WrittensubmissionsmaybemadebyTheFAortheRelevantInterestedPartiesinadvanceoftheExceptionsPanel’sdetermination.
2.2.11.TheExceptionsPanelcanrequestanyfurtherinformationfromthesecretariatortheapplicantclubthatitdeemsnecessaryinitsabsolutediscretioninordertomakeitsdecision.IfanExceptionsPanelmeetinghasbeenconvenedorisinprogresswhenarequestforfurtherinformationismade,theChairmayadjournthemeetingtoallowtheinformationtobegathered.Whereitisabletodoso,theapplicantcluborthesecretariatwillsupplythefurtherinformationtotheExceptionsPanelwithinareasonabletimescale.
2.2.12TheExceptionsPanelwillmakeitsdecisionbasedonthepaperssubmittedtoit.Anoralhearingmayberequestedbutclubsshouldbe
awarethattheExceptionsPanelislikelytograntanapplicationforanoralhearinginonlythemostexceptionalcircumstancesandforthosecasesinrespectofwhichitispersuadedarecomplexandwhichrelyonelementsfallingforconsiderationatthesubjectivereviewstage(Appendix1,Section4).RequestsforanoralhearingmustbemadeatthesametimeasaclubsubmitsitsapplicationonbehalfoftheplayertoTheFAandbeaccompaniedbyevidencewhichsetsoutwhytheclubassertsanoralhearingisrequired.
2.2.13TheExceptionsPanelwillmakeitsdecisionbyasimplemajoritywiththeChairhavingacastingvote.AllExceptionsPanelmembers
mustvote.
2.2.14WrittenreasonsforthedecisionwillbesuppliedbytheExceptionsPaneltotheapplicantclub.Ananonymisedsummaryofeachdecision(intheformatsetoutatAppendix2)willbemadeavailableonaconfidentialbasistoallStakeholders.TheStakeholdersmaymakethesesummariesavailabletoassistapplicantclubs.
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IfaclubhasmadeanapplicationthatwasunsuccessfulfollowingadecisionoftheExceptionsPanel,afurtherExceptionsPanelcannotberequestedforthesameplayerbythesameclubwithinfour(4)monthsoftheoriginalExceptionsPaneldate.
2.3 Other requirements of the PBS
Pleasenotethat,inordertosecureleavetoremainunderTiers2and5ofthePBS,inadditiontosecuringaGBEandbeingassignedwithaCertificateofSponsorship,anindividualwillalsohavetomeetanyothercriteriaassetbytheHomeOffice.Forexample,applicationsunderTier2willhavetobesupportedbyevidencethattheplayerhasmettheEnglishlanguagerequirementsetbytheHomeOffice.
3. CONSIDERATIONS ONCE A GOVERNING BODY ENDORSEMENT HAS BEEN GRANTED
3.1 Length of issue
GoverningBodyEndorsementscanonlybeissuedforthefollowingperiods:
Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker -Creative and Sporting)
Initial Application
Theshorterof:
Theshorterof:
· three(3)years;OR
· twelve(12)months;OR
· thelengthoftheplayer’scontract.
· thelengthoftheplayer’scontract Extension
Theshorterof:
Iftheinitialapplicationwasgrantedforlessthantwelve(12)months,anincountryextensioncanbegrantedtotopuptheperiodtotwelve(12)monthsintotal.Forexample,aplayergrantedasix(6)monthapprovalcanapplyforanextensionincountryofuptoanothersix(6)months.Ifaclubwishestoemployaplayerforaperiodoflongerthantwelve(12)months,theplayerhastoreturnoverseastomakeanewapplicationandobtainentryclearanceforafurthertwelve(12)monthperiodunderTier5.
· three(3)years;OR
· thelengthoftheplayer’scontract.
3.2 Extension Applications
IfaclubwishestoretaintheservicesofaplayerbeyondtheperiodofhisGBE,theclubmustsubmitanewapplicationbeforetheplayer’sleavetoremainexpires.Iftheplayersatisfiestheautomaticcriteriaforendorsement(assetoutat2.1above),aGBEwillbegranted.Iftheautomaticcriteria(at2.1)arenotsatisfied,theclubmustsubmitasummaryoftheplayer’s
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domesticclubappearancesovertheprevious12monthsaswellasanyotherinformationwhichtheclubdeemstoberelevanttoitsapplication.TheFAwillthenconsultwithRelevantInterestedPartiesbyemailandindoingsowillprovideanydetailsputforwardbytheclubinsupportoftheapplication.Whenconsideringtheapplicationanddecidingwhethertheapplicationshouldbegranted,TheFAandtheRelevantInterestedPartiesshallconsidertheinformationputforwardbytheclubaswellasanyotherinformationwhichtheydeemtoberelevantintheirabsolutediscretionwhichindicateswhethertheplayerremainsofsufficientqualitytobeawardedaGBE.IfamajorityofTheFAandtheRelevantInterestedPartiesrecommendthataGBEshouldbegranted,aGBEwillbeissued.Ifamajorityrecommendationforapprovalisnotgiven,aGBEwillnotbegrantedandtheclubwillhavenofurtherrecoursetoanExceptionsPanelunderthediscretionarycriteria(at2.2above).
3.3 Switching from Tier 5 to Tier 2 of the PBS
AplayercanenterunderTier5(ifheisunabletomeettheEnglishlanguagerequirementsetbytheHomeOffice)andthenapplyincountry(providedthisiswithinthefirst12months)toswitchtoTier2oncehehaspassedtheEnglishlanguagetest.Todothis,theclubwillneedtosubmitanewapplicationforaGBEsothatanewCertificateofSponsorshipunderTier2canbeassignedbytheclub.ThenewapplicationwillneedtobesupportedbyanotificationofpassorpasscertificateattheagreedlevelfromanaccreditedEnglishLanguageTestCentre.
WhereaplayerwishestoswitchfromTier5toTier2andsatisfiestheautomaticcriteriaforendorsement(assetoutat2.1above)atthetimeatwhichtheapplicationtoswitchismade,aGBEwillbegranted.Wheretheplayerdoesnotmeettheautomaticcriteria(at2.1),theclubmustsubmitasummaryoftheplayer’sdomesticclubappearancesovertheprevious12monthsaswellasanyotherinformationwhichtheclubdeemstoberelevanttoitsapplication.TheFAwillthenconsultwithRelevantInterestedPartiesbyemailandindoingsowillprovideanydetailsputforwardbytheclubinsupportoftheapplication.Whenconsideringtheapplicationanddecidingwhethertheapplicationshouldbegranted,TheFAandtheRelevantInterestedPartiesshallconsidertheinformationputforwardbytheclubaswellasanyotherinformationwhichtheydeemtoberelevantintheirabsolutediscretionwhichindicateswhethertheplayerremainsofsufficientqualitytobeawardedaGBE.IfamajorityofTheFAandtheRelevantInterestedPartiesrecommendthataGBEshouldbegranted,a
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GBEwillbeissued.Ifamajorityrecommendationforapprovalisnotgiven,aGBEwillnotbegrantedandtheclubwillhavenofurtherrecoursetoanExceptionsPanelunderthediscretionarycriteria(at2.2above).
3.4 Change of club
AclubwishingtosignaplayerwhohasbeengrantedaGoverningBodyEndorsementthroughanotherclubmustsubmitanewapplicationforaGBEtoTheFA.Iftheplayermeetstheautomaticcriteria(assetoutat2.1above),aGBEwillbegranted.Wheretheplayerdoesnotmeettheautomaticcriteria(at2.1),theclubmustsubmitasummaryoftheplayer’sdomesticclubappearancesovertheprevious12monthsaswellasanyotherinformationwhichtheclubdeemstoberelevanttoitsapplication.TheFAwillatthatstageconsultwithRelevantInterestedPartiesbyemailandindoingsowillprovideanydetailsputforwardbytheclubinsupportoftheapplication.Whenconsideringtheapplicationanddecidingwhethertheapplicationshouldbegranted,TheFAandtheRelevantInterestedPartiesshallconsidertheinformationputforwardbytheclubaswellasanyotherinformationwhichtheydeemtoberelevantintheirabsolutediscretionwhichindicateswhethertheplayerremainsofsufficientqualitytobeawardedaGBE.IfamajorityofTheFAandtheRelevantInterestedPartiesrecommendthataGBEshouldbegranted,aGBEwillbeissued.Ifamajorityrecommendationforapprovalisnotgiven,aGBEwillnotbegrantedandtheclubwillhavenofurtherrecoursetoanExceptionsPanelunderthediscretionarycriteria(at2.2above).
3.5 Temporary transfer of player’s registration (loans)
ForthepurposeofaGoverningBodyEndorsement,loansaredefinedastemporarytransferswhichdonotextendbeyondtheendoftheseasoninwhichtheregistrationistemporarilytransferred.Loansareonlypermissiblewithintheplayer’scurrentperiodofapprovalandshouldnotbeusedtoavoidmakingextensionorchangeofemploymentapplications.
3.5.13Temporary transfer to another club
IfaplayeronaCertificateofSponsorshipismovingtoanotherclubeitherintheUKorabroadonaloanbasis,theplayer’sparentclubmustnotifytheHomeOfficeofthetemporarytransferandchangeoflocationviatheSponsorManagementSystem.
Forthedurationoftheloanperiod,theloaningclubretainsoverallresponsibilityfortheplayerashisemployerandSponsorandtheplayerisgrantedpermissiontomovetemporarilyunderthe
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provisionsofhiscurrentleave,providedthattheCertificateofSponsorshipassignedbytheloaningclubisvalidforthedurationoftheloanperiod.ThismeansthatwheretheloanistoanotherclubwithinEngland,neithertheparentclubnortheloaneeclubhastosubmitanewapplicationforaGBEtoTheFA.WheretheloanistoaclubwithinanotherHomeAssociation,theplayerwillhavetosatisfythatHomeAssociation’sgoverningbodyendorsementprocess.Whentheplayerreturnstohisparentclubaftertheloanperiod,theplayerdoesnotneedtobeassessedagainagainsttheentrycriteriaandmaysimplyresumehisemploymentwithhisoriginalclub(providedthathisGoverningBodyEndorsementremainsvalidbeyondthedateofhisreturn),onthebasisthattheplayerhasanexistingCertificateofSponsorshipandhasalreadymettheentryrequirementsatthebeginningofhisemploymentwiththatclub.
3.5.14Making a temporary transfers permanent
WherethetemporarytransferistoanotherclubwithinEngland,iftheloanislatermadepermanent,thenewclubwill,atthattime,havetomakeafreshapplicationforaGBEonbehalfoftheplayer.ClubsshouldnotethatthenewapplicationforaGBEandCertificateofSponsorshipmustbefullycompletedbeforetheplayercanplayasapermanentemployeeofthenewclub.
3.5.15Temporary transfer from a club outside England to a club within England
AnyplayerjoininganEnglishclubonloanfromacluboutsideofEngland(includingtheHomeAssociations)mustmeettherequirementsforeitherautomaticordiscretionaryendorsement(assetout2.1and2.2above)andthereforeanapplicationmustbesubmittedtoTheFA.
3.6 Discrepancies between the evidence submitted in support of a GBE application and the information contained within the contract
documentation subsequently submitted to The FA
WhereaclubobtainsaGBEforaplayerbutsubsequentlysubmitstoTheFAaspartoftheregistrationprocessdocumentationwhichcontainsdifferentinformation(forexampledifferentwagesand/ortransferfee)fromthatsubmittedaspartoftheGBEapplicationprocess,TheFAreservestherighttoreferthecasebacktoanExceptionsPanelandultimatelytoinformtheHomeOfficewhomaycurtailtheplayer’srighttoworkintheUK.Forcases
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thatarereferredbacktoanExceptionsPanel,theExceptionsPanelwillconductafreshdeterminationoftheclub’sapplicationtakingintoaccountthenewinformation.Theclubwillbeentitledtosubmitnewevidencetothispanelandwillberequiredtopayafurtherfee.
3.7 Contract changes or re-negotiation during the period of approval
Whereaclubwishestomakesignificantchangestothetermsandconditionsoftheplayer’scontract,forinstancetoimprovehissalaryorlengthofcontractpart-waythroughhisperiodofendorsement,theclubmustnotifytheHomeOfficeofthisviatheSponsorManagementSystem.
IftheHomeOfficeconfirmsthatanewapplicationisrequiredandtheplayersatisfiestheautomaticcriteriaforendorsement(assetoutat2.1above),aGBEwillbegranted.Iftheautomaticcriteria(at2.1)arenotsatisfied,theclubmustsubmitasummaryoftheplayer’sdomesticclubappearancesovertheprevious12monthsaswellasanyotherinformationwhichtheclubdeemstoberelevanttoitsapplication.TheFAwillatthatstageconsultwithRelevantInterestedPartiesbyemailandindoingsowillprovideanydetailsputforwardbytheclubinsupportoftheapplication.Whenconsideringtheapplicationanddecidingwhethertheapplicationshouldbegranted,TheFAandtheRelevantInterestedPartiesshallconsidertheinformationputforwardbytheclubaswellasanyotherinformationwhichtheydeemtoberelevantintheirabsolutediscretionwhichindicateswhethertheplayerremainsofsufficientqualitytobeawardedaGBE.IfamajorityofTheFAandtheRelevantInterestedPartiesrecommendthataGBEshouldbegranted,aGBEwillbeissued.Ifamajorityrecommendationforapprovalisnotgiven,aGBEwillnotbegrantedandtheclubwillhavenofurtherrecoursetoanExceptionsPanelunderthediscretionarycriteria(at2.2above).
3.8 Ceasing the employment of a player
IfaclubprematurelyceasestoemployaplayerwhohasaCertificateofSponsorship,theclubmustinformtheHomeOffice.
3.9 Trial arrangements
GoverningBodyEndorsementswillnotbeissuedtoclubsforthepurposeofhavingplayerstotrialwiththem.ClubsmaywishtoapproachtheUKVisasandImmigration(UKVI)contactcentreon03001232241forfurtherinformationshouldtheywishtoconsidertakinganon-EuropeanEconomicArea(EEA)playerontrial.
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4. FEES
Anadministrationfeeof£500plusVATwillbechargedforeachapplicationforaGBE.ThecostofreferringanapplicationtoanExceptionsPanelwillbe£5,000plusVATtocoverthecostsoftheExceptionsPanel.PaymentofanysumsduetoTheFAinconnectionwithaGBEapplicationmustbemadenolaterthan14daysafterthedateonwhichadecisioniscommunicatedtotheclub.Eachclubistomeetitsowncosts.
5. STATUS OF GUIDANCE
ThisguidanceshouldbeusedinconjunctionwiththerelevantadviceissuedbytheHomeOffice.TheFAisnotregisteredtogiveadviceonimmigrationroutesorprocessesortoadviseonanindividual’simmigrationstatus.InformationonaspectsofimmigrationpolicyandlawcanbefoundontheHomeOfficewebsiteatwww.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigrationoryoumaywishtoseekadvicefromanOfficeoftheImmigrationServicesCommissioner(OISC)registeredadvisororsomeonewhoisotherwiseexemptfromsucharegistrationrequirement,forexample,aqualifiedsolicitor.
Clubsareadvisedtoallowsufficienttimeforentryclearanceorleavetoremaintobegranted.Thetimetakenmayvarydependinguponwheretheplayerismakinghisapplicationfrom.AguidetovisaprocessingtimesisavailableontheHomeOfficewebsiteat:www.gov.uk/visa-processing-times.Pleasenotethatanindividual’spersonalandimmigrationhistorymaybetakenintoaccountwhentheirapplicationisbeingconsidered.
6. FURTHER INFORMATION
ThisguidanceisavailableonTheFAwebsiteatthefollowinglink:http://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/more/player-registrations.
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7. CONTACTS
ForanyqueriesregardingtheGoverningBodyEndorsementcriteriaortodiscusstheapplicationprocessforfootball,pleasecontact:
John StanleyPlayerStatusDepartmentTheFootballAssociationWembleyStadiumPOBox1966LondonSW1P9EQTel: 08449808200#6947Mob: 07773187547Email: John.Stanley@thefa.com
Pleasenotethatifyourqueryextendsbeyondfootballandintoimmigration,youwillbedirectedtotheHomeOffice.
8. HOME OFFICE HELP
IfyouareanemployerorSponsorandhaveageneralqueryabouttheSponsorapplicationprocessorforspecificenquiriesregardingindividualapplicationsoraboutthemigrantapplicationprocess,pleasecontactUKVisasandImmigration(UKVI)on03001232241.
ForanytechnicalproblemswiththeSponsorManagementSystem(SMS),pleasecalltheSMShelplineon01142072900.
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Appendix 1:ExceptionsPanelProcedures1. INTRODUCTION
TheExceptionsPanelwillreviewtheinformationsubmittedinrespectoftheplayerbytheclubtoTheFAandanyotherinformationwhichitconsiderstoberelevantinitsabsolutediscretioninaccordancewiththebelowreviewcriteria.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,theExceptionsPanelisundernoobligation(inanycircumstances,includingcaseswherethepointsthresholdisexceeded)torecommendthataGoverningBodyEndorsementbeissued.TheExceptionsPanelmaytakeintoaccountanycircumstancesorfactswhichitdetermines,initsabsolutediscretion,arerelevanttoitsdecisioninrespectofwhethertorecommendthataGBEisgranted.ThefinaldecisionregardingwhethertorecommendthataGBEbegrantedrestswiththeExceptionsPanel.
2. REVIEW PROCESS
IndeterminingwhetheraGBEshouldbeawarded,theExceptionsPanelwillcarryoutamixedobjectiveandsubjectivereviewinaccordancewiththebelowreviewprocess.
Otherthaninexceptionalcases,theExceptionsPanelwillconsidereachapplicationonthebasisofthepaperspresentedtoit.AnapplicantclubispermittedtorequestthattheExceptionsPanelhearoralsubmissionsbuttheExceptionsPanelisundernoobligationtodoso.ClubsshouldbeawarethattheExceptionsPanelislikelytograntanapplicationforanoralhearinginonlythemostexceptionalcircumstancesandforthosecasesinrespectofwhichitispersuadedarecomplexandwhichrelyonelementsfallingforconsiderationatthesubjectivereviewstage(Appendix1,Section4).
ThereviewprocesstobeundertakenbytheExceptionsPanelisasfollows:
1.TheplayerisconsideredagainsttheobjectivecriteriasetoutatPartAbelow.
2.Iftheplayerscores4pointsormoreagainsttheobjectivePartAcriteria,theExceptionsPanelshallimmediatelymoveontoconducta
subjectivereviewoftheinformationpresentedbytheclubandanyotherinformationwhichitconsiderstoberelevantinitsabsolutediscretioninrespectoftheplayer.
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3.Iftheplayerscoresfewerthan4pointsagainsttheobjectivePartAcriteria,theExceptionsPanelshallconsidertheplayeragainsttheobjective
criteriasetoutatPartBbelow.
4.Oncetheclub’sapplicationhasbeenconsideredagainsttheobjectivePartBcriteria,theExceptionsPanelshallmoveontoconductasubjectivereviewoftheinformationpresentedbytheclubandanyotherinformationwhichitconsiderstoberelevantinitsabsolutediscretioninrespectoftheplayer.
3. OBJECTIVE CRITERIA
Ifaplayermeetsanyofthecriteriasetoutinthefirstcolumn,hewillbeawardedthenumberofpointssetoutinthesecondcolumn.PointswillonlybeawardedinthecircumstancesidentifiedandtheExceptionsPanelwillnotduplicatepointsacrossPartAandPartB.Forexample,aplayerwhoscorespointsinrespectofhisTransferFeeatPartAwillbenotbepermittedtoalsoscorepointsinrespectofhisTransferFeeatPartB(ifnecessary).
Part A Objective CriteriaCriteria
PointsThevalueoftheTransferFeebeingpaidfortheplayerisabovethe75thpercentileofQualifyingTransfers(1).
3points ThevalueoftheTransferFeebeingpaidfortheplayerisbetweenthe50thand75thpercentile(inclusive)ofQualifyingTransfers(1).
2points TheWagesbeingpaidtotheplayerbytheapplicantclubareabovethe75 percentileofQualifyingWages.
3points TheWagesbeingpaidtotheplayerbytheapplicantclubarebetweenthe50 and75thpercentile(inclusive)ofQualifyingWages.
2points Theplayer’scurrentclubisinaTopLeagueandtheplayerhasplayedin30%ormoreoftheAvailableMinutes.
1point Theplayer’scurrentclubhasplayedinthegroupstagesoronwardsofaContinentalCompetitionwithinthelast12monthsandtheplayerhasplayedin30%ormoreoftheAvailableMinutes.
1point
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th
th
Part B Objective CriteriaCriteria
PointsThevalueoftheTransferFeebeingpaidfortheplayeriswithin20%ofthe50thpercentileofQualifyingTransfers(1).
1point Players(2)forwhomnotransferfeeispayablewhohavebeenascribedavirtualtransfervalue(onsuchbasisandinsuchamountastheExceptionsPaneldeemstobeappropriateinitsabsolutediscretion)whichexceedsthevaluewhichis20%belowthe50thpercentileofQualifyingTransfers
1point
TheWagesbeingpaidtotheplayerbytheapplicantclubarewithin20%ofthe50thpercentileofQualifyingWages.
1point Theplayer’scurrentclubisinaSecondaryLeagueandtheplayerhasplayedinatleast30%oftheAvailableMinutes.
1point Theplayer’scurrentclubhasplayedinthefinalqualificationroundsofaContinentalCompetitionwithinthelast12monthsandtheplayerhasplayedinatleast30%oftheAvailableMinutes.
1point
Theapplicantclubisabletoshow(3)thattheplayerhasparticipatedintheSecondaryPercentage(4)ofseniorCompetitiveInternationalMatches(5)playedbythatplayer’sNationalAssociationduringtheReferencePeriod.
1point
OR
Theplayer’sNationalAssociationwasasemi-finalistintheAsianCuporAfricanCupofNationsintheimmediatelypreceding12monthsofthedateoftheapplicationforaGBE.
IftheNationalAssociationisrankedoutsidethetop60intheFIFAAggregatedWorldRankingsatthetimeoftheapplication,theclubmustbeabletoshow(3)thattheplayerparticipatedin75%ormore(4)oftheCompetitiveInternationalMatches(5)playedbytheNationalAssociationduringtheReferencePeriod.
Notes:(1)NopointswillbeawardedforplayersforwhomnotransferfeeispayableatthetimeanapplicationforaGBEismadeforthatplayer.Thisincludes
(butisnotlimitedto)playerstransferringonafreetransferandplayersforwhomatransferfeehaspreviouslybeenpaidbutthatplayerhasbeensentoutonloanandisreturningtotheirparentclub.
(2)Playersregisteringwithaclubonloanorforwhomatransferhaspreviouslybeencompleted(regardlessofwhetheratransferfeewaspaidornot)but
thatplayerhasbeensentoutonloanandisreturningtotheirparentclubcannotbeascribedavirtualtransferfee.
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(3)Theapplicantclubmustprovidewrittenconfirmationsettingoutallmatches(includingCompetitiveInternationalMatches,friendliesandanyotherinternationalmatchesthattheplayerwasinvolvedin)inwhichtheplayer:
·tookpart;
·wasUnavailableforSelection;and
·didnottakepartbutwasnotUnavailableforSelection.
Anapplicantclubshouldobtainsuchconfirmationfromtheplayer’sNationalAssociation.IftherelevantNationalAssociationisnotabletoconfirmthis,thisfactshouldbeconfirmedbytheapplicantclubtoTheFA.Atthisstage,TheFAwillseektoindependentlyverifythisinformationthroughitsownsources.Theresponsibilitylieswiththeapplicantclubtoprovidethisinformationwhereitisabletodoso.Adecisionwillnotbemadeuntilthisprocesshasbeencompletedandanyrelevantsupportingevidenceissubmitted.
(4)IncalculatingtheSecondaryPercentage(orotherrelevantpercentage),anyCompetitiveInternationalMatchesforwhichtheplayerwasUnavailableforSelectionaretobeexcluded.
(5)Iffewerthan30%ofaNationalAssociation’smatchesduringtheReferencePeriodareCompetitiveInternationalMatches,friendlymatcheswillbeincludedinthecalculation.
4. SUBJECTIVE REVIEW
Whereaplayerscores4pointsormorebyreferencetothePartAobjectivecriteria;orfollowinganyconsiderationofaclub’sapplicationunderthePartBobjectivecriteria(regardlessofpointsscored),theExceptionsPanelwillthenconductasubjectivereviewoftheinformationpresentedbytheclubandanyotherinformationwhichitconsiderstoberelevantinitsabsolutediscretioninrespectoftheplayerinordertodeterminewhethertheplayerisofsufficientqualitytojustifyitrecommendingthataGBEbeawarded.Ashasbeensetoutaboveatparagraph2.2,clubsshouldensurethatallevidencethattheywanttobeconsideredinrespectoftheplayerissubmittedinwritingaheadofthedeterminationbytheExceptionsPanel.
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ExamplesofmatterswhichtheExceptionsPanelmaytakeintoaccountwhenconductingthesubjectivereviewincludebutarenotlimitedto:
·Ifapplicable,thefactthattheplayersatisfiesorpartiallysatisfiessomeoftheautomaticcriteriaforaGoverningBodyEndorsement(assetoutunder
2.1(CriteriaunderwhichaGoverningBodyEndorsementwillautomaticallybegranted)),aswellastheextenttowhichtheplayerexceedsorfallsshortofthesecriteria.
·Thereasonswhytheautomaticcriteria(assetoutunderparagraph2.1(CriteriaunderwhichaGoverningBodyEndorsementwillautomaticallybe
granted)above)werenotmet.
·Againstwhichobjectivecriteria(whetherPartAorPartBobjectivecriteria)pointshavebeenscoredandhowmanypointshavebeenscored.
·TheextenttowhichtheplayerexceedseitherthePartAorPartBobjectivecriteriathathehasmetorfallsshortofeitherthePartAorPartBobjectivecriteriahedoesnotmeet.
5. OUTCOME
Ifaplayerscores4pointsormorebyreferencetothePartAobjectivecriteriaoraCumulativeTotalScoreof5pointsofmoreunderthePartAandPartBobjectivecriteria,theExceptionsPanelmaygrantaGBE,butisundernoobligationtodoso.ThePanelisentitledtoconsider,aspartofitssubjectivereview,anyothercircumstancesorfactswhichitdeemstoberelevantinitsabsolutediscretionindecidingwhethertorecommendthataGBEisawarded.
Ifaplayerscoresfewerthan4pointsbyreferencetothePartAobjectivecriteriaandaCumulativeTotalScoreoffewerthan5pointsunderthePartAandPartBobjectivecriteria,theExceptionsPanelisguidedtorefuseaGBEunlessitissatisfied,followingitssubjectivereview,thattheplayerisinternationallyestablishedatthehighestlevelandthathisemploymentwillmakeasignificantcontributiontothedevelopmentoffootballatthehighestlevelinEngland.Indeterminingthis,theExceptionsPanelmayconsideranyothercircumstancesorfactswhichitdeemstoberelevantinitsabsolutediscretionindecidingwhethertorecommendthataGBEisawarded.
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Appendix 2:ForminwhichdecisionsummarieswillbeprovidedtoStakeholdersCriteria
PointsLeague in which the Applicant Club plays
League in which the Player currently plays
Age of the Player
Ranking of the Player’s National Association
Objective Criteria
Subjective Criteria
Any other information which was deemed relevant
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Constitution of The Professional FootballNegotiating and Consultative Committee(England and Wales)Title1.ThecommitteeshallbecalledtheProfessionalFootballNegotiatingandConsultativeCommittee(P.F.N.C.C.).Membership2.Thecommitteeshallconsistof
(a)fourrepresentativesfromtheProfessionalFootballers’Association;
(b)tworepresentativesfromTheFootballLeagueLimited
(c)tworepresentativesfromTheFAPremierLeagueLimited;
(d)onerepresentativefromTheFootballAssociationLimited;
(e)theChiefExecutive/Officersofeachofthefourbodieslistedabove.Scope3.ThecommitteeshallhavewithinitsscopeProfessionalAssociationFootballPlayersemployedbyclubsinmembershipofTheFootballLeagueLtdand
TheFAPremierLeagueLimited.Function4.Thefunctionofthecommitteeshallbe:
(a)toconsiderquestionsconcerningplayers’remunerationandothertermsandconditionsofemployment,includingcontractualobligations,minimumpay,bonusesgovernedbyLeaguerules,pensions,fringebenefits,holidays,standardworkingconditionsandinsurance,aswellasproceduralmattersinvolvingthenegotiatingmachinery,andthecontractappealsmachinery.Thisshouldnotberegardedasanexhaustivelist.NomajorchangesintheregulationsoftheLeaguesaffectingaplayer’stermsandconditionsofemploymentshalltakeplacewithoutfulldiscussionandagreementintheP.F.N.C.C.;
and
(b)tofacilitateconsultationbetweenthepartiesonanymatterrelatingtoprofessionalAssociationFootballuponwhichanyofthepartiesconsiders
thattheviewoftheP.F.N.C.C.wouldbedesirabletohelpfurtherthebestinterestsofthegame.Chairman5.(a)Thecommitteeshallappointanindependentchairman.
(b)Intheeventoftheunavoidableabsenceoftheindependentchairman,ameetingmaybechairedbyamemberoftheCommitteebyagreementof
Secretary6.(a)TheSecretaryoftheTheFootballLeagueLtdandtheChiefExecutiveoftheProfessionalFootballers’Associationshallactasjointsecretaries
oftheP.F.N.C.C.
(b)TheadministrationandsecretarialservicestobeprovidedbyTheFootballLeagueLtd.Executive Officer7.Thepersonslistedinclause2(e)aboveshallmeetasandwhennecessaryandinanyeventshallmeetbeforeanymeetingoftheP.F.N.C.C.inorderto
givepreliminaryconsiderationtoitemswhicharetoappearontheAgendaforthenextP.F.N.C.C.meeting.Meetings8.(a)ThereshallbefourordinarymeetingsoftheP.F.N.C.C.eachyear.TheyshalltakeplaceonthefirstThursdayinJuly,OctoberandApril,and
thesecondThursdayinJanuary.
Atleast14days’noticeofanordinarymeetingshallbegivenandthebusinessofthemeetingshallbestatedinthenotice.
(b)Specialmeetingsmaybecalledatthediscretionofthechairmanattherequestofanymember.Atleastsevendays’noticeofsuchmeetingsshallbegivenandthebusinessofthemeetingshallbestatedinthenotice.
(c)OtherpartiesmaybeinvitedtoattendanymeetingoftheP.F.N.C.C.attherequestofanymemberandattheChairman’sdiscretion.The
Chairmanshallalsobeempoweredtoinvitethirdpartiestoanymeetingfollowingconsultationwiththemembers.
(d)TheFootballLeagueLtdandTheFAPremierLeagueshallcommunicatewiththoseclubsemployingtherepresentativesoftheProfessionalFootballers’Association,andtheirdeputies,andrequestthatsuchrepresentativesanddeputiesbegivenreasonablefacilitiestoattendmeetingsoftheP.F.N.C.C.
Minutes9.Fullminutesofallmeetingsshallbedraftedbythejointsecretariesandchairman.
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Resolution of differences10.(a)Itshallbethedutyofthemembersofthecommitteetotakeallreasonablestepstoensuretheacceptanceofagreementsreached.Where
appropriate,anyofthebodieslistedinClause2mayseektheassistanceofthechairmaninexpoundingandexplainingagreementsreached.
(b)Thepartiestoanydisputemaybyagreementseektheadviceofthechairmanonanymatterbeforethecommittee.
(c)ThepartiestoanydisputemaybyagreementseekindependentarbitrationbytheConciliationandArbitrationServiceoranyotheragreedindependentarbitrator.
Sub-Committees11.Thecommitteeshallhavepowertosetupsuchsub-committeesorjointworkingpartiesnotrestrictedtomembersofthecommitteeasitconsiders
necessary.Fullminutesofsub-committeemeetingsshallbekeptandappendedtominutesofmeetingsoftheP.F.N.C.C.fordistributiontomembers.Finance12.(a)EachofthebodieslistedinClause2shallberesponsibleformeetingtheexpensesofitsrepresentative(s)forattendingmeetings.
(b)TheexpensesofthechairmanshallbesharedequallybythebodieslistedinClause2.
(c)AnyotherexpenseshallbesharedequallybythebodieslistedinClause2,includingthechargesofTheFootballLeagueLtdforsecretarialservices.
Amendment of constitution13.Alterationintheconstitutionofthecommitteeshallonlybeconsideredatameetingcalledspecificallyforthatpurposeandnoticeofanyproposed
alterationshallbegiveninwriting28daysprevioustosuchmeeting.AnyalterationtotheconstitutionshallonlytakeeffectafterapprovaltoithasbeengivenbyeachofthebodieslistedinClause2.
Press notice14.Aftereachmeeting,whereappropriate,anagreedpressstatementshallbemadeavailableandmembersshallrefrainfromanycriticalcommentinthe
press,radioorontelevision.
586
Status of constitution15.ThisconstitutionshallbepresentedtothenextgeneralmeetingofthebodieslistedinClause2.Ifapprovedbyeachofthemitshallberegardedasan
agreementbindingoneachandallofthemandshallbeappendedtotherulesofeachbody.
587
Premier League TableSeason2016/2017
Home
Away
Pos
Club
P
W
D
L
F
A
W
D
L
F
A
GD
Pts
1
Chelsea
38
17
0
2
55
17
13
3
3
30
16
52
93
2
TottenhamHotspur
38
17
2
0
47
9
9
6
4
39
17
60
86
3
ManchesterCity
38
11
7
1
37
17
12
2
5
43
22
41
78
4
Liverpool
38
12
5
2
45
18
10
5
4
33
24
36
76
5
Arsenal
38
14
3
2
39
16
9
3
7
38
28
33
75
6
ManchesterUnited
38
8
10
1
26
12
10
5
4
28
17
25
69
7
Everton
38
13
4
2
42
16
4
6
9
20
28
18
61
8
Southampton
38
6
6
7
17
21
6
4
9
24
27
-7
46
9
AFCBournemouth
38
9
4
6
35
29
3
6
10
20
38
-12
46
10
WestBromwichAlbion
38
9
2
8
27
22
3
7
9
16
29
-8
45
11
WestHamUnited
38
7
4
8
19
31
5
5
9
28
33
-17
45
12
LeicesterCity
38
10
4
5
31
25
2
4
13
17
38
-15
44
13
StokeCity
38
7
6
6
24
24
4
5
10
17
32
-15
44
14
CrystalPalace
38
6
2
11
24
25
6
3
10
26
38
-13
41
15
SwanseaCity
38
8
3
8
27
34
4
2
13
18
36
-25
41
16
Burnley
38
10
3
6
26
20
1
4
14
13
35
-16
40
17
Watford
38
8
4
7
25
29
3
3
13
15
39
-28
40
18
HullCity
38
8
4
7
28
35
1
3
15
9
45
-43
34
19
Middlesbrough
38
4
6
9
17
23
1
7
11
10
30
-26
28
20
Sunderland
38
3
5
11
16
34
3
1
15
13
35
-40
24
590
Premier League AttendancesSeason2016/2017Club
Pld
Average
Aggregate
Utilisation
Max
Opposition
AFCBournemouth
19
11,389
216,388
99.3% 11,459
vLiverpool
Arsenal
19
59,957
1,139,177
99.5% 60,055
vManchesterUnited
Burnley
19
20,559
390,616
96.1% 21,870
vManchesterUnited
Chelsea
19
41,532
789,116
99.8% 41,622
vWestBromwichAlbion
CrystalPalace
19
25,101
476,919
98.6% 25,802
vSwanseaCity
Everton
19
39,310
746,898
99.3% 39,595
vChelsea,Sunderland
HullCity
19
20,752
394,297
83.1% 24,508
vManchesterUnited
LeicesterCity
19
31,920
606,476
98.9% 32,072
vManchesterUnited
Liverpool
19
53,094
1,008,789
99.6% 53,292
vAFCBournemouth
ManchesterCity
19
54,019
1,026,358
98.0% 54,512
vEverton
ManchesterUnited
19
75,305
1,430,790
99.6% 75,564
vArsenal
Middlesbrough
19
30,449
578,539
90.2% 32,704
vLiverpool
Southampton
19
31,087
590,655
96.0% 31,891
vWestHamUnited
StokeCity
19
27,434
521,250
98.2% 27,815
vAFCBournemouth
Sunderland
19
41,173
782,290
84.5% 46,494
vLiverpool
SwanseaCity
19
20,616
391,708
97.8% 20,938
vManchesterUnited
TottenhamHotspur
19
31,703
602,363
98.7% 31,968
vMiddlesbrough
Watford
19
20,536
390,191
95.8% 20,971
vManchesterUnited
WestBromwichAlbion
19
23,857
453,292
88.9% 26,290
vManchesterUnited
WestHamUnited
19
56,973
1,082,484
100.0% 56,996
vManchesterUnited
TOTAL
380
35,838
13,618,596
96.5%
591
Premier League Results
AFC Bournemouth
Arsenal
Burnley
Chelsea
CrystalPalace
Everton
Hull City
LeicesterCity
Liverpool
ManchesterCity
ManchesterUnited
Middlesbrough
Southampton
StokeCity
Sunderland
SwanseaCity
TottenhamHotspur
Watford
West BromwichAlbion
West Ham United
AFCBournemouth
3-3
2-1
1-3
0-2
1-0
6-1
1-0
4-3
0-2
1-3
4-0
1-3
2-2
1-2
2-0
0-0
2-2
1-0
3-2
Arsenal
3-1
2-1
3-0
2-0
3-1
2-0
1-0
3-4
2-2
2-0
0-0
2-1
3-1
2-0
3-2
1-1
1-2
1-0
3-0
Burnley
3-2
0-1
1-1
3-2
2-1
1-1
1-0
2-0
1-2
0-2
1-0
1-0
1-0
4-1
0-1
0-2
2-0
2-2
1-2
Chelsea
3-0
3-1
3-0
1-2
5-0
2-0
3-0
1-2
2-1
4-0
3-0
4-2
4-2
5-1
3-1
2-1
4-3
1-0
2-1
CrystalPalace
1-1
3-0
0-2
0-1
0-1
4-0
2-2
2-4
1-2
1-2
1-0
3-0
4-1
0-4
1-2
0-1
1-0
0-1
0-1
Everton
6-3
2-1
3-1
0-3
1-1
4-0
4-2
0-1
4-0
1-1
3-1
3-0
1-0
2-0
1-1
1-1
1-0
3-0
2-0
HullCity
3-1
1-4
1-1
0-2
3-3
2-2
2-1
2-0
0-3
0-1
4-2
2-1
0-2
0-2
2-1
1-7
2-0
1-1
2-1
LeicesterCity
1-1
0-0
3-0
0-3
3-1
0-2
3-1
3-1
4-2
0-3
2-2
0-0
2-0
2-0
2-1
1-6
3-0
1-2
1-0
Liverpool
2-2
3-1
2-1
1-1
1-2
3-1
5-1
4-1
1-0
0-0
3-0
0-0
4-1
2-0
2-3
2-0
6-1
2-1
2-2
ManchesterCity
4-0
2-1
2-1
1-3
5-0
1-1
3-1
2-1
1-1
0-0
1-1
1-1
0-0
2-1
2-1
2-2
2-0
3-1
3-1
ManchesterUnited
1-1
1-1
0-0
2-0
2-0
1-1
0-0
4-1
1-1
1-2
2-1
2-0
1-1
3-1
1-1
1-0
2-0
0-0
1-1
Middlesbrough
2-0
1-2
0-0
0-1
1-2
0-0
1-0
0-0
0-3
2-2
1-3
1-2
1-1
1-0
3-0
1-2
0-1
1-1
1-3
Southampton
0-0
0-2
3-1
0-2
3-1
1-0
0-0
3-0
0-0
0-3
0-0
1-0
0-1
1-1
1-0
1-4
1-1
1-2
1-3
StokeCity
0-1
1-4
2-0
1-2
1-0
1-1
3-1
2-2
1-2
1-4
1-1
2-0
0-0
2-0
3-1
0-4
2-0
1-1
0-0
Sunderland
0-1
1-4
0-0
0-1
2-3
0-3
3-0
2-1
2-2
0-2
0-3
1-2
0-4
1-3
0-2
0-0
1-0
1-1
2-2
SwanseaCity
0-3
0-4
3-2
2-2
5-4
1-0
0-2
2-0
1-2
1-3
1-3
0-0
2-1
2-0
3-0
1-3
0-0
2-1
1-4
TottenhamHotspur
4-0
2-0
2-1
2-0
1-0
3-2
3-0
1-1
1-1
2-0
2-1
1-0
2-1
4-0
1-0
5-0
4-0
4-0
3-2
Watford
2-2
1-3
2-1
1-2
1-1
3-2
1-0
2-1
0-1
0-5
3-1
0-0
3-4
0-1
1-0
1-0
1-4
2-0
1-1
WestBromwichAlbion
2-1
3-1
4-0
0-1
0-2
1-2
3-1
0-1
0-1
0-4
0-2
0-0
0-1
1-0
2-0
3-1
1-1
3-1
4-2
WestHamUnited
1-0
1-5
1-0
1-2
3-0
0-0
1-0
2-3
0-4
0-4
0-2
1-1
0-3
1-1
1-0
1-0
1-0
2-4
2-2
592
Premier League Appearances and GoalsSeason2016/2017
Sub Sub
AFC Bournemouth
P
P
NP
GS
Afobe,Benik
14
17
4
6
Ake,NathanBenjamin
8
2
8
3
Allsop,Ryan
1
0
17
0
Arter,HarryNicholas
33
2
1
1
Boruc,Artur
35
0
0
0
Cargill,BailyJames
0
1
10
0
Cook,SteveAnthony
38
0
0
2
Cook,LewisJohn
4
2
3
0
Daniels,Charlie
34
0
0
4
Federici,AdamJay
2
0
20
0
Francis,SimonCharles
34
0
0
0
Fraser,Ryan
19
9
4
3
Gosling,Daniel
14
13
6
2
Grabban,LewisJames
0
3
0
0
Gradel,MaxAlain
0
11
10
0
Ibe,JordonFemiAshley
13
12
9
0
King,JoshuaChristianKojo
31
5
0
16
Mings,TyroneDeon
5
2
18
0
Mousset,Lys
3
8
6
0
Pugh,MarcAnthony
16
5
4
2
Ramsdale,AaronChristopher
0
0
1
0
Smith,AdamJames
34
2
0
1
Smith,BradleyShaun
3
2
26
0
Stanislas,FelixJunior
18
3
4
7
Surman,AndrewRonaldEdward
21
1
0
0
Surridge,SamuelWilliam
0
0
1
0
Wilshere,JackAndrew
22
5
1
0
Wilson,MarcDavid
0
0
1
0
Wilson,CallumEddieGraham
16
4
2
6
Worthington,MatthewLuke
0
1
0
0
Sub Sub
Arsenal
P
P
NP
GS
Akpom,Chuba
0
0
1
0
ArmandoDeAbreu,Gabriel
15
4
13
0
Bellerin,Hector
27
6
1
1
Cazorla,Santiago
7
1
0
2
Cech,Petr
35
0
0
0
Chambers,Calum
1
0
2
1
Coquelin,Francis
22
7
6
0
Debuchy,Mathieu
1
0
0
0
Elneny,MohamedNaserElsayed
8
6
14
0
Gibbs,KieranJamesRicardo
8
3
20
0
Giroud,Olivier
11
18
3
12
Holding,RobertSamuel
9
0
12
0
Iwobi,Alex
18
8
9
3
Jenkinson,CarlDaniel
1
0
1
0
Koscielny,Laurent
33
0
0
2
Macey,MatthewRyan
0
0
2
0
Maitland-Niles,Ainsley
0
1
7
0
Martinez,DamianEmiliano
2
0
3
0
Mertesacker,Per
0
1
3
0
Monreal,Ignacio
35
1
1
0
Mustafi,Shkodran
26
0
1
2
Ospina,David
1
1
32
0
Oxlade-Chamberlain,AlexanderMarkDavid
16
13
4
2
Ozil,Mesut
32
1
0
8
Perez,Lucas
2
9
6
1
Ramsey,AaronJames
13
10
1
1
Reine-Adelaide,Jeff
0
0
7
0
Sanchez,Alexis
36
2
0
24
Walcott,TheoJames
23
5
4
10
Welbeck,Daniel
8
8
0
2
Wilshere,JackAndrew
0
2
1
0
Xhaka,Granit
28
4
1
2
Key: P = PlayedSub P =SubPlayedSub NP =SubNotPlayedGS =GoalsScored
593
Sub Sub
Burnley
P
P
NP
GS
Agyei,DanielEbenezerKwasi
0
3
5
0
Arfield,Scott
23
8
3
1
Bamford,PatrickJames
0
6
7
0
Barnes,AshleyLuke
20
8
0
6
Barton,Joseph
12
2
0
1
Boyd,GeorgeJan
33
3
0
2
Brady,Robert
7
7
1
1
Darikwa,TendayiDavid
0
0
18
0
Defour,StevenArnold
16
5
8
1
Flanagan,Jonathan
3
3
25
0
Gray,AndreAnthony
26
6
2
9
Gudmundsson,JohannBerg
10
10
4
1
Heaton,ThomasDavid
35
0
0
0
Hendrick,JeffreyPatrick
31
1
0
2
Jones,DavidFrankLlwyd
1
0
0
0
Jutkiewicz,LukasIsaacPaul
0
2
1
0
Keane,MichaelVincent
35
0
0
2
Kightly,MichaelJohn
1
4
15
0
Long,KevinFinbarr
3
0
2
0
Lowton,MatthewJohn
36
0
1
0
Marney,DeanEdward
21
0
0
1
Mee,BenjaminThomas
34
0
0
1
O’Neill,AidenConnor
0
3
5
0
Pope,NicholasDavid
0
0
11
0
Robinson,PaulWilliam
3
0
27
0
Tarkowski,JamesAlan
4
15
19
0
Ulvestad,Fredrik
0
0
1
0
Vokes,SamuelMichael
21
16
0
10
Ward,StephenRobert
37
0
0
1
Westwood,AshleyRoy
6
3
6
0
Sub Sub
Chelsea
P
P
NP
GS
Aina,TemitayoOlufisayoOlaoluwa
0
3
8
0
Ake,NathanBenjamin
1
1
8
0
AlonsoMendoza,Marcos
30
1
3
6
AzpilicuetaTanco,Cesar
38
0
0
1
Batshuayi-Atunga,Michy
1
19
17
5
Begovic,Asmir
2
0
36
0
BorgesDaSilva,Willian
15
19
0
8
Cahill,GaryJames
36
1
1
6
Chalobah,NathanielNyakie
1
9
19
0
Courtois,Thibaut
36
0
0
0
DaSilvaCosta,Diego
35
0
1
20
DosReisCarvalho,Eduardo
0
0
2
0
DosSantosEmboabaJunior,Oscar
5
4
4
0
FabregasSoler,Francesc
13
16
5
5
Hazard,Eden
36
0
0
16
Ivanovic,Branislav
6
7
6
0
Kante,Ngolo
35
0
1
1
LoftusCheek,Ruben
0
6
9
0
LuizMoreiraMarinho,David
33
0
1
1
Matic,Nemanja
30
5
1
1
Moses,Victor
29
5
1
3
NunesNascimento,RobertKenedy
1
0
0
0
RodriguezLedesma,PedroEliezer
26
9
2
9
Solanke-Mitchell,DominicAyodele
0
0
1
0
Terry,JohnGeorge
6
3
13
1
Zouma,KurtHappy
3
6
13
0
594
Sub Sub
Crystal Palace
P
P
NP
GS
Anderson,Keshi
0
0
2
0
Benteke,Christian
36
0
0
15
Benteke,Jonathan
0
1
0
0
Boateng,HiramKojoKwarteng
0
0
1
0
Bolasie,Yannick
0
1
0
0
Cabaye,Yohan
25
7
0
4
Campbell,FraizerLee
0
12
12
1
Dann,Scott
19
4
1
3
Delaney,DamienFinbarr
21
9
6
0
Dreher,LukeGarry
0
0
1
0
Flamini,Mathieu
3
7
16
0
Fryers,EzekielDavid
0
8
11
0
Hennessey,WayneRobert
29
0
8
0
Husin,Noor
0
0
4
0
Jedinak,MichaelJohn
1
0
0
0
Kaikai,SulaimanBorbor
0
1
5
0
Kelly,MartinRonald
25
4
4
0
Ladapo,OlayinkaFredrickOladotun
0
0
2
0
Ledley,JosephChristopher
13
5
4
1
Lee,ChungYong
4
11
11
0
Mandanda,Steve
9
0
0
0
McArthur,James
24
5
1
5
Milivojevic,Luka
14
0
0
2
Mutch,JordonJamesEdwardSydney
0
4
3
0
Phillips,Michael
0
0
3
0
Puncheon,JasonDavidIan
35
1
0
0
Remy,Loic
1
4
2
0
Sakho,Mamadou
8
0
2
0
Sako,Bakary
0
7
14
0
Schlupp,Jeffrey
11
4
1
0
Souare,PapeN’Diaye
3
0
0
0
Speroni,JulianMaria
0
0
30
0
Tomkins,JamesOliverCharles
23
1
3
3
Townsend,Andros
30
6
1
3
VanAanholt,PatrickJohnMiguel
8
3
1
2
Wan-Bissaka,Aaron
0
0
3
0
Ward,JoelEdwardPhilip
38
0
0
0
Wickham,ConnorNeilRalph
4
4
3
2
Wynter,BenDouglas
0
0
1
0
Zaha,DazetWilfriedArmel
34
1
0
7
Sub Sub
Everton
P
P
NP
GS
Baines,LeightonJohn
32
0
0
2
Barkley,Ross
32
4
2
5
Barry,Gareth
23
10
3
2
Besic,Muhamed
0
0
2
0
Bolasie,Yannick
12
1
0
1
Calvert-Lewin,Dominic
5
6
3
1
Cleverley,ThomasWilliam
4
6
8
0
Coleman,Seamus
26
0
0
4
Davies,Thomas
18
6
2
2
DeulofeuLazaro,Gerard
4
7
5
0
FunesMori,JoseRamiro
16
7
6
0
Galloway,BrendanJoelZibusiso
0
0
1
0
Gueye,IdrissaGana
32
1
1
1
Hewelt,MateuszTomasz
0
0
6
0
Holgate,MasonAnthony
16
2
20
0
Jagielka,PhilipNikodem
25
2
10
3
Kenny,Jonjoe
0
1
7
0
Kone,Arouna
0
6
3
0
Lennon,Aaron
6
5
11
0
Lookman,AdemolaLookmanOlajadeAladeAylola
3
5
8
1
Lukaku,RomeluMenama
36
1
0
25
McCarthy,James
7
5
2
1
MirallasYCastillo,KevinAntonioJoelGislain
23
12
1
4
OviedoJimenez,BryanJosue
6
0
4
0
Pennington,Matthew 2 1 6 1
RoblesBlazquez,Joel
19
1
18
0
Schneiderlin,Morgan
12
2
0
1
Stekelenburg,Maarten
19
0
13
0
ValenciaLastra,EnnerRemberto
5
16
11
3
Williams,AshleyErrol
35
1
0
1
Williams,JosephMichael
0
0
5
0
595
Sub Sub
Hull City
P
P
NP
GS
Batty,DanielThomas
0
0
1
0
Bowen,Jarrod
1
6
11
0
Clackstone,JoshuaPhilip
0
0
3
0
Clucas,SamuelRaymond
36
1
0
3
Davies,Curtis
25
1
2
0
Dawson,MichaelRichard
19
3
2
3
Diomande,ValentinAdama
13
9
7
2
Eissa,AhmedElmehamadyAbdelfattahAly
28
5
0
0
Elabdellaoui,Omar
7
1
2
0
Evandro,Goebel
7
4
1
0
Grosicki,KamilPawel
12
3
0
0
Henriksen,Markus
6
9
8
0
HernandezPlatero,AbelMathias
16
8
2
4
Hinchliffe,BenjaminJack
0
0
1
0
Huddlestone,ThomasAndrew
23
8
4
1
Jakupovic,Eldin
22
0
16
0
Keane,WilliamDavid
4
1
3
0
Kuciak,Dusan
0
0
3
0
Livermore,JakeCyril
20
1
0
1
Luer,Greg
0
0
2
0
Maguire,Harry
25
4
5
2
Maloney,ShaunRichard
2
7
23
1
Markovic,Lazar
12
0
0
2
Marshall,David
16
0
19
0
Mason,RyanGlen
11
5
2
1
MbokaniBezua,Dieudonne
8
4
5
0
Meyler,David
9
11
11
1
N’Diaye,AlfredJohnMomar
15
0
0
1
Niasse,BayeOumar
12
5
0
4
Olley,GregThomas
0
0
5
0
Ranocchia,Andrea
15
1
0
2
Robertson,Andrew
31
2
1
1
Snodgrass,Robert
19
1
0
7
Tymon,JoshuaLewis
4
1
12
0
Weir,JamesMichael
0
0
14
0
Sub Sub
Leicester City
P
P
NP
GS
Albrighton,MarcKevin
29
4
4
2
Amartey,Daniel
17
7
10
1
Benalouane,Yohan
11
0
3
0
Chilwell,BenjaminJames
7
5
15
1
Drinkwater,DanielNoel
27
2
0
1
Fuchs,Christian
35
1
0
2
Gray,DemaraiRemelle
9
21
8
1
Hamer,BenjaminJohn
0
0
8
0
HernandezRodriguez,Luis
3
1
11
0
Huth,Robert
33
0
0
2
James,MatthewLee
0
1
1
0
Kapustka,Bartosz
0
0
8
0
King,Andrew
15
8
14
1
Mahrez,Riyad
33
3
0
6
Mendy,Nampalys
4
0
7
0
Moore,ElliottJordan
0
0
1
0
Morgan,WestleyNathan
27
0
0
1
Musa,Ahmed
7
14
11
2
Ndidi,OnyinyeWilfred
17
0
0
2
Okazaki,Shinji
21
9
6
3
Schlupp,Jeffrey
1
3
5
0
Schmeichel,KasperPeter
30
0
0
0
Simpson,DanielPeter
34
1
2
0
Slimani,Islam
13
10
2
7
UlloaFernandez,JoseLeonardo
3
13
8
1
Vardy,Jamie
33
2
0
13
Wasilewski,Marcin
1
0
7
0
Zieler,Ron-Robert
8
1
29
0
596
Sub Sub
Liverpool
P
P
NP
GS
AlexanderArnold,Trent
2
5
16
0
BarbosaDeOliveira,RobertoFirmino
34
1
0
11
Brewster,Rhian
0
0
1
0
Can,Emre
26
6
1
5
Clyne,NathanielEdwin
37
0
0
0
CoutinhoCorreia,Philippe
28
3
0
13
Ejaria,Oviemuno
0
2
8
0
Gomez,JosephDavid
0
0
5
0
Grujic,Marko
0
5
12
0
Henderson,JordanBrian
24
0
0
1
Karius,Loris
10
0
25
0
Klavan,Ragnar
15
5
13
0
Lallana,AdamDavid
27
4
0
8
Lovren,Dejan
29
0
2
2
Mane,Sadio
26
1
0
13
Manninger,Alexander
0
0
3
0
Matip,JobJoelAndre
27
2
2
1
Mignolet,Simon
28
0
10
0
Milner,JamesPhilip
36
0
0
7
MorenoPerez,Alberto
2
10
26
0
Origi,DivockOkoth
14
20
4
7
PezziniLeiva,Lucas
12
12
11
0
Randall,ConnorSteven
0
0
1
0
Stewart,KevinLinford
0
4
5
0
Sturridge,Daniel
7
13
7
3
Wijnaldum,Georginio
33
3
1
6
Wilson,Harry
0
0
1
0
Woodburn,Benjamin
1
4
12
0
Sub Sub
Manchester City
P
P
NP
GS
Adarabioyo,Tosin
0
0
1
0
AgueroDelCastillo,Sergio
25
6
0
20
BravoMunoz,ClaudioAndres
22
0
8
0
CaballeroLazcano,WilfredoDaniel
16
1
21
0
Clichy,Gael
24
1
10
1
DeBruyne,Kevin
33
3
1
6
Delph,Fabian
2
5
6
1
Duran,ManuelAgudo
9
10
7
4
FernandoDeJesus,Gabriel
8
2
0
7
GarciaSerrano,Aleix
1
3
10
0
Gundogan,Ilkay
9
1
0
3
Gunn,AngusFraserJames
0
0
5
0
Hart,CharlesJosephJohn
0
0
3
0
Iheanacho,Kelechi
5
15
8
4
JimenezSilva,DavidJosue
31
3
1
4
Kolarov,Aleksandar
27
2
9
1
Kompany,Vincent
10
1
9
3
LuizRoza,Fernando
31
1
0
2
MaffeoBecerra,Pablo
0
0
2
0
Nasri,Samir
0
1
0
0
Navas,Jesus
12
12
9
0
Otamendi,Nicolas
29
1
3
1
Reges,FernandoFrancisco
5
10
15
0
Sagna,Bacary
14
3
7
0
Sane,Leroy
20
6
5
5
Sterling,RaheemShaquille
29
4
2
7
Stones,John
23
4
4
0
Toure,GnegneriYaya
22
3
1
5
ZabaletaGirod,PabloJavier
11
9
12
1
597
Sub Sub
Manchester United
P
P
NP
GS
Bailly,EricBertrand
24
1
2
0
Blind,Daley
20
3
12
1
Carrick,Michael
18
5
10
0
CastroPereira,JoelDinis
1
0
2
0
Darmian,Matteo
15
3
8
0
DeGeaQuintana,David
35
0
0
0
Depay,Memphis
0
4
1
0
Fellaini-Bakkioui,Marouane
18
10
4
1
Fosu-Mensah,EvansTimothyFosu
1
3
6
0
Gomes,AdilsonAngelAbreudeAlmeida
0
1
0
0
Harrop,JoshuaAndrew
1
0
0
1
HerreraAguera,Ander
27
4
3
1
Ibrahimovic,Zlatan
27
1
0
17
Jones,PhilipAnthony
18
0
1
0
Lingard,JesseEllis
18
7
7
1
Martial,AnthonyJoran
18
7
6
4
MataGarcia,JuanManuel
19
6
6
6
McTominay,Scott
1
1
3
0
Mitchell,DemetriKareem
1
0
2
0
Mkhitaryan,Henrikh
15
9
2
4
O’Hara,KieranMichael
0
0
1
0
Pogba,PaulLabile
29
1
1
5
Rashford,Marcus
16
16
5
5
Rojo,FaustinoMarcosAlberto
18
3
3
1
Romero,SergioGerman
2
0
35
0
Rooney,WayneMark
15
10
3
5
Schneiderlin,Morgan
0
3
4
0
Schweinsteiger,Bastian
0
0
4
0
Shaw,LukePaulHoare
9
2
4
0
Smalling,Christopher
13
5
4
1
Tuanzebe,Axel
4
0
5
0
ValenciaMosquera,LuisAntonio
27
1
0
1
Willock,Matthew
0
0
2
0
Young,AshleySimon
8
4
9
0
Sub Sub
Middlesbrough
P
P
NP
GS
Adomah,Albert
1
1
0
0
Bamford,PatrickJames
2
6
3
1
Barragan,AntonioJuan
26
0
4
0
Chambers,Calum
24
0
2
1
Clayton,AdamStephen
32
2
4
0
DeRoon,MartenElco
32
1
2
4
DeSart,JulienAriel
0
0
3
0
Downing,Stewart
24
6
7
1
EspinosaZuniga,BernardoJose
10
1
23
0
Fischer,Viktor
6
7
11
0
Forshaw,Adam
30
4
4
0
Friend,GeorgeAndrewJordan
20
4
0
0
Fry,DaelJonathan
0
0
4
0
Gestede,RudyPhilippeMichelCamille
4
12
1
1
Gibson,BenjaminJames
38
0
0
1
Guedioura,Adlene
0
5
3
0
Guzan,BradleyEdwin
10
0
26
0
Husband,JamesAndrew
1
0
0
0
John-Baptiste,Alex
0
0
2
0
Konstantopoulos,Dimitrios
0
0
12
0
Leadbitter,Grant
7
6
13
1
NegredoSanchez,Alvaro
33
3
1
9
NsueLopez,Emilio
4
0
7
0
Nugent,DavidJames
0
4
5
0
PereiraDaSilva,Fabio
21
3
4
0
RamirezPereyra,GastonExequiel
20
4
0
2
Reach,AdamMichael
0
0
1
0
Rhodes,JordanLuke
2
4
8
0
SanchezAyala,Daniel
11
3
7
1
Stuani,CristhianRicardo
16
7
8
4
TraoreDiarra,Adama 16 11 7 0
ValdesArribas,Victor
28
0
0
0
598
Sub Sub
Southampton
P
P
NP
GS
AlvesSoares,CedricRicardo
30
0
0
0
Austin,Charlie
11
4
2
6
Bertrand,Ryan
28
0
4
2
Boufal,Sofiane
12
12
0
1
CaceresSilva,JoseMartin
1
0
12
0
Clasie,Jordy
12
4
15
1
Davis,Steven
29
3
2
0
Fonte,JoseMiguel
17
0
3
0
Forster,FraserGerard
38
0
0
0
Gabbiadini,Manolo
10
1
0
4
Gardos,Florin
0
0
3
0
Hassen,Mouez
0
0
13
0
Hesketh,JakeAlexander
0
0
1
0
Hojbjerg,PierreEmileKordt
14
8
12
0
Isgrove,LloydJeffrey
0
0
1
0
Lewis,HarryCharlesJohn
0
0
1
0
Long,ShanePatrick
10
22
1
3
Martina,Rhu-EndlyAurelioJean-Carlo
6
3
7
0
McCarthy,AlexSimon
0
0
9
0
McQueen,SamuelJames
5
8
6
0
Olomola,Olufela
0
0
2
0
Pied,Jeremy
1
3
5
0
Redmond,NathanDanielJerome
32
5
0
7
Reed,HarrisonJames
1
2
8
0
Rodriguez,JayEnriqus
9
15
7
5
Sims,JoshuaSamuel
1
6
3
0
Stephens,Jack
15
2
3
0
Tadic,Dusan
30
3
0
3
Targett,MatthewRobert
5
0
2
0
Taylor,StuartJames
0
0
15
0
VanDijk,Virgil
21
0
0
1
Vidal,OriolRomeu
35
0
0
1
Ward-Prowse,JamesMichaelEdward
22
8
5
4
Yoshida,Maya
23
0
15
1
Sub Sub
Stoke City
P
P
NP
GS
Adam,CharlesGraham
17
7
14
1
Afellay,Ibrahim
3
9
2
0
Allen,JosephMichael
34
2
0
6
Arnautovic,Marko
32
0
0
6
Bardsley,PhillipAnthony
14
1
12
0
Berahino,Saido
8
5
3
0
Bony,WilfriedGuemiand
9
1
8
2
Butland,Jack
5
0
1
0
Cameron,GeoffScott
18
1
2
0
Crouch,PeterJames
13
14
11
7
Diouf,MameBiram
15
12
5
1
Edwards,ThomasAdam
0
0
2
0
Given,ShayJohnJames
5
0
27
0
Grant,LeeAnderson
28
0
7
0
Haugaard,Jakob
0
0
3
0
ImbulaWanga,Gilbert
9
3
15
0
Johnson,GlenMcLeodCooper
21
2
1
0
KrkicPerez,Bojan
5
4
12
3
MartinsIndi,RolandoMaximiliano
35
0
0
1
MuniesaMartinez,Marc
7
3
20
1
NgoyBinCibambi,JulienFontaine
0
5
3
0
Pieters,Erik
35
1
2
0
Shaqiri,Xherdan
21
0
3
4
Shawcross,RyanJames
35
0
0
1
Sobhi,Ramadan
8
9
9
0
Taylor,Joel
0
0
1
0
Verlinden,Thibaud 0 0 2 0
Sub Sub
Sunderland
P
P
NP
GS
Anichebe,VictorChinedu
14
4
2
3
Asoro,JoelJoshghene
0
1
8
0
Borini,Fabio
19
5
2
2
Cattermole,LeeBarry
8
0
1
0
Defoe,JermainColin
37
0
0
15
Denayer,Jason
22
2
1
0
Djilobodji,ElHadjiPapyMison
17
1
12
0
Embleton,ElliotJohn
0
0
6
0
Gibson,DarronThomasDaniel
7
5
1
0
Gooch,LyndenJack
4
7
8
0
Honeyman,GeorgeChristopher
2
3
10
0
Januzaj,Adnan
18
7
6
0
Jones,Billy
25
2
1
1
Kaboul,Younes
1
0
0
0
Khazri,Wahbi
7
14
12
1
Kirchhoff,JanTilman
5
2
0
0
Kone,Lamine-Gueye
29
1
1
1
Larsson,SebastianBengtUlf
17
4
2
0
Ledger,Michael
0
0
1
0
Lens,Jeremain
0
2
1
0
Lescott,JoleonPatrick
1
1
7
0
Love,DonaldAlistair
6
6
13
0
Maja,JoshuaErowoli
0
0
4
0
Mannone,Vito
9
0
19
0
ManquilloGaitan,Javier
15
5
12
1
McNair,PatrickJamesColeman
5
4
2
0
Ndong,DidierIbrahim
27
4
0
1
O’Shea,JohnFrancis
26
2
6
0
OviedoJimenez,BryanJosue
10
0
1
0
Pickford,JordanLee
29
0
2
0
Pienaar,Steven
10
5
4
0
Robson,Ethan
0
0
2
0
Robson,Thomas
0
0
2
0
Robson,JoshuaPaul
0
0
1
0
Rodwell,Jack
17
3
5
0
SimoesDomingues,Michael
0
0
16
0
Stryjek,Maksymilian
0
0
1
0
VanAanholt,PatrickJohnMiguel
20
1
0
3
Watmore,DuncanIan
11
3
0
0
Sub Sub
Swansea City
P
P
NP
GS
AmatMaas,Jordi
15
2
14
0
Ayew,Jordan
9
5
0
1
Barrow,Moduo
12
6
1
0
Britton,LeonJames
16
0
9
0
Carroll,ThomasJames
16
1
0
1
Cork,JackFrankPorteous
25
5
6
0
Dyer,NathanAntoneJonah
3
5
4
0
Fabianski,Lukasz
37
0
0
0
Fer,Leroy
27
7
4
6
Fernandez,Federico
27
0
2
0
Fulton,Jay
9
2
6
0
GonzalezTomas,Borja
4
14
10
1
James,Daniel
0
0
1
0
Ki,SungYueng
13
10
2
0
Kingsley,Stephen
12
1
10
0
LlorenteTorres,Javier
28
5
0
15
Mawson,AlfieRobertJohn
27
0
3
4
McBurnie,Oliver
0
5
6
0
MonteroVite,JeffersonAntonio
2
11
5
0
Narsingh,Luciano
3
10
2
0
Naughton,Kyle
31
0
5
1
Nordfeldt,BoKristoffer
1
0
37
0
Olsson,MartinTonyWaikwa
14
1
0
2
Roberts,ConnorRichardJones
0
0
2
0
Routledge,WayneNevilleAnthony
24
3
3
3
Sigurdsson,GylfiThor 37 1 0 9
Taylor,NeilJohn
11
0
3
0
Tremmel,Gerhard
0
0
1
0
VanDerHoorn,MikeAdrianusWilhelmus
7
1
16
1
Zaragoza,AngelRangel
8
10
9
1
600
Sub Sub
Tottenham Hotspur
P
P
NP
GS
Alderweireld,TobyAlbertine
30
0
0
1
Alli,BamideleJermaine
35
2
0
18
Carroll,ThomasJames
0
1
0
0
Carter-Vickers,Cameron
0
0
16
0
Davies,BenjaminThomas
18
5
11
1
Dembele,Mousa
24
6
1
1
Dier,EricJeremyEdgar
34
2
1
2
Eriksen,Christian
36
0
2
8
Heung-Min,Son
23
11
2
14
Janssen,VincentPetrusAnnaSebastiaan
7
20
4
2
Kane,Harry
29
1
0
29
Lamela,Erik
6
3
0
1
Lesniak,Filip
0
1
1
0
Lloris,Hugo
34
0
0
0
LopezSabata,Pau
0
0
5
0
Mason,RyanGlen
0
0
2
0
McGee,LukePaul
0
0
2
0
NkoudouMbida,Georges-Kevin
0
8
14
0
Onomah,Joshua
0
5
10
0
Rose,DanielLee
18
0
0
2
Shashoua,Samuel
0
0
1
0
Sissoko,Moussa
8
17
6
0
Trippier,KieranJohn
6
6
17
0
Vertonghen,Jan
33
0
0
0
Vorm,Michel
4
1
30
0
Walker,KyleAndrew
31
2
2
0
Wanyama,Victor
35
1
0
4
Wimmer,Kevin
4
1
22
0
Winks,Harry
3
18
6
1
Sub Sub
Watford
P
P
NP
GS
Amrabat,Noureddine
25
4
0
0
Anya,Ikechi
0
1
1
0
Arlauskis,Giedrius
0
0
5
0
Behrami,Valon
26
1
4
0
BritosCabrera,MiguelAngel
27
0
1
1
Capoue,Etienne
37
0
1
7
Cathcart,CraigGeorge
13
2
5
0
Cholevas,ChoseLoint
33
0
1
2
Cleverley,ThomasWilliam
16
1
0
0
Deeney,TroyMatthew
31
6
1
10
Doucoure,Abdoulaye
14
6
4
1
Eleftheriou,Andrew
0
1
7
0
Folivi,MichaelKwaku
0
1
1
0
Gilmartin,Rene
0
0
1
0
Gomes,HeurelhoDaSilva
38
0
0
0
Guedioura,Adlene
9
3
8
0
Hoban,ThomasMichael
0
0
1
0
Ighalo,Odion
14
4
4
1
Janmaat,Daryl
18
9
0
2
Kabasele,Christian
7
9
6
2
Kaboul,Younes
22
0
2
2
Mariappa,AdrianJoseph
6
1
10
0
Mason,BrandonAlexander
1
1
6
0
Niang,M’BayeBabacar
15
1
0
2
NunesNascimento,RobertKenedy
0
1
2
0
Nyom,Allan
0
0
2
0
Okaka,StefanoChuka
10
9
4
4
Pantilimon,CostelFane
0
2
31
0
Pereira,DionEnrico
0
2
3
0
Pereyra,RobertoMaximiliano
12
1
0
2
Prodl,Sebastian
32
1
2
1
Rowan,CharlesAlfred
0
0
1
0
Sinclair,JeromeTerence
1
4
10
0
Stewart,CarlLeon
0
0
2
0
SuccessAjayi,Isaac
2
17
5
1
Vydra,Matej 0 1 1 0
Sub Sub
West Bromwich Albion
P
P
NP
GS
Berahino,Saido
3
1
2
0
Brunt,Christopher
27
4
0
3
Chadli,Nacer
27
4
2
5
Dawson,Craig
37
0
0
4
Evans,JonathanGrant
30
1
0
2
Field,Samuel
4
4
14
0
Fletcher,DarrenBarr
37
1
0
2
Foster,Ben
38
0
0
0
Galloway,BrendanJoelZibusiso
3
0
13
0
Gardner,Craig
2
7
11
0
Harper,Rekeem
0
0
3
0
Lambert,RickieLee
0
1
2
0
Leko,JonathanKisolokele
0
9
17
0
Livermore,JakeCyril
15
1
1
0
McAuley,GarethGerald
36
0
0
6
McClean,JamesJoseph
13
21
3
1
Morrison,JamesClark
17
14
4
5
Myhill,GlynOliver
0
0
32
0
Nyom,Allan
29
3
2
0
Olsson,Jonas
7
0
20
0
Palmer,Alexander
0
0
5
0
Phillips,Matthew
26
1
1
4
Robson-Kanu,ThomasHal
5
24
3
3
Rondon,JoseSolomon
32
6
0
8
Rose,JackJoseph
0
0
1
0
Wilson,MarcDavid
3
1
10
0
Wilson,Kane
0
0
8
0
Yacob,Claudio
27
6
3
0
Sub Sub
West Ham United
P
P
NP
GS
Antonio,MichailGregory
29
0
0
9
ArbeloaCoca,Alvaro
1
2
0
0
Ayew,AndreMorganRami
16
9
0
6
Browne,MarcusAlexander
0
0
2
0
Burke,Reece
0
0
2
0
Byram,SamuelMark
13
5
4
0
Calleri,Jonathan
4
12
6
1
Carroll,AndrewThomas
15
3
1
7
Collins,JamesMichael
19
3
9
2
Cresswell,Aaron
24
2
1
0
Feghouli,Sofiane
11
10
10
3
FernandesRibeiro,Edimilson
8
20
5
0
Fletcher,AshleyMichael
2
14
15
0
Fonte,JoseMiguel
16
0
0
0
Holland,NathanElliot
0
0
1
0
Kemp,Daniel
0
0
1
0
Kouyate,Cheikhou
31
0
0
1
Lanzini,Manuel
31
4
0
8
Makasi,KusuMoses
0
0
2
0
MasuakuKawela,Fuka-Arthur
11
2
3
0
Noble,MarkJames
29
1
2
3
Nordtveit,Havard
11
5
12
0
ObiangAvomo,PedroMba
21
1
6
1
Ogbonna,ObinzeAngelo
20
0
4
0
Oxford,ReeceJoel
0
0
8
0
Payet,Dimitri
17
1
0
2
Pike,AlexanderGeorge
0
0
2
0
Quina,Domingos
0
0
12
0
Randolph,DarrenEdwardAndrew
22
0
14
0
Reid,WinstonWiremu
30
0
0
2
Rice,Declan
0
1
5
0
Sakho,Diafra
2
2
1
1
SanMiguelDelCastillo,Adrian
16
0
22
0
Snodgrass,Robert
8
7
0
0
Spiegel,RaphaelSimon
0
0
2
0
Tore,Gokhan
3
2
1
0
ValenciaLastra,EnnerRemberto 3 0 0 0
Zaza,Simone
5
3
3
0
602
Premier League TablesPremier League 1992/93
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
42
24
12
6
67
31
36
84
2
AstonVilla
42
21
11
10
57
40
17
74
3
NorwichCity
42
21
9
12
61
65
-4
72
4
BlackburnRovers
42
20
11
11
68
46
22
71
5
QueensParkRangers
42
17
12
13
63
55
8
63
6
Liverpool
42
16
11
15
62
55
7
59
7
SheffieldWednesday
42
15
14
13
55
51
4
59
8
TottenhamHotspur
42
16
11
15
60
66
-6
59
9
ManchesterCity
42
15
12
15
56
51
5
57
10
Arsenal
42
15
11
16
40
38
2
56
11
Chelsea
42
14
14
14
51
54
-3
56
12
Wimbledon
42
14
12
16
56
55
1
54
13
Everton
42
15
8
19
53
55
-2
53
14
SheffieldUnited
42
14
10
18
54
53
1
52
15
CoventryCity
42
13
13
16
52
57
-5
52
16
IpswichTown
42
12
16
14
50
55
-5
52
17
LeedsUnited
42
12
15
15
57
62
-5
51
18
Southampton
42
13
11
18
54
61
-7
50
19
OldhamAthletic
42
13
10
19
63
74
-11
49
20
CrystalPalace
42
11
16
15
48
61
-13
49
21
Middlesbrough
42
11
11
20
54
75
-21
44
22
NottinghamForest
42
10
10
22
41
62
-21
40
Premier League 1993/94
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
42
27
11
4
80
38
42
92
2
BlackburnRovers
42
25
9
8
63
36
27
84
3
NewcastleUnited
42
23
8
11
82
41
41
77
4
Arsenal
42
18
17
7
53
28
25
71
5
LeedsUnited
42
18
16
8
65
39
26
70
6
Wimbledon
42
18
11
13
56
53
3
65
7
SheffieldWednesday
42
16
16
10
76
54
22
64
8
Liverpool
42
17
9
16
59
55
4
60
9
QueensParkRangers
42
16
12
14
62
61
1
60
10
AstonVilla
42
15
12
15
46
50
-4
57
11
CoventryCity
42
14
14
14
43
45
-2
56
12
NorwichCity
42
12
17
13
65
61
4
53
13
WestHamUnited
42
13
13
16
47
58
-11
52
14
Chelsea
42
13
12
17
49
53
-4
51
15
TottenhamHotspur
42
11
12
19
54
59
-5
45
16
ManchesterCity
42
9
18
15
38
49
-11
45
17
Everton
42
12
8
22
42
63
-21
44
18
Southampton
42
12
7
23
49
66
-17
43
19
IpswichTown
42
9
16
17
35
58
-23
43
20
SheffieldUnited
42
8
18
16
42
60
-18
42
21
OldhamAthletic
42
9
13
20
42
68
-26
40
22
SwindonTown
42
5
15
22
47
100
-53
30
603
Premier League 1994/95
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
BlackburnRovers
42
27
8
7
80
39
41
89
2
ManchesterUnited
42
26
10
6
77
28
49
88
3
NottinghamForest
42
22
11
9
72
43
29
77
4
Liverpool
42
21
11
10
65
37
28
74
5
LeedsUnited
42
20
13
9
59
38
21
73
6
NewcastleUnited
42
20
12
10
67
47
20
72
7
TottenhamHotspur
42
16
14
12
66
58
8
62
8
QueensParkRangers
42
17
9
16
61
59
2
60
9
Wimbledon
42
15
11
16
48
65
-17
56
10
Southampton
42
12
18
12
61
63
-2
54
11
Chelsea
42
13
15
14
50
55
-5
54
12
Arsenal
42
13
12
17
52
49
3
51
13
SheffieldWednesday
42
13
12
17
49
57
-8
51
14
WestHamUnited
42
13
11
18
44
48
-4
50
15
Everton
42
11
17
14
44
51
-7
50
16
CoventryCity
42
12
14
16
44
62
-18
50
17
ManchesterCity
42
12
13
17
53
64
-11
49
18
AstonVilla
42
11
15
16
51
56
-5
48
19
CrystalPalace
42
11
12
19
34
49
-15
45
20
NorwichCity
42
10
13
19
37
54
-17
43
21
LeicesterCity
42
6
11
25
45
80
-35
29
22
IpswichTown
42
7
6
29
36
93
-57
27
Premier League 1995/96
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
38
25
7
6
73
35
38
82
2
NewcastleUnited
38
24
6
8
66
37
29
78
3
Liverpool
38
20
11
7
70
34
36
71
4
AstonVilla
38
18
9
11
52
35
17
63
5
Arsenal
38
17
12
9
49
32
17
63
6
Everton
38
17
10
11
64
44
20
61
7
BlackburnRovers
38
18
7
13
61
47
14
61
8
TottenhamHotspur
38
16
13
9
50
38
12
61
9
NottinghamForest
38
15
13
10
50
54
-4
58
10
WestHamUnited
38
14
9
15
43
52
-9
51
11
Chelsea
38
12
14
12
46
44
2
50
12
Middlesbrough
38
11
10
17
35
50
-15
43
13
LeedsUnited
38
12
7
19
40
57
-17
43
14
Wimbledon
38
10
11
17
55
70
-15
41
15
SheffieldWednesday
38
10
10
18
48
61
-13
40
16
CoventryCity
38
8
14
16
42
60
-18
38
17
Southampton
38
9
11
18
34
52
-18
38
18
ManchesterCity
38
9
11
18
33
58
-25
38
19
QueensParkRangers
38
9
6
23
38
57
-19
33
20
BoltonWanderers
38
8
5
25
39
71
-32
29
604
Premier League 1996/97
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
38
21
12
5
76
44
32
75
2
NewcastleUnited
38
19
11
8
73
40
33
68
3
Arsenal
38
19
11
8
62
32
30
68
4
Liverpool
38
19
11
8
62
37
25
68
5
AstonVilla
38
17
10
11
47
34
13
61
6
Chelsea
38
16
11
11
58
55
3
59
7
SheffieldWednesday
38
14
15
9
50
51
-1
57
8
Wimbledon
38
15
11
12
49
46
3
56
9
LeicesterCity
38
12
11
15
46
54
-8
47
10
TottenhamHotspur
38
13
7
18
44
51
-7
46
11
LeedsUnited
38
11
13
14
28
38
-10
46
12
DerbyCounty
38
11
13
14
45
58
-13
46
13
BlackburnRovers
38
9
15
14
42
43
-1
42
14
WestHamUnited
38
10
12
16
39
48
-9
42
15
Everton
38
10
12
16
44
57
-13
42
16
Southampton
38
10
11
17
50
56
-6
41
17
CoventryCity
38
9
14
15
38
54
-16
41
18
Sunderland
38
10
10
18
35
53
-18
40
19
Middlesbrough
38
10
12
16
51
60
-9
39*20
NottinghamForest
38
6
16
16
31
59
-28
34
*Middlesbroughdeducted3pointsPremier League 1997/98
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Arsenal
38
23
9
6
68
33
35
78
2
ManchesterUnited
38
23
8
7
73
26
47
77
3
Liverpool
38
18
11
9
68
42
26
65
4
Chelsea
38
20
3
15
71
43
28
63
5
LeedsUnited
38
17
8
13
57
46
11
59
6
BlackburnRovers
38
16
10
12
57
52
5
58
7
AstonVilla
38
17
6
15
49
48
1
57
8
WestHamUnited
38
16
8
14
56
57
-1
56
9
DerbyCounty
38
16
7
15
52
49
3
55
10
LeicesterCity
38
13
14
11
51
41
10
53
11
CoventryCity
38
12
16
10
46
44
2
52
12
Southampton
38
14
6
18
50
55
-5
48
13
NewcastleUnited
38
11
11
16
35
44
-9
44
14
TottenhamHotspur
38
11
11
16
44
56
-12
44
15
Wimbledon
38
10
14
14
34
46
-12
44
16
SheffieldWednesday
38
12
8
18
52
67
-15
44
17
Everton
38
9
13
16
41
56
-15
40
18
BoltonWanderers
38
9
13
16
41
61
-20
40
19
Barnsley
38
10
5
23
37
82
-45
35
20
CrystalPalace
38
8
9
21
37
71
-34
33
605
Premier League 1998/99
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
38
22
13
3
80
37
43
79
2
Arsenal
38
22
12
4
59
17
42
78
3
Chelsea
38
20
15
3
57
30
27
75
4
LeedsUnited
38
18
13
7
62
34
28
67
5
WestHamUnited
38
16
9
13
46
53
-7
57
6
AstonVilla
38
15
10
13
51
46
5
55
7
Liverpool
38
15
9
14
68
49
19
54
8
DerbyCounty
38
13
13
12
40
45
-5
52
9
Middlesbrough
38
12
15
11
48
54
-6
51
10
LeicesterCity
38
12
13
13
40
46
-6
49
11
TottenhamHotspur
38
11
14
13
47
50
-3
47
12
SheffieldWednesday
38
13
7
18
41
42
-1
46
13
NewcastleUnited
38
11
13
14
48
54
-6
46
14
Everton
38
11
10
17
42
47
-5
43
15
CoventryCity
38
11
9
18
39
51
-12
42
16
Wimbledon
38
10
12
16
40
63
-23
42
17
Southampton
38
11
8
19
37
64
-27
41
18
CharltonAthletic
38
8
12
18
41
56
-15
36
19
BlackburnRovers
38
7
14
17
38
52
-14
35
20
NottinghamForest
38
7
9
22
35
69
-34
30
Premier League 1999/00
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
38
28
7
3
97
45
52
91
2
Arsenal
38
22
7
9
73
43
30
73
3
LeedsUnited
38
21
6
11
58
43
15
69
4
Liverpool
38
19
10
9
51
30
21
67
5
Chelsea
38
18
11
9
53
34
19
65
6
AstonVilla
38
15
13
10
46
35
11
58
7
Sunderland
38
16
10
12
57
56
1
58
8
LeicesterCity
38
16
7
15
55
55
0
55
9
WestHamUnited
38
15
10
13
52
53
-1
55
10
TottenhamHotspur
38
15
8
15
57
49
8
53
11
NewcastleUnited
38
14
10
14
63
54
9
52
12
Middlesbrough
38
14
10
14
46
52
-6
52
13
Everton
38
12
14
12
59
49
10
50
14
CoventryCity
38
12
8
18
47
54
-7
44
15
Southampton
38
12
8
18
45
62
-17
44
16
DerbyCounty
38
9
11
18
44
57
-13
38
17
BradfordCity
38
9
9
20
38
68
-30
36
18
Wimbledon
38
7
12
19
46
74
-28
33
19
SheffieldWednesday
38
8
7
23
38
70
-32
31
20
Watford
38
6
6
26
35
77
-42
24
606
Premier League 2000/01
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
38
24
8
6
79
31
48
80
2
Arsenal
38
20
10
8
63
38
25
70
3
Liverpool
38
20
9
9
71
39
32
69
4
LeedsUnited
38
20
8
10
64
43
21
68
5
IpswichTown
38
20
6
12
57
42
15
66
6
Chelsea
38
17
10
11
68
45
23
61
7
Sunderland
38
15
12
11
46
41
5
57
8
AstonVilla
38
13
15
10
46
43
3
54
9
CharltonAthletic
38
14
10
14
50
57
-7
52
10
Southampton
38
14
10
14
40
48
-8
52
11
NewcastleUnited
38
14
9
15
44
50
-6
51
12
TottenhamHotspur
38
13
10
15
47
54
-7
49
13
LeicesterCity
38
14
6
18
39
51
-12
48
14
Middlesbrough
38
9
15
14
44
44
0
42
15
WestHamUnited
38
10
12
16
45
50
-5
42
16
Everton
38
11
9
18
45
59
-14
42
17
DerbyCounty
38
10
12
16
37
59
-22
42
18
ManchesterCity
38
8
10
20
41
65
-24
34
19
CoventryCity
38
8
10
20
36
63
-27
34
20
BradfordCity
38
5
11
22
30
70
-40
26
Premier League 2001/02
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Arsenal
38
26
9
3
79
36
43
87
2
Liverpool
38
24
8
6
67
30
37
80
3
ManchesterUnited
38
24
5
9
87
45
42
77
4
NewcastleUnited
38
21
8
9
74
52
22
71
5
LeedsUnited
38
18
12
8
53
37
16
66
6
Chelsea
38
17
13
8
66
38
28
64
7
WestHamUnited
38
15
8
15
48
57
-9
53
8
AstonVilla
38
12
14
12
46
47
-1
50
9
TottenhamHotspur
38
14
8
16
49
53
-4
50
10
BlackburnRovers
38
12
10
16
55
51
4
46
11
Southampton
38
12
9
17
46
54
-8
45
12
Middlesbrough
38
12
9
17
35
47
-12
45
13
Fulham
38
10
14
14
36
44
-8
44
14
CharltonAthletic
38
10
14
14
38
49
-11
44
15
Everton
38
11
10
17
45
57
-12
43
16
BoltonWanderers
38
9
13
16
44
62
-18
40
17
Sunderland
38
10
10
18
29
51
-22
40
18
IpswichTown
38
9
9
20
41
64
-23
36
19
DerbyCounty
38
8
6
24
33
63
-30
30
20
LeicesterCity
38
5
13
20
30
64
-34
28
607
Premier League 2002/03
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
38
25
8
5
74
34
40
83
2
Arsenal
38
23
9
6
85
42
43
78
3
NewcastleUnited
38
21
6
11
63
48
15
69
4
Chelsea
38
19
10
9
68
38
30
67
5
Liverpool
38
18
10
10
61
41
20
64
6
BlackburnRovers
38
16
12
10
52
43
9
60
7
Everton
38
17
8
13
48
49
-1
59
8
Southampton
38
13
13
12
43
46
-3
52
9
ManchesterCity
38
15
6
17
47
54
-7
51
10
TottenhamHotspur
38
14
8
16
51
62
-11
50
11
Middlesbrough
38
13
10
15
48
44
4
49
12
CharltonAthletic
38
14
7
17
45
56
-11
49
13
BirminghamCity
38
13
9
16
41
49
-8
48
14
Fulham
38
13
9
16
41
50
-9
48
15
LeedsUnited
38
14
5
19
58
57
1
47
16
AstonVilla
38
12
9
17
42
47
-5
45
17
BoltonWanderers
38
10
14
14
41
51
-10
44
18
WestHamUnited
38
10
12
16
42
59
-17
42
19
WestBromwichAlbion
38
6
8
24
29
65
-36
26
20
Sunderland
38
4
7
27
21
65
-44
19
Premier League 2003/04
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Arsenal
38
26
12
0
73
26
47
90
2
Chelsea
38
24
7
7
67
30
37
79
3
ManchesterUnited
38
23
6
9
64
35
29
75
4
Liverpool
38
16
12
10
55
37
18
60
5
NewcastleUnited
38
13
17
8
52
40
12
56
6
AstonVilla
38
15
11
12
48
44
4
56
7
CharltonAthletic
38
14
11
13
51
51
0
53
8
BoltonWanderers
38
14
11
13
48
56
-8
53
9
Fulham
38
14
10
14
52
46
6
52
10
BirminghamCity
38
12
14
12
43
48
-5
50
11
Middlesbrough
38
13
9
16
44
52
-8
48
12
Southampton
38
12
11
15
44
45
-1
47
13
Portsmouth
38
12
9
17
47
54
-7
45
14
TottenhamHotspur
38
13
6
19
47
57
-10
45
15
BlackburnRovers
38
12
8
18
51
59
-8
44
16
ManchesterCity
38
9
14
15
55
54
1
41
17
Everton
38
9
12
17
45
57
-12
39
18
LeicesterCity
38
6
15
17
48
65
-17
33
19
LeedsUnited
38
8
9
21
40
79
-39
33
20
WolverhamptonWanderers
38
7
12
19
38
77
-39
33
608
Premier League 2004/05
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Chelsea
38
29
8
1
72
15
57
95
2
Arsenal
38
25
8
5
87
36
51
83
3
ManchesterUnited
38
22
11
5
58
26
32
77
4
Everton
38
18
7
13
45
46
-1
61
5
Liverpool
38
17
7
14
52
41
11
58
6
BoltonWanderers
38
16
10
12
49
44
5
58
7
Middlesbrough
38
14
13
11
53
46
7
55
8
ManchesterCity
38
13
13
12
47
39
8
52
9
TottenhamHotspur
38
14
10
14
47
41
6
52
10
AstonVilla
38
12
11
15
45
52
-7
47
11
CharltonAthletic
38
12
10
16
42
58
-16
46
12
BirminghamCity
38
11
12
15
40
46
-6
45
13
Fulham
38
12
8
18
52
60
-8
44
14
NewcastleUnited
38
10
14
14
47
57
-10
44
15
BlackburnRovers
38
9
15
14
32
43
-11
42
16
Portsmouth
38
10
9
19
43
59
-16
39
17
WestBromwichAlbion
38
6
16
16
36
61
-25
34
18
CrystalPalace
38
7
12
19
41
62
-21
33
19
NorwichCity
38
7
12
19
42
77
-35
33
20
Southampton
38
6
14
18
45
66
-21
32
Premier League 2005/06
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Chelsea
38
29
4
5
72
22
50
91
2
ManchesterUnited
38
25
8
5
72
34
38
83
3
Liverpool
38
25
7
6
57
25
32
82
4
Arsenal
38
20
7
11
68
31
37
67
5
TottenhamHotspur
38
18
11
9
53
38
15
65
6
BlackburnRovers
38
19
6
13
51
42
9
63
7
NewcastleUnited
38
17
7
14
47
42
5
58
8
BoltonWanderers
38
15
11
12
49
41
8
56
9
WestHamUnited
38
16
7
15
52
55
-3
55
10
WiganAthletic
38
15
6
17
45
52
-7
51
11
Everton
38
14
8
16
34
49
-15
50
12
Fulham
38
14
6
18
48
58
-10
48
13
CharltonAthletic
38
13
8
17
41
55
-14
47
14
Middlesbrough
38
12
9
17
48
58
-10
45
15
ManchesterCity
38
13
4
21
43
48
-5
43
16
AstonVilla
38
10
12
16
42
55
-13
42
17
Portsmouth
38
10
8
20
37
62
-25
38
18
BirminghamCity
38
8
10
20
28
50
-22
34
19
WestBromwichAlbion
38
7
9
22
31
58
-27
30
20
Sunderland
38
3
6
29
26
69
-43
15
609
Premier League 2006/07
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
38
28
5
5
83
27
56
89
2
Chelsea
38
24
11
3
64
24
40
83
3
Liverpool
38
20
8
10
57
27
30
68
4
Arsenal
38
19
11
8
63
35
28
68
5
TottenhamHotspur
38
17
9
12
57
54
3
60
6
Everton
38
15
13
10
52
36
16
58
7
BoltonWanderers
38
16
8
14
47
52
-5
56
8
Reading
38
16
7
15
52
47
5
55
9
Portsmouth
38
14
12
12
45
42
3
54
10
BlackburnRovers
38
15
7
16
52
54
-2
52
11
AstonVilla
38
11
17
10
43
41
2
50
12
Middlesbrough
38
12
10
16
44
49
-5
46
13
NewcastleUnited
38
11
10
17
38
47
-9
43
14
ManchesterCity
38
11
9
18
29
44
-15
42
15
WestHamUnited
38
12
5
21
35
59
-24
41
16
Fulham
38
8
15
15
38
60
-22
39
17
WiganAthletic
38
10
8
20
37
59
-22
38
18
SheffieldUnited
38
10
8
20
32
55
-23
38
19
CharltonAthletic
38
8
10
20
34
60
-26
34
20
Watford
38
5
13
20
29
59
-30
28
Premier League 2007/08
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
38
27
6
5
80
22
58
87
2
Chelsea
38
25
10
3
65
26
39
85
3
Arsenal
38
24
11
3
74
31
43
83
4
Liverpool
38
21
13
4
67
28
39
76
5
Everton
38
19
8
11
55
33
22
65
6
AstonVilla
38
16
12
10
71
51
20
60
7
BlackburnRovers
38
15
13
10
50
48
2
58
8
Portsmouth
38
16
9
13
48
40
8
57
9
ManchesterCity
38
15
10
13
45
53
-8
55
10
WestHamUnited
38
13
10
15
42
50
-8
49
11
TottenhamHotspur
38
11
13
14
66
61
5
46
12
NewcastleUnited
38
11
10
17
45
65
-20
43
13
Middlesbrough
38
10
12
16
43
53
-10
42
14
WiganAthletic
38
10
10
18
34
51
-17
40
15
Sunderland
38
11
6
21
36
59
-23
39
16
BoltonWanderers
38
9
10
19
36
54
-18
37
17
Fulham
38
8
12
18
38
60
-22
36
18
Reading
38
10
6
22
41
66
-25
36
19
BirminghamCity
38
8
11
19
46
62
-16
35
20
DerbyCounty
38
1
8
29
20
89
-69
11
610
Premier League 2008/09
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
38
28
6
4
68
24
44
90
2
Liverpool
38
25
11
2
77
27
50
86
3
Chelsea
38
25
8
5
68
24
44
83
4
Arsenal
38
20
12
6
68
37
31
72
5
Everton
38
17
12
9
55
37
18
63
6
AstonVilla
38
17
11
10
54
48
6
62
7
Fulham
38
14
11
13
39
34
5
53
8
TottenhamHotspur
38
14
9
15
45
45
0
51
9
WestHamUnited
38
14
9
15
42
45
-3
51
10
ManchesterCity
38
15
5
18
58
50
8
50
11
WiganAthletic
38
12
9
17
34
45
-11
45
12
StokeCity
38
12
9
17
38
55
-17
45
13
BoltonWanderers
38
11
8
19
41
53
-12
41
14
Portsmouth
38
10
11
17
38
57
-19
41
15
BlackburnRovers
38
10
11
17
40
60
-20
41
16
Sunderland
38
9
9
20
34
54
-20
36
17
HullCity
38
8
11
19
39
64
-25
35
18
NewcastleUnited
38
7
13
18
40
59
-19
34
19
Middlesbrough
38
7
11
20
28
57
-29
32
20
WestBromwichAlbion
38
8
8
22
36
67
-31
32
Premier League 2009/10
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Chelsea
38
27
5
6
103
32
71
86
2
ManchesterUnited
38
27
4
7
86
28
58
85
3
Arsenal
38
23
6
9
83
41
42
75
4
TottenhamHotspur
38
21
7
10
67
41
26
70
5
ManchesterCity
38
18
13
7
73
45
28
67
6
AstonVilla
38
17
13
8
52
39
13
64
7
Liverpool
38
18
9
11
61
35
26
63
8
Everton
38
16
13
9
60
49
11
61
9
BirminghamCity
38
13
11
14
38
47
-9
50
10
BlackburnRovers
38
13
11
14
41
55
-14
50
11
StokeCity
38
11
14
13
34
48
-14
47
12
Fulham
38
12
10
16
39
46
-7
46
13
Sunderland
38
11
11
16
48
56
-8
44
14
BoltonWanderers
38
10
9
19
42
67
-25
39
15
WolverhamptonWanderers
38
9
11
18
32
56
-24
38
16
WiganAthletic
38
9
9
20
37
79
-42
36
17
WestHamUnited
38
8
11
19
47
66
-19
35
18
Burnley
38
8
6
24
42
82
-40
30
19
HullCity
38
6
12
20
34
75
-41
30
20
Portsmouth
38
7
7
24
34
66
-32
19
*Portsmouthdeducted9points
611
Premier League 2010/11
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
38
23
11
4
78
37
41
80
2
Chelsea
38
21
8
9
69
33
36
71
3
ManchesterCity
38
21
8
9
60
33
27
71
4
Arsenal
38
19
11
8
72
43
29
68
5
TottenhamHotspur
38
16
14
8
55
46
9
62
6
Liverpool
38
17
7
14
59
44
15
58
7
Everton
38
13
15
10
51
45
6
54
8
Fulham
38
11
16
11
49
43
6
49
9
AstonVilla
38
12
12
14
48
59
-11
48
10
Sunderland
38
12
11
15
45
56
-11
47
11
WestBromwichAlbion
38
12
11
15
56
71
-15
47
12
NewcastleUnited
38
11
13
14
56
57
-1
46
13
StokeCity
38
13
7
18
46
48
-2
46
14
BoltonWanderers
38
12
10
16
52
56
-4
46
15
BlackburnRovers
38
11
10
17
46
59
-13
43
16
WiganAthletic
38
9
15
14
40
61
-21
42
17
WolverhamptonWanderers
38
11
7
20
46
66
-20
40
18
BirminghamCity
38
8
15
15
37
58
-21
39
19
Blackpool
38
10
9
19
55
78
-23
39
20
WestHamUnited
38
7
12
19
43
70
-27
33
Premier League 2011/12
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterCity
38
28
5
5
93
29
64
89
2
ManchesterUnited
38
28
5
5
89
33
56
89
3
Arsenal
38
21
7
10
74
49
25
70
4
TottenhamHotspur
38
20
9
9
66
41
25
69
5
NewcastleUnited
38
19
8
11
56
51
5
65
6
Chelsea
38
18
10
10
65
46
19
64
7
Everton
38
15
11
12
50
40
10
56
8
Liverpool
38
14
10
14
47
40
7
52
9
Fulham
38
14
10
14
48
51
-3
52
10
WestBromwichAlbion
38
13
8
17
45
52
-7
47
11
SwanseaCity
38
12
11
15
44
51
-7
47
12
NorwichCity
38
12
11
15
52
66
-14
47
13
Sunderland
38
11
12
15
45
46
-1
45
14
StokeCity
38
11
12
15
36
53
-17
45
15
WiganAthletic
38
11
10
17
42
62
-20
43
16
AstonVilla
38
7
17
14
37
53
-16
38
17
QueensParkRangers
38
10
7
21
43
66
-23
37
18
BoltonWanderers
38
10
6
22
46
77
-31
36
19
BlackburnRovers
38
8
7
23
48
78
-30
31
20
WolverhamptonWanderers
38
5
10
23
40
82
-42
25
612
Premier League 2012/13
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterUnited
38
28
5
5
86
43
43
89
2
ManchesterCity
38
23
9
6
66
34
32
78
3
Chelsea
38
22
9
7
75
39
36
75
4
Arsenal
38
21
10
7
72
37
35
73
5
TottenhamHotspur
38
21
9
8
66
46
20
72
6
Everton
38
16
15
7
55
40
15
63
7
Liverpool
38
16
13
9
71
43
28
61
8
WestBromwichAlbion
38
14
7
17
53
57
-4
49
9
SwanseaCity
38
11
13
14
47
51
-4
46
10
WestHamUnited
38
12
10
16
45
53
-8
46
11
NorwichCity
38
10
14
14
41
58
-17
44
12
Fulham
38
11
10
17
50
60
-10
43
13
StokeCity
38
9
15
14
34
45
-11
42
14
Southampton
38
9
14
15
49
60
-11
41
15
AstonVilla
38
10
11
17
47
69
-22
41
16
NewcastleUnited
38
11
8
19
45
68
-23
41
17
Sunderland
38
9
12
17
41
54
-13
39
18
WiganAthletic
38
9
9
20
47
73
-26
36
19
Reading
38
6
10
22
43
73
-30
28
20
QueensParkRangers
38
4
13
21
30
60
-30
25
Premier League 2013/14
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
ManchesterCity
38
27
5
6
102
37
65
86
2
Liverpool
38
26
6
6
101
50
51
84
3
Chelsea
38
25
7
6
71
27
44
82
4
Arsenal
38
24
7
7
68
41
27
79
5
Everton
38
21
9
8
61
39
22
72
6
TottenhamHotspur
38
21
6
11
55
51
4
69
7
ManchesterUnited
38
19
7
12
64
43
21
64
8
Southampton
38
15
11
12
54
46
8
56
9
StokeCity
38
13
11
14
45
52
-7
50
10
NewcastleUnited
38
15
4
19
43
59
-16
49
11
CrystalPalace
38
13
6
19
33
48
-15
45
12
SwanseaCity
38
11
9
18
54
54
0
42
13
WestHamUnited
38
11
7
20
40
51
-11
40
14
Sunderland
38
10
8
20
41
60
-19
38
15
AstonVilla
38
10
8
20
39
61
-22
38
16
HullCity
38
10
7
21
38
53
-15
37
17
WestBromwichAlbion
38
7
15
16
43
59
-16
36
18
NorwichCity
38
8
9
21
28
62
-34
33
19
Fulham
38
9
5
24
40
85
-45
32
20
CardiffCity
38
7
9
22
32
74
-42
30
613
Premier League 2014/15
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Chelsea
38
26
9
3
73
32
41
87
2
ManchesterCity
38
24
7
7
83
38
45
79
3
Arsenal
38
22
9
7
71
36
35
75
4
ManchesterUnited
38
20
10
8
62
37
25
70
5
TottenhamHotspur
38
19
7
12
58
53
5
64
6
Liverpool
38
18
8
12
52
48
4
62
7
Southampton
38
18
6
14
54
33
21
60
8
SwanseaCity
38
16
8
14
46
49
-3
56
9
StokeCity
38
15
9
14
48
45
3
54
10
CrystalPalace
38
13
9
16
47
51
-4
48
11
Everton
38
12
11
15
48
50
-2
47
12
WestHamUnited
38
12
11
15
44
47
-3
47
13
WestBromwichAlbion
38
11
11
16
38
51
-13
44
14
LeicesterCity
38
11
8
19
46
55
-9
41
15
NewcastleUnited
38
10
9
19
40
63
-23
39
16
Sunderland
38
7
17
14
31
53
-22
38
17
AstonVilla
38
10
8
20
31
57
-26
38
18
HullCity
38
8
11
19
33
51
-18
35
19
Burnley
38
7
12
19
28
53
-25
33
20
QueensParkRangers
38
8
6
24
42
73
-31
30
Premier League 2015/16
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
LeicesterCity
38
23
12
3
68
36
32
81
2
Arsenal
38
20
11
7
65
36
29
71
3
TottenhamHotspur
38
19
13
6
69
35
34
70
4
ManchesterCity
38
19
9
10
71
41
30
66
5
ManchesterUnited
38
19
9
10
49
35
14
66
6
Southampton
38
18
9
11
59
41
18
63
7
WestHamUnited
38
16
14
8
65
51
14
62
8
Liverpool
38
16
12
10
63
50
13
60
9
StokeCity
38
14
9
15
41
55
-14
51
10
Chelsea
38
12
14
12
59
53
6
50
11
Everton
38
11
14
13
59
55
4
47
12
SwanseaCity
38
12
11
15
42
52
-10
47
13
Watford
38
12
9
17
40
50
-10
45
14
WestBromwichAlbion
38
10
13
15
34
48
-14
43
15
CrystalPalace
38
11
9
18
39
51
-12
42
16
AFCBournemouth
38
11
9
18
45
67
-22
42
17
Sunderland
38
9
12
17
48
62
-14
39
18
NewcastleUnited
38
9
10
19
44
65
-21
37
19
NorwichCity
38
9
7
22
39
67
-28
34
20
AstonVilla
38
3
8
27
27
76
-49
17
614
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Exhibit12.1
CERTIFICATION
I,JoelGlazer,certifythat:
1. IhavereviewedthisannualreportonForm20-FofManchesterUnitedplc;
2. Basedonmyknowledge,thisreportdoesnotcontainanyuntruestatementofamaterialfactoromittostateamaterialfactnecessarytomakethestatementsmade,inlightofthecircumstancesunderwhichsuchstatementsweremade,notmisleadingwithrespecttotheperiodcoveredbythisreport;
3. Basedonmyknowledge,thefinancialstatements,andotherfinancialinformationincludedinthisreport,fairlypresentinallmaterialrespectsthefinancialcondition,resultsofoperationsandcashflowsoftheCompanyasof,andfor,theperiodspresentedinthisreport;
4. TheCompany'sothercertifyingofficerandIareresponsibleforestablishingandmaintainingdisclosurecontrolsandprocedures(asdefinedinExchangeActRules13a-15(e)and15d-15(e))andinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting(asdefinedinExchangeActRules13a-15(f)and15d-15(f))fortheCompanyandhave:
a) Designedsuchdisclosurecontrolsandprocedures,orcausedsuchdisclosurecontrolsandprocedurestobedesignedunderoursupervision,toensurethatmaterialinformationrelatingtotheCompany,includingitsconsolidatedsubsidiaries,ismadeknowntousbyotherswithinthoseentities,particularlyduringtheperiodinwhichthisreportisbeingprepared;
b) Designedsuchinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting,orcausedsuchinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingtobedesignedunderoursupervision,toprovidereasonableassuranceregardingthereliabilityoffinancialreportingandthepreparationoffinancialstatementsforexternalpurposesinaccordancewithgenerallyacceptedaccountingprinciples;
c) EvaluatedtheeffectivenessoftheCompany'sdisclosurecontrolsandproceduresandpresentedinthisreportourconclusionsabouttheeffectivenessofthedisclosurecontrolsandprocedures,asoftheendoftheperiodcoveredbythisreportbasedonsuchevaluation;and
d) DisclosedinthisreportanychangeintheCompany'sinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingthatoccurredduringtheperiodcoveredbytheannualreportthathasmateriallyaffected,orisreasonablylikelytomateriallyaffect,theCompany'sinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting;and
5. TheCompany'sothercertifyingofficerandIhavedisclosed,basedonourmostrecentevaluationofinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting,totheCompany'sauditorsandtheauditcommitteeoftheCompany'sboardofdirectors(orpersonsperformingtheequivalentfunction):
a) AllsignificantdeficienciesandmaterialweaknessesinthedesignoroperationofinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingwhicharereasonablylikelytoadverselyaffecttheCompany'sabilitytorecord,process,summariseandreportfinancialinformation;and
b) Anyfraud,whetherornotmaterial,thatinvolvesmanagementorotheremployeeswhohaveasignificantroleintheCompany'sinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting.
Date:13October2017
By: /s/JOELGLAZER
JoelGlazerExecutive Co-Chairman (Principal Executive Officer)
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Exhibit12.2
CERTIFICATION
I,CliffBaty,certifythat:
1. IhavereviewedthisannualreportonForm20-FofManchesterUnitedplc;
2. Basedonmyknowledge,thisreportdoesnotcontainanyuntruestatementofamaterialfactoromittostateamaterialfactnecessarytomakethestatementsmade,inlightofthecircumstancesunderwhichsuchstatementsweremade,notmisleadingwithrespecttotheperiodcoveredbythisreport;
3. Basedonmyknowledge,thefinancialstatements,andotherfinancialinformationincludedinthisreport,fairlypresentinallmaterialrespectsthefinancialcondition,resultsofoperationsandcashflowsoftheCompanyasof,andfor,theperiodspresentedinthisreport;
4. TheCompany'sothercertifyingofficerandIareresponsibleforestablishingandmaintainingdisclosurecontrolsandprocedures(asdefinedinExchangeActRules13a-15(e)and15d-15(e))andinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting(asdefinedinExchangeActRules13a-15(f)and15d-15(f))fortheCompanyandhave:
a. Designedsuchdisclosurecontrolsandprocedures,orcausedsuchdisclosurecontrolsandprocedurestobedesignedunderoursupervision,toensurethatmaterialinformationrelatingtotheCompany,includingitsconsolidatedsubsidiaries,ismadeknowntousbyotherswithinthoseentities,particularlyduringtheperiodinwhichthisreportisbeingprepared;
b. Designedsuchinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting,orcausedsuchinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingtobedesignedunderoursupervision,toprovidereasonableassuranceregardingthereliabilityoffinancialreportingandthepreparationoffinancialstatementsforexternalpurposesinaccordancewithgenerallyacceptedaccountingprinciples;
c. EvaluatedtheeffectivenessoftheCompany'sdisclosurecontrolsandproceduresandpresentedinthisreportourconclusionsabouttheeffectivenessofthedisclosurecontrolsandprocedures,asoftheendoftheperiodcoveredbythisreportbasedonsuchevaluation;and
d. DisclosedinthisreportanychangeintheCompany'sinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingthatoccurredduringtheperiodcoveredbytheannualreportthathasmateriallyaffected,orisreasonablylikelytomateriallyaffect,theCompany'sinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting;and
5. TheCompany'sothercertifyingofficerandIhavedisclosed,basedonourmostrecentevaluationofinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting,totheCompany'sauditorsandtheauditcommitteeoftheCompany'sboardofdirectors(orpersonsperformingtheequivalentfunction):
a. AllsignificantdeficienciesandmaterialweaknessesinthedesignoroperationofinternalcontroloverfinancialreportingwhicharereasonablylikelytoadverselyaffecttheCompany'sabilitytorecord,process,summariseandreportfinancialinformation;and
b. Anyfraud,whetherornotmaterial,thatinvolvesmanagementorotheremployeeswhohaveasignificantroleintheCompany'sinternalcontroloverfinancialreporting.
Date:13October2017
By: /s/CLIFFBATY
CliffBatyChief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
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Exhibit13.1
CERTIFICATIONPURSUANTTO18U.S.CSECTION1350,ASADOPTEDPURSUANTTOSECTION906OFTHESARBANES-OXLEYACTOF2002
InconnectionwiththisannualreportonForm20-FofManchesterUnitedplc(the"Company")forthefiscalyearended30June2017asfiledwiththeSecuritiesandExchangeCommissiononthedatehereof(the"Report"),I,JoelGlazer,ExecutiveCo-ChairmanoftheCompanyandPrincipalExecutiveOfficer,herebycertifypursuantto18U.S.C.Section1350,asadoptedpursuanttoSection906oftheSarbanes-OxleyActof2002,that,tomyknowledge:
(i) TheReportfullycomplieswiththerequirementsofSection13(a)orSection15(d)oftheSecuritiesExchangeActof1934,asamended;and
(ii) TheinformationcontainedintheReportfairlypresents,inallmaterialrespects,thefinancialconditionandresultsofoperationsoftheCompany.
Date:13October2017
By: /s/JOELGLAZER
JoelGlazerExecutive Co-Chairman (Principal Executive Officer)
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Exhibit13.1
CERTIFICATIONPURSUANTTO18U.S.CSECTION1350,ASADOPTEDPURSUANTTOSECTION906OFTHESARBANES-OXLEYACTOF2002
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Exhibit13.2
CERTIFICATIONPURSUANTTO18U.S.CSECTION1350,ASADOPTEDPURSUANTTOSECTION906OFTHESARBANES-OXLEYACTOF2002
InconnectionwiththisannualreportonForm20-FofManchesterUnitedplc(the"Company")forthefiscalyearended30June2017asfiledwiththeSecuritiesandExchangeCommissiononthedatehereof(the"Report"),I,CliffBaty,ChiefFinancialOfficeroftheCompanyandPrincipalFinancialOfficeroftheCompany,herebycertifypursuantto18U.S.C.Section1350,asadoptedpursuanttoSection906oftheSarbanes-OxleyActof2002,that,tomyknowledge:
(i) TheReportfullycomplieswiththerequirementsofSection13(a)orSection15(d)oftheSecuritiesExchangeActof1934,asamended;and
(ii) TheinformationcontainedintheReportfairlypresents,inallmaterialrespects,thefinancialconditionandresultsofoperationsoftheCompany.
Date:13October2017
By: /s/CLIFFBATY
CliffBatyChief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
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Exhibit13.2
CERTIFICATIONPURSUANTTO18U.S.CSECTION1350,ASADOPTEDPURSUANTTOSECTION906OFTHESARBANES-OXLEYACTOF2002
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Exhibit15.1
CONSENTOFINDEPENDENTREGISTEREDPUBLICACCOUNTINGFIRM
WeherebyconsenttotheincorporationbyreferenceintheRegistrationStatementonFormS-8(No.333-183277)andF-3(No.333-206985)ofManchesterUnitedplcofourreportdated13October2017relatingtothefinancialstatements,whichappearsinthisForm20-F.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopersLLP
Manchester,UnitedKingdom13October2017