The new FIFA guidelines on contracts and transfers that could have a major impact on Sunderland and their League One rivals

FIFA have proposed that player contracts due to expire on June 30th should be extended to fall in line with the date that leagues are actually concluded.
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The proposal could clear a major hurdle in the bid to finish the current campaign.

The EFL, like governing bodies right across the country, have been determined to conclude the current campaign when it is safe to resume.

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Competitive action is currently postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

FIFA have proposed automatic contract extensions to help finish the current seasonFIFA have proposed automatic contract extensions to help finish the current season
FIFA have proposed automatic contract extensions to help finish the current season

Contracts are one of the major obstacles to a potential resumption, with it now almost certain that leagues cannot be completed before June 30th.

This had major ramifications for clubs in the lower divisions, where squad turnover is often high.

It is also a crucial issue for Sunderland, who have thirteen players currently due to leave the club at the end of the current season.

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Whether the FIFA proposals will be adopted remains to be seen, but they could prove key.

A FIFA statement reads: “Expiring player contracts usually end when the season ends, with a termination date that coincides with the end of the season. With the current suspension of play in most countries, it is now obvious that the current season will not end when people thought it would. Therefore, it is proposed that contracts be extended until such time that the season does actually end.

“This should be in line with the original intention of the parties when the contract was signed and should also preserve sporting integrity and stability.

“A similar principle applies to contracts due to begin when the new season starts, meaning the entry into force of such contracts is delayed until the next season actually does start.”

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FIFA has also said it will allow governing bodies the flexibility to move their transfer windows, another step that could ease the transition into a new campaign.

They have also said they will adjudicate in any pay dispute between clubs and players.

Sudnerland today announced that they would be placing their players on furlough leave, with wages ultimately paid in full.

They said there were no plans to request reductions or deferrals.

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Whether the season is able to conclude remains unclear, with FA Chairman Greg Clarke issuing a stark warning in his address to the FA Council on Tuesday.

“We are committed to finishing the professional football season as this resolves the issues of promotion and relegation together with title winners on merit,” he said.

“However, we may not be able to finish the season as football is not our priority, human life is, and we will do as the Government directs as the pandemic unfolds.

“We must have a plan to ensure that English football is not decimated should this season be lost and next season blighted. We hope we do not need this plan as we are all determined to finish the professional football season, however we would be fools not to develop such a contingency plan.

“Those that lost their clubs because English football did not rise to the challenge would rightly judge us harshly.”