Post-Bosman and the future of soccer is contract law

After professional sporting leagues were formed in the latter part of the 19th century, labour controls were introduced with the objective of creating a more even competition. English soccer's retain and transfer system was to operate for over a half a century until it was declared a restraint of trade in Eastham v Newcastle United Football Club. The less restrictive transfer system continued to operate until it was declared invalid in regard to uncontracted players by the 1996 Bosman ruling. The governing body of world soccer, FIFA, and the governing body of European soccer, UEFA, were then forced by the European Commission to develop new Regulations in\ud regard to the transfer of contracted players. It is suggested that these new Regulations emphasise the role of contracts within soccer, and represent a sensible compromise between the rights of players and the needs of clubs