FIFA make urgent changes to “Transfer Window” laws
Football’s governing body FIFA have made drastic changes to the laws surrounding the controversial Pre and Mid season transfer windows due to the confusion over its existence and the many grey areas surrounding loan deals and deadlines.
Sepp Blatter, with the support of Michel Platini, has decreed that every professional club (non league teams are exempt) are to all have “actual real transfer windows” installed at either their club stadiums/grounds, or if Health and Safety laws restrict this, at their training complexes.
The new laws state that although these windows do not have to comply with any of the European nations’ building laws (for example in England, Building Regulations Part L, K & N) they will have to comply with set standards set by FIFA
These include the following:
- Windows can be made of any sound material (eg. Timber, Plastic) and may be glazed with traditional glass, or be double/triple glazed
- All windows must have accessible opening points, and be large enough for new signings to pass through the window as he signs for the club.
- Although no height restrictions have been put in place, clubs must ensure the safety of any new signings if a ladder is to be used to access the window
- All out going players must leave their former club by the window, and not a door.
Of course, FIFA have produced a 200 page document on this and have published details on their website.
Despite initial outrage to the new laws, clubs have been quick to install their own windows for the January transfer merry-go-round:
Portsmouth have opted to use an existing window due to lack of current finances. However, their new owners have promised "the window to beat all windows" next summer, when of course, they maybe in The Championship
Liverpool have opted for a traditional Spanish style number, at the request of Rafa Benitez, as he continues to insist on "controlling every part of the club like that Sir Alex bloke" Security bars have been added for the dual purpose of stopping Stevie G from leaving for Man City, and stopping Lucas type players unfathomably entering the club
Chelsea have opted for the biggest opening window they could find in West London. It is said to have come from John Terry's house, as after his payrise, he is having custom made windows fitted with a stained glass effect in the style and shape of his very own face
Man City have gone to the extravagance of installing an ocean and a white sanded beach outside of their window overlooking the car park at Eastlands..this is to aid and attract even higher class signings after Kaka commented he would have joined them "if the place had not looked like a shithole".
Man Utd have gone for the discrete option of using the window to Sir Alex's office at Old Trafford (pictured here during the Berba signing last season) This is so to not upset Europe and Brazil as he nabs young starlet after young starlet.
Real Madrid have come up with the novel idea of having a balcony with their window, so they can parade galacticos as and when they sign them...Expect to see a Ribery standing here soon!
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There’s me thinking FIFA did something constructive before I actually read the post. Oh well.
I heard that David James recently posed as a window cleaner at tottenham, but as soon as they saw him coming, locked that window shut.
I’d walk through JT’s face/window lol