Football League Clubs to Abolish Tribunal System that Sets Fees for Home-Grown Players

English Football League clubs are planning to abolish the tribunal system that sets fees when clubs cannot agree a transfer for home-grown players.

This came after the Premier League threatened to withhold funding for youth development if the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) was not voted through.

According to media reports, the Football League reluctantly advised its members to vote in favour of the system during Thursday’s meeting at the Bescot Stadium in Walsall.

If clubs had opted against the proposals, the annual funding they receive from the Premier League for youth development – over £5m-per-season – would have been withheld.

The clubs voted 46 for and 22 against, plus three no-shows and one abstention.

The Premier League decided in favour of adopting EPPP at a meeting in June.

The new proposals will guarantee clubs more funding for youth football over a guaranteed four-year period, but it could mean clubs receive lower fees for players under the age of 17.

A Football League statement said: “Following lengthy consideration, Football League clubs have voted to accept the Premier League’s proposals on the Elite Player Performance Plan. The League will now continue discussions with the Premier League on the implementation of the EPPP across professional football.”

Several clubs in the Football League are concerned the current tribunal system will be replaced by a set of fixed prices.

The new tariffs will see a selling club paid £3,000 ($4,738) for every year of a player’s development between the ages of nine and 11, and between £12,500 ($19,745) and £40,000 ($63,185) for 12 to 16 year olds depending on the club’s academy status.

The new proposals will result in an increased youth development payment for all 92 Premier League and Football League clubs over four years according to the Premier League.