Scotland’s football clubs accused of ‘behaving like cartel’ and ‘exploiting kids’ in watchdog complaint

Scotland’s football clubs have come under fire for allegedly behaving like a “cartel” and exploiting young players, prompting a complaint to the UK’s competition watchdog. The accusations, raised by Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner and grassroots campaigners, claim that boys aged 10-17 can find themselves stuck at teams against their will due to current rules. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been urged to investigate how young players are registered with elite clubs and their ability to move between them.

In the complaint against the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), concerns have been raised about the restrictions placed on youth players’ freedom, which campaigners argue violate competition law and exploit children economically, breaching their human rights. The rules include a “no poach” agreement among top clubs that limits the recruitment of youth players from other clubs and sets high fees for bringing in players from different teams. Additionally, players and parents are often prohibited from approaching other clubs for various reasons, such as lack of playing time or inadequate facilities.

Despite previous reports highlighting deficiencies in Scotland’s academy system, including poor training facilities, little action has been taken to address these issues. Campaigners believe that by locking young footballers into long-term contracts and restricting their mobility, competition to recruit and retain talent is stifled, ultimately harming Scottish youth football. The complaints have been ongoing since a petition to Holyrood in 2010, with changes made by the SFA in 2020 deemed insufficient by campaigners.

The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland has highlighted the power imbalance between young players and the clubs they sign for, leading to potential exploitation. The CMA will review the complaints, a process that could result in fines or mandated rule changes. Noteworthy is that 11 elite clubs, including Aberdeen, Celtic, Rangers, and others, are subject to these rules. The SFA claims to have made progress in protecting young players, citing alignment with FIFA statutes, while the SPFL has yet to comment on the matter.

In conclusion, the complaint against Scotland’s football clubs sheds light on the challenges faced by youth players in navigating the professional football landscape. The allegations of cartel-like behaviour and exploitation raise important questions about the treatment of young talent and the need for greater transparency and fairness in youth football development. As these investigations progress, it is crucial for stakeholders to prioritise the well-being and rights of young players to ensure a more equitable and inclusive football environment for the future.