This strategy could really benefit Irish clubs
The Union of European clubs has put a proposal forward, for UEFA’s revenue to benefit clubs that have trained and developed players who are currently playing in their competitions.
The proposal, a player development strategy, seeks to ensure at least five percent of the broadcast and commercial revenue goes towards clubs that have developed players between the ages of 12 and 23, who play in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League. Clubs will only be eligible if they aren’t in league phase of the Champions League.
Celtic’s Adam Idah and Liam Scales, along with Liverpool’s Caoimhín Kelleher, would be examples of current Irish players who would give Irish clubs a cash injection.
The UEC provided SunSport with figures for the Celtic duo, which are based on minutes played. Cork-based club, College Corinthians, would receive €64,000 for Adam Idah who left for Norwich at the age of 16. Arklow Town would receive €105,000 due to UCD, and Shamrock Rovers €35,000, for Liam Scales who left both clubs at 17 and 21 respectively.
All three of Scales’ former clubs would be eligible for payments from the Celtic man’s appearances, in UEFA competitions, in previous seasons. Ringmahon Rangers, Kelleher’s former Irish club, would also receive compensation as he played for them until he joined Liverpool at 16.
The UEC, which has 140 members including Finn Harps and Treaty United, presented this plan to the European Commission and key stakeholders with it receiving positive “initial feedback”.
It has said the strategy is looking to restore “fairness and balance in the football ecosystem”, and insisted it is needed as “the current system is both outdated and misaligned with the goals of sustainable football”.
