The fallout of the failed Super League attempt by the 'big six' English clubs and six of their European counterparts is just beginning with a new legal bombshell being dropped on Wednesday afternoon.
Following the climb down from all six of the English clubs involved on Tuesday evening the head honchos at each club were making grovelling apologies to their fans throughout Wednesday.
However, saying sorry to the fans and the other 14 clubs in the Premier League may not be the end of the matter.
Sean Jones QC was quoted on Sky Sports giving his thoughts on a breach of contract issue that could have far-reaching consequences for all involved in The Super League project.
Jones an arbitrator and barrister from 11KBW law firm explained that all players’ contracts dictate that their club must stick to FA and Premier League rules, otherwise the club has committed a “repudiatory breach of contract.”
Any such breach would mean players could tear up their contracts and move their registration to another club without the need for a transfer fee.
Jones added that clause 11.1 of UEFA rules allow players to terminate their contract if there is a material breach of terms which, he believes is something that could be argued has happened in this instance.
The QC was speaking as a guest on a webinar organised by Law in Sport to discuss the legal ramifications of the failed Super League project.
Jones added that the six English clubs involved were in clear breach of Premier League rule L9, which states that no club can enter another competition without the written permission of the Premier League Board.
If a player is determined to cancel their current contract they would be sure to face a legal challenge to do so but according to Jones, the law is on the side of the player.
With the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min already reportedly considering their future at Tottenham, Kepa Arrizabalaga doing the same at Chelsea and Hector Bellerin linked with a summer transfer away from Arsenal, losing out on potentially huge transfer fees could exacerbate the cost of the failed Super League project.
Whether any player will wish to take their club to court and begin what could be lengthy and costly legal procedures is yet to be seen.
The fact that the option is there just shows the fallout from The Super League is only just beginning and the eventual repercussions could be far greater than simply swallowing of pride to issue public apologies.
