Compensation in Professional Sports

[PeteC]

Those coming here, please take a look at the "Champions League" thread first to understand where I'm coming from on this.

BaaBaa, certainly I'm not trying to be combative, just have a discussion.

I agree that the clubs that have been at the top in the Premier League over and over again probably factor in compensation for their players in their contracts to play in the other leagues and matches they get involved in, historically.

However, an old saying in pro sports is; "any given Sunday.."

Let's say for example, what would happen if this season ended and Wigan found themselves in the top 4, and each player was averaging half of the 80K pounds per week the players on the historic top tier clubs were earning? I think there would be a problem within that team, with management and compensation concerning playing in the Champions League.

I would think that if a club is in the Champions League, they are making a ton of money from sales of things ranging from coffee cups, jackets, scarves, hats, programs..you name it, having something like "Man U Champions League 2008-09" embossed in it.

There should be a trickle down of this extra revenue to the players.

British/EU football max age of 35? NFL 30-32, NBA 30-35, MLB 35, Rugby 35? These men have to make a lifetime of earnings between graduation from college (most) at age 21, until age 30 or 35. Not that much time. In the case of the NFL, and possibly Rugby, unfortunately it's found that their life expectancy is around 55 given the beatings they've taken.

I know, what I'm talking about puts a sour taste in many mouths and takes away from the purity of any sport. However, it's a reality to the players as human beings. Pete

[BaaBaa.]

Pete, the players would have it written into their contracts that they recieve a bonus for qualifying for europe, winning a cup etc.

The original contract however is a weekly wage to play for the club, not a pay as you play deal. If Wigan were to find themselves in the Champions League im sure they'd just be happy to be there, playing against the best.

Players dont get paid to represent their country, they see it as an honour.

[Super Joe]

Thing is players probably gain more in future transfer value (fees), club wages, sponsorships etc from playing for their country than their country would actually be playing them for those odd few games.

The clubs also benefit from one of their players becoming a regular international, his value increases.

Agree BaaBaa, it should be an honour. Unless you're Scottish

SJ

[caller]

I thought England players did get paid, but that it all goes to charity?

A bigger issue is for clubs who lose players to injuries whilst on international duty and I understand a compensation scheme (for the clubs) has been set up?

[Super Joe]

Didn't know that Mr C, charity would be the right option.

Don't like the FA but agree with them that the value the national spotlight adds to the clubs assests, ie: player values, outweighs what clubs lose through the odd injury.
Clubs have got to take the rough with the smoothe imo.

SJ

[redzonerocker]

I thought England players did get paid, but that it all goes to charity?

they do & it's about £5,000 a game, per player, to charity.

just as well they don't pocket it themselves the way they've played over recent years.
the fans would be sueing for compensation

[BaaBaa.]

Didn't know that Mr C, charity would be the right option.

Don't like the FA but agree with them that the value the national spotlight adds to the clubs assests, ie: player values, outweighs what clubs lose through the odd injury.
Clubs have got to take the rough with the smoothe imo.

SJ

I dont agree.

For example:

What have Liverpool gained from Torres being involved in his country winning the Euros?

Now compare that to what we'd lose if he broke a leg representing his country.

I think the only ones that gain are players looking to move and selling clubs. Arshavin and Zenit St Petersburg being a prime example.
It looks like they've both priced themselves out of the market though.

[BaaBaa.]

To add to that, I bet Chelsea were ecstatic when a few of their 1st team (including 1 of the best strikers on the world) had to go to the African Nations at the beginning of last season.

That could have made the difference in beating Utd to the league last season.

[caller]

(including 1 of the best strikers on the world)

Is that the one you keep saying trips over his boot lace before he's tackled - or the other one?

[JD]

I seem to remember that Newcastle got a huge sum of money for Michael Owen when he was injured playing for England. I think they paid for his salary whilst he was injured on top of the payment.

[Super Joe]

I dont agree.
For example:
What have Liverpool gained from Torres being involved in his country winning the Euros?
Now compare that to what we'd lose if he broke a leg representing his country

Don't you think Torres value has increased now he is a Euro winner ? Or your regular England players values have increased should a European club come in.
When a club is linked with an overseas player, first thing you hear is that he is a 'regular Croatian striker who has scored 10 goals in 15 internationals' or whatever.
Agree with you if Torres, Gerrard broke their leg, but over time I reckon a club makes more than they ave lost. Serious international injuries aren't common.

To add to that, I bet Chelsea were ecstatic when a few of their 1st team (including 1 of the best strikers on the world) had to go to the African Nations at the beginning of last season.
That could have made the difference in beating Utd to the league last season.

They know all this before they buy these players though.

SJ

[BaaBaa.]

(including 1 of the best strikers on the world)

Is that the one you keep saying trips over his boot lace before he's tackled - or the other one?

Both one and the same.