Source: Team_Talk
SPL defends itself over Bain claim
Rangers chief executive Martin Bain accused his club's SPL rivals of creating a "professional transfer market for children" after they voted by 10-2 in favour of an increase.[LNB]But an SPL spokesman said: "Development contribution is designed to ensure that those clubs who spend huge amounts of effort, time and money in developing and training a young player receive a contribution towards this investment when another, often financially stronger, club wants to take that young player from them.[LNB]"In the absence of a robust system, far fewer clubs in Scotland would invest in youth development."[LNB]The compensation formula was originally introduced four years ago when payments were set at £3,000 a year for 12, 13 and 14-year-olds; £6,000 for 15-year-olds; and £9,000 for 16 and 17-year-olds.[LNB]Two months ago, clubs reportedly voted to up those payments to £5,000 a year for 11 to 14-year-olds; and £10,000 a year for 15 to 17-year-olds.[LNB]Bain believes this goes too far, saying: "We are now seeing that the system is working against the rights of children and their parents, and that cannot be the right direction for Scottish football.[LNB]"We support the principle of compensating clubs for development costs, but what is now happening is the creation of a professional transfer market for children at a very young age.[LNB]"We made strong objections to the SPL regarding their latest decision to increase development contribution compensation payments.[LNB]"No doubt other clubs believe that we are acting solely out of self-interest but that is not our motivation.[LNB]"We are thinking about the rights of kids and also the development of young Scottish talent, which is crucial for the future of the game in Scotland."[LNB]The new bands have still to be ratified by the Scottish Football Association.[LNB][LNB]
