Amongst the key players set to give evidence on FIFA and UEFA’s proposals to change the current transfer fees rules will be:

• Tony Higgins, Chair, Scottish Professional Footballer’s Association
• Lex Gold, Chair, Scottish Premier League
• David Thomson, Assistant Secretary, Scottish Football League
• Sandy Bryson, Scottish Football Association

Committee Convener Hugh Henry said:

"FIFA and UEFA are in the process of trying to reconcile the issue of players’ transfers fees with the right to free movement of labour across Europe. Many observers of the Scottish game, however, have expressed their concerns that changes to the current set up could have serious implications for Scottish clubs, particularly those in lower divisions.

"This is a serious issue facing Scottish football and before we make our report to be given to the European Commission we need to hear from the game’s administrators, players’ representatives and fans.

"We appreciate that Europe is trying to promote progressive legislation to protect workers rights, but we have to balance that with the fact that players’ livelihoods in Scotland could be at risk by such moves.

"Hopefully, Tuesday’s meeting will bring forward practical solutions which will ensure that smaller clubs in Scotland and Europe are adequately rewarded for their role in nurturing and developing the young talent in the game."

The European Committee will report their views to the EC by the end of September, which the Committee hopes, will influence their thinking and reinforce the particular interests of the Scottish game.

BACKGROUND NOTES

The full agenda for the committee’s meeting is available on the Parliament’s website under "What’s Happening" (address below).

Non-accredited members of the media who wish to attend the committee meeting should contact the Parliament’s Media Relations Office (if possible no later than Monday evening).

The committee’s membership is as follows: