de Boer may have sidelined Boilesen but his contractual pay was not reduced. It is not unreasonable to stop investing in the training of a chap who has made clear he does not want to invest himself in the club but wants to leave, transfer-free
Other popular treatment for "insubordinate" players in Poland:
- Making them handing flyers in the city's street as "promoting the club"
- Making them dressing the Christmas tree as part of training
- Calling them lazy and weak in the press by club officials
- Instigating harassment form the radical supporters
- Making them handing flyers in the city's street as "promoting the club"
- Making them dressing the Christmas tree as part of training
- Calling them lazy and weak in the press by club officials
- Instigating harassment form the radical supporters
Śląsk is a city-owned club. They have like 15-20 millions dollars of debt, yet they still continue to sign new players and not give them playing time.
This season the did to like 2-3 players. Giving them $10-15k per month and not using them. They of course are close to the bottom of the league.
City build them a new stadium for EURO 2012 for over 100 millions dollars and they have like 10% frequency, big games they get 20-25%. 40k stadium.
They are a mockery of a football club, even by polish Ekstraklasa standards.
President of Wroclaw is personally responsible for this fiasco, he's also draining city controlled companies from money to fuel the club, only to get the support from the supporters of the club, which by the way are mostly right-wing nuts. Loud minority that can cause problems for the President in and before the elections, so...
The proceeder of "breaking" the players is part of the folklore of polish football.
But things change now and even once that was normal, now is getting ostracised.
Even so, another Polish club lost almost 2,5 million dollars last 2 years in FIFA courts to various players and even close to $340k to former National team coach, Smuda.
Yes, football players are heavily overpaid, but somebody agreed to pay them, singed the contracts with them, so their at fault.
Thank you for this article.
You don't know how "foreign opinion"is received in Poland. He have a national complex about those things. Maybe they'll change their ways now?
This season the did to like 2-3 players. Giving them $10-15k per month and not using them. They of course are close to the bottom of the league.
City build them a new stadium for EURO 2012 for over 100 millions dollars and they have like 10% frequency, big games they get 20-25%. 40k stadium.
They are a mockery of a football club, even by polish Ekstraklasa standards.
President of Wroclaw is personally responsible for this fiasco, he's also draining city controlled companies from money to fuel the club, only to get the support from the supporters of the club, which by the way are mostly right-wing nuts. Loud minority that can cause problems for the President in and before the elections, so...
The proceeder of "breaking" the players is part of the folklore of polish football.
But things change now and even once that was normal, now is getting ostracised.
Even so, another Polish club lost almost 2,5 million dollars last 2 years in FIFA courts to various players and even close to $340k to former National team coach, Smuda.
Yes, football players are heavily overpaid, but somebody agreed to pay them, singed the contracts with them, so their at fault.
Thank you for this article.
You don't know how "foreign opinion"is received in Poland. He have a national complex about those things. Maybe they'll change their ways now?
This seems like some form of slavery or indentured servitude. I do not understand why this kind of mistreatment is allowed. It is abusive.
2
If other leagues sign these players by not accepting their former clubs terms, leagues with more financial clout, this abhorrent practice could be affected. Not so easy sure. But a start. Players could flee punishment for leagues with more open and appropriate policies. Yes I see that it is widespread but some leagues get more scrutiny than others.
Without denying that there is a problem, I think this article is pretty one sided.
Take the example mentioned of Nicolai Boilesen. Clubs (especially the ones who are dependent on the development and sales of players) do not just field players to win games, but also to develop these players. If a player refuses to extend his contract (and he has every right to, of course), then it is only logical for a club to field a younger replacement. In the case of Boilesen (which is the case I know most about out of the cases mentioned, being Dutch (and definately not an Ajax supporter, before I receive that claim)), the alternative for his position is superior in both performance and age (his alternative, Mitchell Dijks is a year younger).
Boilesen trains with the 2nd squad, which is a common thing to do, as these players would bring down the training level of the first team. The fact he doesn't play for the 2nd squad in matches can be explained by the purpose of this squad: development.
The example of Plaku is, of course, an extreme. I wonder how common those cases are. The only source given for the magnitude of the problem is Mr. Stefanovic, who has an interest in overestimating the problem.
In the article, there is no mention of national football associations, who, just like UEFA, have a responsibility towards the players. A quick Google search revealed that at least the football associatons of England, Norway, Northern Ireland and Australia have standard contracts in place.
Take the example mentioned of Nicolai Boilesen. Clubs (especially the ones who are dependent on the development and sales of players) do not just field players to win games, but also to develop these players. If a player refuses to extend his contract (and he has every right to, of course), then it is only logical for a club to field a younger replacement. In the case of Boilesen (which is the case I know most about out of the cases mentioned, being Dutch (and definately not an Ajax supporter, before I receive that claim)), the alternative for his position is superior in both performance and age (his alternative, Mitchell Dijks is a year younger).
Boilesen trains with the 2nd squad, which is a common thing to do, as these players would bring down the training level of the first team. The fact he doesn't play for the 2nd squad in matches can be explained by the purpose of this squad: development.
The example of Plaku is, of course, an extreme. I wonder how common those cases are. The only source given for the magnitude of the problem is Mr. Stefanovic, who has an interest in overestimating the problem.
In the article, there is no mention of national football associations, who, just like UEFA, have a responsibility towards the players. A quick Google search revealed that at least the football associatons of England, Norway, Northern Ireland and Australia have standard contracts in place.
in which a player must accept an employer’s demands or endure a punitive regimen.
replace player w employee
thats pretty much what all work is about
replace player w employee
thats pretty much what all work is about
1
This is only one of the many things going wrong with this sport. For the past eighteen years of my life I poured everything I had into soccer and now I can never play again but for those women who make it on to the pros, they deal with wage deficiency all the time. The US Women's National Team made less money winning the FIFA World Cup then the men did losing it. And now men are facing pay cuts in major organizations like Manchester United and Chelsea? FIFA and big clubs need to think about their players who are their primary money makers. You have to spend to get.
6
I understand your argument about gender pay equality, but I’m not entirely sure it applies here. Outside of the US, Canada, a handful of countries in Europe, Japan, and PERHAPS Brazil and China, very few people care about the Women’s World Cup. In stark contrast, the men’s World Cup is THE most watched sporting event on the entire planet. It is astronomically more profitable than the women’s version. Your argument is the equivalent of saying that WNBA players should be paid about the same as NBA players despite the fact that there’s substantially less interest in the WNBA than the NBA.
Inherent in sports is a profound tension between owner incentives (to build a team and get every drop of performance/value out of player contracts) and player interests (Career after contract, health, stability etc.). When governing agencies (FIFA, NFL, MLB etc) are owner funded, then there is no proper protection or power for the athlete.
That this practice is widespread is abhorrent, but akin to the intentional and criminal exploitation seen in other sports (see recent NFL concussion problems, players at lower levels of sport having access only to medical care from team docs etc).
Were we to treat players as those that honestly build the sports we enjoy, we might feel some sympathy for the conditions that the 90+% of lower tier professional athletes endure instead of romanticizing them (a la Bull Durham) or dismissing them based on the payscales of top tier players (Adam Scott's Tour earnings are no where near what a mid-level web.com tour pro is going to make)
That this practice is widespread is abhorrent, but akin to the intentional and criminal exploitation seen in other sports (see recent NFL concussion problems, players at lower levels of sport having access only to medical care from team docs etc).
Were we to treat players as those that honestly build the sports we enjoy, we might feel some sympathy for the conditions that the 90+% of lower tier professional athletes endure instead of romanticizing them (a la Bull Durham) or dismissing them based on the payscales of top tier players (Adam Scott's Tour earnings are no where near what a mid-level web.com tour pro is going to make)
4
It happens at all levels. It can be the result of a player refusing an to sign an extension as in this article, but not always. It's also done when a player attempts to force a move to another team while still under contract, or when a team no longer has use for a player and wants to coerce the player into leaving. I think it's the psychological aspect of being separated from the team and held up to public humiliation that is the worst for the players. The supporters are encouraged to turn on the player for his perceived lack of loyalty to the team. There needs to be a less damaging way to resolve contract disputes.
3
This would not have happened during the Communist era, just another example of the brutal return of predatory capitalists. Whet a shame.
1
Yes, communist regimes were much lauded for their fairness and all-around humane values. A billion or so people killed, but that's the cost of doing business, yes?
There are still outposts of communism, like Cuba and North Korea. Perhaps athletes should flock to those socialist paradises.
They should of used the example of Philadelphia Union goal keeper Rais Mbolhi . He signed a big contract in 2014 with the Union but was 'training alone" most of 2015, apparently cause the Union wanted to get out of the contract.
1
I'm seriously reconsidering my interest in European club soccer based on this article. I'd be even more troubled if MLS teams were doing it.
Is there any evidence that the Philadelphia Union mistreated Mbolhi, the way this article describes regarding Plaku? I just googled everything I could find on it, and I don't see evidence they did, aside from having him practice separately. But the press may be presenting it from the team's and coach's angle, not the player's, so I may not be seeing the whole picture.
Is there any evidence that the Philadelphia Union mistreated Mbolhi, the way this article describes regarding Plaku? I just googled everything I could find on it, and I don't see evidence they did, aside from having him practice separately. But the press may be presenting it from the team's and coach's angle, not the player's, so I may not be seeing the whole picture.
So soccer players are considered to be 'assets of the club'. In other words, property of the plantation owner. Time, perhaps, for some union organising, lawsuits and a boycott by ticket-buyers and viewers until the Simon Legrees running those clubs (Remember 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'?) start to act like people living under the law.
8
footy players are just like slaves
exactemundo
slaves even got big fat checks too
right-o ?
exactemundo
slaves even got big fat checks too
right-o ?
This article is biased and very selective in the facts. Bankruptcy does not release players because their contracts are assets of the club, but they are also first in line to get paid, in full. And most clubs are small operations that cannot afford overpaid underperforms like Mx Plaku. Real Madrid can afford to swallow contracts or loan out players; most clubs cannot.
1
So, you have no problem with the "playing alone" punishment?
4
This article was an interesting perspective for me. I dont follow soccer closely, but from the outside it often seems to be reported the other way around.
A top player is rumoured to have received approaches from another big club. This would be good for his career, but he is under contract at his current club who do not want to lose him, or only for a big transfer fee. Therefore the player, or his agent (eyeing a multi-million commission) agitate to move, criticise the club or the manager, brief journalists that they are "unhappy" etc etc. For some reason the clubs play along with this. Instead of insisting that the player fullfils his contract, gets out there on the pitch and does his job, instead they separate him to prevent his negative attitude "infecting" the rest of the squad. He is reported to be "training alone". Sooner or later he is sold whatever his contract says. (After reading the article "training alone" takes a different light.)
I always found this whole charade rather strange - it doesnt happen like that in other pro sports. Would be interested on insights. Somehow I expect money is at the root of it all....
A top player is rumoured to have received approaches from another big club. This would be good for his career, but he is under contract at his current club who do not want to lose him, or only for a big transfer fee. Therefore the player, or his agent (eyeing a multi-million commission) agitate to move, criticise the club or the manager, brief journalists that they are "unhappy" etc etc. For some reason the clubs play along with this. Instead of insisting that the player fullfils his contract, gets out there on the pitch and does his job, instead they separate him to prevent his negative attitude "infecting" the rest of the squad. He is reported to be "training alone". Sooner or later he is sold whatever his contract says. (After reading the article "training alone" takes a different light.)
I always found this whole charade rather strange - it doesnt happen like that in other pro sports. Would be interested on insights. Somehow I expect money is at the root of it all....
5
I don't find your explanation that clubs are trying to prevent "infection" from the players they punish credible at all. I don't think any reasonably impartial person would.
Shocking! Soccer has the worst coaches!! How could they adopt this
poor treatment of players. Class action suit against owners and coaches.
Players dont train alone as a form of punishment over pay in other sports.
Even fans should boycott teams for this practice.
poor treatment of players. Class action suit against owners and coaches.
Players dont train alone as a form of punishment over pay in other sports.
Even fans should boycott teams for this practice.
8
Football team owners – soccer & US – view players as their personal property, assets whose only purpose is to produce profits for the owners. Players can protect themselves only by unionizing and retaining strong legal reps.
22
FIFA... The flopping...the game throwing...the absurd lack of scoring...the heading (and resultant CTE}... and now this! Soccer has become a ridiculous game.
15
Anyone who thinks that the low scoring is absurd, does not take into consideration that an element of the game is defense. It's like not recognizing the interest in a hard fought American football game that ends 7-7 or 7-0.
5
Hardly. Are you aware that the NHL changed its rules in the 90s to fix a low scoring game, and attendance has gone up? Soccer should follow suit, that is, if they want to continue to be relevant despite these dramatic abuses that rival the NCAA.
@Frank, I beg to differ. Soccer matches are the only ones I know of where two teams can conspire to NOT score just to prevent a team they both fear from advancing. European teams have been doing that to South American teams as long as the World Cup has been around. How hard must it be for two teams to leave with the score they came in with? They might as well not even show up. Global soccer is rotten at the core.
1
Each country, normally, has at least three important divisions, other than a sequel of lesser units. This means that there around 1,200 players for those first units. In many countries, the money flows mostly to the top division and the rest struggle to remain alive with few resources. In less wealthy countries, the situation is even more pronounced and players, making only a small percentage of what players in the first division make (and not counting what big stars make), are subjected to great pressure by owners. It is for these "humble" workers in the field that international organizations, like the UEFA in Europe, should establish minimum standards. Articles like this help to make known their situation and the author of this article should call on Gianni Infantino, the newly-elected UEFA president, to inquire if he will do something about it.
24
And where is FIFA in all of this? Oh, I know! Looking after the interests of the big clubs. This is worse than the corruption that's been in the news.
37
This isn't a FIFA issue. Specifically the PZPN governs Slask Wroclaw.
FIFA has an opportunity here to do something positive, and move the subject from venality and corruption. You can say that I'm a dreamer.
Sounds like European soccer needs an effective players union.
Get rid of solitary practice by showing solidarity - go on strike.
Punitive slave labor = No games
Get rid of solitary practice by showing solidarity - go on strike.
Punitive slave labor = No games
49
Not all European teams engage in these, loathsome practices. Real Madrid, the most prestigious and successful team in the history of soccer--ten Champions League Cups, more than any other team, by far--has expressly dennounced and rejected such practices.
14
To be fair, when you play/represent ONE of the most prestigious and successful teams in the world, it's sort of hard to cheat, steal, murder in the spot light. Take a look at Barca and Atleti they got in trouble for their recruiting of Academy students. I hadn't even heard of that Polish team so I can understand them getting away with this type of behaviour.
Do you think two examples might be sufficient to suspect that this is common throughout sports?
I wonder about business in general. Probably not. Since employment contracts that would rule out dismissal by employer right probably don't exist.