Italy: Federation revokes co-ownership of players by clubs as of 01/07/2014

Clubs may no longer co-own players, the Federal Council of FIGC (Italian Football Federation) decided on 27/05/2014.

The rule will be applied beginning with the next transfer period (from 01/07 to 01/09/2014); Italian clubs will no longer have the right to sell or buy only half of the rights to a professional player. Current co-ownership contracts may be extended by one season and then continue until expiration, the Federation said, but any new transactions must from now on be for full rights to players.

"Often the issues raised with taxation and public opinion have highlighted the atypical character of this concept as it relates to European regulations and tax rules," said Giancarlo Abete, the president of FIGC, on 27/05/2014. "We will carry out an audit of the current situation in the coming months."

In Serie A, there are currently 164 co-ownership contracts, of which more than half will expire on 30/06/2014. The value of these contracts as recorded on clubs' balance sheets totalled nearly €130m.

"Co-ownership" of players in Italy

• The co-ownership of players is a unique feature…