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Transfer system could damage Conference
Graham Turner has grave doubts over the new FIFA transfer system should it be implemented for the Nationwide Conference.
Talking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, the Hereford United chairman also felt that the proposals could be challenged in the European Courts - and overturned.
The new system means there will be no transfers between 31st August and January 1st between Premiership clubs, and the move could be implemented further down the English pyramid.
"We've been warned that at sometime in the not too distant future it could affect the Conference," said Turner. "We've got the circular from the FA to say that, as regards cross-border transfers, or international transfers, no clearance certificates will be given for players coming in from other associations. If we wanted to sign someone from the League of Wales, that rules it out."
"It seems ludicrous to me that, at this level, when you're operating with small squads of players, that you have to think about a transfer window, which could come into operation in the not too distant future for Conference clubs."
The EU are likely to block any move should it be challenged, because the system is a restriction of trade.
"If you've got players out of work, who need to get fixed up with a Club, I would think that it's a restraint of trade if they can't sign for a club that wants to sign them," continued Turner. "It's employment law, and it applies to all walks of life and all jobs, and football is treated by the EU as being very much the same. I think it would be easily challenged in the EU courts."
