Football League playing by the rules

The Football League have hit back at comments made by Cardiff City boss Dave Jones over the believed double standards in the treatment of the Cardiff City compared Portsmouth. He (Jones) was quoted as saying yesterday,

"How can Portsmouth be five times the amount we are in debt and be allowed to trade?" I feel it’s wrong.”

Jones like a lot of Cardiff City fans feel there are double standards at play here. Cardiff have a embargo and due back in court next Wednesday  and take on Burton Albion in the Carling Cup. However Portsmouth is in administration and have had their a transfer embargo lifed to sign three players and have another day in court.

The League are put Cardiff at a disadvantage before a ball of the new season is kick. The club is working hard to get the embargo lifted.

From the report in the South Wales Echo the reason they are able to brining new players is because the administrator as guaranteed wages would be paid if the squad dips below 20.Our debts are a drop in the ocean compared to Championship rivals Portsmouth, will owe the taxman £1.3million while Portsmouth owe a mind dropping £37million allow they disagree over the amount.

Jones has been told he can bring in new blood, the wages are pay for the present squad, ok sometimes it’s been a few days late but this month’s was paid on time. There have been a few hiccups because the money has to come from Malaysia but that’s a banking problem not financial.

The League are falling back on the old ‘they are following strict rules agreed by all clubs.’ a spokesman said,

“We are applying the rules which have already been agreed by all clubs who are members of the Football League.

“These rules are applied equally and fairly to all clubs right across the board.”

 It would be a miracle if the embargo were to be lifted this week there are only four days to the start of the season. Let’s hope the players have their minds on the pitch and the fans give them some rousing support.

The Echo rekond there are three issues which are keeping the transfer embargo in place:

1. The £500,000 due to Charlton for Mark Hudson.
2. The two months’ tax still owed to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. Although the payment of one month of that, believed to be in the region of £500,000. would satisfy the Football League for the moment.
3. The severance pay owed to players who have left Cardiff. A matter which is currently being looked at by the Professional Footballers’ Association too.