Employment Lawyer Says That Club Has Legal Powers - But Unlikely To Use Them

A leading UK employment lawyer expects 'player power' will win the day in the on-going contract saga involving Liverpool player Raheem Sterling  - despite the club having the legal right to fine the player or take an injunction out against another club seeking to use him.

The comments follow reports that the 20 year old player will tell the club that he wants to leave at the end of the season.

This follows the announcement earlier in the year that he had rejected a new £100,000-a-week contract at Anfield.

The club have so far indicated that that they have no intention of selling the player, but should Sterling be made available, a number of leading clubs from across Europe including the Premier League are said to be interested.

Expert Opinion

"Liverpool have certain powers, for example, they can fine him for any disciplinary breaches, but it is a tricky one because if his contract runs down they will get nothing for him.

"The club cannot force him to stay and if he breaches his contract, their remedy could be to require him to perform for the remainder of his contract, or get an injunction against any club seeking to use him. The reality is, however, that player power here will be decisive.

"As we know, the world of football operates very differently from the world of business. We have seen players go on strike before if they don’t get what they want and although Liverpool will want to ensure any developments are on their terms, the next stage in the saga will most likely be dictated by the player.

“Liverpool have of course let their prized assets leave in the past, with Luis Suarez leaving to join Barcelona, despite their desire to keep the player. It will be interesting to see whether they cash in on their asset before his value decreases, despite the ability to keep him should they choose to do so."
Glenn Hayes - Partner & National Head of Employment Law