I apologise for going on about this but we all know how often other clubs supporters go on about class but I thought it would be helpful to copy the rules and I would be interested in others opinions as to their take on what could quite possibly have been an illegal approach to Solanke.
Before reading the extracts copied below from the current PL rulebook you need to factor in the following
1) We played in the FA cup final on Saturday 27 May.
2) Solanke could not , unless we authorised him to do so or issue the relevant form in advance, , before a certain period of time even talk to anyone.Yet they, Liverpool, announced he was signing for them on Tuesday 30 May.
Ok the rule is the standard ruling. In effect most clubs players would have to be notified by Saturday 20 May. But as I said we were due to play in the FA cup final on 27 May
So here's the rule
V.17.2.
On or before the third Saturday in May in the year in which the Player’s contract is to expire or, in the circumstances mentioned in Rule U.33, within four days of the last relevant F.A. Cup match, UEFA Champions League match, UEFA Europa League match or League Match in that year having been played, the Transferor Club must send to the Player Form 23 offerind him a new contract on the terms therein set out, which must be no less favourable than those in his current contract;
There is mention of rule U33 . When you make an offer to the player to an out of contract player you have to send a copy of that offer again for most players that would be the 3rd Saturday in May but U33 is no more that linking th extension to clubs still involved.
U.33 The date by which each Club is required by Rule U.32 to give confirmat to the Board shall be extended in the case of a Club which on the third Saturday in May in any year is still participating in the F.A. Cup, the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa League or has yet to play a League Match.
Thoughts?