BRUSSELS: The international players’ union has launched the latest in its string of attacks on the transfer system in football.

FIFPro’s secretary general, Theo van Seggelen, described the system as “failing football and its players” because the latest reform talks had collapsed after European clubs, players and leagues could not agree on key issues.

The union has claimed that 4,000 players file cases each year over not being paid or having contracts terminated unjustly.

Van Seggelen said: “Basic measures must be introduced to give players stability. The volume of cases means players have to wait several years for a hearing which, in more than 90pc of matters, is decided in favour of the player.

“Given the short-term and precarious nature of a player’s career, these delays cannot be tolerated.”

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