Only in limited cases. A Premier League club can approach a player under contract elsewhere only with the prior written consent of his club, unless the player is out of contract or falls within the window after the third Saturday in May and before 1 July.
When an approach is allowed
Here are the permitted and non-permitted situations.
| Situation | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| The player is out of contract | Yes, at any time |
| The player is under contract elsewhere | Only with that club’s prior written consent |
| After the third Saturday in May, player out of contract on 1 July | Yes, if he had no offer or declined one |
| Any other approach, direct or indirect | A breach, dealt with under the disciplinary rules |
Approaching a player who is under contract
If a player is still under contract, a club may approach him only with the prior written consent of the club he is contracted to.
The rule also reaches beyond a club acting in its own name. An approach made through an official, a player, a football agent, or anyone else acting for the club is judged the same way, whether the contact is direct or indirect.
For these rules, a contract player also includes someone who has entered into a written contract of employment with an EFL club.
The late-season window before 1 July
Here are the conditions for that separate window.
| Condition | Result |
|---|---|
| Time falls after the third Saturday in May and before 1 July | The separate window can apply |
| The player will become out of contract on 1 July | The status requirement is met |
| The player received no offer from his club | He may be approached |
| The player received an offer and declined it | He may be approached |
What counts as a breach
The rule turns on whether the approach falls within one of the permitted routes. If there is no prior written consent and the player does not fit the special window, the approach is a breach.
That remains true if the club acts through someone else rather than making contact itself. Once treated as a breach, the matter may be handled under the disciplinary section.
FAQ
When can a club speak to a player who is out of contract?
A club is free to approach an out of contract player at any time to negotiate a contract. There is no extra waiting period in that situation.
Do clubs need permission to speak to a player at another club?
Yes, if the player is still under contract. The permission must be the prior written consent of the club he is contracted to.
Does indirect contact through an agent or another person still count?
Yes. The rule covers approaches made directly or indirectly, including those made through an official, a player, a football agent, or anyone else acting for the club.
Do these rules cover only Premier League players?
No. For this purpose, a contract player also includes a player who has entered into a written contract of employment with an EFL club.