By Dave Smith
The 2003-2004 season saw aggregate attendances continue to rise and be buoyant in both the Premier League and, for the 18th successive year, throughout the Football League.
Such figures, together with the enormous interest in European and international football, reflects well on the quality of our membership and entertainment value on the field of play.
In spite of this, the income received from television has been reduced at each of the Football League, Premier League and Football Association levels and such reduction has been reduced only by allowing more games to be televised live and consequent changes in dates and kick off times which appear to have justifiably disillusioned many supporters, particularly with regard to away fans and trouble encountered in travelling.
As a result, it may be that the escalation in attendances has peaked together with television money and we will start to see an effect on live attendances which could impact adversely on games both in terms of atmosphere and gate receipts.
Our membership continues to be more cosmopolitan than any other country in the world, so reflecting the diversity and successful integration of so many different nationalities in our game and this is one major reason why Premiership football is still in demand abroad and overseas television rights have indeed increased - although the PFA does not enjoy a share of such income under our agreement.
With reductions in income we have had to curtail our budgets in all areas and the input of our in-house Financial Controller, Darren Wilson, has been extremely helpful in keeping expenditure levels below income.
The number of clubs experiencing financial difficulties has reduced although the situation at Leeds United highlighted that the economic problems experienced so frequently in recent years in the Football League have begun to impact on Premier League clubs. As with Football League clubs, however, Leeds United players agreed to play their part in deferring wages subject to a successful take-over.
Players' wages continue to have been fully protected in spite of Administrations in one form or another effecting approximately one third of the 92 Premier League and Football League clubs. There appears to be more financial propriety in place at clubs following the shock of the collapse of ITV Digital and fewer players were released in the summer.
Football continues to have its off the field problems with lurid headlines regarding the behaviour of players both at home and abroad although fortunately neither of the two much publicised incidents in London and Spain resulted in any charges being brought against players. The FA Disciplinary System was called to account with the length of time taken to bring players to Commissions.
This, together with the criteria for England selection with the Rio Ferdinand case when he was left out of the England squad before any hearing with the FA together with the fact that Alan Smith was sent home after just being called up, caused us to ask the FA to establish a Selection Criteria Committee.
This Committee comprised the PFA and people such as Trevor Brooking, Brendon Batson and Gary Mabbutt, to clarify matters for the future and this Committee, together with the Disciplinary Review Committee, has brought an opportunity to have a much swifter disciplinary system in place, a clearer knowledge of any problems with prospective international players to avoid any embarrassment and a refining of the drug testing procedure so as to avoid any player missing a test once the testing team have visited the training ground.
On the international front, FIFPro continues to expand and liaise regularly with FIFA and UEFA and is represented on the FIFA Football Committee and on the UEFA Club Competitions Committee by myself, giving the players a voice in key football matters.
The international transfer system is in the process of review and we would like the opportunity for national countries to adopt their own arrangements with regard to transfer windows and will insist on the Dispute Resolution Chamber remaining in being with FIFA having an equal balance of club and player representatives together with an independent Chairman.
FIFPro meetings have taken place as far apart as South America (in Brazil and Argentina) and South Africa illustrating the global village of Players' Associations with over 40 countries in the FIFPro membership.
* More from the Chief Executive's annual report tomorrow, and throughout the week, here on givemefootball!
