Wayne Rooney could potentially terminate his contract with Manchester United for just £5 million if he is prepared to remain at the club for the rest of the season.
Under Article 17 of Fifa's transfer regulations - the so-called Webster ruling, named after the former Hearts player Andy Webster - Rooney would be entitled to buy out the final year of his current annual salary of just under £5m, plus a small compensation fee, leaving Manchester United drastically out of pocket.
The Webster ruling states that a player under the age of 28 can walk away from his contract after a 'protracted period' - in his case, three years - has expired.
Rooney would fall into that category as he last signed a new contract with United in November 2006, aged 21.
Rooney could have bought out the last two years of his contract during the last summer transfer window, but has the option of paying up 12 months' salary in the summer of 2011, provided he gives 15 days' notice in writing.
The possibility of Rooney leaving for such a price-cut fee will put further pressure on United to conclude a deal in January, when the webster ruling cannot be invoked.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/8071863/Wayne-Rooney-could-quit-Manchester-United-for-just-5m-using-Fifa-loophole.html
Last edited by Jelavić7|EFC on Sun Feb 19, 2012 12:08 pm; edited 1 time in total
