Transfer Tangle In Red Tape

By Aston
November 10 2004

Ipswich Town are trying to bring in 2 new faces but because of transfer red tape neither of them will be able to play until January.

Transfer Tangle In Red Tape

Ipswich Town are trying to bring in to new faces but because of transfer red tape neither of them will be able to play until January.

Canadian internationals Sandro Grande and Jaime Peters have both offered contracts by the club but will be unable to play for Town until January in the case of Sandro Grande and May for Jaime Peters because of his age and visa requirements.

Sandro took part in a behind closed doors friendly against Colchester united at Portman Road so Joe Royle could get a better look at him, Royle insists its not a red tape, saying: “We have arranged a game so that we can have a look at Sandro in a match situation, he has done well in training and we will have a better idea of where we go from here after watching the game.

“It's not a red tape problem with Sandro not been able to play here, it's simply the rules.

“He is currently contracted to a club and although he has the freedom to move on, he can't sign for anyone until January's transfer window.

“Sandro has Italian parents so there are no work permit problems or anything like that. It's straightforward rules and regulations regarding the transfer window.”

Town Chairman David Sheepshanks added: “We are in discussion with the FA over the actual wording of the regulations regarding players who have been released from their contract, such as Sandro has by Montreal Impact.”

Peters on the other hand may be able to train with Town’s academy before he turns 18 on the 4th of may 2005, when he’d be able to train with the first team, but Town chairman David Sheepshanks is talking to the FA about the rule, saying: “The FA's interpretation of the rule appears to be that he would not be able to play until May 4 when he turns 18. But we are still working on it.

“We have noted the enthusiasm of the fans with the petition and we are very pleased to see the supporters making such an effort to persuade Jaime to come to Ipswich. That is also something we have spent a considerable amount of time and effort to make happen anyway.”

Source: EADT and Ipswich Town - the official website.

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