THE ENGLISH Premier League yesterday confirmed it had received a writ for restraint of trade from Wimbledon captain Vinnie Jones.
Jones is suing the Premier League and Wimbledon over his demand to be allowed a free move to another English club when this contract runs out this summer.
Jones is arguing that the Bosman ruling, which means out of contract players can move freely across European Union boundaries, should also apply to domestic transfers.
Even though Jones's contract runs out at the end of the summer, Wimbledon owner Sam Hammam has threatened to retain his playing registration, preventing the 32 year old Welsh skipper from joining another club.
And after contract talks with Hammam broke down Jones's solicitors issued the writs which could see football being dragged through the courts again. Premier League rules explicitly support the present domestic transfer system.
The League had hoped that discussions between themselves, the FA, Football League and the Professional Footballers' Association would come up with a solution to the problems thrown up by the Bosman verdict.
Those discussions have drafted plans that will see out of contract players over 24 being entitled to free moves, with young players joining clubs until the age of 21 and compensation payments applicable for players between 21 and 24.
Under the current rules Jones will be entitled to a free transfer at the end of next season in any event, as he will be 33 next January, although he has not hidden his desire to explore his options in the summer.
If Jones and his legal advisers choose to go down the path to the High Court the case could be heard before the start of next season.
Many legal experts have suggested that a challenge to the current situation would be likely to succeed with European Court rulings on restraint of trade having precedence over British law.
But there are fears that a rush to legal action could see the courts make a ruling that sets a precedent which may prove unhealthy to the long term interests of the game.
