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Jean-Marc-Bosman:
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I would have preferred a career like Pele or Franz Beckenbauer
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Photo: imago images / VI Images
As always on the big anniversaries, there is a bit of a hustle and bustle in Jean-Marc Bosman's life - before it quickly becomes quiet again about the man who revolutionized professional football a quarter of a century ago.
Then the now 56-year-old returns to his reality, which has nothing to do with the life of a hero.
Lonely, bitter and on the edge of poverty, Bosman lives in the Liège suburb of Awans.
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I would have preferred a career like Pele or Franz Beckenbauer,
”
says Bosman, who lives on welfare and a monthly grant from the professional union:
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But I fought a social struggle.
And although my name is just as well known as the name of the big stars, nobody knows the man for that name.
«
In fact, hardly anyone remembers the 25 games Bosman played in the RFC Liège jersey.
Or the only goal the Belgian scored for his club in the league.
Bosman gained notoriety thanks to his historic success in the courtroom.
The judgment of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on December 15, 1995 upset Bosman's life - and that of professional football too.
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The Bundesliga was not prepared for the verdict
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The day marks a turning point in the history of modern football.
The ECJ ruling sealed the end of transfer fees after the expiry of contracts and the restrictions on foreigners that had been in force until then.
The Luxembourg judges turned the balance of power upside down in favor of the players almost overnight.
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The Bundesliga was not prepared for the verdict.
Out of 18 managers, 16 or 17 misjudged the situation.
It took two years for everyone to get used to it,
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says Bundesliga veteran Heribert Bruchhagen:
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But it was of course justified that the players were given free access to the workplace.
Common sense leaves no doubt that there was no alternative.
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The momentous decision on the lawsuit was taken by Bosman in 1990 after the RFC Liège cut his salary and subsequently denied him clearance for a move.
A transfer to the French second division failed due to the club's excessive transfer demand.
Bosman reacted and successfully sued through all instances for five years
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I wouldn't go to court anymore
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Bayern boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge once described the judgment as
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the worst catastrophe club football has ever experienced."
Since that day, not only absolute superstars but also mediocre players and their advisors have earned millions.
In the past, the clubs passed the money to each other during transfers; today the money mainly goes from the club to the player.
Only Bosman himself did not benefit from the decision.
His life went off course - he squandered compensation payments, divorces, alcohol problems and depression.
“
Everyone benefits from me.
From my fight.
Just me, I don't get any of it,
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says the player, whose career was effectively over after 1995.
And that's why Bosman only has a bitter conclusion:
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I would no longer go to court.
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