ACCOUNTING PRESENTATION OF PLAYER RIGHTS
ACCOUNTING PRESENTATION OF PLAYER RIGHTS
Réka SZABÓNÉ SZŐKE
1 University of Debrecen, Faculty of Economics, Institute of Accounting and Finance, Debrecen, Hungary
szoke.reka@econ.unideb.hu
Abstract: In a rapidly changing economic and legal environment, a well-structured, predictable accounting system provides security for businesses, as it establishes a framework for operations and their ongoing monitoring. Accounting is a key regulatory tool in business management, not only within the company but also from the perspective of external stakeholders, as it provides data and analyses that are essential for users to form a reliable, accurate picture of the company’s situation and performance. Within the sports sector, and particularly in professional football, player rights represent one of the most significant assets of clubs, both in financial and strategic terms. Their appropriate accounting treatment has a direct impact on the financial statements, profitability indicators and, ultimately, on how stable and transparent a club appears to investors, creditors, regulators and fans. At the same time, the accounting of player rights raises a number of specific questions, given that these rights differ in many respects from traditional tangible and intangible assets. In this study, I examine how player rights should be accounted for under domestic regulations, international standards and the UEFA Club Licensing regulations. My aim is to identify the similarities and differences between these systems, with a particular focus on the determination of the initial cost of player rights, their measurement during their useful life and their derecognition upon transfer or contract expiry. The findings of the analysis are intended to provide practical guidance for sports organisations on how to implement these rules consistently and transparently. The study is based primarily on secondary research, using the relevant legislation, accounting standards, UEFA guidelines and existing professional literature.
Keywords: intangible assets; player rights; player transfer; club licence.
JEL Classification: M41.
