Unfortunately in football there are occasions when players leave clubs without paying their debts and sometimes leaving clubs in financial difficulty. Durham FA operate a system to collect football debts on behalf of our affiliated clubs.

There are strict timelines and criteria in which football debts can be chased and we are unable to deal with any debts that do not conform with FA Regulations. We therefore recommend that you familiarise yourself with the procedures and key points which are highlighted below: 

It is mandatory of the creditor (i.e. the club) to take reasonable steps to recover the debt before requesting us to take action. Reasonable steps should include: 

- Writing to the player to inform them of the monies owed and keeping all records of such requests
- Not playing the player as soon as it becomes obvious that there is an issue with recovering monies

Timescale
We should be approached as soon as it is clear that there is a problem. In ALL cases this should be within 28 days of formal payment being requested and 112 days of the debt being incurred. 

What is a valid debt? 
Football debts are defined as those costs arising directly from football activity, and as such would include disciplinary costs and fines, match fees and costs, club subscriptions and playing expenses (e.g. pitch hire).

What is NOT a valid debt?
Fund raising activities, kit/equipment and end of season trips DO NOT fall within the scope of Football Debt Recovery. 

On completion of the form, within a week you will be contacted to confirm the status of your application. If your application is accepted the debtor will then be given 21 days notice to settle the debt and if payment is not received they will be suspended from ALL football activities until the debt is cleared.