Why Financial Fair Play Will Never Fix Transfer Window Spending

Financial fair play was designed by UEFA in an attempt to give more teams a chance at competing for players on the open market. Although the rules and regulations are a small step in the right direction, they will never create a true level playing field.

In reality, the rules still favor the traditional big-spending clubs that are able to generate more revenue. As long as those teams are able to keep raking in eye-popping amounts of cash from sponsorships, broadcasting rights and advertising, they can still spend huge amounts on transfers.

On the flip side, those teams that lag behind in those key categories will still be at a disadvantage when it comes to acquiring transfers. These rules aren't enough to bring them on even footing with the usual transfer powerhouses.

Since the new system is being implemented over an extended period of time, it will take longer to feel the impact as well. Teams are still allowed to have net losses of €45 million through 2015 and then €30 million through 2018 as long as ownership covers it, according to Goal.com.

So what fans are going to see is a lot of teams that aren't afraid to throw their weight around in the transfer market spending a lot of time developing new revenue streams. Ownership groups are going to get more creative than ever to boost sponsorship and merchandise sales, among other things.

What they won't do is stop pursuing players on the transfer market. In order to generate more money, the teams have to remain strong contenders in their respective leagues and qualify for European cup play. And the best way to do that remains acquiring top talents through transfers.

Paris Saint-Germain certainly hasn't let financial fair play change its ways. The team has already secured deals for Thiago Silva and Ezequiel Lavezzi. PSG is also closing in on a deal for superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with contract details being worked out.

The number of teams capable of pulling off three massive deals like that, which would total well over €100 million total, and still feeling comfortable to meet the requirements remains extremely limited. A large majority of squads simply can't compete.

It's a similar story when a team attempts to keep its own players. The best example right now would be the ongoing saga between Arsenal and Robin van Persie. Although Arsene Wenger wants to keep his biggest star, money is still an issue.

He wouldn't be able to match the gigantic deal a team like Manchester City could offer Van Persie, even with the new rules in place. The Gunners have watched several key pieces leave Emirates over the last few years for richer deals with other clubs.

It ranges far beyond Arsenal, of course. Every team will still feel the pressure of trying to keep their own players signed to reasonable contracts before other teams come calling with bigger offers. That aspect will likely never change.

Instead of changing their big-spending habits, teams are going to discover new ways to work around the system. They have had nearly three years since the plan was first brought to the forefront, which means there has been plenty of time to study it and figure out potential loopholes.

One area that warrants watching is the amortisation provision. Since the cost of a player is averaged evenly over the course of his entire contract for fair play purposes, longer deals would appear to benefit teams by keeping the average down.

Also, more players might get sold with time left on their contracts so teams are able to make some quick profit to help reach the fair play standards. As long as they meet the requirements on a yearly basis, they have nothing to worry about.

All told, the changes were made with the right intentions, but this summer's transfer window has already shown that they won't radically affect the way teams attack the market. Teams who love to spend are still going to spend.

It's difficult to imagine a scenario where the things would truly be "fair." A completely level playing field doesn't exist, and while the rules might make teams keep a closer eye on their finances, bold moves are still going to get made.

That's how the transfer window has always worked and will continue to work moving forward, unless even bigger changes are implemented.