The basic principle of the system is to transfer teams between divisions based on merit -- in order to allow fluidity between the amateur leagues and the very top of the professional game.

CNN: Explainer: How relegation works

And for Mr Issing the implied transfer of money would violate the fundamental democratic principle that there should be "no taxation without representation".

BBC: Eurozone crisis: What Germany can learn from Italy

Till now, Britain's rules on transfer pricing have cut across that principle: the Paris parent of a Kent company has had to obey them, a London parent has not.

ECONOMIST: Company taxation