A row has broken out after a Wellington football prodigy was snapped up by Chelsea for free thanks to a loophole just days before new rule changes were introduced.

Former Court Fields student Brooke Aspin joined Bristol City at the age of 14, where she became a regular first team player and a captain of England's under 17 side.

The 18-year-old has now transferred to Chelsea on a four-year contract - with the side under no obligation to reimburse Bristol City for the training and development they provided.

The move was made possible thanks to a loophole in the rules of the women's game which meant clubs could transfer players without paying compensation for development.

The rules applied to female players under the age of 18, and were changed as recently as June 24. Aspin, who recently turned 18, was therefore able to be acquired by Chelsea without the club paying a so-called 'recognition fee.'

The row kicked off after Bristol City made their displeasure known, with head coach Lauren Smith saying: "It’s disappointing that there isn't a sustainable model in place to ensure that clubs like us, that are proud to develop and support youth players, are supported and compensated in these situations."

Brooke described leaving the club as a difficult decision. In a statement she said: "Over the past few weeks as I prepared to turn 18, I have faced a decision over where and with whom, to sign my first professional contract.

"After thinking long and hard for many weeks about what is right for me at this stage in my career, I have made the decision to sign with Chelsea FC. But this is not the end for me and Bristol City.

"With that in mind, I am eternally grateful to both clubs for allowing me to remain on loan at Bristol City for the 2023-24 season, in order to continue my development under Lauren’s expert guidance."

Commenting on her new club, Brooke said the move was the realisation of a long-held dream. She said: "It feels amazing, I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was a little girl and to be here right now, I can’t really put it into words. I’m excited to learn from the best, the players and staff are world class and I want to be world class myself. This is where I want to be and what I want to surround myself with"

If the transfer was made under the new rules, Bristol City would be entitled to £2,500 for each year Brooke spent with the club, meaning they missed out on a £10,000 payout.

Welcoming their new player, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said: "Brooke is a player that we have been tracking for the last three years. She has extensive experience for her age and is a young centre-back that we have very high hopes for in the future."

General manager Paul Green added: ‘We believe Brooke is the best young centre-back of her age in the country. We look forward to seeing her continue to develop this season in the WSL at Bristol City.’

In a statement Chelsea acknowledged the contribution of Bristol City in developing Brooke as a player, describing her as a 'dominant' player with excellent leadership abilities:

"Aspin is a product of the Bristol City academy system, progressing into the first team where she made her debut at the age of 16. She is an aggressive and dominant defender who despite her age has shown excellent maturity and leadership skills in the last two seasons."