What I don't understand is that in any other business, if an employee was not applying themselves, was unfit and therefore unable to carry out their work and was generaly behaving in an unprofessional way they would be subjected to capability procedure and ultimately dismissed. Why does it seem that only "processional" footballers are exempt from this practice?
Don't think they are exempt. But you have to have a clear cut case. Does McCormack train. Yes, apart from odd instances where he had an excuse. Is he unfit enough to not be able to play? No. Is he behaving in an unprofessional way? Difficult to say he is. After all, he twice went across the globe in order to play.
The fact that he doesn't or can't do enough to get picked isn't a good enough case. The manager has the choice, and chooses not to.
Likewise injuries. Richards has made the bench on a few occasions. So he can obviously train. Even if a player was crocked enough never to play again, then if that player retired he would be entitled to compensation, probably the remaining length of the player's contract (although club insurance might kick in there).