Fifa transfer probe 'could take years'
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
FIFA's general secretary Jerome Valcke has revealed that an investigation into transfer complaints involving English clubs could take years to complete - but that none are as serious as the case which led to a transfer ban on Chelsea.
Valcke said FIFA were inundated with complaints the day after the disciplinary action against Chelsea was announced.
The club were found guilty of inducing the French teenager to break his contract with Lens in 2007 when he was 16 and banned from making signings for two transfer windows. The club are appealing.
FIFA are now looking into several other cases from England, involving Manchester United and Manchester City among others.
Valcke, speaking in the USA, said: "The day after [Chelsea] we received a number of letters and calls.
"We have [a number of] investigations in England and we know already that these investigations are not at the same level as the Chelsea one.
"Everyone is coming with lawyers, and then it takes years, at least months, to finalise cases."
Under new rules which coming into force next month, a FIFA sub-committee will have to approve all international transfers of players aged under 18.
FIFA are also looking into 15 unrelated transfers referred to them by the Football Association mainly concerning possible violations of agents regulations.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments