MPs want new transfer probe

14 April 2012

The millions of pounds flowing into the pockets of agents from transfer deals each season will now form a central part of next month's key parliamentary report on money in football, it emerged today.

As Manchester United announced an internal inquiry into recent transfers following demands by major shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus, the all-party parliamentary football group is currently deciding whether to call for an independent regulator to police the game.

The parliamentary group did not start out with the goal of analysing transfer deals and the work of agents but it has become an issue during evidence given to the committee in recent months by football experts.

Group chairman Alan Keen would not reveal the contents of the report which is expected to demand huge improvements in the transparency of clubs' financial affairs.

But he said: "I think clubs should have to declare the full details of every transfer deal so that everybody can see what the situation is and who got what money. The football authorities have got to put their own house in order."

A recent investigation revealed that £46million was paid to agents during the 2001-02 season alone for commissions on transfers and players' wage deals.

Some agents demand fees of up to £750,000 for negotiating one deal and there have also been recent reports that offers of bungs to managers are still part of football.

MPs say many fans are usually happy to see huge salaries go to players and managers but do not like to see millions of pounds flooding out of the game.

The report is likely to demand tighter controls on who can become a director of a football club. It is also set to call for clubs to open up their finances to the public and to supporter groups.

Its publication in the next few weeks has taken on extra significance due to the row at the richest club in world football.

Standard Sport revealed yesterday that major shareholders have demanded answers from the Manchester United board to an astonishing 63 questions over "transparency and corporate governance".

The review is designed to placate Irish racing tycoons Magnier and McManus, who are said by sources close to them to be furious at the reaction of chairman Sir Roy Gardner to inquiries they made regarding talks over Sir Alex Ferguson's new contract and commissions paid to agents by the club.

United believe that their processes and policies are among the most rigorous to be found in the game. But the club intend to seek support from the Premier League for new guidelines in respect of dealing with agents.

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