CLUB CALL ON WOLVES SIGNINGS
PRESSURE is growing on football’s authorities to launch an investigation into Wolves’ financial affairs.
A cluster of Championship clubs have voiced their dissatisfaction to the Football League and FA over what they perceive as being foul play by the Molineux club.
Wolves, who are seven points clear at the top of the table, have a tie-up with super-agent Jorge Mendes.
But a number of rivals want answers – and are growing more vocal in their demands ahead of a Football League meeting this week.
Confusion exists over Financial Fair Play. Wolves recruited heavily last summer, signing such talents as Ruben Neves from Porto for £15million. They also brought in players such as Diogo Jota on loan from Atletico Madrid.
The basis for the rivals’ complaint is that the money spent does not match up to the quality of incoming player.
As one club official said last week: “If Wolves have brought in players such as Neves for £15m, he must be being paid as a player worth £15m should be. It’s the same with others they have brought in from Monaco, Atletico Madrid and Valencia. None of these players would come on the cheap. Something doesn’t add up.”
Wolves are “entirely comfortable” that they will comply with FFP. Even though the club have spent heavily in the past 12 months, they posted a profit before being taken over by Chinese conglomerate Fosun International.
FFP states that clubs can lose up to £39m in any three-year period, and that will weigh heavily in Wolves’ favour if they are called to account by the authorities before the end of the season.
Wolves are on course for the Premier League, who were contacted for a comment. But as the club have not yet been promoted, the issue is not the top flight body’s problem.
Matters are not helped as it seems there is confusion as to which body should look into Wolves’ affairs.
The club plays in the English Football League, which has its own regulations – but the competition is administered by the FA which looks after the game’s governance.
Wolves have admitted they have a tie-up with Mendes – a stance not at odds with several clubs who boast relationships with certain agents.
However, clubs are seeking further clarification to ensure no governance rules are being broken.
The situation is also unlikely to go away if Wolves return to the top flight for the first time since 2012.