United cleared, Juve not off the hook

– Fifa have cleared Manchester United but opened disciplinary proceedings against Juventus over Paul Pogba’s (right) world record transfer, football’s governing body announced yesterday.

The French midfielder returned to United in a deal worth more than €105.2 million in August 2016 from the Italian giants.

In May, Fifa began an inquiry into the move, requesting information about the headline transfer from United.

But in a statement Fifa confirmed that while United were in the clear of any wrongdoing, they were taking action against Juventus.

“We can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Juventus FC.”

Pogba’s move came under particular scrutiny amid reports the player’s agent Mino Raiola would earn some €49 million from the deal.

Raiola is suspected of a conflict of interest, as he was at the time agent for Pogba, Juventus and Manchester United.

In May, French website Mediapart, quoting the Football Leaks documents, claimed: “Pogba in reality cost 127 million euros to Manchester United with 49 million going into Raiola’s pockets and only 78 million into Juve’s bank account.” – AFP