Plans to stop agents getting fat on football
ENGLISH football is making its first concerted attempt to curb the huge amount of money agents are taking out of the game.
The move, originated at a Premier League clubs’ meeting, now also involves the FA and Football League. It was sparked by record spending in the summer transfer window and the obscene sums pocketed by intermediaries.
Three working groups based in the north, south and Midlands have been tasked with proposing ways to ensure agents cannot grow ever richer at the expense of football. There is also a desire to regulate payments to agents before the tax authorities further investigate football dealings.
Those involved in the initial agent discussions include Southampton vice-chairman of football Les Reed, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia and Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes.
Their most difficult task will be to persuade clubs to abide by the rules regarding agents if they are chasing the same player.
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