BERT KONTERMAN
The bung culture will only get worse
AS THE spotlight continues to shine on English football after Sam Allardyce’s removal as England manager, Bert Konterman isn’t surprised by the greed swilling around the game.
The former Rangers and Holland star has sampled the murky side of the business as an agent.
It was a major eye-opener for him, and he was disgusted by that tactics used to get deals over the line.
The 45-year-old Dutchman couldn’t beat them – and he certainly wasn’t for joining them. He despised the corruption and selfishness within the game.
So, a man of principle, he quit his job.
The recent expose of figures being involved in dodgy deals didn’t surprise him. But Konterman believes the amount of unscrupulous figures in the game will only increase because FIFA now allow anyone to register as a football agent.
The previous system – whereby anyone who wanted to represent players had to pass an exam and put up a £100,000 bond – has now been scrapped.
Konterman, intelligent and thoughtful, told The Sunday Post: “I started to work as an agent around 10 years ago but found out quite quickly it wasn’t going to be a profession I would enjoy.
“I went into it with the best of intentions. Yes, I thought I could make a nice living but I also wanted to help footballers, whether they were teenagers starting out in the game or seasoned professionals looking for fresh advice or a different perspective.
“Back then, I had to sit an exam, learn the rules and prove I was up to the job. I wouldn’t say I went it to it blinkered – but a lot of it certainly opened my eyes.
“There appeared to be too many ‘cowboys’ and ‘mafia types’ involved, and I wasn’t comfortable in that environment.
“As an agent, if you wanted to sign a player, it became clear on a few occasions that you had to cross a line to do so.
“Some people will take things to the edge, but there are others who will go over the edge.
“I lasted two years and decided to get out. I’m so happy to be away from that line of work.
“I should point out that I was never asked to give anyone a ‘bung’, to use the English word. But I was just a wee agent and wasn’t at the level where deals would be worth fortunes.”
Bert is quick to point out that, thanks to the work of the Dutch FA, the problem isn’t rife in his homeland.
He said: “I came across some very good agents in Holland and around Europe, who also had their players’ best interests at heart, and it’s important for the game of football that these guys are allowed to get on with their work properly, putting their client first.
“But I do have concerns about the direction it may take because anyone can now register as an agent.
“I’ve made it clear how bad I thought it was 10 years ago, but I think the situation is now worse and will continue to get worse.
“It’s sad for the game and we should be concerned.”