BALE TRANSFER IS ROBBERY — PLATINI

MICHEL PLATINI claims modern-day transfers are ‘robbery’ as Real Madrid prepare to pay £78million for Gareth Bale. UEFA’s president described modern players as ‘products’ who are moved on at the whim of clubs and agents. The former France midfielder said: ‘If Real Madrid want to pay this amount of money I think he could be good. Otherwise it’s a disaster for Real Madrid if they pay this money and he is not good. ‘I think transfers are a robbery — it’s an opportunity for a lot of people to make a lot of money. Today a player is more a product than a footballer, with a whole pile of people trying to get commissions. I think we and FIFA should find something more healthy.’ The transfer window is in Platini’s sights too after he admitted that the present system is unsatisfactory. ‘I agree this window is too long and we will have to shorten it,’ he added. Platini also addressed moving the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 to the winter, rejecting claims by Premier League chief Richard Scudamore that it was impossible. ‘I will say something to the English,’ said Platini. ‘We respect your calendar for 150 years — for one month in 150 years you can change.’ Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has labelled Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco as ‘economic sharks’. Chelsea’s manager didn’t mention them by name but said: ‘With less investment, Chelsea intend to maintain the level of these economic sharks who seem like they will continue with the desire to buy and keep buying. I’m happy for them that they have that objective.’