da premier bet： Tottenham could face a points deduction after an investigation found rules were broken in the transfer that brought Jermain Defoe to the club.
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Defoe signed for Portsmouth in 2008Unlicensed agent used in transferFA could review deal and sanction SapursWHAT HAPPENED?
has revealed details of an investigation which shows Tottenham broke agent rules when Jermaine Defoe left the club for Portsmouth in 2008. An unlicensed agent, Mitchell Thomas, was a "central figure" in the deal which saw Defoe move from north London to the south coast. FA rules at the time banned the use of unlicensed agents and the case was heard by an independent arbitration panel but no action was taken at the time. However, the FA have now confirmed they are willing to review the case if more details become available.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
This is not the first time that such a case has emerged and clubs have previously been sanctioned. Luton Town were hit with a 10-point ban and a hefty fine for using agents who did not have a contract with the club back in 2008. Meanwhile, former Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino was fined and banned from football for a year for using an unlicensed agent in the transfer of Ross McCormack.
Any failure to comply with the rules regarding agents is viewed as an "extremely serious matter," independent experts have told . Clubs could be deducted points, relegated or even handed a transfer ban.
WHAT THE FA SAID
“The case was heard by an independent arbitration panel 15 years ago. The FA was not a party to the arbitration," a spokeswoman for the FA told . "It is unclear how much information was shared with the FA at the time, and no disciplinary action was taken. If there is new evidence which was not available at the time, and which suggests serious breaches of our rules took place, we will review it.”
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?
It remains to be seen whether the FA will decide to review the case and if any action will be brought against Tottenham. Spurs have already seen Everton handed a 10-point deduction for breaking Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules this season, while Manchester City could also be sanctioned after being charged with breaching over 100 financial rules.