Association of Football Agents calls for greater transparency over transfers

The Association of Football Agents’ (AFA) new Independent Chairman, ampoule Mike Miller, has called for greater transparency amid Sam Allardyce’s comments to businessmen on getting around the FA’s rules on player transfers.

“The AFA recognises that while recent media reports involving possible misconduct in relation to player transfers remain unproven, they do raise important questions and serve to highlight the need for greater transparency and a new regulatory framework in this area of the football industry. Agents play an important role in the business of the game and we want to ensure that players and clubs get the best possible service within an agreed set of rules and regulations which apply to all stakeholders,” said Mike Miller

The Football Association (FA) and Allardyce mutually agreed to terminate his contract after just 67 days in charge when The Telegraph’s investigation revealed the advice he gave to undercover journalists posing as businessmen. He is set to face an enquiry from the FA after his claim that he knew of certain agents getting around the transfer rules introduced by the organisation in 2008 which prohibit third parties from “owning” players. 

Allardyce also used his position as coach of the English national football team to negotiate a £400,000 deal ($520,000).

“We are totally committed to helping any investigation into the various allegations and to continue to work with the relevant football authorities, led by The FA, to further explore what steps can be taken in English football to put in place an effective system of licensing and codes of conduct for agents.

“The global move to deregulation has not worked and it has allowed the system to be more open to manipulation and abuse. The time has come for the key stakeholders in this country to genuinely come together to establish a new framework for the future and we would be happy to progress those discussions with immediate effect,” added Miller.

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