February 16 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has had another dig at football’s two easiest targets: spiralling transfers and agents’ fees.
Infantino will be the centre of attention in two weeks’ time when football’s lawmakers seem certain to approve his controversial call for video technology to be in place in time for the World Cup. But in an interview with ESPN, he stuck to subjects most fans would agree with him about as he examined how the game was being adversely affected by agents and transfers.
“For international transfers alone, we’ve seen some $6.4 billion circulating,” said Infantino. “This is double the amount [compared to] just four or five years ago. You could say the system is healthy because there is lots of money. But the trend is worrying and that’s why we need to act.”
“At the same time, the commission fees paid to agents are increasing as well, to more than $500 million.”
Agents are currently licensed by individual associations rather than FIFA and Infantino is uncomfortable about how much they are being compensated.
“I think the rise of commissions paid to agents has taken a worrying direction. And many agents agree with me and would like more oversight.
“Today there are no rules in place. Anyone can do what he wants. But the reality shows us that there are risks of bribery, corruption and money laundering. It’s not me saying it; there are many reports from government authorities that show this is the case.”
Infantino also backed the views of many European leagues to shorten the summer transfer window so that it closes before each season begins.
“It makes sense when you start the season to know what your squad is. And then you play the season with your squad. You [should not] be able to change one week, two week or months into the season and risk losing maybe your best player. It’s not right. We have to protect the values [that] have made football what it is, [as well as the game’s] integrity.”
And he shares the views of UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, with whom he does not see eye to eye about everything, over how to bring about a more level playing field.
“It’s important to bring in some sporting rules such as squad size limits and limitations on loan players,” Infantino said. “We all have an interest that the best players play and today with the concentration of the best in a few leagues [and clubs] this is not happening. We need to also look into homegrown player rules to find a competitive balance.”
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