MPs irked by footy agents “disgrace”
MPs are to call on the Inland Revenue to investigate football transfers.
MPs want football clubs to be more publicly accountable, on a par with publicly listed companies and want clarification on the tax liabilities of agents’ fees – which can run into millions of pounds.
Alan Meale MP, a Labour member of the Commons’ all-party football group, insisted: “All fees should be paid by the players. The whole issue of agents needs examining. It is a disgrace. I would like the Inland Revenue to examine all transfers.”
Mr Meale’s comments come in the wake of the 99 questions pertaining to “transparency and corporate governance” sent by the Irish racing magnates JP McManus and John Magnier to the Manchester United board last week, questioning Sir Alex Ferguson’s “abuse” of power at the club.
Magnier questioned why huge sums of monies were paid to Manchester’s Elite agency, which is part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson’s son Jason, an associate of Monaco- based agent Mike Morris.
It has been alleged Mr Morris and Elite were privy to exclusive news that Jaap Stam was available for transfer in 2001, where a GBP1.4m commission was involved.
Alan Keen, chairman of the all-party group, has said clubs ought to declare the full details of every transfer deal to make clear where the money goes.
“The football authorities have got to put their own house in order.”
