United deny ‘stealing’ Pogba from Le Havre
United have been accused of offering ‘very large’ sums to the 16-year-old’s parents to induce him to end a contract he has until the end of this season.
An angry Le Havre statement – under the heading ‘Manchester United steal Paul Pogba from HAC (Le Havre)’ – read: “This act is even more unacceptable as it comes from a club with such stature. Le Havre wishes to express its indignation regarding the dealings of Manchester United’sdirectors in relation to the young Paul Pogba.
“The player and his parents refused to keep the arrangement because Manchester United offered very high sums of money to the parents with the aim of obtaining the transfer of their son.
“At a time when numerous parties – including at European Union level, governmental level), or within FIFA or UEFA – are speaking out against the ‘trading of minors’ Manchester United does not hesitate to uproot a 16-year-old kid.’’
But a United spokesman insisted the Red Devils had done nothing wrong.
He said: “It is complete nonsense. Everything has been done within UEFA guidelines.’’
Players from European Union countries are able to move to Britain on academy or scholarship contracts at 16, and to sign full professional contracts at 17.
By signing a player under the age of 18, the buying club minimises the level of compensation the selling club will get.
Le Havre, who were relegated to the French second division last season, claim an agreement between the club, Pogba and his parents was in place for the player to stay until the end of the 2009/2010 season.
It is not the first time United have been criticised in their pursuit of Europe’s promising youngsters.
Italian club Lazio were unhappy over United’s pursuit and signing of Federico Macheda, who was 16 when he moved to Old Trafford in 2007.
“They get the parents on board, giving them handsome compensation, offering them important jobs, which shouldn’t happen,’’ Lazio president Claudio Lotito said.
“Because with a 15-year-old it’s unthinkable that a club should give millions of euros to his parents, practically buying the parents, and this is a real problem: the parents sign on behalf of the players.
“We did everything we could to try to keep him. Unfortunately the rules don’t allow us – and this is a shameful situation – to put players under 16 under contract.
“Therefore these players are regularly stolen from our club, outside of any respect for any ethical code.’’
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