FIFA transfer investigations ‘could take years’

FIFA’s general secretary Jerome Valcke has revealed that an investigation into transfer complaints involving English clubs could take years to complete – but that none are as serious as the case which led to a transfer ban on Chelsea.

Valcke said FIFA were inundated with complaints the day after the disciplinary action against Chelsea was announced.

The club were found guilty of inducing the French teenager to break his contract with Lens in 2007 when he was 16 and banned from making signings for two transfer windows. Chelsea are appealing the decision.

FIFA are looking into several other cases from England, involving Manchester United and Manchester City among others.

Valcke said: “The day after (Chelsea) we received a number of letters and calls. We have investigations in England and we know already these investigations are not at the same level as the Chelsea one. Everyone is coming with lawyers, and then it takes years, at least months, to finalise cases.”

Under new rules coming into force next month, a FIFA sub-committee will have to approve all international transfers of players aged under 18. FIFA are also looking into 15 unrelated transfers referred to them by the FA mainly concerning possible violations of agent regulations.