Fifa to ban players agents

 

 FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced at a news conference in Zurich, Switzerland on Friday, opts to ban "third-party ownership" of players, which allows outside investors to profit from transfers, 

FIFA has agreed to ban "third-party ownership" of players which allows outside investors to profit from transfers.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said a working group will now draft detailed rules, which will need to be phased in over several seasons.

The decision on Friday is a political victory for UEFA and its president, Michel Platini, who have repeatedly urged FIFA to act.

Third-party ownership (TPO) is popular with agents, investors and clubs in Latin America, Spain and Portugal.

It was banned in England following a controversy over Carlos Tevez signing for West Ham in 2006.

Supporters argue it helps clubs sign players they could otherwise not afford.

UEFA believes the practice drains huge sums of money from the sport, and leads players to be transferred regularly to generate profits for their part-owners.

The global group of players' unions also opposes what it sees as investors interfering in players' careers.

The FIFA panel drafting rules will meet next week.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said details will be agreed by the executive committee in December or March.

"Lets say representatives were present and a number of discussions took place and it was clear that there was no agreement between all the parties. At the end it was also clear that there was only one way clear to fight against third party ownership is just to put in place a ban. It was also clear that the ban can not be implemented immediately and we are discussing about the number of transfer windows we have to keep in order for this ban to be implemented. So are we talking about six, meaning three years, or eight meaning four years? That is the discussion that took place in the next week at FIFA with the next working group and we hope that by the next executive committee in December in Marakesh that the term to implement this ban would be precise and given to the executive committee for the final decision. At the latest it will be in March. But again the decision is that a ban will be implemented. When? It is a question of three or four years I would guess...but that's the discussion."

Valcke suggested a full ban could take effect in three or four years.

Clubs need time to buy out some investors and for existing contracts of players affected to expire

Fifa president who is planning to remain in office after next year election in Zurich.

"it would be enough I would say, happy with me to be elected on the 29th of May next year here in Zurich. In the meantime, and this I just wanted to repeat and I repeat it during the week. I am the President of all FIFA until this 29th and the elections are only on the 29th and then it is another (inaudible) but I am still the President, remaining the President." Blatter said when speaking to Sntv.