England manager Sam Allardyce has allegedly been filmed appearing to advise businessmen on how to "get around" rules on player transfers, as part of a newspaper investigation.
In an undercover operation by the Daily Telegraph, Allardyce met people who he thought were representatives of a Far East firm following his appointment to one of English football's most coveted roles.
He was captured appearing to tell reporters that it was “not a problem” getting around FA rules that stop third parties “owning” football players' economic rights.
The controversial practice was banned by the FA - Allardyce's employers - in 2008 over concerns it compromised the integrity of the game, as the third party could profit whenever a player was sold. In 2015, Fifa also announced the banning of the practice.
When asked about the rules, Allardyce was filmed on a hidden camera saying: “It's not a problem.”
He apparently added an unnamed group had been “doing it for years” and “you can still get around it”, allegedly suggesting that they employ the player's agents to compensate for the fact they are no longer allowed to profit from each transfer directly.
It is alleged by the paper that a deal was struck with the England manager worth £400,000.
The FA told the Sun it is aware of the allegations and are awaiting a full transcript of the meetings before commenting further.
A spokesman told the Telegraph: “We have asked The Daily Telegraph to provide us with the full facts in relation to this matter.”
According to Mail Online, FA chairman Greg Clarke said last night: 'I want all the facts, to hear everything from everyone and make a judgment about what to do. Natural justice requires us to get to the bottom of the issues before we make any decision.'
The Independent has contacted the FA for comment about the allegations.
Allardyce has yet to respond to the allegations.
Press Association
