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FIFA moves to end third party ownership of players

By IANS

London : The world football governing body FIFA has brought in new rules to crack down on third-party ownership of players following the Carlos Tevez controversy.

FIFA’s official website reports that the world body had adopted virtually the same rule as the English Premier League regulation that was breached by West Ham United when they signed the Argentina striker.

West Ham’s agreement with Tevez’s representative Kia Joorabchian handed over legal control of his registration during transfer windows, in contravention of Premiership rules.

The new FIFA regulation states: “No club shall enter into a contract which enables any other party to that contract, or any third party to acquire the ability to influence in employment and transfer-related matters its independence, its policies or the performance of its teams.

“The FIFA disciplinary committee may impose disciplinary measures on clubs that do not observe the obligations set out in this article.”

Tevez joined West Ham from Brazilian club Corinthians, who have since become embroiled in a money laundering investigation at home.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: “Identification of ownership of this club and the transfer of money going from there to England is a matter which has already been dealt with partially.

“We have been presented with a new approach about how to try to solve this problem and it will be ratified to come into force at the end of the year.”