.jpg)
By Andrew Warshaw
September 30 – Football’s world governing body has launched a new electronic transfer system in an attempt to weed out corruption and money laundering, stop the trading of under-age players and make clubs totally accountable for all international deals.
FIFA hope the mandatory Transfer Matching System (TMS), being introduced on October 1, will also put an end to third party ownership of the sort that brought Carlos Tevez to England from South America and caused such an outcry.
The system, which only covers cross-border transfers and is not applicable domestically, has been tested for two years.
Clubs will no longer be allowed to close deals after windows shut simply in order to drive the hardest bargain.
Deals will be outlawed if they are not completed during the specified period and those who break the rules could face fines or, at worst, a ban from the transfer market.
“This is no silver bullet but it’s no longer a good idea to play a game of chicken in the transfer market,” Mark Goddard, general manager of TMS, told a conference call.
“The consequences of not telling the truth will be substantial.”
Goddard, a straight-talking, savvy Australian sports administrator, added: “We are aware clubs love to leave things until the last minute, but if a deal is not completed by the deadline, they are going to have to explain why.”
The system is also intended to cut down on both money launderers and third-party owners.
More than 30 specific details of each transfer will have to be entered online – including bank account details of buying and selling clubs – with no middle-man payments allowed.
“This is a historic moment for football,” said FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
“TMS is a relatively simple online system but it will have a tremendous impact on the international transfer of players.
“The most important thing is that it increases the transparency of individual transactions and helps us to tackle issues such as the fight against money laundering and the protection of minors in transfers.”
Contact the writer of this story zib.s1734934471emage1734934471htedi1734934471sni@w1734934471ahsra1734934471w.wer1734934471dnA1734934471