‘I don’t think they can’ – Pundit reacts to Jermain Defoe transfer drama at Spurs

After rumors circulated that there may have been problems with Jermain Defoe’s move to Portsmouth, Gabriel Agbonlahor has maintained that the Premier League cannot punish Tottenham for an alleged offense done fifteen years prior.

In light of the Premier League’s 10-point deduction for Everton’s noncompliance with its sustainability and expenditure policies, The Times disclosed on Tuesday that they had conducted an inquiry into a previous trade that the Spurs had completed.

The publication stated that they had evidence that De Foe, Daniel Levy, and Harry Redknapp—the manager of Portsmouth at the time—had conspired with an unlicensed agency to enable the striker’s 2008 transfer from White Hart Lane to Fratton Park.

According to the study, the FA did not take any action against Spurs at the time, despite the fact that they had banned directors and deducted points for identical offenses committed by other teams.

The Times further stated that the FA had informed them that they will examine the case to determine whether an agent rule violation had actually occurred after receiving their proof.

Should Tottenham be punished if found guilty?

However, Agbonlahor and Alan Brazil have insisted that English football’s governing body should not dig into offences that were committed a decade and a half ago. They both suggested that the FA and the Premier League are to blame for not punishing Spurs at that time.

Here’s is a transcript of the pair’s discussion on talkSPORT (22/11 6:52 am):

Brazil: “It was in 2008 and they looked at it in 2010 but they decided to take no action.

Agbonlahor: “You can’t go back now surely, I don’t think they can 15 years later. 

Brazil: “No, I think you’re right; it’s too long, but it only demonstrates the lack of professionalism on the part of our government. Don’t you pay special attention to every transfer and ensure that the parties involved are legitimate and qualified?

Agbonlahor: “That would be crazy, but it’s not like you can punish Spurs for it now.” After all these years, I believe the people who checked it in 2010 and did nothing should be held accountable, not Spurs. The idea that Spurs may face punishment right now is absurd.

I anticipate that the FA would overlook this since it would unleash a huge can of worms, exposing all previous transgressions, if they were to reopen the case and penalize Spurs. They might maybe impose a little fee on Tottenham for a while.