Michel Platini wants shorter window and slams ‘robbery’ transfers

 
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Andy Hodgson30 August 2013

UEFA president Michel Platini is to push for the transfer window to be shortened and claims the fees paid for players are “a robbery”.

The former France captain spoke out today when he was asked about Real Madrid’s attempts to seal Gareth Bale’s world record £86million move from Tottenham.

Speaking in Monaco, Platini said: “In terms of the morality [of the fee] this question was being asked when Diego Maradona was transferred. People said, ‘wow, 5million for a player’ and then it was Mr Zidane and then Cristiano Ronaldo and now Mr Bale — 100million euros.

“There is certainly money for this kind of transfer. Real Madrid’s turnover is more than 250million euros and if they buy three players for a total of 100million this question would not be asked, and they could pay in instalments.

“I think transfers are a robbery. When I was playing every time I had finished a contract I was free to go wherever I went. I think it’s an opportunity for a lot of people to make a lot of money.

“Today, a player is more a product than a footballer with a whole pile of people trying to get commissions. I think we and FIFA should think about that and find something more healthy.”

During this transfer window a number of managers, including Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho and Newcastle’s Alan Pardew, have called for it to be shut before the season starts.

Platini said UEFA’s strategic committee would look into the issue and could suggest that all European leagues start at the same time to reduce the length of the window. He said: “I agree it is too long but the whole world is involved and don’t play at the same time as we do. The clubs also want to have transfers finished before the start of their competition.

“The strategic committee includes the clubs and leagues and we will ask FIFA to have a look into what we propose and for all European leagues to start at the same time. This window is too long and we will have to shorten it.”

Although that could find favour with the Premier League, Platini’s call today for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to be held in the winter will not. League chief executive Richard Scudamore has already suggested that if Qatar cannot stage a summer tournament then FIFA should reopen the bidding process to find a new host could be found. He said: “Our view is, if that is deemed not possible by FIFA, they need to move the location.”

But Platini, who voted for the Gulf state to get the tournament, said today: “I want the World Cup to be played in the winter. You cannot have players, fans and media in 500C heat.”

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