The FA looking to investigate Jermain Defoe's move in 2008 as Tottenham 'face transfer rule breach
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FA looking into Jermain Defoe's move to Portsmouth in 2008 || Credit: Getty and Action images

The FA looking to investigate Jermain Defoe's move in 2008 as Tottenham 'face transfer rule breach

Stephen Oladehinde 20:00 - 23.11.2023

The deal of Jermain Defoe from Spurs to Portsmouth in 2008, which was purported to have violated transfer regulations, is something the FA has confirmed they will look into.

Jermain Defoe completed his transfer move from Tottenham to Portsmouth for a fee worth £7.5million in 2008.

The transfer move to the Pompey’s was reportedly said to have been done through an unlicensed agent.

It has now been reported that evidence has surfaced which showed they used an unlicensed agent in negotiations which could land Tottenham in trouble.

Jermain Defoe, ex-Tottenham striker || credit: Getty
Jermain Defoe, ex-Tottenham striker || credit: Getty

Defoe’s transfer

Jermain Defoe's transfer from Spurs to Portsmouth in 2008 is currently under investigation by the FA.

The Times confirmed an FA statement on Wednesday as reported by Daily Mail, “We are looking at the case, and as part of that we will be reviewing the arbitration panel award.”

The publication added that after doing nothing for a while, football's regulatory body would be reviving the case against the north London team. 

According to the Times story, Mitchell Thomas, a former player for West Ham and Tottenham and a "central figure" in Defoe's move to Portsmouth, was acting without a licence at the time.

Jermain Defoe made a transfer move from Tottenham to Portsmouth || Credit: Action Image
Jermain Defoe made a transfer move from Tottenham to Portsmouth || Credit: Action Image

Defoe, then-Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy are alleged to have interacted with Thomas throughout the transaction.

In January 2010, the FA allegedly made the decision to do nothing because they believed Wembley officials lacked all the necessary paperwork.

The FA also had access to extensive phone records and were aware that Thomas had contributed to Defoe's departure to Fratton Park.

Meanwhile, Everton has been docked ten points for violating the Premier League's sustainability and profitability regulations.