The summer transfer window has witnessed the notable signings of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante by Saudi Arabian clubs, sparking concerns about the integrity of the game.
In light of these developments, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has called for the Premier League to implement a ban on transfers to Saudi Arabia, aiming to safeguard the integrity of football.
Neville expressed his views amidst a flurry of transfer activities in the Middle Eastern nation, which witnessed high-profile players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante completing moves to the Saudi Pro League.
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Furthermore, in June, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the owner of Newcastle United, announced its acquisition of four clubs in the country, including Al Nassr, the team Cristiano Ronaldo is associated with.
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The transfer speculation surrounding Chelsea players Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, and Hakim Ziyech, who have been linked with moves to various teams in the Saudi Pro League, has intensified the controversy.
This situation is particularly concerning due to the uncertainty regarding whether PIF holds any stake in Clearlake Capital, the ultimate owners of Chelsea.
Although sources close to the club have reportedly denied these claims, Neville firmly believes that decisive measures must be taken.
“The Premier League should put an instant embargo on transfers to Saudi Arabia to ensure the integrity of the game isn’t being damaged,” he said, speaking to BBC Sports.
“Checks should be made on the appropriateness of the transactions. If it comes through that process, obviously transfers could open up again.”
“But I do believe, at this moment in time, transfers should be halted until you look into the ownership structure at Chelsea and whether there are beneficial transfer dealings that are improper.”
Neville’s criticism of the transfer dealings between the Premier League and Saudi Arabia is a recurring theme this week.
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Neville on Tuesday posted on Instagram: “Any chance the Premier League can look into this Saudi trading like NOW!!!!
“Get a regulator in ASAP that’s agile enough to stop these things at source! If it doesn’t look right, it’s probably not right! Independence is required ASAP. The governance of our game is a mess.”
To regulate the transfer market, the Premier League currently employs a fair value assessment system.
This system aims to ensure that all deals, including commercial agreements and player transfers, are conducted fairly and at market value.
The implementation of this system demonstrates the league’s commitment to maintaining transparency and fairness in its dealings.
