Updated: Sep. 19, 2006
Chelsea will not face any possible points deduction even if TV
claims they made an illegal approach for an England youth player
are substantiated.
The Blues were given a suspended three-point deduction by the
Premier League following the Ashley Cole 'tapping up' case.
Chelsea are currently the subject of a joint investigation by the
Premier League and Football Association over claims by Leeds of
illegal approaches for three academy players last season.
The BBC's Panorama programme has now alleged Chelsea's director of
youth football Frank Arnesen offered Middlesbrough's 15-year-old
midfielder Nathan Porritt £150,000 over three years to move
clubs.
However, even if Chelsea are found to have breached any regulations
with regard to the academy players the suspended points deduction
from the Cole case will not apply.
It is understood one Premier League regulation covers illegal
approaches for contracted players, and a separate regulation covers
approaches for academy players.
Chelsea would have to be found guilty of another breach of the rule
regarding contracted players for the points deduction to come into
force.
With regard to the Arnesen allegations, Chelsea told the BBC no
industry rules had been breached. It is understood Arnesen was
approached by Porritt's agent Peter Harrison rather than Chelsea
making the initial inquiry.
The Panorama programme said: 'In a meeting with the agent Peter
Harrison he [Arnesen] offers a financial inducement to one of the
game's brightest prospects, Middlesbrough's England youth star
Nathan Porritt.
'At the meeting, also attended by undercover reporter Knut auf dem
Berge, Arnesen says he is willing to offer the Teesside club's
15-year-old £150,000 spread over three years to induce him
away.'
Porritt's agent also offers the player to Liverpool, and a club
official talks positively about signing him when he is 17.
Liverpool too have told the BBC they have not breached any industry
rules.
no points will be deducted in
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