'It's A Clear Breach Of Rules' - Ex-PL CEO: Man United facing 'clampdown' on transfers

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Man United may be blocked from signing teenager James Overy for the time being due to a Fifa “clampdown”.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested United have committed a “clear breach” of regulations on the movement of young players.

As reported by The Sun (20 July), Overy has been offered a deal at Man United but is not yet able to play for the club as Fifa and the Premier League examine the transfer.

The 16-year-old moved from Australia to non-league side Newton Abbot Spurs in March but has not yet served the requisite 16-week stint to dodge rules on “bridging transfers”.

It has been reported that the signing has been delayed as football authorities comb over the details.

Man United move for Overy faces delay after ‘clear breach of the regulations’, says Wyness

Wyness insisted the rules are “in place for a reason” and suggested Fifa may make an example out of Man United.

He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “There’s been a clampdown on the movement of young players.

“A lot of attention has been paid by Fifa and other authorities to make sure they aren’t being trafficked, or clubs aren’t paying undue inducements to parents.

“It’s good that we’re seeing this focus because these regulations are in place for a reason.

“Clubs can’t just flaunt these rules – we know they want to try.

“As I understand it, he’s come across from Australia and hasn’t served the requisite time at his UK club before being transferred to United.

“To me, it seems like a pretty clear breach of the regulations and it could be held up for a while.

“There won’t be any sanctions, but players have to play 16 weeks at another side before they can make the transfer.

“That’s in place so there isn’t just a bridging club between his old side in Australia and United.

“He’s not done that time, so I expect Fifa to ask for more. They could even reset the clock. They want to make a point out of this, and football must make the point.”

In other news, expert tips Man United to complete new signing spree.

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