The Football Association has confirmed its intention to investigate the 2008 transfer of Jermain Defoe from Tottenham Hotspur to Portsmouth. Allegations have surfaced regarding the involvement of an unlicensed agent in the deal.
Defoe, who spent four years at Tottenham, moved to Portsmouth for £7.5 million in January 2008 and later returned to White Hart Lane after a successful stint, during which he scored 16 goals in 31 Premier League games.
Reports from The Times suggest that an unlicensed agent named Mitchell Thomas played a role in the negotiations, and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy failed to formalize a representation contract with another agent, who received £1 million for his part in the transfer—violations of FA regulations.
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In January 2010, an investigative panel probed potential issues surrounding the transfer and concluded that Thomas assisted Defoe in securing the terms of his Portsmouth contract, contradicting Defoe’s claim that he personally negotiated the terms. However, the FA chose not to pursue disciplinary action against Spurs when presented with the evidence.
“The case was heard by an independent arbitration panel 15 years ago,” stated an FA spokeswoman. “The FA was not a party to the arbitration. It is unclear how much information was shared with the FA at the time, and no disciplinary action was taken. If there is new evidence which was not available at the time, and which suggests serious breaches of our rules took place, we will review it.”
Harry Redknapp, Portsmouth manager at the time of the deal, admitted he believed Thomas was acting as Defoe’s agent.
“I remember that transfer well because it’s a story I tell as an after-dinner speaker,” he said. “Jermain’s mum came down with him that day and she asked about a goal bonus. I looked at her and said, ‘It’s goals we’re paying him for’.
“I had very little to do with the deal but, as far as I know, Mitchell Thomas was his agent.”
Clubs have faced hefty punishments in the past for breaches of agent rules. Luton Town were docked ten points and handed a £50,000 in 2008 for failing to agree representation contracts, while former Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino was banned from football for 12 months in 2017 over his work with unlicensed agents.