Ange Postecoglou replies to claims that Tottenham could face sanctions for breaking transfer rules.
Ange Postecoglou has brushed down alarm over transfer claims that have arisen concerning Jermain Defoe’s move from Tottenham to Portsmouth in 2008 and says it is ‘not across my desk’.
An investigation by The Times last week revealed that Spurs had dealt with an unlicensed agent when Defoe moved to Fratton Park 15 years ago – a rule violation that has resulted in clubs being docked points and fined in the past, with relegation even a possible punishment for more serious offences.
The Football Association chose not to take action against Tottenham at the time, but have now indicated that they will examine the issue, despite the fact that not all aspects of the investigation have been made public.
Postecoglou was coaching in Greece’s third division at the time of the Defoe trade, and he believes the issue does not interest him, with his only attention on Aston Villa‘s visit on Sunday.
When asked about the accusations, the Australian responded, ‘And? In 2008? I believe I was coaching the Brisbane Roar at the time, so it’s safe to say I wasn’t there!
‘And really, if you think that’s going across my desk… people are staying away from me right now because what’s really essential is we’ve got a big game on Sunday, with the issues we’ve got surrounding the team tomorrow, that’s where my emphasis is.’
‘And I think I’ve answered that,’ Postecoglou continued when pressed further on the matter as the only representative of the club available to speak about it. It’s not across from my coworker.
‘To give you an answer, I’d have to sit down with whoever is conducting the inquiry, whoever has all of the facts here, and you know how many hours?
‘I’m not sure how many hours you’ve spent on that, but I don’t have the time in my day to be examining those types of difficulties.
‘With those kinds of things, any of those difficulties, there are those responsible; maybe I’m the spokeswoman, but I’m the football club’s spokesman.
‘I would absolutely despise it if you brought a lawyer out here and he started talking about what formation we should play at the weekend.
‘I’ll keep my mouth shut on those things for no other reason than I respect the place that other people and I share.
‘If you have genuine questions, there are definitely better people to ask than me.’
Tottenham will be without Cristian Romero, Yves Bissouma, Micky van de Ven, and James Maddison for the visit of Aston Villa on Sunday due to injury and suspension.
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