Mikhail Chigorin wrote:iwasthere2012 wrote:john68 wrote:The theory put forward is that 'Agents are the lubricant that makes it all work'
It is they that representmost players throughout their whole careers and it is they that negotiate transfers, signing on fees, get out clauses, bonuses, wages etc. A player often only spends a short time at a number of clubs, so it is an agent who ultimately makes the player rich and it is to the agent that the player ultimately owes his loyalty.
Agents have links with particular managers who get kick backs if they sign players from a particular agent's stable.
If an agent has a number of players in any particular team, it gives the agent leverage over the team.
Agents have links with the global gambling mafia, (and they do exist) and so it goes on.
And it's all very plausible John.
The only thing missing is a smoking gun.
The evidence is all around us, but currently it is only circumstantial.
I've said before in here, that though I firmly believe that corruption is rife, it needs to be said that is amazing that we don't have whistleblowers willing to open the can of worms.
It is strange to say the least that you could hope to keep a lid on something as big as what we are talking about.
It would take some amount of muscle to keep things quiet.
You may well be right IWT but I suppose it could be argued that with a gravy train as big as it undoubtedly is, it's in no-one's self interest to blow the whistle.
The trough is massive and the snouts are sucking up more than their fill, so everyone is happy...........
There's a simple explanation. If the rot does run that deep and organised gangs are running or influencing the show then a potential whistleblower will need to think very hard before doing so. They and their families will be threatened and intimidated. Football is after all 'only a game' so why would players or officials risk their families safety just to get it all off their chest. It pays then well and keeps them safe.