Two Premier League clubs facing probe over ‘bridge transfer’ as Fifa review whether move broke the rules

4 months ago 52

SOUTHAMPTON are facing a Fifa probe over their swoop for Cameron Archer.

Saints signed the striker, 22, from Aston Villa this week.

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Cameron Archer signed for Southampton earlier this week[/caption]

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He joined from Aston Villa[/caption]

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But Archer moved back to Villa from Sheffield United and then signed for Saints within 16 weeks, which may be a breach of Fifa rules[/caption]

But the deal could be ruled a ‘bridge’ transfer, leading to fines and possible sanctions.

Villa initially sold Archer to Sheffield United for £18million in summer 2023, but terms of the deal meant they had to buy him back last month after the Blades were relegated.

Moving the same player in and out within a 16-week period is termed a ‘bridge’ transfer and breaks Fifa rules unless the clubs can come up with an adequate explanation.

Premier League chiefs confirmed there is nothing in their regulations to prevent a second transfer but Fifa have a specific category to stop such deals.

Their rules state: “No club or player shall be involved in a bridge transfer.

“It shall be presumed, unless established to the contrary, that if two consecutive transfers of the same player occur within a period of 16 weeks, the parties (clubs and player) involved have participated in a bridge transfer.

“The Fifa Disciplinary Committee will impose sanctions on any party involved in a bridge transfer.”

Archer’s buy-back deal with United raised eyebrows in the first place but was legal.

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However, the move to St Mary’s is now under scrutiny.

Fifa have been asked for their stance as they internally review the transfer.

Southampton refused to comment.

Archer came off the bench to make his debut for the Saints in their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.

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