FA investigation confirmed: Tottenham Hotspur at risk of points deduction over Jermain Defoe transfer in 2008

Tottenham Hotspur could be at the risk of a points deduction from the transfer of Jermain Defoe to Portsmouth in 2008. The player was signed for a fee worth £7.5 million, but a central figure in the move was one Mitchell Thomas, who has been revealed as an unlicensed agent. 

The FA reviewed the matter at the time but decided to take no action even though dealings with unlicensed agents were against the rules even then. Now, the FA has confirmed that they will be looking into the matter again as it is a serious offence and could result in strict punishment for the Lilywhites. 

Tottenham Hotspur at risk over Jermain Defoe’s 2008 transfer breaching rules 

However, the FA’s review depends on assessing new evidence which wasn’t available 15 years ago. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp reportedly dealt with Thomas at the time, even though he was unlicensed. 

Agents working without a proper representation contract are against the rules of the FA. Luton Town, for example, were handed a 10-point deduction in the same year for their dealings with an unregistered agent. And if Tottenham are found guilty of the same offence, they may also be docked. 

Everton were recently handed a 10-point deduction after failing to comply with the minimum-loss threshold over a five-year period. Chelsea and Manchester City also face the risk of punishment due to FFP breaches, 115 on City’s part. And now, Tottenham find themselves in a similar predicament.