FIFA president Gianni Infantino pledges support for FA probe into football corruption
Saturday 8 October 2016 20:47, UK
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has expressed support for the FA's investigation into corruption in football in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News HQ.
The Football Association, Premier League and Football League confirmed last week that they will use "the full force of the rules" to look into any "substantive allegations" of malpractice following a series of reports by the Daily Telegraph newspaper.
The Telegraph has since shared all its information with City of London Police, who are also investigating any potential criminal activity, and Infantino backed the action of the English authorities, stating: "People who are cheating don't have a place in football.
"I was very surprised and extremely sad when I heard it, and when I heard that it may only be the tip of the iceberg, and there may be much more going on," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"It's hard to believe but I know the FA are now investigating the matter and if anything comes out then it has to come out, and measures and sanctions have to be taken.
"I don't know the details [of Sam Allardyce's departure as England manager] but we have to respect the decision."
The Daily Telegraph's investigation alleges eight current or past Premier League managers have taken money for player transfers and Infantino confirmed that FIFA will look at the current laws over player agents.
Shortly before Infantino's election as Sepp Blatter's successor last year, FIFA and its individual nation authorities, including the FA, deregulated agents practices.
Infantino said: "I can understand the frustration. It is a difficult topic because, today, transfers are international an it's very difficult to regulate a professional activity at international level.
"Non-regulation is also not necessarily the right answer to that, so I think we really need to look at that carefully."
