The transfer window is about to close for another summer and the process of ‘tapping up’ seems rife across all the sports divisions. Tapping up is the process where club with approach players without the consent of that players club. Many people argue there is not enough protection in the sport from this kind of predatory behaviour. Some people involved with the sport have noted that this process even extends to approaching players on Twitter.
Football rules say that this kind of approach is illegal but according to Harry Redknapp, manager of Tottenham, this has just happened to one of his players, Luke Modric. Redknapp has said, “Someone is clearly whispering in his ear, it’s not a surprise, this kind of predatory behaviour is rife in the sport.” A recent survey has confirmed Redknapp’s opinion as it found that, “only 15% of clubs in the last year felt sure that no one has approached their players illegally.”
A director in the Premier League has said, “This practice is illegal but it is almost impossible to control. Clubs have begun to accept that tapping up will always happen and they are learning to live with it. We recognise that it is wrong, but we cannot stop it.” Clubs are being encouraged to report any suspected attempts of tapping up but this does not seem to be to any great effect.
Another director has said, “The fact that we are not seeing any direct complaints from the clubs means that tapping up is occurring but they believe there is nothing that can be done about it.” In most cases of suspected tapping up, clubs settle before the case is arbitrated by the Premier League. In the past fines by the League have been up to £300,000 and have seen clubs receive significant point reductions.