Platini concerned over transfer fees

Platini concerned over transfer fees

UEFA chief Michel Platini has reiterated his concern over the amounts of money splurged in the transfer market this summer.

Real Madrid last night agreed a deal with Lyon for Karin Benzema which would take their close-season spending spree over the 200million euro mark following the acquisitions of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Albiol.

The Frenchman told L'Equipe: "Ronaldo's transfer stood out for me, but if Real have guarantees from the banks... On a personal note, I don't understand how anyone can spend 90million (euros) on a player. I'm embarrassed.

"But I remember the Maradona transfer from Barcelona to Napoli (in 1984). This would be the equivalent of 6.5 million and I found that vulgar. I think there is something wrong there.

"I don't like that, and even less given the fact that today players sign contracts only to then go and break them. But, as I said, if clubs have the money, what can I do?"

Platini last month described Madrid's £80million swoop for Ronaldo, which came just days after the £56million signing of Kaka from AC Milan, as "excessive" and revealed UEFA considered ongoing talks with clubs in a bid to establish a new set of financial rules their "top priority".

The 54-year-old remains keen to ensure there is "financial fair play", but warns it will take time before measures, such as a salary cap, are introduced.

"We will do something," he said. "We are working on that. But it will take a little time. Perhaps two or three years. I want to establish rules."


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