Tottenham points deduction? Investigation finds Spurs broke agent rules in 2008 in relation to Jermain Defoe's transfer from Portsmouth

The Times has revealed details of an investigation which shows Tottenham broke agent rules when Jermaine Defoe left the club for Portsmouth in 2008. An unlicensed agent, Mitchell Thomas, was a "central figure" in the deal which saw Defoe move from north London to the south coast. FA rules at the time banned the use of unlicensed agents and the case was heard by an independent arbitration panel but no action was taken at the time. However, the FA have now confirmed they are willing to review the case if more details become available.

This is not the first time that such a case has emerged and clubs have previously been sanctioned. Luton Town were hit with a 10-point ban and a hefty fine for using agents who did not have a contract with the club back in 2008. Meanwhile, former Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino was fined and banned from football for a year for using an unlicensed agent in the transfer of Ross McCormack.

Any failure to comply with the rules regarding agents is viewed as an "extremely serious matter," independent experts have told The Times. Clubs could be deducted points, relegated or even handed a transfer ban.

“The case was heard by an independent arbitration panel 15 years ago. The FA was not a party to the arbitration," a spokeswoman for the FA told The Times. "It is unclear how much information was shared with the FA at the time, and no disciplinary action was taken. If there is new evidence which was not available at the time, and which suggests serious breaches of our rules took place, we will review it.”

It remains to be seen whether the FA will decide to review the case and if any action will be brought against Tottenham. Spurs have already seen Everton handed a 10-point deduction for breaking Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules this season, while Manchester City could also be sanctioned after being charged with breaching over 100 financial rules.