EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United are put under FIFA spotlight for pursuit of Le Havre's Paul Pogba

04 September 2009 08:18
Cash offer: Pogba[LNB]Manchester United could be the next club hit with a transfer ban after being accused of snatching another young French star from his club.[LNB]FIFA are investigating allegations made by Le Havre that the Barclays Premier League champions offered cash to France Under 16 captain Paul Pogba to lure him to Old Trafford.[LNB]United argue that Pogba was not under contract with the French club when he signed for United in July. Le Havre claim otherwise and have lodged a complaint with FIFA.[LNB]A statement from Le Havre said: 'United offered very high sums of money to the parents with the aim of obtaining the transfer of their son. [LNB]'At a time when parties are speaking out against the 'trading of minors', Manchester United does not hesitate to uproot a 16-year-old kid.'[LNB]Le Havre managing director Alain Belsoeur claims to have documentation showing United offered inducements for Pogba to join them and has vowed to include it in submissions to the world's governing body.[LNB]'We are still pursuing our case,' he said. 'It is a very serious case. We are confident that we'll win because it is in the best interests not just of our club but of sport.[LNB]'We spend five million euros [about £4.3million] on our academy every year out of a turnover of 12 million euros. It is a huge investment.[LNB] Scrap: Paul Pogba (centre) in action for France Under 16s[LNB]'We do that to give a chance to our players to develop for our first team, not to be an academy for others. What is the point of investing in an academy if the players leave at 16? This is clearly a message from FIFA to protect the education system.'[LNB]United deny the allegations. A club spokesman said: 'It is complete nonsense. Everything has been done within FIFA guidelines.'[LNB] United hit back at Le Havre, claiming they did no wrong in signing of PogbaWelcome to Wayne's world: Leading role is Rooney's goal for club and countryThieves! Chelsea hit with transfer ban until 2011 for 'stealing' young French star Gael KakutaManchester United fans ordered to cut out the 'disgusting' Wenger abuse Wayne Rooney: Yeah, I dive - but only on holidayMANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail