League could block Jo deal
18 Jun 2008 - 07:54:36
Manchester City's move for Brazil striker Jo could be scuppered by the Premier League, according to reports.
The Citizens are believed to have agreed an £18million fee with CSKA Moscow for the highly-rated striker.
However, Premier League officials are reportedly concerned that the 21-year-old is jointly owned by a third-party and are ready to intervene in the deal in a bid to prevent a repeat of Carlos Tevez saga.
The Argentina star's move to West Ham United in summer 2006 had widespread repercussions as his - and fellow signing Javier Mascherano's - ownership by a third party breached Premier League rules.
The Hammers were eventually hit with a record £5.5million fine and the league are reportedly keen to avoid another similar instance with Jo.
"We are aware of the situation with Jo and the rules are very clear," league spokesman Dan Johnson told The Sun.
"At the Premier League AGM held two weeks ago it was agreed that third-party ownership of any player will not be allowed.
"While that situation is common in countries like Spain and Portugal, we agreed that it is not tolerable here.
"We want to ensure no one can accuse us of compromising the integrity of the competition so we have stated that third-party ownership is illegal.
"We believe this is in the best interests of the Premier League and our clubs and we think we are economically strong enough to impose it."