I think the representatives of one club, talking to the representatives of another clubs player is now accepted. What is not allowed is the manager of one club talking directly to the player of another club, like when Jurgen Klopp spoke directly with Virgil Van Dyke and Southampton threatened to report him, forcing Liverpool to back away from the deal (temporarily) and to make a public apology.
IMO the way the club has been run from day one of the Amex adventure, every point of going after a player, would've been by the book.
Not stooping to the level of other corrupt club's.
With Paul Barber being involved you can assure they'll be no funny business.
Whilst I do, in principle, agree with you, don't forget that Albion were fined for something to do with Dale Stephens' agent. I believe that was not doing things by the book. And I believe that was during Barbs reign as CEO.
Actually, was Barbs here when Stephens joined?
I'm getting less confident as I type this thing...
As Spurs were happy to deal with Norwich , this indicates there was no aggrieved party thus no FA investigation.
Whilst I do, in principle, agree with you, don't forget that Albion were fined for something to do with Dale Stephens' agent. I believe that was not doing things by the book. And I believe that was during Barbs reign as CEO.
Actually, was Barbs here when Stephens joined?
I'm getting less confident as I type this thing...
lEx-managers and ex-players freely admit that (illegal) tapping up is rife. When a club is caught, fans of other clubs jumps on their high moral horses, but it is almost certainly carried out by their clubs too.
Before ManU make an official move for Maguire, for example, illegal contact would be made. Obviously not a (potentially damning evidence) call from CEO Woodward to Maguire, but by someone else to his agent.
It was explained that this also prevents the ego/club esteem being knocked in making official approaches for players, who then make it plain to all "No, I don't want join ..... FC".
Tapping up means clubs are then able to publically chase players minded to join them.
FIFA and FA rules prohibit the actions you say are allowed.
Clubs cannot contact the player OR his representatives.
The player's representative cannot discuss with the player a potential move as that would be breaching his employment contract with his current club.
The buying club's only contact is with the club holding the player.
The buying club can only talk to the player/agent once the clubs have agreed a fee.
Anything more than this is tapping up. And is probably done all the time.
Barber became chief exec in May 2012, Dale Stephens didn’t join us from Charlton until Jan 2014.
It's a murky old world, clubs have agents and players have agents, so there is just enough distance to get around the rules.
l
Worth pointing out that if Maguire does go to United,then that will have a knock on effect on the next CBs in line, which would be Dunk and Lascelles in my book