Eurosport - Tue, 08 Sep 12:08:00 2009
A group of English-based players and Arsenal legend Ian Wright have been accused of "raping" South Africa of young talent at their football academy in Cape Town.
The claim came from Raymond Hack, the chief executive of the South African FA.
Wright (pictured), Arsenal midfielder Alex Song, Aston Villa full-back Stephen Warnock, Stoke duo Danny Collins and Mamady Sidibe, Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca and former Derby, Sunderland and Arsenal keeper Mart Poom are all involved in the 'Africa Soccer Developments' company, which has set up an academy under the umbrella of the new 'Cape United FC' team.
"You can't go into a country, rape the country, and go away," Hack was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail at an African football forum in Cairo.
"I have never heard of them and they have certainly not been endorsed by SAFA."
The sticking point is not that they have set up an academy that trains, feeds and educates young players, but that the investors retain 40 per cent of the transfer fee after Cape United sell them on and 10 per cent of any future fee during the player's career.
After South Africa were awarded the 2010 World Cup, legions of agents, scouts and foreign businessman attempted to set up football schools in an attempt to cash in on the massive global exposure the nation and its players will receive.
This led to government legislation controlling such ventures, legislation which Wright's project has not followed, according to Hack.
"They can't come in without having the sanction from a national association and the sports department or education department," Hack added.
"It is against the new regulations which were introduced last year."
Comment 1 - 4 of 4
Sir/Ma,
My names are Simeon Peace Oladele, am 15yrs of age and a secondary school certificate holder, skilful and a talented footballer from Nigeria, i wish to apply for admission into football academy. Please kindly put me through on how i can achieve this sir. Hope to hear from you soonest. Thanks.
Sir/Ma,
My names are Simeon Peace Oladele, am 15yrs of age and a secondary school certificate holder, skilful and a talented footballer from Nigeria, i wish to apply for admission into football academy. Please kindly put me through on how i can achieve this sir. Hope to hear from you soonest. Thanks.
So its only illegal and raping if the SA government arenae gettin a taste, aye right.
Blah, blah, blah!!!
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