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SOUTHAMPTON are facing a Fifa probe over their swoop for Cameron Archer.
Saints signed the striker, 22, from Aston Villa this week.
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But the deal could be ruled a ‘bridge’ transfer, leading to fines and possible sanctions.
Villa initially sold Archer to Sheffield United for £18million in summer 2023, but terms of the deal meant they had to buy him back last month after the Blades were relegated.
Moving the same player in and out within a 16-week period is termed a ‘bridge’ transfer and breaks Fifa rules unless the clubs can come up with an adequate explanation.
Premier League chiefs confirmed there is nothing in their regulations to prevent a second transfer but Fifa have a specific category to stop such deals.
Their rules state: “No club or player shall be involved in a bridge transfer.
“It shall be presumed, unless established to the contrary, that if two consecutive transfers of the same player occur within a period of 16 weeks, the parties (clubs and player) involved have participated in a bridge transfer.
“The Fifa Disciplinary Committee will impose sanctions on any party involved in a bridge transfer.”
Archer’s buy-back deal with United raised eyebrows in the first place but was legal.
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However, the move to St Mary’s is now under scrutiny.
Fifa have been asked for their stance as they internally review the transfer.
Southampton refused to comment.
Archer came off the bench to make his debut for the Saints in their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.
Harry Redknapp’s 2024/25 season predictions
TOP FOUR
ARSENAL, MANCHESTER CITY, LIVERPOOL and TOTTENHAM — and I’ve got a really strong feeling for Arsenal this season. A few of Man City’s star players are getting a bit older. There’s been nothing between the two teams over the past two years.
RELEGATION
EVERTON (18th), SOUTHAMPTON (19th), LEICESTER (20th) — I like Sean Dyche and Everton are a great club with brilliant, knowledgeable fans. They’re just badly run. They need to go down to rebuild to come back again. But the key is new owners.
TOP SCORER
ERLING HAALAND — I can’t see anyone taking his crown off him. He’s a goal machine, isn’t he? If I can get him at evens, I might lump on!
MOST ASSISTS
MARTIN ODEGAARD — He’ll be the catalyst for Arsenal’s surge to the title. I can see it now. He’s a superb player and he makes it look so easy.
CARABAO CUP
TOTTENHAM — Ange Postecoglou will break Spurs’ trophy curse. Most big teams will mess about with this trophy, but Tottenham will go full steam.
FA CUP
LIVERPOOL — I fancy Arne Slot to stamp his mark on English football quickly and there’s few better ways to do it than lifting this famous old trophy.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
REAL MADRID — Carlo Ancelotti is bullish about their chances. He has said that with Kylian Mbappe, it’s the best team they’ve had for a long time.
EUROPA LEAGUE
MANCHESTER UNITED — Clubs seem to have stopped sneering at this competition. And Spurs and United should be going both barrels for it.
CONFERENCE LEAGUE
CHELSEA — The Luxembourg champions could be dangerous! Joking aside, the Blues must win it.
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