Sullivan: I've been threatened

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan claims an agent threatened him and one of his players with physical violence during the transfer window.

Last Updated: 01/02/13 at 16:06 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

David Sullivan: Claims to have been threatened by an agent

David Sullivan: Claims to have been threatened by an agent

Just days after QPR boss Harry Redknapp described agents' behaviour as being "like gang warfare", Sullivan says behaviour turned even more sinister.

Sullivan told MailOnline: "In this window, I have had an agent threaten me and threaten one of our West Ham players with physical violence, because he thought he was being cut out of a deal.

"I heard of three or four agents trying to jump in on other deals. Some of these people are like scavengers.

"It was all deeply unpleasant and I'm glad it's over. Now we can get on with the football.

"Harry Redknapp was right: it feels like gang warfare out there and I can see it spilling over into violence in the future, unless there is legislation from the FA to curb the practices.

QPR were the biggest spenders in the transfer window and Redknapp said he had never known one like it. Redknapp said: "Every agent seems to be trying to screw each other. It's like gang warfare out there. It is scary.

"If you've got a deal for a player, another agent will try to scupper that deal if he is not involved in it. It's unreal. It's unbelievable what's going on. They're all fighting for big money, that's the problem."

Sullivan said the financial demands by agents had got out of control.

He added: "We are talking millions of pounds here around a transfer and not enough deals to go around. There are too many agents and not enough transfers to feed them.

"Agents who would once demand £50,000 for their part in a transfer, now want £500,000 to £1million to either bring a player or keep a player. It is quite outrageous and the FA should cap the amount paid to agents for their work.

"I heard of one agent, who took over representation of a player for ONE DAY, and he wanted to be paid between £1.25million and £1.5million for his part in negotiating a new contract."

Sullivan also expressed his admiration for West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace after the Baggies refused to be held to ransom by Peter Odemwingie, who was demanding a move to QPR.

He said: "His player, Peter Odemwingie, drove down to QPR and was actively trying to force a transfer, but Mr Peace refused to cave in. He held his ground. He would not be bullied.

"You cannot give in to players like this. It is the same as giving in to terrorists or kidnappers. If you pay the ransom, they will only come back for more.

"Consequently, Mr Peace has done a great service to football."

Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

T

hat is arguably the least inspiring England I have ever seen. There is not a single name in that list that makes me think I might actually want to watch this team. Not a one.

harry hotspur
Carroll back in England squad

Footer 365

Andre Villas-Boas hoping to add a technical director to Tottenham staff

Andre Villas-Boas is hoping the arrival of a technical director at Tottenham will help move the club forward.

Sir Alex Ferguson claims football will continue to be Manchester United's priority

Sir Alex Ferguson insists football will remain the priority at Manchester United when David Moyes takes over.

Copa del Rey: Atletico win cup with 2-1 victory over Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid clinched the Copa del Rey after a 2-1 victory over city rivals Real Madrid on Friday night.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved