Transfer fees paid for players are 'a robbery' says Uefa president Michel Platini

Platini calls for changes to the transfer window

Gareth Bale: Should finally get his move to Real Madrid when they offer closer to £90m (Getty) (Getty images)

UEFA president Michel Platini is to push for the transfer window to be shortened and claims the fees paid for players are “a robbery”.

Real Madrid are set to pay around £86million for Gareth Bale and Platini said although the Spanish club can afford the Tottenham player, there needs to be a healthier approach to transfers generally.

Platini told reporters in Monaco: "In terms of the morality (of the fee) this question was being asked when (Diego) Maradona was transferred - people said 'wow, 5million for a player' and then it was Mr Zidane and then Cristiano Ronaldo and now Mr Bale - 100 million euros.

"There is certainly money for this kind of transfer - Real Madrid have a turnover of more than 250million (euros) and if they buy three players for a total sum of 100million this question would not be asked, and they could pay in instalments.

"I think transfers are a robbery - when I was playing every time I had finished a contract I was free to go wherever I went. I think it's an opportunity for a lot of people to make a lot of money.

"Today a player is more a product than a footballer with a whole pile of people trying to get commissions.

"I think we and FIFA should think about that and find something more healthy."

In terms of the transfer window, Platini said UEFA's strategic committee would look into the issue and could suggest that all European leagues start at the same time to reduce the length of the window.

He added: "I agree it is too long but the whole world is involved and don't play at the same time as we do. The clubs also want to have transfers finished before the start of their competition.

"The strategic committee includes the clubs and leagues and we will ask FIFA to have a look into what we propose and for all European leagues to start at the same time.

"I agree this window is too long and will have to shorten it."

PA