Michel Platini wants to end 'robbery' of huge transfers

Michel Platini is to push for the transfer window to be shortened (Reuters)

Michel Platini, the Uefa president, 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 spend around £86m on Gareth Bale and Platini said that although the Spanish club can afford the Tottenham player, there needs to be a healthier approach to transfers generally.

"Transfers are a robbery," said Platini in Monaco. "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," he added. "Today a player is more a product than a footballer, with a whole pile of people trying to get commissions. I think we and [world governing body] Fifa should think about that and find something more healthy."

He said that all European leagues could start at the same time to reduce the length of the window.

PA