UK Edition
Liverpool to avoid sanction over pursuit of Virgil van Dijk
The Premier League does not expect to take disciplinary action against Liverpool over their pursuit of Virgil van Dijk, despite the apology that was issued after Southampton asked for an investigation into a suspected illegal approach
Although Southampton have not formally withdrawn their complaint, they have also not presented any new evidence to the Premier League and, given the matter has been resolved by the clubs, no formal disciplinary action is intended.
Liverpool were ready to pay a world record £60 million fee for a defender for Van Dijk but Southampton were infuriated by a flurry of stories suggesting that he wanted to leave and play for Jürgen Klopp. It is understood that they had evidence to back their complaint and, within hours of them going public with their demand for an investigation, Liverpool had apologised and promised that they would not pursue the player.
Southampton were satisfied by the statement, although the league theoretically has a range of disciplinary sanctions open to them if a club is found to have ‘tapped up’ another player. In the highest profile proven case, Chelsea received a six figure fine and a suspended points deduction when they were caught meeting Ashley Cole while he was still under contract at Arsenal.
Having already been banned from signing youth players for an illegal approach to a Stoke City youngster earlier this year, Liverpool clearly did not want to risk similar action at senior level as manager Klopp aims to spend significantly to improve his squad this summer.
The league’s stance will leave it open to the accusation that it has ignored potential wrong-doing by one of its highest profile clubs and not tried to enforce its own rules.
In Section T of the Premier League’s handbook, under the title ‘Approaches to Players’, it details how no club, whether “by any of its officials, players, intermediary” or indeed “any other person on its behalf” should make an approach whether “directly or indirectly” to another contracted player. Should such an approach happen, the rulebook warns that the club would be in breach of the rules and could be dealt with under the provisions of Section W of the disciplinary code.