INSIDE SPORT: Angry Chelsea seek a payout as Liverpool swoop for top teenage talent, while an unusual problem emerges for Saudi Pro League players
Chelsea have been left furious after Liverpool snatched highly- rated youngster Rio Ngumoha — and a tribunal will be called in to decide how much compensation they will be paid.
Inside Sport understands that officials at Stamford Bridge are seething with their Premier League rivals after the 16-year-old forward, who was named player of the tournament when Chelsea’s Under 16s were crowned national champions last year, made the switch in September.
The move passed the Premier League’s five-step approval process, but that has done little to appease those in west London who believe they have lost a generational talent.
Meanwhile, would-be punters at Anfield were left frustrated this weekend after BD Stadia — which promoted itself as ‘the UK’s largest in-stadium betting provider’ — ceased trading.
Fans at Liverpool’s match with Brighton were informed there would be no opportunity to place a wager, or take part in the LFC Foundation lottery on the back of the development.
Chelsea have been left furious after Liverpool snatched highly- rated youngster Rio Ngumoha (pictured)
Inside Sport understands that officials at Stamford Bridge are seething with their Premier League rivals after the 16-year-old forward made a summer switch to Anfield
Exeter City’s ludicrous tax bill
Spare a thought for Exeter City, who appear to have been punished for their own fiscal prudence.
The League One club, which consistently punches above its weight, had a sell-on clause believed to be around 20 per cent after their academy product Jay Stansfield headed to Premier League Fulham.
That meant that when the striker subsequently signed for big-spending Birmingham City for a fee believed to be around £15million plus add-ons, they were due a significant windfall.
This being football, that figure was due to be paid in seven instalments which are understood to be on a sliding scale, and heavily back-end loaded.
However, because Exeter are in profit, the taxman charged them corporation tax on the full amount, regardless of any payment plan.
It meant that, in the short term at least, the supporter-owned Devon side found itself down by more than £500,000. For many operating on similar budgets, such a shortfall could prove catastrophic. This is a ludicrous situation which needs to be addressed.
Exeter City face a huge tax bill after former star Jay Stansfield (pictured) made a summer move to Birmingham believed to be around £15million plus add-ons
Because Exeter are in profit, the taxman charged them corporation tax on the full amount they will receive for Stansfield, regardless of any payment plan being in place
Unusual Saudi Pro League vitamin problem
An unusual issue has emerged for those heading to ply their trade in the Saudi Pro League — and it has nothing to do with a booze ban or cultural differences.
Inside Sport has been told that sports scientists at clubs in the country’s top flight are having to provide Vitamin D supplements to many overseas stars who have arrived in recent times.
While the desert is hardly short of sunshine, the problem is that temperatures, especially around the August start of the season, are so high that time spent outside away from the comfort of air conditioning is drastically limited.
Matches and training sessions often take place in the evening, leaving many in deficit when it comes to ultraviolet rays.
Ivan Toney moved to the Saudi Pro League in the summer with sports scientists at clubs in the country’s top flight are having to provide Vitamin D supplements to many overseas stars
Yorkshire cricket head for Benidorm
You can take the boy out of Yorkshire, but you can’t take the Yorkshire out of the boy. The county’s players celebrated promotion to the County Championship’s top flight by jetting off to Benidorm as soon as their final match of the season was over.
A group of 14 flew to the party capital, having arrived at Headingley for the last day of their game with Northants complete with suitcases, ready for a swift departure.
Russia’s bid for IOC presidency
Don’t yet write off Umar Kremlev, the Russian president of the International Boxing Association, which has been banned by the IOC over alleged corruption and poor governance.
Kremlev, whose press conference over gender row boxers was one of the low points of the Olympics, is very close to the Kremlin.
And with Russia likely to be key in the upcoming IOC presidential election, we can expect some horse-trading between him and some of the seven candidates, which include Lord Sebastian Coe.
