Another one of Arsenal and Chelsea's Premier League rivals could face FA punishment

Tottenham could be in a spot of bother over a transfer they completed well over a decade ago. Spurs have seen Premier League rivals Everton handed a points deduction over the last week or so, and they could now be in danger of a similar fate, according to fresh reports.

Back in 2009, Tottenham snapped up Jermain Defoe from Portsmouth in a deal that would go on to prove a successful deal, with the former England international scoring 47 goals in 135 appearances. Defore enjoyed a hugely successful five years with Spurs, but question marks have now emerged over his arrival.

The Times are reporting that Tottenham used an unlicenced agent to complete the move, with former West Ham defender Mitchell Thomas overseeing the deal. The transfer totalled £7.5million, and the Football Association decided to look past the issue, but they could review the case years later.

“The case was heard by an independent arbitration panel 15 years ago,” a spokeswoman for the FA said. “The FA was not a party to the arbitration. It is unclear how much information was shared with the FA at the time, and no disciplinary action was taken. If there is new evidence which was not available at the time, and which suggests serious breaches of our rules took place, we will review it.”

It's claimed Spurs chief Daniel Levy and former manager Harry Redknapp both dealt with Thomas directly during the negotiations.

Interestingly, clubs have been hit with points deductions for the use of unlicenced agents in the past. Luton Town were docked 10 points in 2009 for a similar issue, while the Premier League have recently shown a willingness to deduct points as they look to clean up issues in the top flight.

Everton were deducted 10 points for breaches of profit and sustainability rules, though they are appealing the decision. Meanwhile, Manchester City are under investigation for alleged breaches of spending rules.

Though, it must be added that, in Luton's case, there were many more issues at play beyond the use of unlicenced agents, including hidden payments. An FA statement read at the time, in 2009: "The regulatory commission correctly viewed the offences as most serious breaches of FA rules and regulations. This was particularly the case in relation to payments by Luton Town channelled to agents by irregular means through a company rather than through the FA as the rules required."