Tottenham 'at risk' of transfer ban as investigation set to re-open

There is an ongoing and 'real' risk that Tottenham Hotspur could be slapped with a transfer ban, in regards to their deal to sell Jermaine Defoe to Portsmouth back in 2008. An investigation by the FA is currently pending into the matter.

This is according to a recent report from Football Insider. The FA has previously investigated the case and found nothing out of place, but are willing to take another look if 'new evidence is presented'. An investigation by The Times uncovered this - meaning that it is likely the FA will re-open the case.

Spurs allegedly used an unlicensed football agent - Mitchell Thomas - to facilitate the move. Additionally, it is also believed that he dealt with then-manager Harry Redknapp, Daniel Levy and Defoe himself as the transfer was ongoing.

Spurs signed Defoe from West Ham United in 2004. During his first stint at White Hart Lane, the 57-cap England international scored 43 goals over the course of 139 Premier League games.

How would a transfer ban affect Tottenham moving forward?

Of course, a transfer ban would have major ramifications for Tottenham - the magnitude of these effects would depend on the length of the embargo. Chelsea were hit by a transfer embargo in 2019, which forced them to turn to their youth academy when looking to fill positions.

Spurs would likely have to do the same thing if they were prevented from bringing new players to the squad. It would also come at an inconvenient time for them - they are currently in something of a transitional period, following the departure of Harry Kane and the arrival of Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs could also be hit with other sanctions by the FA. Previously, cases such as this have resulted in fines and points deductions - a transfer ban could be the least of the Lilywhites' concerns.