FIFA mulls third-party ban

Zurich - A FIFA panel of football experts wants to ban third-party ownership of players' economic rights.

FIFA says its football committee, chaired by UEFA President Michel Platini, has requested "a mandatory regulation to prohibit third-party ownership in football in general."

FIFA plans to submit a proposal to the panel's next meeting early next year.

Third-party ownership allows agents to buy a stake in a player from his club and cash in when future transfer fees are paid.

The practice is banned in some countries, including England and France, but has been exploited by agents and clubs in countries such as Portugal to bring players from South America.

Platini's group includes German former playing greats Frank Beckenbauer and Steffi Jones, and African greats George Weah and Kalusha Bwalya.