Liverpool’s academy transfer ban could be subject to a parliamentary probe.
The Premier League handed the Reds a two-year embargo on signing youth players after they were found guilty of ‘tapping up’ a Stoke City schoolboy.
But MPs could now ask Liverpool officials to give evidence over the accusations that they had reneged on a deal to pay the 12-year-old’s school fees.
Damian Collins, chairman of the Government’s Culture, Media & Sport select committee, has confirmed that the case is currently being explored by politicians.
“I think it’s incredibly serious and something that the committee should look at,” he told the Daily Telegraph.
“It’s appalling and what is shows is that no-one is standing up for the victim and the victim is the boy.
“If the Premier League don’t have either the power or the inclination to resolve it then raises the question of whether matters like this should be settled by the Football Association or some other body that will come in and demand a proper settlement is made.”
The family of the player, now 13, have welcomed the potential intervention by MPs while the Premier League responded to Mr Collins’ claims about their role.
A spokesman said: “The young person at the centre of this matter is in a difficult situation and, through dialogue with lawyers representing him and his family, we have offered to help.
“We hope to play our part in achieving a constructive outcome for the young person.”