We Thought 'Tapping Up' Was Banned

We at the Org never claim to know all the correct current legislation, FIFA, The FA and the Barclays Premier League rule changes are like shifting sands, recent controversies over the 'ludicrous' hand ball rules hoicked on teams are a classic example. However one 'law' that has existed, but has been constantly flouted, is the 'Tapping Up' ruling, generally the larger and better financed 'elite' clubs have managed to get away with 'cheating' for years.

Obviating the ruling is currently quite a simple proposition, club wants player, intermediary has a word in player and his agent's 'shell like', and Bob's you Uncle player hands in transfer request citing 'differences' with his manager and board. The reason we are mentioning this is because of the ridiculous amount of media hype surrounding Declan Rice's mooted transfer from West Ham to Chelsea.

Whether they admit it or not, The West London club have tried every trick in the book, using their pet' Journo's among other methods, in order to 'intensify' the pressure that has been whipped up regarding The Irons' captain (In Noble's increasing absence).

The Policing of the 'Tapping Up' situations that constantly occur is very sketchy, essentially 'they' are all at it so no one really wants to put their head above the parapet and complain when it is being done to them, because sure as hell they will be 'doing it' to someone else!

Perhaps people might pay more attention if a club really does 'dig their heels in' and says enough is enough, maybe then the truth of what really goes on will surface, and maybe West Ham should be the club to do it. What right do Chelsea have of publicly pursuing Hammers' greatest asset? Of course Frank Lampard has successfully played the 'whiter that driven snow' mantra that he will not discuss players who are still at other teams, he just gets someone else to do it for him!

The very unpopular and beleaguered hierarchy at West Ham could do themselves a favour by publicly backing their manager's desire to keep his best player, by holding on to Rice at ANY price they will show that underneath everything, shocking as it may seem to some, they actually do care!

So we know where Chelsea can insert their Blue flag don't we? - Ed