England’s footballers have turned to the PFA to negotiate new commercial rights deals… after Gareth Southgate sacked Terry Byrne following revelations that the agent owed him a six-figure sum
- The PFA will help negotiate the way players like Harry Kane work with sponsors
- Terry Byrne had previously handled England’s commercial arrangements
- Listen to It all starts! ‘There’s not much certainty he’ll play’ – why did Gareth Southgate pick Luke Shaw?
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) is helping the England team with commercial rights after the group split from Gareth Southgate’s former agent.
Terry Byrne, who was sacked by Southgate following Mail Sport revelations that the national coach was owed a six-figure sum following a disastrous property deal, has looked after the Three Lions since 2006.
Now Mail Sport can reveal that as Byrne – a former England masseur who worked for David Beckham – was embroiled in significant financial problems, the squad have instead turned to the PFA to handle their collective bonuses.
Last week, senior officials from the association flew to Germany to hold talks with players’ families.
The agreement means the PFA will work closely on deals for time such as Harry Kane and co-spending with official FA sponsors.
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) is helping English players negotiate new commercial rights
It came after Gareth Southgate sacked his agent Tery Byrne (left) after it emerged he owed the England manager a six-figure sum.
Gareth Southgate’s side (pictured) are currently preparing to take on Slovenia in their final group match before Euro 2024
The union’s legal team will assist the squad in negotiating a contract with the FA, which will be renewed for each major tournament cycle.
It is seen as an important vote of confidence in the PFA, which can very well help other teams if the need arises.
In November, Mail Sport revealed that Byrne owed Southgate a six-figure sum after purchasing a £25 million building in central London.
Money owed to other former England players Joe Cole and Glenn Hoddle was also invested without their consent.
Byrne said he was confident the money would be repaid. However, in February this newspaper reported that Southgate had severed ties with Byrne, marking a dramatic end to an eight-year working relationship that began when Southgate managed England under-21s.
The agreement means that the PFA will work closely to agree on the time players spend with sponsors
Byrne handled the national team’s commercial rights through 1966 Entertainment from 2006 to December.
According to Companies House, agency 10Ten Talent was appointed curator in April.