Rising tensions ‘between THREE Premier League clubs lead to Chelsea denying rival scouts access to youth games’ – after one Blues prodigy was poached over the summer
- Chelsea saw top talent Rio Ngumoha leave the club in the summer period
- The Blues have reportedly been denied access to scouts from two English rivals
- LISTEN NOW: It all starts! available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Tensions appear to be increasing between three of the country’s top youth academies, with scouts being denied access to their rivals’ matches, according to reports.
The quality of players being produced by some of England’s leading academies appears to be at an all-time high, with the average age of most teams regularly falling given the young talent that top teams can call on.
With the registration of homegrown players a thorny issue for those who qualify for continental qualification, the need to produce top quality young players who can make the step up is still more important.
As such, it is common for clubs to send scouts to observe matches at their academy rivals’ matches, with the aim of getting a glimpse of some of the best and brightest for the future.
According to a report from The Athleticstensions between Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are rising to the point where some scouts are being denied access to these matches.
It is believed Chelsea have denied access to opposition scouts, although a Blues source has reportedly denied this
Rio Ngumoha, 16, turned down a better financial package at Chelsea to move to Anfield
The report claims that scouts from both Liverpool and United have seen requests for accreditation for matches at Chelsea’s Cobham base rejected.
It further adds that sources claim that requests from Chelsea scouts to attend Liverpool academy matches have also been turned down, although these were turned down by those aware of the situation.
It is believed that the rejection of accreditation requests is reciprocal, and a Liverpool source told The Athletic that if Chelsea scouts applied for entry to the Reds, they would in turn be denied.
It is thought the Blues were the initial instigators, although the report adds that a Chelsea source has denied this claim.
The Premier League’s youth rules state that scouts are free to attend youth matches of other clubs, provided they notify both parties involved by 12 noon on the last working day before the match and also provide proper identification.
The report adds that representatives from the three clubs are said to have held talks in an attempt to clear the air.
It is believed that no formal ban has been issued by any of the parties involved.
Meanwhile, other clubs are believed to have no problems with their accreditation applications for youth matches.
Ngumoha was thought to be one of the most talented players to emerge from Cobham in recent years
According to The Athletic, the move is being interpreted as a response to Liverpool’s recruitment of 16-year-old Blues academy wonder Rio Ngumoha.
The 16-year-old left West London for Merseyside this summer, with United also keen to sign the youngster, and was widely regarded as one of the brightest talents to emerge from Cobham in recent years.
Chelsea, Liverpool and United have been contacted by The Athletic for comment.
