2009 English football tapping up controversy

Allegations of tapping up in English football came to light in 2009 after accusations were made by French and English football clubs that a number of Premier League clubs had been enticing their youth players to join them.

The controversy started when RC Lens midfielder Gaël Kakuta breached his contract in order to join Chelsea. A number of other French clubs and an Italian club soon reported to FIFA that other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Manchester City, had been tempting their youngsters away.