Tottenham Faces 'Illegal Approach' Allegations in Morgan Gibbs-White Transfer Saga
Nottingham Forest are reportedly contemplating pursuing legal measures regarding what they consider to be an "unauthorized approach" from Tottenham Hotspur for midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.
Tottenham have activated the £60 million ($81.5 million) buyout clause in Gibbs-White's deal and had arranged a medical examination for the England player on Friday, however the transfer now seems to be at risk.
Sky Sports News disclosed that Forest have ceased all dialogue with Tottenham and are currently consulting with legal representatives as they prepare a formal grievance to the Premier League regarding the potential transfer.
Forest suspect that Tottenham have communicated with Gibbs-White without obtaining their consent and also worry there has been a confidentiality violation concerning his buyout clause, considering Tottenham's offer matched exactly the necessary amount.
Whether Forest possess the authority to prevent Gibbs-White's potential transfer to Tottenham remains uncertain, but the procedure will probably encounter substantial postponements if a Premier League inquiry is initiated.
It is emphasized that Forest view the transaction as "cancelled" in its current state.
The circumstances mirror Chelsea's unsuccessful attempt to acquire Michael Olise during summer 2023. The Blues activated his buyout clause but encountered private allegations of unauthorized contact which Palace eventually rejected as they secured the French player with a new agreement.
Premier League regulations prohibit contracted players from engaging with other clubs without express authorization from their current teams, with penalties varying from financial sanctions to transfer restrictions if an investigation concludes with a conviction.
The rules are seldom implemented, though, with most transactions now including some type of unofficial communication in the initial phases, but clubs may submit official complaints to the Premier League if they suspect there has been a blatant violation of the regulations.