I really sympathize with the concerns expressed by Brazil football legend Carlos Alberto that the way top European clubs are poaching teenage footballers from Brazil could destroy the game in the home of the five times world champions. In fact he wants FIFA to intervene and stop the exodus.

The paradox however is that, Carlos Alberto admits the big teams have the money and can take the best players. Yes, that is the reality of the situation. Money now rules the game and the current generation of footballers are so much in a hurry to make money that they cannot wait to be in their twenties before hitting the big bucks.

Alberto suggests there should be a law restricting the young players at home till they are 20 or 21. If the veteran coach admits that the clubs cannot keep hold of the good young players because the players can make much money in other countries, then his suggestion could not be said to be in the best interest of the budding stars. “Catch them young” is now the slogan in vogue and that is why we have Messi, Ronaldo, Rooney and Co hitting the international stage quite early to become young millionaires. And this makes the game quite exciting.

Carlos Alberto, an accomplished midfielder in his days, and skipper of the legendary 1970 victorious Brazil World Cup squad obviously belongs to the old school of thought. The days when Pele of Brazil could be declared a national asset and therefore “not exportable” are gone. It is now a free world for better or for worse. Any restrictions on the movement of players might elicit a lot of legal implications. It is must be accepted that these young players get much more improved training facilities in Europe and with the heavy financial support they return home polished to contribute to their national teams.

You will realise that many African countries have now stopped complaining about the exodus of their players to Europe because the players return home well polished, confident and relatively rich. In my country for example, Michael Essien who is plying his trade with English Premier Club Chelsea, is wealthy enough to pay the monthly salaries of all Members of Parliament with his one week’s wages and this is not funny.

I believe football will continue to progress if the youngsters realise that there is a bright and secure future ahead. I think what should be taken critical note is the role of the so- called agents in player transfers. The suspicion is that, there are a lot of underhand deals and in many instances the agents have undue control of the fate of the players.

For very obvious reasons, many managers are more comfortable with the old tried and tested system of dealing with teams rather than agents on the question of transfers. Veteran manager Alex Ferguson for example has not hidden his dislike for the posturing of some of these agents on transfer issues. No wonder the future of Tevez with Manchester United is still in limbo.

Carlos Alberto has also expressed misgivings about players being owned by agents and not clubs. Let’s hope FIFA will take a look at this issue of football agents, so that the future of talented players like Tevez is not unduly disturbed with unnecessary contractual disputes.

Cheers everybody and keep loving sports