West Brom feared Robert Snodgrass transfer would COLLAPSE if they didn't agree to drop him against West Ham, as FA consider launching their own investigation once the Premier League conclude enquiries

West Bromwich Albion feared their swoop for West Ham’s Robert Snodgrass would collapse if they did not agree to drop him for the subsequent match against David Moyes’s side.

The deal that took the Scotland midfielder, 33, to the Hawthorns is under investigation by the Premier League after West Brom boss Sam Allardyce let slip that Snodgrass’s absence on Tuesday was down to a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between the clubs.

Such an arrangement breaches top-fight regulations.

West Brom feared they would miss out on Robert Snodgrass if they didn't agree not to play him

West Brom feared they would miss out on Robert Snodgrass if they didn't agree not to play him

The Football Association are keeping tabs on the probe and could launch their own investigation into the transfer once the Premier League have completed their enquiries.


Speaking after Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham, Allardyce, whose side are second-bottom in the Premier League, said: ‘We could only get the deal done with that agreement. 

'There was an agreement between the clubs that (in) this game he would not be allowed to play.’

Hammers co-owner David Sullivan is understood to have played a lead role in engineering the deal. The Premier League will write to both clubs as part of their investigation.

Sam Allardyce let slip word of a 'gentleman's agreement' with West Ham regarding the player

Sam Allardyce let slip word of a 'gentleman's agreement' with West Ham regarding the player

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