The Premier League have fined Brighton after they breached youth development rules, according to reports.
Brighton admit to breaking a regulation that prohibits approaching or communicating with a player registered or having entered a pre-registration agreement with a club without written consent.
The undisclosed player involved in the case joined another academy in 2017 before signing a pre-scholarship deal five years later.
Brighton held the position that talks with the player started on July 2 following the player’s expired registration deadline on June 30.
However, after an internal investigation, the club told the Premier League that this was incorrect as discussions actually started in April.
Contact was first made on April 9 and continued to June 30, during which time there were 24 instances of communication.
A further 19 calls were made from July 1 until the middle of August.
As a result, Brighton have to pay a fine of £20,000.
They will also have to cover the Premier League’s legal costs after entering a sanction agreement.
The Seagulls have been handed a six-month ban, suspended for one year, from registering academy players currently or previously registered with another club.
A Premier League statement reveals Albion flagged up the breach themselves having initially believed they had acted within the rules.
“The League is grateful for the proactive and collaborative approach adopted by the Club, which has resulted in significant mitigation being applied to the sanction,” the statement read.
“Upon becoming aware of the full circumstances, the Club disclosed the breach to the League, conducted an internal investigation and acted in a transparent and cooperative manner at every point.”
Brighton’s suspended registrations ban commenced on November 28.
As reported by The Athletic, the club have reminded the relevant staff about sustaining their policies, procedures and values.
Brighton are also said to be committed to providing them with refresher training to prevent similar instances in the future.
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