Tensions between Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United have reached a fever pitch at the academy level as scouts from each club have been denied access to youth games, according to The Athletic.
Liverpool and Man United scouts have had their accreditation requests for academy games at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground rejected in recent weeks.
The situation is reportedly reciprocal among the three clubs. Chelsea have had scouts denied access to academy games at Liverpool, although the Reds have denied taking part in the merry-go-round.
However, they have indicated that any applications from Chelsea scouts to watch academy games at Liverpool in the future will likely be denied as a form of retaliation.
Chelsea were the first to restrict opposition access to academy games, although insiders have denied the allegations.
The Blues initiated the restrictions as a response to losing promising 16-year-old talent Rio Ngumoha to Liverpool last summer.
The English prodigy was considered one of the brightest talents to come out of Cobham in recent years, but Liverpool pounced on the youngster’s desire for a new challenge to lure him away.
The Reds beat United to Ngumoha’s signature, and the move passed the Premier League’s five-step review process, ensuring there was no foul play.
Despite the growing tension, none of the three clubs have officially banned the others from accessing their academy games.
Premier League regulations on youth development state that clubs must allow opposition scouts to attend academy games provided they are notified no later than noon on the last working day before the match and produce valid identification.
Representatives from Chelsea, Liverpool and United held discussions last week to try to resolve the issue, but no agreement has been reached.
Despite the restrictions placed on scouts, there hasn’t been a complete shutdown in the process as other personnel from the clubs have continued to attend academy matches during this period.
