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Capello calls for action over stealing talent

The Italian said the globalisation of football meant clubs were filling their youth teams with players sourced from all over the world, often to the detriment of their long-term development.

"A line needs to be drawn," Capello told a football conference in Dubai.

"Clubs are talent-scouting all over the world and are stealing young players. FIFA should pass new rules. I've spoken to [UEFA President Michel] Platini and in the future clubs will be forbidden to steal players when they are very young."

FIFA does have a statute, Rule 19, banning the international transfer of players under 18, but one aspect of it allows transfers to take place if the player's parents move to the country in which the new club is located for reasons not linked to football.

"These clubs are offering players and their families a lot of financial support. If the family is poor and it will contribute to the family, they will be happy to move abroad," he said.

He is leaving the position after next year's European Championships.