Agent Rafaela Pimenta has revealed the shocking levels of sexism in her business.
Pimenta is now one of the most powerful women in football as she succeeded her former business partner Mino Raiola after his death in April last year. Brazilian-born lawyer Pimenta, who represents the likes of Erling Haaland and Paul Pogba, said: “If I was Margaret Thatcher, this would not happen. You can run a country but not be a football agent.
“I’ve been insulted, called names, told I know nothing. But I don’t care. I’ve been told that by club executives, trainers, everyone. But I am here.”
Talking at the FT Business of Football summit in London, she also revealed how talks with Manchester City over Haaland were interrupted by a phone call from Barcelona president Joan Laporta amid false reports that Riaola had died, two days before the official announcement.
She added: “He said he was sorry. I thought he was ringing to say he was sorry that they were no longer interested in Haaland. But I knew it wasn’t true.”
Meanwhile, Premier League bosses have reopened talks with the EFL over a new financial deal.
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Government Ministers have confirmed plans for a new independent regulator but left it to the Prem and EFL to thrash out a package for the top flight to give more cash to the football pyramid.
The EFL is pushing for 25 per cent of the pooled broadcast deal and Sports Minister Stuart Andrew warned unless they can reach agreement then the regulator will step in.
Talks had gone cold but the EFL did invite Premier League chief executive Richard Masters to the Carabao Cup final which was also attended by Andrew, Newcastle chief Amanda Staveley and the EFL chairman Rick Parry.
They have now got further dates in the diary and Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has confirmed they are talking and are “trying to find a solution.” Meanwhile, the EFL have confirmed the Carabao Cup final attracted a record TV audience of 4.26million on Sky Sports which is 60,000 up on last year.
Ben Wright, EFL Chief Commercial Officer, said: “These record-breaking figures demonstrate the continued popularity of the Carabao Cup, and the value the competition holds in the football calendar for supporters up and down the country.
“Over four million people watching at home and 87,000 spectators in the ground represented a fitting finale to a fantastic 2022-23 competition, and I would like to thank Sky Sports for making the coverage of this season’s Carabao Cup the best yet.”
