Bale cost world record 100 million euros - report

Welsh star Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid in 2013 for a world record fee in excess of 100 million euros ($109 million), a leaked report reveals.

Whistleblowing website Football Leaks posted a copy of the agreement between Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur online on Wednesday.

The deal allowed Madrid the option of paying 91,589,842 euros in one lump sum within 15 days of the transfer, or 99,743,542 euros in four instalments over three years.

Madrid also agreed to pay a solidarity fee of 1,015,875 euros and forego any outstanding payments on the transfer of Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart to Tottenham from Madrid in 2013.

Numerous Spanish media outlets said Madrid had taken up the four instalment option.

Real Madrid refused to comment when contacted by AFP on Thursday.

However, Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, called for an investigation into how the documents were leaked.

"There should be an inquiry and an independent investigation because it's outrageous," he told The Telegraph.

"There also needs to be an apology from the Football Association to the clubs and the player.

"I think it's disgraceful that people can get hold of this sort of stuff. It shows complete disregard for both clubs and the player."

Real have long maintained Bale only cost 91 million euros.

Indeed, another provision of the contract states Madrid would cite that figure to the media, while Tottenham would not release any statement regarding the fee.

In exchange, Madrid agreed to ensure Bale wouldn't make any "negative or derogatory comments" regarding Tottenham and its chairman, Daniel Levy.

Madrid was reluctant to announce a world record fee to appease Bale's teammate and three-time World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo, whose move from Manchester United to Madrid for 94 million euros in 2009 was the previous record.

(China Daily 01/23/2016 page11)