FIFA processes $3bn in player transfers in 2011

FIFA says it processed international transfer deals worth $3 billion (€2.25 billion) in 2011, and will share payment details with UEFA to help monitor European financial fair play rules.

FIFA says 11,500 players made cross-border moves in the first calendar year operating its Transfer Matching System, which aims to curb money laundering and corrupt deals.

The mandatory online project requires buying and selling clubs to input matching information, including payment schedules, before a transfer is approved.

FIFA says more than 1,500 Brazilian players were transferred internationally last year.

The average transfer fee across all deals was $1.5 million.

The figures exclude players moving between clubs in the same country.