Former Arsenal CEO David Dein has delivered a robust defence of the Premier League’s ban on third-party ownership of footballers.

Speaking at the Soccerex Convention in Johannesburg he described the practice – by which a player’s contract is owned by an individual or company rather than a club – as akin to slavery.

While third party ownership has been banned by the Premier League it is commonplace elsewhere and Dein told delegates he wanted a worldwide ban.

"Third party ownership removes money from the game," he said.

"If a club buys a player from another club the money circulates within the game and works its way down the system. With third party ownership the sale of a player benefits individuals and companies," he said.

"And when money goes out of the game it inhibits the progress of clubs and their ability to invest in players, facilities and stadiums."

Dein also pointed to integrity issues and said it was possible that the same third party could own players on opposing teams in the same game.

"This practice is enslaving players, particularly those from South America and Africa," he said.

In a wide-ranging address, Dein urged the game’s authorities to think hard before introducing a blanket prohibition on the transfer of players under the age of 18.

While sympathetic to many of the concerns over the potential for the ‘trafficking’ of youngsters, he wants exceptionally talented young players to be able to benefit from moves to clubs where their skills can best be nurtured and developed.

"There has to be some sort of carve out (exception) because we have to let talent come through,” said Dein who likened a ban to preventing supremely talented young artists or musicians from realising their potential by attending the best schools and academies.