The prosecution decided today to offer no further evidence after it became clear that Mr Stretford had made false statements while giving his evidence last week.

He told the jury that he had not represented Rooney before December 2002, when the youngster was still represented by his original agent, Peter McIntosh.

But two documents were disclosed over the weekend which showed that Mr Stretford had poached the striker by September 2002.

Prosecution barrister John Hedgecoe said: “In the circumstances, and having seen those documents, in particular that one dated September 19, we do not feel able to rely on Paul Stretford as a witness in this case and in view of his importance as a witness to the way in which we have put this case from the outset, we have decided that the only appropriate course is to offer no further evidence.”

Judge David Hale passed not guilty verdicts on all three men.

After the case, Mr Hyland called for a thorough review of the way football agents operate.

His solicitor Peter Quinn said: “John is delighted by his acquittal. He has always maintained that he was totally innocent of the charge of blackmail and that his anger with Paul Stretford was simply borne of frustration.

“This case has highlighted the need for a thorough inquiry and a new set of rules in connection with the relationship between football agents, players and their families, football clubs and football managers at all levels of the professional game.

“As a keen football fan, John calls upon the Football Association, the Premier League and the other regulatory bodies in football to appoint a senior and independent person to commence such an inquiry in public as soon as possible.

“Such an inquiry is needed so that the beautiful game can once again be seen to be just that.”