Stretford can't have public hearing
Leading agent Paul Stretford has failed in his bid to answer Football Association charges in a public court.
Stretford, of Proactive Sports Management, was charged by the FA in June over alleged breaches of regulations, including his acquisition of the right to represent Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney.
He wanted his charges to be heard publicly in a court rather than through the usual FA route, effectively challenging football’s disciplinary system in this country.
Although the FA will publish the results of the disciplinary proceedings, Stretford is considering an appeal against the decision.
Stretford said: “The charges brought against me by the FA are without foundation and are damaging to my reputation and to the Proactive business.
“I think it is indicative of the FA’s stance in pursuing this case against me that they are not prepared to allow me to defend the charges publicly.”
Two of the charges Stretford faces – which related to evidence provided at Warrington Crown Court in 2004 – were suspended following Sir Roy Meadow’s case.
Meadow’s case effectively stated expert witnesses who give evidence to courts were immune from disciplinary action so they are not deterred from coming forward.
A statement from Proactive read: “The decision is a disappointment to Paul Stretford and his legal team, who believe that it is in the interests of justice that the charges, which have been publicly made against him, should be heard in the public forum of open court.”
