Agent: FA must act on Stevens Report

A leading agent feels it is “an absolute necessity” the Football Association agrees to the recommendation of an independent body to audit transfers following the release of Lord Stevens’ report.

A leading agent feels it is “an absolute necessity” the Football Association agrees to the recommendation of an independent body to audit transfers following the release of Lord Stevens’ report.

Stevens was especially critical of the FA and its compliance unit, claiming it “does not have the credibility of the public or the clubs“.

The former Metropolitan Police Commissioner feels it is imperative “an independent forensic financial unit” is established that will ensure all future transfers are conducted correctly.

“It’s an absolute necessity the FA do this,” Phil Smith, director of the leading First Artist Corporation, said.

“The FA cannot cope. It’s all very well (chief executive) Brian Barwick increasing the numbers of staff on the compliance unit, but they haven’t been able to handle matters.

“There’s a lot of money going out of the country, not just out of the game, because they are unable to complete checks on where it is all going.

“It’s a matter of striking a balance of what’s good for the game and what they can convincingly handle because, obviously, their area of expertise is regulating the game.

“But there’s an absolute need to put this right and I don’t think they would lose face if they did.

“In fact, I feel they would gain respect if they did help put the right regulatory bodies in place.”

Alex Black, director of the Football First agency, feels questions will be raised with regard to the make-up of any independent body.

“Having one is all fine, but it all depends on who sits on it and how it is run, and who decides that?” said Black.

“I always thought the FA oversaw everything. This is a bit like saying there are criminals out there and we need expert policemen to catch them.

“If this is to be done right, then you need experts in their field who are totally independent.

“But is there anybody in football who can claim to be that, because they have either worked with football clubs or agents to achieve that level?”

Stevens today confirmed 17 transfers of the 362 initially looked at require further investigation.

Clubs and club officials have effectively been cleared. However, eight major agents are yet to be exonerated as they have not co-operated with the inquiry.

Stevens insisted there was “no witch hunt” against the agents, yet Smith added: “Looking at it from an agents’ point of view, we are getting fed up with it.

“Although it’s a pretty small percentage that is still under investigation, I think people might have thought it would be more than that, maybe 10 to 20%.

“Lord Stevens mentioned there were eight leading agents. I don’t think they will all be from the UK and the reason being is that a lot of deals are dealt with by overseas agents.

“But I’m fed up with the fact it’s still ongoing. It’s frustrating there is no conclusion yet, but let’s see what these 17 deals are all about.”

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Italy v England - UEFA Euro 2020: Final UEFA to consider increasing Euro 2024 squad sizes at meeting next month
Nottingham Forest 1979 European Cup Winners Larry Lloyd, former Nottingham Forest and Liverpool defender, dies aged 75
Camogie Association targets record-breaking 50,000 All-Ireland final attendance Camogie Association targets record-breaking 50,000 All-Ireland final attendance
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited