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.”