Lord Stevens' Investigation Into Irregular Payments

Press conference on at the moment concerning the investigation into bungs and bribes in football transfers that came about after that BBC investigation a few months back.

They say that the inquiry is still ongoing, but it seems like a bit of a cop-out so far. They haven't found any evidence against any clubs or managers and are just targetting certain agents who they claim haven't been forthcoming in helping them with their investigations.

They are still looking at 17 transfers that they suspect might break some of the rules but so far they have found next to nothing.

Most of the journalists at the conference seem a little scornful about the investigation, and the lack of any evidence of wrongdoing.

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=436686&CPID=8&clid=&lid=4161&title=Stevens+still+looking+at+17+deals

Yep, it's a whitewash...

What a waste of fucking time, dear god end this dumb investigation.

Well, they could have really made some positive evidence but they fucked up.

Disagree thoroughly guys

Just because we havn't heard any names, and the inquiry will not involve any clubs any further does not mean this wont have an impact.

Instead the inquiry is directing its attentions to agents, which is fabulous as they are the intermediate between club and player, clean up that particular area of the process and you effectively will create a wall for bungs to occur.

Not only this but they have recommended that a entirely individual body scrutinises these process as opposed to the FA (which we all know is a shamble)

I can see many positives from this, the real question is will the advice be headed and implemented.

*Breathes sigh of relief*

Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick has defended English football's governing body against any criticism that came to light following Lord Stevens' bung enquiry.

Lord Stevens' report has called for football's transfer system to incorporate changes to agent regulations but Barwick insists all of these recommendations were set to be introduced by The FA in any case.

After nine months investigating a 'bung culture' alleged to be prevalent in English football, Lord Stevens uncovered 'little detail concerning irregular transfer activities', according to Barwick, but he did criticise The FA's compliance department, which is responsible for the overseeing of all transfers.

Barwick believes The FA is doing all it can to combat any irregularities in the game and that the recommendations put forward by Lord Stevens, are measures his association is already trying to implement.

"While there was little detail concerning irregular transfer activities, at today's press conference Lord Stevens highlighted various criticisms of The FA and the compliance department," said Barwick.

"He also made certain recommendations. The overwhelming majority of these recommendations had already been formulated by The FA prior to his inquiry.

"Many were introduced as part of the existing domestic agents' regulations and others will form part of the new regulations which come into force next summer.

"The need to prevent dual representation, which Lord Stevens identifies as the key conflict of interest in this area, is something that has been driven by The FA for over two years.

"Therefore we were delighted when the Premier League endorsed this policy last summer, and it will come into force in May 2007.

"In fact, of the 39 recommendations, 32 concern The FA and of these only one measure does not form part of the regulation of agents. The FA board have already approved an independent audit in every transfer window."

Barwick has stated The FA's intent to significantly invest in its compliance unit, whilst reiterating the complete faith he has in the work.

"Earlier this year, The FA decided to significantly increase the resource dedicated to the compliance and registrations areas, with more dedicated investigative resource - both internal and external - and an upgrading of database systems to streamline the administration of transfers.

"We are confident that the `arm's-length' regulation and compliance unit foreseen by Lord Burns will further strengthen our ability to govern this area of the game.

"We trust that The FA shareholders will support these proposals when they vote on the structural review in March.

"The FA have full confidence in our compliance department and its ability to regulate the game. The department is staffed by investigative specialists in a number of areas, including a former police officer and forensic accountant