Stretford steps down as director

Agent blackmail charges dropped

Wayne Rooney's agent Paul Stretford has resigned as a director of Formation Group plc, the holding company of Proactive Sports Management.

Stretford, who cited "personal reasons" for his resignation, will remain as head of Formation's professional representation division.

The news come three days after the collapse of a trial in which Stretford was the chief prosecution witness.

Stretford founded Proactive Sports Management in 1987.

"For personal reasons Mr Paul Stretford has stepped down as a director from the board of Formation Group plc, the holding company of Proactive Sports Management Ltd," said a statement from Formation.

"He will, however, remain head of the company's player representation division and continue his normal duties in that capacity.

"It has been reported in the media that Mr Stretford withheld information from the court during the recent trial.

"It needs to be reiterated that Mr Stretford's capacity in the case was purely that of a witness for the prosecution.

"All files and documents requested by the authorities were made available as and when requested, in a timely manner."