Luton agents charge dropped by FA

By Chris Bevan

The FA's investigation into Luton began in March 2007

The Football Association has dropped one of two charges it brought against six players' agents in connection to alleged breaches of rules at Luton.

Sky Andrew, Stephen Denos, Mike Berry, Mark Curtis, David Manasseh and Andrew Mills were charged in November 2007.

The charge dropped is the allegation the licensed agents failed to ensure that payments to them were "made and disclosed through the proper channels".

All six agents denied the charge and were notified it has been dropped.

The FA had no comment to make because the case, which resulted in it issuing more than 50 charges in matters relating to Luton Town, is continuing.

Luton face 17 charges, relating to payments to agents for nine specific player negotiations that were allegedly made through Jayten, the club's holding company, rather than through the club - as is required by FA rules.

The Hatters have also been charged with provision of misleading information to the FA, not holding representation contracts with the relevant agents for the above negotiations and dealing with two unlicensed agents (both through Jayten and directly).

The other charge brought against each agent is that they failed "to enter into representation contracts with the club for specific services rendered in relation to the above negotiations".

It really is time to start concentrating on some of the positive areas of the business because compared to a lot of countries we are extremely well regulated Players' agent Andrew Mills

Denos, Berry and Manasseh all admitted that charge but Andrew, Curtis and Mills have denied it.

Mills, of Treble B Management Ltd, told BBC Sport: "I pleaded not guilty to both charges so I am delighted that the FA, following its investigation, has decided to drop one of the charges at least.

"That said, I am fully supportive of the FA and its efforts to continually improve the transparency and clarity of the business of football.

"The disappointment for me really is that whenever any of these insinuations are made, they are made in a sensationalist fashion and I think they only serve to harm the reputation of the game.

"I understand the sensitivity of it because some of the mud has been thrown in my direction.

"People see headlines when there is no justification behind it and in reality it does not do anyone any good.

"It is not what the individual agents want, it is certainly not what the clubs want and I am sure it is not what the FA wants.

"It really is time to start concentrating on some of the positive areas of the business because compared to a lot of countries we are extremely well regulated.

the main priority for me is that, as and when it happens, it is found that we made no effort in any way, shape or form to manipulate or bend rules in our favour. Players' agent Andrew Mills

"I believe the lion's share of those agents out there are trying to operate in a fashion that supports the FA and the business we are all in.

The FA are believed to be close to concluding their investigation into the second charge, and all of those related to Luton, in the next few weeks.

"Hopefully I have supplied them with the information they requested and hopefully we will get a positive response to that in due course," added Mills.

"I'm sure it has affected me adversely. If you remain unconcerned about reputation and what people think then perhaps it doesn't but I can only speak for my case and, having spent 20 years trying to operate a business that is above and beyond approach, it is disappointing when these issues come up.

"I guess what I should realise is that any business that has operated for 20 years is also going to come under some scrutiny at some point and the main priority for me is that, as and when it happens, it is found that we made no effort in any way, shape or form to manipulate or bend rules in our favour."