Barwick comes to defense of FA

Brian Barwick, chief executive of the FA, defended the FA from criticism by Lord Stevens' bungs inquiry and claimed that all but one of Stevens' recommendations on changes to agents' regulations were being introduced by the FA anyway.

Barwick also said there was "little detail concerning irregular transfer activities" in yesterday's announcement regarding the findings of the nine-month investigation into alleged illegal payments and emphasised that the FA is committed to boosting numbers and resources of its compliance department that oversees transfers.

"While there was little detail concerning irregular transfer activities, at the 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."

"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."

"The FA failed to monitor in any detailed or systematic way the arrangements connected to transfers during the inquiry period," read the Stevens report.

"The FA's clearing-house system failed to review the information on unusual payments or transfers as thoroughly as it should have done."

Barwick insists that the FA "had full confidence" in its compliance department.

"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," said Barwick.

"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."

Barwick stressed that the FA already had a detailed education programme on transfer rules for clubs, players and agents.

"While Lord Stevens also notes that some clubs failed to meet its responsibility to properly know football's rules and regulations, we should make clear that the FA have an extensive on-going education programme in place to make sure all clubs, players and agents are fully aware of regulations and any changes to them," Barwick added.

"In fact, in the past week we have held briefings for both Premier League and Football League clubs."

Barwick gave his word that the FA would continue to co-operate with Quest.

"I would like to make it absolutely clear that we are fully committed to tackling irregularities in the game, together with the Premier League and Quest," said Barwick.

"I would like to make clear that the FA have supported Quest throughout their inquiry and we will continue to do so, moving forward."

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