Stevens report: 17 transfer deals suspect

The Premier League have targeted 17 transfers which require further investigation after Lord Stevens delivered his 'observations and recommendations' into alleged bungs in football.

As a result, Lord Stevens and his Quest team have been asked to look into a specific number of deals, under a new mandate.

According to Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore a 'small but significant number of agents' have refused to co-operate with the inquiry.

Therefore, the Premier League will formally ask the Football Association for a joint inquiry as English football's governing body have the powers to require agents to disclose information which may be essential to complete any investigation.

The 17 transfers being investigated further represent a small proportion of the 362 that fell under the Quest inquiry's terms of reference but Scudamore felt it was important Stevens was given more time to determine their probity.

'When the Premier League first initiated this inquiry into alleged irregular payments we made it clear we wanted a thorough and exhaustive investigation,' said Scudamore.

'However, Lord Stevens has satisfied himself as to the probity of all but 17 transfers out of the 362 that fell under the inquiry terms of reference.

'The [Premier League] board has decided to ask Lord Stevens to make further investigations into these 17 transfers, under a new mandate and terms of reference.'

Lord Stevens revealed 'eight major agents' had not co-operated but he refused to identify the people involved.

'The reason why we are not naming names is the inquiry is ongoing. I know you would like us to name and shame but I can't do it at the present stage.

Stevens also recommended that a body other than the FA should handle the audit of transfers.

'The FA and the compliance unit does not have the credibility of the public or the clubs,' he said. ' The proposed regulation and compliance unit must be established with expertise and independence to take on this work.

'Part of the FA's problems has been the lack of forensic investigators and accountants. The work must be preventative.

'Punishments must have a significant deterrent. Money alone may not be appropriate as a sanction alone. Seasoned investigators and forensic accountants are required to trace the money flows.

They must have that expertise available to it or they will fail. They must have access to accounts with club and agent and must make books available to the audit.'

Stevens reiterated the complex nature of following every element of a transfer and the need for transparency.

'The system was not being followed and the rules were not being followed,' he said.

'It is unacceptable. When you trace vast sums of money, if there are not proper procedures or they are not being followed to the rule then of course it is very difficult.

'Some are incredibly complex and sophisticated.'