FA submit Kewell papers

The Football Association have today submitted documentation to world governing body FIFA in relation to Harry Kewell's transfer to Liverpool from Leeds last week.

Questions have been raised as to the role played by Bernie Mandic, long recognised as Kewell's representative, in the £5million deal as he is not an officially licensed FIFA agent.

Mandic is employed by a company called Max Sport, of which there is an Australian-based subsidiary entitled Sports Corporation International for whom his brother Nikola works and it is he who is recognised by FIFA.

The capacity of Bernie Mandic in any transfer negotiations should be nothing more than administrative, yet it is his signed name which appears on letters between Max Sport and Leeds chairman John McKenzie, as well as on email correspondence.

With Max Sport pocketing £2million from the Kewell deal, it has led to a number of allegations being made against Bernie Mandic, although he has insisted "everything has been done above board".

But it is clear FIFA are looking into matters, although no official investigation has yet been launched, prompting the FA to pass on a dossier given FIFA regulations appear to have been breached.

Adrian Bevington, the FA's head of media relations, said: "The Football Association has today referred to FIFA documents relating to the transfer of Harry Kewell from Leeds United to Liverpool, on the back of the alleged involvement of a non-licensed agent in the transfer.

"Due to the international element of the transfer, and the fact that the FA has jurisdiction only over agents licensed by the FA, the matter therefore falls within the jurisdiction of the world governing body.

"The FA will provide any assistance that FIFA may require."