[q]FA to investigate Tim Howard transfer
January 11, 2004
LONDON (AP) -- The transfer of star U.S goalkeeper Tim Howard to Manchester United will be investigated by England's Football Association.
Howard, one of the top goalies in the Premier League, moved from the MetroStars of Major League Soccer to the English club on July 14 for $4.09 million.
``Various documents are now in our possession,'' said David Davies, the FA's executive director. ``They will be studied very carefully and any breach of the rules and regulations that they show will then be discussed as a matter of urgency.''
Manchester United said all its deals are approved by the team's board and handled in accord with rules by the FA and soccer's international governing body.
``Details of all payments involved in those deals are sent to the football authorities as required under their regulations,'' the club said in a statement.
MetroStars spokesman Nick DiBenedetto referred questions to MLS. A phone message left with the league office by The Associated Press was not immediately returned Sunday.
The Sunday Times carried a front-page report saying a six-figure sum was paid to an agent who is a business partner of Jason Ferguson, son of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.
The FA's compliance unit has the authority to interview agents, players, managers and officials. No time frame was given by the FA to complete its investigation.
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A friend of mine is a big Spurs man.
