[lfc-news] Mandic in spotlight as Fifa looks into Kewell's move to Liverpool - Independent

The Independent, 17 June 2005
Mandic in spotlight as Fifa looks into Kewell's move to Liverpool
By Matthew Beard

Fifa has launched an investigation into Harry Kewell's transfer to
Liverpool, which was the subject of a High Court libel trial that
collapsed yesterday.

Lawyers from football's world governing body are investigating the
legality of the £5m move which took Kewell from Leeds United to
Liverpool in July 2003. It is examining whether the clubs were in breach
of Fifa regulations in dealing with Kewell's personal manager, Bernie
Mandic, who is not a licensed agent. Fifa opened the investigation,
which should be concluded by the new season, after it was passed
documents by the Football Association, which says the incident is out of
its jurisdiction.

The High Court jury heard that Mandic had dealings with both clubs after
Kewell was put up for sale at the start of 2003. Notes made by
Liverpool's chief executive, Rick Parry, confirmed that he had been in
talks with Mandic about the player's transfer fee. The court also heard
that Leeds United's chairman, Professor John Mackenzie, was also dealing
with Mandic, who claimed that Leeds even proposed that the player's
loyalty bonus be paid to the club via a tax haven.

Mandic said that as Kewell's manager he was not bound by Fifa rules.
Instead, his brother, Nicolas, signed the deal but Fifa rules prevent
clubs from using a non-licensed agent.

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