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CHARGES DROPPED IN AGENT BLACKMAIL CASE

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Wayne Rooney's agent Paul Stretford has been accused of misleading a court as charges were dropped against three men accused of blackmailing him.

After the case one of those originally charged, John Hyland, called for a review of the way soccer agents operate.

His solicitor, Peter Quinn, said: "This case has highlighted the need for a thorough inquiry and a new set of rules in connection with the relationship between football agents, players and their families, football clubs and football managers at all levels of the professional game."

The prosecution at Warrington Crown Court offered no more evidence against Mr Hyland, 42 and brothers Christopher, 34, and Anthony Bacon, 38, reported the BBC website on Monday.

John Hedgecoe, prosecuting, said new information showed Mr Stretford had misled the court. He said documents revealed Mr Stretford poached Rooney earlier than he claimed.

Mr Hedgecoe told the court two documents were disclosed over the weekend which showed Mr Stretford made false statements while giving evidence last week.

Judge David Hale passed not guilty verdicts on all three men.