A bung of £50,000 was being probed by FA chiefs after Phil Black, an unlicensed middleman, had a role in the transfer and also received secret, illegal payments for the deal. Givet, a defender, joined Premier League Blackburn from Marseille in a deal worth £3 million in 2009. The deal had followed a successful loan spell.
The player said that Black, known for his fashion stores and for being a tailor, had insisted that he make a permanent move to Ewood Park from France and even had been a chauffeur for the player.
Givet then was shocked when Black requested payment for his role in the deal and eventually paid the £50,000 to Black in three payments including some in cash. The FA is examining tapes and evidence to see if there are any wrong doings.
Givet has said that Black was the first to be in touch with him about staying at Blackburn and Black even was at the Liverpool airport for a meeting with Givet’s agent Frederic Dobarje when they deal was agreed to.
Givet also said that was the first time he had met him and he Black never came to the club or any meetings with them. He thought Black was employed by Blackburn, but then after signing Givet said Black started to demand money from him.
Since he was paid the money Black has subsequently returned £15,000 but Givet has hired a solicitor and is trying to get the rest back. Black has denied he broke any rules and denied acting illegally as an agent since he is not licensed. Third parties being paid are strictly prohibited unless they are a licensed agent.