The FA has asked the judge whether he wishes to make a referral in respect of Mr Stretford's conduct.

This would enable The FA to pursue the two charges that it suspended in light of the recent judgment in the High Court (Meadow v General Medical Council).

On the basis of the undertaking given by The FA not to pursue the two disciplinary charges, The FA will act in the following manner:

(i) if His Honour Judge Hale does not wish to make a referral in respect of Mr Stretford’s conduct the two charges will be formally withdrawn, pending the outcome of any appeal by the General Medical Council; and

(ii) if the Court of Appeal states the law in a way which does not preclude the bringing of the two charges against Mr Stretford, The FA reserves the right to reissue the charges.

The FA will issue a further statement in relation to this matter once it has received the decision of His Honour Judge Hale.

The other seven charges that were issued by The FA in June 2005 are unaffected by this issue. 

To view the Paul Stretford statement dated June 2005 click here
To view the Paul Stretford statement dated February 2006 click here