Meanwhile, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has successfully defended a claim for unpaid commission in the Manchester Mercantile Court. The case was brought by his former management agency, Proactive, who argued that 20% commission was payable on certain contracts negotiated on Rooney's behalf by his agent before both Rooney and his agent left Proactive without giving the correct contractual notice.
The case turned on the court finding that Rooney's eight-year contract with Proactive amounted to a restraint of trade. In so finding, the court noted that the English Football Association recommends such contracts be of no longer than two years duration.
In a judgment held over until after the conclusion of the World Cup, a restitutional remedy of around £90,000 was awarded to Proactive.
