Rochdale AFC Chief Executive Russ Green faces FA ban over misconduct charge

Russ Green

Rochdale AFC’s Chief Executive Russ Green could be facing an FA ban following a misconduct charge during his time with Hartlepool United.

It is alleged that Mr Green and two colleagues failed to comply with FA regulations for the signings of Padraig Amond, Lewis Alessandra and Nicky Deverdics in June 2016. Hartlepool United FC is also facing charges.

Mr Green, then Chief Executive Officer of Hartlepool, is alleged to have “agreed to make payments for intermediary activity which he intended to conceal and/or misrepresent as a counting agreement” and “failed to comply with FA Regulations on working with intermediaries by concealing or misrepresenting the reality and/or substance of matters relating to a transaction.”

Rochdale Chairman Chris Dunphy said: “I would like to take this opportunity to offer my full and public support to Russ.

“I have known Russ for almost two decades and employed him at Rochdale Football Club due to his honesty and integrity, and because I knew that he would do an excellent job. Since his appointment in August 2016, he has had a hugely positive influence across the whole club. He is a valued member of staff and will play an influential part in the future of the club.

“The FA charges against him, which relate to a breach of FA Regulations, and certainly not corruption as has been wrongly reported today, date back to before he was employed by Rochdale Football Club, and I have been fully aware of these ongoing proceedings from their inception. 

“I have offered, and will continue to offer him, my personal support. We continue to await the outcome of the tribunal and will make a further statement at this time.”

Mr Green and Hartlepool United Football Club did not respond to an invitation to comment.

The full charges against Mr Green are listed below:

INCIDENT OF MISCONDUCT RELATING TO INTERMEDIARY ACTIVITY 
Russ Green, Chief Executive of Rochdale FC (Former Chief Executive of Hartlepool FC)

Two breaches of FA Rule E1(b) 
• In relation to the transfer of Padraig Amond on 20 June 2016, It is alleged that Mr Green breached Regulation A3 of FA Regulation on working with Intermediaries in that he agreed to make a payment to EMA8 Management ltd for Intermediary Activity which he intended to conceal and/or misrepresent as a scouting agreement.

• In relation to the transfer of Lewis Alessandra on 1 July 2016, It is alleged that Mr Green breached Regulation A3 of FA Regulation on working with Intermediaries in that he agreed to make a payment to David Buncall (of Code 4 Sport Management) for Intermediary Activity which he intended to conceal and/or misrepresent as a scouting agreement.

Charges Admitted – Paper hearing requested

INCIDENT OF MISCONDUCT RELATING TO INTERMEDIARY ACTIVITIES
Russ Green, Chief Executive of Rochdale FC (Former Chief Executive of Hartlepool FC)

Breach of FA Rule E1(b) in relation to the transfer of Nicholas Deverdics
• It is alleged that Mr Green failed to comply with FA Regulations on working with intermediaries by concealing or misrepresenting the reality and/or substance of matters relating to a transaction.

Charge Admitted – Paper hearing requested