Ashley Cole’s agent has been banned a for 18 months with nine suspended and slapped with a £100,000 fine by the Football Association for being the Catalyst in the Tapping up affair between Cole and Chelsea in January 2005.

Barnett has been disciplined for being in breach of code K5 in the Premier Leagues code of conduct. Chelsea have already been punished for contravening the same rule, they were given a 3 point deduction which was suspended unless they commit the same act again.

Although at the time this was a massive scandal and the issue has rumbled on for nearly two years, Arsenal and Chelsea managed to find an amicable settlement on their own. When a transfer involving William Gallas and cash moving north in return for Ashley Cole’s presence at Stamford Bridge was agreed before the recent transfer deadline; with many believing Arsenal got the better deal.