Home > Football > Rooney threatens to withdraw support of the FA

Rooney threatens to withdraw support of the FA

Wayne Rooney has taken severe umbrage to what he perceives to be the harshness of the penalty levied against him by the FA for rough conduct on the pitch

by Reuters on 22 August 2006

Email this Article (2) Comments

50%

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (R) receives a red card from referee Ruud Bossen during their match against Porto at the LG Amsterdam soccer tournament in the Arena stadium in Amsterdam August 4

Related Bet:

Free £10 bet when you register at

Read more about Wayne Rooney

LONDON (Reuters) - Wayne Rooney is threatening to withdraw commercial support for the Football Association because he is angry at being banned for three matches, newspapers reported on Sunday.

The Manchester United forward's agent has written to the FA saying Rooney will refuse permission for the use of his image in England-related marketing and will not make appearances for the FA's commercial partners unless his suspension is reconsidered.

Rooney, whose suspension begins on August 23, was controversially sent off for violent conduct against Porto in a pre-season tournament in Amsterdam on August 4.

Agent Paul Stretford said Rooney felt let down by the FA. "While he will continue if selected to play for his country with pride and commitment, he is considering withdrawing his support for the FA's commercial programme," Stretford was quoted by the Observer newspaper as saying in the letter.

New England manager Steve McClaren has also questioned the ban saying it made his relationship with the clubs more difficult.

Rooney also faces a two-match international suspension after being sent off against Portugal in the World Cup. He will not be available to face Andorra and Macedonia in Euro 2008 qualifiers next month.

Comments (2)

by Dez on August 20, 2006

Rooney and his business agent should have their eyes set on the player's long-term future. The beast within Wayne needs to be tamed if he is to aspire to greatness. Violent behaviour on the field and this kind of pettiness off it are not going to help develop his career.