In a very high profile case Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz both found themselves in trouble with the FA over comments made after their game versus Portsmouth in the FA Cup semi-final. Much was made of the comments in the media because of references made about Refree's supremo Keith Hackett, by Sir Alex, and the idea of substituting a Referee, by Carlos.

Football Factors put together the case for the duo, researching many past examples where similar comments had been made and yet no charges had been brought. Through our many contacts and friends within the game, we were able to establish where charges had been brought, observations had been requested from the persons involved, or no action at all had been taken, some examples as recently as the last few months and others going back years.

The hearing, held at Soho Square, heard evidence from both Sir Alex and Carlos and along with Graham Bean's reasoned arguments the Independent Commission found both not guilty of the charges against them.

This case further showed the benefit of Football Factors services, the depth of investigative research Football Factors go through and the quality of representation offered before the hearing commision.