Power of Caring
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'Injury to feelings'

Agent charges England association with discrimination

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Posted: Monday August 02, 1999 10:26 AM

LONDON (AP) -- The only female soccer agent accredited by the sport's world governing body, FIFA, began a court battle on Monday against England's players' association because she was banned from its annual awards dinner.

Rachel Anderson started legal action in a London Court to claim damages from the Professional Footballers' Association for breaches of the Sex Discrimination Act and "injury to feelings."

Anderson, Britain's only female agent, was invited to the 1998 dinner by her client, West Ham defender Julian Dicks, but was refused permission to attend when she attempted to confirm the invitation with the PFA.

Her lawyer said PFA chairman Gordon Taylor wrote back to the 41-year-old agent saying the dinner was for men only and it would be unacceptable to change the policy.

"I hope you will not take offense at this, but the same position applies to all females whether they are connected to football or related to players," Taylor reportedly wrote in reply to Anderson's request.

Anderson reportedly has the support of British Prime Minster Tony Blair.

 

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