Wolves cleared by EFL over Jorge Mendes involvement
The EFL have cleared Wolves of any wrongdoing regarding Jorge Mendes' relationship with the club.
League officials have conducted a 'comprehensive review' of the the agent's links with Wolves following concerns raised by Leeds and a number of Championship clubs.
They have concluded Mendes holds no official role at the club and therefore "there is no requirement for him to submit to the Owners’ and Directors’ Test".
Wolves welcome the EFL's stance.
A club statement said: "After meeting with EFL representatives and providing further written detail, a comprehensive review has concluded with confirmation that the EFL is satisfied there has been no breach of its regulations.
"We have always maintained our clarity on both FA and EFL regulations, which have been complied with explicitly since the change of ownership at the club in July 2016.
"We believe the release of these findings will bring to a conclusion any speculation surrounding the club's operation and extinguish any concerns held by other clubs."
The EFL said today: "Following the commitment made in March, as a result of some concerns raised by a number of Championship clubs, the EFL has met with Wolverhampton Wanderers to ensure compliance with the requirements of its regulations.
"At that meeting, a request for information was made by the EFL and following a comprehensive review of the detail subsequently provided by the club, it has been determined that Mr Mendes holds no role at the club and, as such should not be categorised as a ‘Relevant Person’ as defined by league regulations.
"On this basis there is no requirement for him to submit to the Owners’ and Directors’ Test.
"As part of the discussions the club has been reminded of its continuing obligation to keep under review the status of both existing Relevant Persons, but also any other individuals who may at some point acquire the status of Relevant Person, and advise the League (and, given the recent promotion, the Premier League) accordingly."
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani wrote to the FA, Premier League and EFL to try and clarify Wolves' links with Mendes.
This followed a remarkable attack on Twitter from Radrizzani who claimed the relationship was 'not legal'.
Radrizzani lambasted both Wolves and the EFL, suggesting the league was not fair and equal.
Wolves have staunchly maintained their innocence throughout and were confident of being cleared by the EFL.
Chairman Jeff Shi said recently: "I don't know why they are thinking like this. Officially, legally, we passed all the owners' tests.
"I know every rule in the FA book. I think, totally, legally, there is not any problems.
"The other thing is how can you get help from your network or your friends? Some have friends who are agents, or know a player or a market very well or have some friends to help you.
“Jorge is good at judging a player and has given good advice about the best way to build a team.”
Mendes advised Fosun on their takeover of Wolves in 2016, seven months after the Chinese conglomerate bought a 20 per cent stake in his Gestifute agency.
Under Football Association rules, club owners are prohibited from holding an interest in agencies and agents are not allowed to have an influence on the running of a club.
