Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson face further embarrassment over their dealings with the manager's son, Jason Ferguson, and his Elite Sports company after a South African agent alleged that the agency "poached" United's South African international Quinton Fortune from him.
Colin Gie, who was once a close friend of Fortune's as well as his advisor, is currently suing the United midfielder for loss of earnings after claiming that Fortune abruptly ended their relationship and became an Elite client. The player is contesting the action.
Gie maintains that in July 2002 Fortune asked him to attend to negotiations with United over a new contract. According to his version of events - which he has promised to back up with written and video evidence once the court case, scheduled to take place in Cape Town in August, begins - the player ignored him without giving any explanation when he arrived in England.
Fortune subsequently signed a three-year deal with the Old Trafford club. He was last night named in the BBC3 documentary Fergie And Son, which will be repeated tonight on BBC2, as one of 13 United players on Elite's books.
Gie said: "People need to know the truth. I was with Quinton for 14 years but within two days the whole world changed. I have a personal management agreement with him and if he doesn't want to keep it, we can reach a settlement."
United announced on Tuesday that they will no longer use Elite, of which Jason Ferguson remains a director, because of "external concern" over possible conflicts of interest.
Calls from The Independent seeking Elite's comments on the allegations went unanswered yesterday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments