LONDON, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Ashley cole's agent Jonathan Barnethas been charged by the Football Association with a breach of rules in the notorious "tapping up" affairs.

    The charge relates to Barnett allegedly attending a meeting involving Arsenal star Cole, 25, and Chelsea officials at a London hotel on 27 January 2005.

    The Premier League has already punished Cole, Chelsea and boss Jose Mourinho.

    The charge alleges Barnett brought about a breach of Premier League rules by Cole relating to "illegal approaches to clubs by players under contract."

    Barnett has also been charged with a breach of the FIFA Players' Agents Code of Conduct, which require agents to respect the rights of third parties - in this case Arsenal.

    He has until 20 April to respond to the charge.

    Cole was fined 75,000 pound by the Premier League - while Chelsea boss Mourinho also was fined 75,000 pound in the dispute and the club 300,000 pound by the Premier League in August, of which neither appealed.

    The Premier League had no power to punish Barnett in the so-called "tapping up" affair. Enditem