Two Jewish football agents have been banned and fined after admitting to breaking Football Association rules during a transfer last year.

Alex Levack and Matthew Kleinman were banned for seven months and fined £7,500 each after concealing from the FA their involvement and pay they received during Dale Stephens’ move from Charlton Athletic to Brighton and Hove Albion in January 2014.

Another seven-month ban - suspended for a further year - was also handed to the agents, who have represented players including South Africa captain Dean Furman and Derby County striker Chris Martin through their agency Sidekick Management.

Mr Levack and Mr Kleinman conspired with solicitor Ali Rahnama to hide the part they played in transferring their client. Both agents, who also play for teams in Maccabi GB leagues, pleaded guilty to the charges.

In a statement explaining its decision, the FA’s Regulatory Commission said earlier defences put forward by the pair were “ridiculous”, designed to conceal the £9,937.50 paid to Sidekick Management for their services.

The commission added: “Their activities were designed to mislead the Football Association and undermine its work of trying to create and maintain transparency for the benefit of all participants in football and to maintain the integrity of the regulatory system.”

Brighton were fined £90,000 for knowingly concealing the agents’ involvement.

Mr Kleinman said neither he nor Mr Levack could comment as they are appealing the decision.