City have been charged with a breach of the FA Football Agents Regulation for allegedly dealing with an unlicensed agent for the registration of Showumni between May and July 2006.

The Robins are also alleged to have broken FA rules by paying Collymore £30,000 for services provided by him under a representation contract with the club knowing the payment was partly or wholly for services provided by an unlicensed agent.

A statement on the FA's official website, www.thefa.com, added that Showumni "had been charged with engaging the services of an individual, who was not a licensed agent or entitled to act in such a capacity, to represent him in contract negotiations with Luton Town in or around February 2004 and between November 2005 and January 2006.

"He is also charged with using the same person for contract negotiations with Bristol City in or around May to July 2006."

Furthermore Collymore has been charged with "entering into a sham arrangement with an unlicensed agent in respect of the engagement and registration of Showunmi with Bristol City."

The Robins released a statement saying: "Bristol City football club has acted in good faith throughout and co-operated voluntarily with the FA at all times.

"The club is very disappointed by their decision to bring these charges and denies the allegations strenuously. It will respond in full to the FA by April 18.

"The club will make no further comment at this time."

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Collymore released the following statement this evening through his solicitors: "I strenuously deny the allegations made against me. I entered into a valid representation contract with Bristol City Football Club, acting in good faith and in full compliance with the Football Association Regulations.

"I am extremely disappointed that the FA has taken this step as it is now more than 18 months since the first FA charges.

"These unsubstantiated allegations have severely damaged the reputation that I have built up as an FA licensed agent over a number of years. I feel that it is grossly unfair that these unproven charges have been hanging over me for so long without being provided with an opportunity to clear my name.

"Despite the recent negative media coverage in relation to the role of football agents, I am confident that the FA will afford me a fair hearing in order to contest these charges."