Leading football agent Saif Rubie, who stood accused of blackmailing former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia, has seen his case downgraded after being charged by police yesterday.
On September 19, the intermediary was arrested in connection with an allegation of blackmail, but after enquiries police have charged Rubie with malicious communication - a much lesser offence.
The agent is due to attend Westminster Magistrates Court on November 23.
Having originally investigated a blackmail allegation it is understood, the offence has been significantly reduced amid concerns over a lack of evidence.
The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into the email directed at Granovskaia, who has now left her position at Stamford Bridge, earlier this year in which the agent is said to have demanded payment, reported to be £300,000, for his and his partners' role in a transfer involving Chelsea.