Football agent Saif Rubie is charged over alleged Marina Granovskaia email 

Leading football agent Saif Rubie has been charged with the offence of making a malicious communication after police investigated allegations that former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia had been the victim of blackmail.

On September 19, it is understood that the agent was arrested in connection with the allegation, but after enquiries by police Rubie was charged with a lesser offence.

The agent is due to attend Westminster Magistrates Court on November 23.

The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into the email directed at Granovskaia, who has now left her position at Stamford Bridge, in which she was said to have received demands for payment, reported to be £300,000, for a transfer involving Chelsea.

Agent Saif Rubie (left), pictured talking to Chelsea owner Todd Boehly at Stamford Bridge

Rubie had stood accused of blackmailing former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia but has now been charged by police with the lesser offence of malicious communication

Granovskaia stepped down from her directorship at Chelsea earlier this year

Earlier this month police confirmed officers from Met’s MO6 Public Order Crime Team were investigating.

But police have today confirmed the agent has now been charged with malicious communications.

A police statement confirmed said: ‘Saif Al Rubie, 44, of Stevenage Road, Hammersmith has been charged with malicious communications.

‘He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 23 November.’

Granovskaia (left) departed Chelsea after the takeover of the club by Todd Boehly was completed