Jean Tigana today broke his silence over the Steve Marlet transfer scandal and revealed his anger over suggestions he acted improperly in the Stg£11.5 million deal.
Fulham are heading for a courtroom battle with the 28-year old France striker's agents over their bumper commission fee, reported to be £2million.
Marlet's representative Pascal Boisseau, who along with his brother Sebastien arranged Marlet's August 2001 transfer from Lyon, said today he plans to contact the Football Association's transfer watchdogs in the Compliance Unit to show "nothing illegal happened".
Cottagers boss Tigana vowed to protect his "honour", saying: "I don't know exactly what's inside this story or if it's a problem with the agent or the club. I read the newspapers and was very, very disappointed and very sad to see my face.
"This story started a long time ago so I don't know why it's just come out now. I'm a right man and don't like these allegations against me. I have a big, very strict reputation in France and can speak to clubs like Bordeaux, Monaco and Lyon.
"I'll keep fighting because my honour is very important for me."
Fulham said on Sunday there was "not a shred of evidence to suggest Tigana has behaved improperly" - and Chester Stern, the club's controller of affairs, added today "we will begin legal proceedings against the agents".
But Barcelona-based Boisseau, whose brother Sebastien works for the BMB Conseils agency registered in Dugny, France, claimed they are in fact behind the legal action.
"We have been paid one part of our fee and not the other, so we're taking the club to court," Boisseau said.
"We're also going to go to the FA to discuss the Marlet transfer and explain what happened.
"The FA are going to do their inquiry although I don't know what they are looking for exactly.
"Nothing illegal happened and I don't understand why there is so much fuss about this transfer."
Marlet is serving a three-match domestic suspension but is available for tomorrow's UEFA Cup third-round, second-leg tie with Hertha Berlin at Loftus Road. Fulham trail 2-1 from the first leg.