After Detkin came aboard, he started working his contacts in Silicon Valley, cold-calling law firms, licensing agencies and patent agents to identify bankrupt or distressed clients who were interested in selling patent portfolios.

FORBES: Patent Stalker

Meanwhile Fifa has also admitted defeat in its attempt to regulate players' agents through its licensing system.

BBC: Fifa to keep Olympics age limit

Our list of the highest-paid athletes looks at earnings derived from salaries, bonuses, prize money, endorsements and licensing income between June 2008 and June 2009 and does not deduct for taxes or agents' fees.

FORBES: Sports Valuations