New York, NY -- (Sports Network) - The NFL ruled Monday the San Francisco 49ers will have to forfeit their fifth-round selection in this year's draft after the Chicago Bears filed tampering charges.

The NFL said following a detailed investigation and a hearing, commissioner Roger Goodell determined that the 49ers violated the league's Anti-Tampering Policy by contacting the agent for Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs during the 2007 season without the Bears' permission.

In turn, the Bears filed tampering charges against the 49ers. Chicago then re-signed Briggs at the beginning of this year's free agency signing period.

"The 49ers organization respects commissioner Goodell's ruling today, however we do disagree with it," 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan said in a statement. "This was not a malicious act; we believe that our intent was within the NFL guidelines. Going forward, we will take the necessary steps to ensure we are in compliance with the NFL's interpretation."

Because of the decision, the Bears and 49ers will switch third-round selections in the 2008 draft. As a result, Chicago now will have the seventh selection of the third round and San Francisco will have the 12th pick of the same round.

"We are appreciative of the efforts of the League office on this matter and support the commissioner's decision," Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips said.