17/07/2007

Police investigate alleged football corruption

Newcastle United, Rangers FC and Portsmouth FC have all been raided in a police investigation into alleged corruption in football.

The raids, which took place on Monday morning between 7:30am and 9:00am, involved searches at the three club premises and the homes of two individuals who have not been named.

Corruption within football and its impact on owners and shareholders is being investigated by detectives from the City of London Police's economic crime unit.

A spokesperson for the City of London Police said: "We can confirm that search warrants were served at three football clubs and the homes of two individuals in connection with corruption in football and its impact on owners and shareholders."

A statement issued by Newcastle United confirmed that the club had been visited by police, but said that the club itself was not subject to investigation. It said: "If the investigation by the City of London Police, or the ongoing internal review of operations by the club's new owners, show that the club has been the victim of any criminal activity, the club will take appropriate action."

A spokesperson for Rangers FC also confirmed that the club had been asked to co-operate with police and said that they were "extending every co-operation" to them.

Gary Double, director of communications at Portsmouth FC, also confirmed that police had visited the club's premises on Monday morning. He said that the club had "co-operated fully" with the search and would not be commenting further.

Last month, a 61-year-old man was arrested in Manchester on suspicion of money laundering in connection with the investigation.

Police said that the investigation is "totally independent" from Lord Stevens' ongoing Quest inquiry into the Premier League.

(KMcA/JM)


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