Italian Job

[Keyser Soze]

Corruption raid on three clubs

By Mark Buckingham - Created on 16 Jul 2007

Police have raided three football clubs as part of an investigation into corruption in football.

City of London Police have confirmed the raids took place between 7.30am and 9am on Monday morning, although there is no connection to the recent Lord Stevens inquiry.

The identities of the clubs, or which division they play in, have not been disclosed by City of London Police, who admit the investigation is ongoing.

However, Northumbria Police have named Newcastle United and Strathclyde Police also confirmed Rangers were part of the inquiry. Portsmouth were later named as the third team involved.

"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," said a police spokeswoman.

"This investigation is a totally independent inquiry.

"It has not been influenced or informed by the Quest inquiry in any way.

"As this is a live investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

Only last month, Lord Stevens' Quest probe into illegal payments disclosed concerns regarding 17 transfers involving five Premier League clubs.

There was no evidence of irregular payments to club officials or players after the Quest team spent 15 months looking into the issue.

home.skysports.com/football

[Romanisti]

zumindest bei pompey wunderts mich nicht!