Soccer:Man arrested as Chesterfield probe begins

British police have questioned a man about alleged financial irregularities at Chesterfield, ahead of a three-day FA hearing into the club at Hillsborough today.

The 35-year-old was arrested at an address in Leicestershire in connection with an ongoing investigation into the club, but has since been freed on bail.

Derbyshire police said a large number of documents and computer disks had been seized at the same time.

Fraud squad officers are also looking into allegations of witness intimidation when the FA held their initial investigation into affairs at Saltergate.

The joint FA and FL inquiry was launched in February into alleged irregularities at the Derbyshire club concerning payments to players and attendance figures.

A three-man panel has been named for the Football League hearing which is scheduled to last until Thursday.

Former Newcastle and Football League chairman Gordon McKeag will be joined by ex-FA finance chief Mark Day and former Nottingham Forest and Manchester City manager Frank Clark.

Chesterfield, who currently top Division Three, could face relegation to the Conference or a hefty fine if they are found guilty.

According to reports, the FA and FL investigation into Chesterfield has found that 16 players received £900 in illegal payments.