Football corruption inquiry extended by two months

The Premier League have granted Lord Stevens and his investigators a further two months to investigate any irregularities in recent transfers in English football.

Former Metropolitan Police commissioner Lord Stevens and his team looked into 362 transfers, covering the period from January 1, 2004 to January 31, 2006.

Lord Stevens revealed 39 transfers involving eight clubs in his opinion warranted further scrutiny, and Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has granted an extension to the inquiry.

“This is something Premier League clubs wanted to do, and has been done with full support of the clubs who wanted a thorough, professional and credible process to deal effectively with any irregular transfer payments,” said Scudamore on Sky Sports News.

“We have as a group unanimously agreed to extend the period of inquiry by two months in order to investigate transfers that are in need of further investigation.”

Lord Stevens revealed 39 of the 362 transfers investigated require further scrutiny over the next two months. Those 39 transfers involve eight clubs.

“I have briefed all of the chairmen and chief executives of Premier League clubs and this interim report remains a work in progress,” Lord Stevens told a press conference televised by Sky Sports News.

“Quest, under my leadership, has managed to examine 362 transfers and reduced that down from that to 39.

“They are within the English game and require further investigation before I am prepared to sign them off. These involve eight league teams.

“The work conducted led me to make a number of observations regarding administration and monitoring of the transfer market. These were made to the chairman and chief executive of the Premier League.

“Once the enquiry is complete we will report these as recommendations for consideration by the league.

“I would like to express gratitude to the clubs and regulatory bodies and others involved in the game for their unanimous support,” he said.