Football
ESPN staff 7y

Police open bribery probe after investigation, Sam Allardyce in clear

The City of London Police has opened a criminal investigation into an allegation of bribery after reviewing material gathered by the Daily Telegraph investigation into suspected corruption in football, but former England manager Sam Allardyce is not its subject.

The Telegraph's "Football for Sale" investigation led to Allardyce leaving his position as England manager in September after he was filmed advising undercover journalists how to circumvent rules against third-party ownership.

Other figures within the football world were also implicated including Southampton assistant manager Eric Black, Leeds owner Massimo Cellino and then-Queens Park Rangers boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

A City of London Police statement read: "Detectives from the City of London Police Economic Crime Directorate have reviewed material gathered by a recent Daily Telegraph investigation into suspected corruption in football.

"This review of the material has concluded and the decision has been taken to begin a criminal investigation into a single suspected offence of bribery."

It is not yet clear who is being investigated, while the force said no arrests had been made.

A City of London Police spokesman added: "I can confirm that Mr Allardyce has received a letter stating he is not part of the investigation."

Allardyce released a statement welcoming the decision, which said: "I was always confident that this would be the case as there was no evidence against me.

"I now ask that the Football Association deals with this matter as quickly as possible.

"I would like to thank my friends and family who have stood by me during this difficult period. The position of England head coach is the pinnacle of any English manager's career and it was my dream job.

"While I am sad that my tenure came to an end early, I am nonetheless proud to have been chosen to manage the England football team and hope that today's confirmation from the police will give me the opportunity to move on."

Allardyce, who was in the England job for just 67 days, said he had been a victim of "entrapment" after leaving his position as Three Lions boss following the undercover operation.

Information from the Press Association was used in this report.

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