Newcastle United, Portsmouth and Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers were raided by the Police on Monday as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in football.
Police said the raids were not connected to Lord Stevens' ongoing Quest
inquiry into the Premier League and were 'totally independent'.
City of London Police would not disclose which clubs were involved, or their
league status, but said search warrants were executed between 7.30am and 9am
today.
A spokeswoman 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.
'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.'
Northumbria Police said all inquiries about today's football corruption raids
were being handled by City of London Police.
But a spokesman for the North East force said they were aware that 'an
operation' had been carried out earlier today by their London colleagues at St
James' Park, the home of Newcastle United.
Rangers confirmed they had been approached by police.
A club spokesman said: 'Rangers Football Club was asked to co-operate with
the police investigation and have done so, extending every co-operation.
'We have been requested by police not to comment further while the
investigation continues.'
Gary Double, director of communications at Portsmouth Football Club, confirmed
his club was involved in the investigation.
He said: 'We can confirm that the police arrived at about 10am this morning.
'We have co-operated fully with their search and will not be commenting
further.'
Newcastle plc issued a statement which read: 'Newcastle United can confirm
that it was visited this morning by the City of London Police.
'The club itself is not the subject of the investigation.
'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.'
More to follow...
