Gillingham in probe over alleged illegal payments

Gillingham's chairman Paul Scally yesterday vehemently denied allegations that the club had been guilty of financial irregularities.

A private investigator has compiled several files of documents which contain allegations of irregularities and illegal payments to players at the First Division club.

But Scally said in a statement: "I am unaware as to the nature or substance of any allegations of financial irregularity.

"I strongly refute that any financial irregularities have occurred that I am aware of and will defend any allegations against the football club in the high court in the appropriate manner and at the relevant time.

"I am consulting with lawyers today but note that these allegations have persisted since May 1999 and despite requests have never been clarified or substantiated to either me, the club's accountants, the Football Association or the Football League."

The files were taken to the public relations expert Max Clifford, who said that he had urged the investigator to go to the Football Association but that the man "has very little faith in the Football Association" to conduct an investigation. The FA was last night awaiting developments.

"If someone presents us with any allegations directly and can substantiate them in any way we will launch an investigation," said a spokesman, Nick Barron. "However, that is not the case in this issue. No one has presented us with any evidence to support any allegations and we don't have the power to seize a dossier."

If the allegations are substantiated and of sufficiently serious nature Gillingham, who won promotion last season, could be demoted.

Swindon were demoted two divisions after gaining a place in the old First Division in 1990. The club admitted to 36 breaches of league regulations but after an appeal were allowed to remain in the old Second Division.

Scally rescued Gillingham from extinction in June 1995, buying the club for a penny.



• You've read the piece, now have your say. Send your comments, as sharp or as stupid as you like, to editor@footballunlimited.co.uk