Police raid Pompey (From Daily Echo)

Police raid Pompey

4:47pm Monday 16th July 2007 in News By Echo Reporter

SAINTS' south coast rivals Pompey were one of three football clubs raided by police today 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 transfers and were "totally independent".

City of London Police 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."

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 United and Glasgow Rangers were the other two clubs raided.