After the latest development in The Telegraph's ongoing investigation into corruption in football, QPR manager Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink and Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino have been forced to deny improper behaviour.Hasselbaink was filmed speaking to representatives of what he thought was a Far East business firm, and apparently agreed to speak to investors for £55,000 at a time. The Telegraph alleges that he was also amenable to the idea of signing players owned by the firm, despite a potential conflict of interest.QPR have now released an official statement regarding the allegations, stating that "the club takes very seriously any alleged breach of the rules" and that "there will be a thorough internal investigation regarding this matter." The club have expressed "every confidence" in Hasselbaink, however.
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Hasselbaink has released a joint statement, denying any accusations of wrongdoing. That can be read in full here.The Telegraph have also acquired undercover footage of Massimo Cellino apparently offering to sell a stake in Leeds United, with the alleged aim of helping what he thought were investors get around rules on third-party ownership. Leeds have also released an official statement on the investigation, strongly refuting any suggestion of rule-bending on Cellino's part and dismissing The Telegraph's findings as a "non-story."#QPR have tonight issued a statement regarding an article in @Telegraph: https://t.co/AMWppiBHvU pic.twitter.com/ctriwMIcO0
— QPR FC (@QPRFC) September 28, 2016
Another person to be caught up in the investigation is Barnsley assistant manager Tommy Wright. In further footage obtained by The Telegraph, he appears to accept a £5,000 cash payment after agreeing to help a fake Far Eastern consortium profit from player transfers.Wright has now been suspended by Barnsley. In their own short statement, they have pledged an internal investigation into the allegations against him.Club statement: https://t.co/LlSGvmbLmR #lufc
— Leeds United (@LUFC) September 28, 2016