Custom officials have raided Newcastle United after evidence surfaced of a ‘systematic abuse of the tax system’ which suggests that secret payments were made to players and agents.
Warrants were issued by the HM Revenue and Customs officers to search the premises of St. James’ Park, Newcastle’s training ground and managing director Lee Charnley’s house in April this year. Charnley has since been arrested and later released.
HMRC cited the transfer of Demba Ba from West Ham United in 2011 which they believe has infringed taxation laws. Derek Llambias was the managing director during Ba’s transfer while Charnley was the football secretary.