Stewart Downing’s former agent was arrested yesterday on suspicion of fraud after the Middlesbrough and England winger made a formal complaint to the police. Ian Elliott was being questioned by Cleveland Police’s Economic Crime Unit on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and money-laundering.
Elliott was linked with the BBC’s Panorama programme on bungs and dodgy agents in September 2006, although there were no allegations of wrongdoing about him and he protested his innocence. Elliott was also warned two years ago by the FA as to his future conduct after a case involving Grant Leadbitter, the Sunderland midfield player.
This time he has been reported directly by a player he used to represent. Downing, 24, is thought to have terminated Elliott’s contract this year after negotiations with Middlesbrough over the terms of a new five-year deal became acrimonious. Steve Gibson, the club’s chairman, described Elliott as “a man who, in any other walk of life, you couldn’t imagine giving ten minutes of your time to”.
A Middlesbrough spokesman said yesterday: “We can confirm that the club was approached some time ago by Stewart with concerns regarding the way his and his company’s affairs have been handled. The club advised him to involve lawyers and accountants to investigate these concerns. Having established his position, Stewart made a formal complaint to Cleveland Police.”
Elliott, 50, who is based in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, was arrested along with a 43-year-old woman.
Leeds United have pleaded guilty to an FA charge of using an unlicensed agent, relating to the transfer of Anthony Elding from Stockport County in January. Elding has since left the club. “We would like to reiterate that no payment has been made or is alleged to have been made to the agent,” a club statement read.
FROM: TIMESONLINE
0 comments:
Post a Comment