Footballer fraud probe at an end

A SCOTS former footballer linked to a multi-million-pound Ponzi scheme has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

After a three-year investigation by Scotland Yard, Michael McIndoe will face no charges on the allegations of fraud made against him.

The former midfielder, from Edinburgh, had been linked with conning hundreds of footballers, including Robbie Keane and Jimmy Bullard.

In a tweet, the 38-year-old said: ‘Just been officially informed by Scotland Yard that I have been completely cleared of the allegation of fraud made against me and the CPS are taking no further action.’

A Ponzi scheme involves generating returns for investors through revenue paid by new investors.

Retired Wolves, Coventry City and Bristol City star Mr McIndoe said: ‘There’s been that much rubbish and untrue stuff written about me in the last five years but it’s important now that I have the proof to set the record straight that there was no wrongdoing on my part in any way.’

It was alleged potential investors were promised 20 per cent interest. Some 300 footballers were said to have put money in the alleged scheme, which crumbled in 2012.

Mr McIndoe, a self-confessed ‘professional gambler’, was declared bankrupt in 2014 after blowing cash in casinos and bookmakers.

Scotland Yard confirmed that a man, then aged 37, had been interviewed in January. It said in a statement: ‘No further action will be taken. The investigation is closed.’