Pro football clubs caught up in ‘money laundering probe’

ONE or more professional football clubs are being investigated for alleged money laundering, an MP revealed.

Security Minister Ben Wallace told the Commons Treasury Select Committee yesterday that the sports industry “is as susceptible as anything else” to being used to hide the source of dirty cash.

In reply to a question from campaigning Labour MP John

BOMBSHELL Ben Wallace MP Mann, Mr Wallace said: “I know of [a] professional football club or clubs under investigation. I couldn’t reveal how many, that is an operational matter.” He added such probes can take years. Police in Belgium this month charged 19 people with money laundering and match-fixing offences after a series of raids on top clubs. Anti-corruption body the Financial Action Task Force said criminals see clubs as “perfect” for money laundering.