Sam Allardyce Was Accused Of Corruption In 2006

Sam Allardyce's previous allegations of corruption date back to 2006.

In 2006, Allardyce was among a number of people made subject to allegations of corruption in a BBC Panorama investigation into transfer bungs.

There is no suggestion that this investigation is any way connected to any of the revelations by The Telegraph tonight.

The BBC investigation, entitled Undercover: Football's Dirty Secrets included undercover footage of meetings between agents, managers and high ranking football club officials. This footage purported to show agents and managers accepting backhanders and illegally "tapping-up" players under contract to other clubs.

Two football agents, named Teni Yerima and Peter Harrison, were filmed claiming that they had paid Sam Allardyce through his son, Craig. Allardyce denied ever taking or asking for a bung.

Peter Harrison was filmed as saying "If I say, 'Listen Sam, I'll give Craig some money'... he'll say, 'Yeah, OK, we'll do a deal'".

The programme also claimed that it had uncovered three different Bolton signings -  Tal Ben Haim, Hidi Nakata, and goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi - which involved payments from agents to Craig Allardyce.

The documentary alleged that Craig Allardyce received around £50,000 for the deal involving Ben Haim. At the time, the programme claimed, Craig was contractually banned from doing any deals with Bolton.

But Craig was caught on film claiming his father was aware of the payments made to him. He told BBC reporter Alex Millar: "Yeah course he knew, course he knew... I've never hidden anything."

Allardyce strongly denied the allegations, and after a consultation with his lawyers, Allardyce said the following:

I have a very strong case in relation to the programme, and I am planning to sue the BBC over the false and highly damaging allegations. I have therefore instructed my lawyers to prepare my case against the BBC.

The League Managers' Association strongly criticised the BBC over the documentary over:

As the organisation which represents managers we were very disappointed with the programme. There was a complete lack of substance and evidence, and if the BBC has any hard evidence it should give it to the Football Association.

Allardyce and his son, Craig have never been charged with any offences relating to the allegations made in the documentary.

See Also: Weekend TV Review: Why Soccer AM Needs To Be Put Out Of Its Misery