Former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Stevens has been appointed as head of the Premier League’s independent bung inquiry.

Stevens will be investigating allegations of irregular payments in transfer deals since 1 January 2004 and will spend around six months in the position as chair of the independent inquiry.

“I will personally overview the inquiry and ensure that it meets the highest standards of investigation and evidence gathering,” said Lord Stevens.

Quest, the organisation headed by Lord Stevens, will handle the inquiry.

Speaking at a news conference, he went on: “It is our intention to interview all those involved in the transfer process and to examine all transfers during the period.

“In addition, a number will be subjected to a more detailed investigation criteria set by myself.

“I am conscious that there have been persistent allegations in the press, and I would be grateful if those responsible for the articles would provide to my team any supporting evidence or leads that they might have.

“As with all investigations, I shall go where the evidence leads. I can assure both the Premier League and you, that Quest, will not be distracted or diverted from whether or not irregularities exist, and if there is evidence of wrongdoing it shall be highlighted.”

The Premier League have reiterated their hardline stance on any wrongdoing with chief executive Richard Scudamore vowing to enforce heavy penalties,

“We are charged with administering the rule book. If there are breaches of the rules we will deal with it,” said Mr. Scudamore.

“It is a serious inquiry. The absolute bottom line is that the Premier League and its clubs want to know what is going on.

“We will get to the bottom of what is going on.”

This entry was posted on Friday, March 3rd, 2006 at 11:47 pm and is filed under Finances In Football. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. Both comments and pings are currently closed.