BWFC 24

Bolton Bung Claims

Bolton Wanderers manager, Sam Allardyce, has become the main victim of the BBC’s investigative programme, Panorama, in which it was alleged that Craig Allardyce (Big Sam’s son) had received payment for helping fellow football agent Peter Harrison with three of BWFC’s signings.

Craig had allegedly received up to £50,000 for each of the following secured signings; Tal Ben Haim, Hide Nakata and goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi earlier this year. The BBC showed secretly filmed footage of Craig boasting about how he could easily approach his father about potential players saying, “I’ll get the profile and I’ll walk straight into the office and sit down with me Dad. It’s easy, it’s easy.”

There were similar claims about Craig earlier in the year when Israeli Idan Tal was first thought to be joining the club, since then Craig has ended his career as a Football Agent and Idan has joined The Wanderers. Even then Bolton boss Allardyce said of such claims, “we will cover all angles, because it is me and my son, and make sure it is 100% OK.”

Bolton Wanderers Football Club have released the following statement on the matter:

THE CLUB takes the allegations broadcast on Tuesday evening very seriously but owes it to its fans, Sam and all of its players and staff not to over react.

It is our duty to act only on facts and hard evidence.

The Club is committed to conducting a thorough and robust investigation into the allegations which were made in the Panorama programme. As part of that process the Club will work with Sam to establish the facts.

Bolton Wanderers has assisted with the Stevens inquiry throughout and remains committed to the highest standards of governance in football.

The Club feels it would be inappropriate to make any further comment until its investigations are complete.

The Football Association (FA) has also made a statement, as have The League Managers’ Association (LMA) in which it demanded that The BBC should provide any ‘hard evidence’ to backup the claims made in Panorama. The LMA added:

“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.”

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs is also thought to be starting an investigation following the programme that shocked all involved in the sport and supporters of the game.

Links to find out more…

Panorama
Agents claim manager was bribed
Panorama: Who is accused of what?
Allardyce denies Panorama claims
FA investigates BBC ‘bung’ claims
The FA’s Statement
‘Bung’ reaction