2006

Jan 11 Mike Newell, the Luton Town manager, criticises agents and claims that offers of illegal payments are not uncommon.

Jan 18 Newell meets FA to discuss his claims.

Jan 24 Premier League announces that inquiry will be launched into alleged bung payments.

March 3 Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington, the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner, is appointed head of Premier League’s inquiry. His team examine 362 transfers that took place between January 1, 2004 and January 31, 2006.

Sept 19 A BBC Panorama investigation alleges that Sam Allardyce, the Bolton Wanderers manager at the time, received illegal payments. The programme also claims that his son, Craig, and other agents, Peter Harrison, Teni Yerima and Charles Collymore, were involved in bungs. It was also suggested that Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager, Kevin Bond, his former assistant who had since moved to Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool were involved in corruption.

Oct 2 Stevens announces his inquiry has been narrowed to 39 transfers involving eight clubs. He states that less than half of the 150 agents contacted have fully cooperated and FA rules may be used to open their bank accounts for inspection.

Oct 4 BBC begins handing over Panorama evidence to the FA.

Dec 20 Stevens announces findings of inquiry: 17 transfers – out of 362 – require further investigation because eight agents have failed to cooperate.

2007

March 7 A report by Stevens identifying clubs breaking or ignoring rules on more than 50 of the 362 transfers investigated is given to Premier League.

June 8 It is announced that a 61-year-old man had been arrested in May on suspicion of money laundering. Officers from City of London Police’s economic crime unit made arrest on May 23 with the man bailed until October.

July Police search Newcastle, Portsmouth and Rangers, as well as two homes during raids.

Sept Pascal Chimbonda, the Tottenham Hotspur defender, is questioned.

Nov 28 Portsmouth confirm that Peter Storrie, the chief executive, and Redknapp are two of five men arrested by police investigating corruption in the sport.

Expert View

The fact that the police are carrying out the investigation raises the issue of whether the football authorities are equipped properly to regulate the game

Matt Dickinson

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Background

• Police arrest Redknapp over dealings

• Whispers will not go away for wheeler-dealer

• Newell left on a road to nowhere

• Mandaric will ''offer full support' to police

Background

• Fans’ chants for Mandaric silenced

• Former bookie who knew value of being the middleman

• Faye gets caught in Redknapp’s net

• Old pals that survived Upton Park fallout

Background

• Police moves highlight FA resources shortfall

• How events unfolded

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