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Richard Foster from the Guardian is reporting there will be no penalty to the footballing side of business when it comes to West Ham United. Meaning, we shouldn’t be seeing any point deductions, transfer blocking, or any other form of organizational penalties.
Apparently as both Newcastle & West Ham cases are in remit of HMRC won't lead to any punishment on football side eg points deduction.
— richard foster (@rcfoster) April 26, 2017
Earlier this morning, in a coordinated effort, roughly 50 HMRC officers raided the offices at London Stadium under the guise of a fraud investigation. While accurate details of the investigation have been scarce, Marseille seems to be the link tying all the clubs who were contacted in this investigation. In addition to West Ham United, recently promoted Newcastle saw officers at their doors, with executive Lee Charnley arrested. Chelsea failed to be raided, however, they have made a statement saying HMRC asked for specific documents to which they provided.
WATCH: @NUFC and @WestHamUtd raided by HMRC officers on Wednesday morning: https://t.co/sAJQMBLeK8 #SSNHQ https://t.co/JopAmuvlJN
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) April 26, 2017
The one thing that ties all of these teams together is the dealings of Marseille and their owner, Frank McCourt. Mr. McCourt, you will remember, was the shamed owner of the LA Dodgers who was forced out of his position under investigation of extorting money for his own personal gain. Those houses in Malibu don’t pay themselves!
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Of course, we can only speculate as to what is the causal device that is propelling the machinations of justice. Let’s not forget, of course, this isn’t the first time Karren Brady and David Sullivan have been investigated for tax and fraud by the HMRC. In 2009, while running Birmingham City, Ms. Brady was arrested but never charged for her role in a tax fraud investigation which involved several other clubs.
More updates to come as details are released...