Birmingham raided over Cisse deal

English Birmingham City was raided by London's football corruption forces, with the target centred on Aliou Cissé's GBP 300,000 transfer to Portsmouth in August 2004.

The transfer raised eyebrows at the time because the club had announced they had a loan in place with Cissé but decided on a last-minute transfer. The deal was one of 17 that Lord Stevens spent extensive time reviewing.

Papers relating to the Cissé move were seized. It was likely part of the investigation focusing on agent Willie McKay.

Birmingham issued a statement that the club itself was not being investigated.

"The club is cooperating fully with the police in their inquiries which relate to an unconnected third party or third parties," read the statement. "For the avoidance of doubt, no one connected with the club has been questioned or arrested. No further comment will be made by the club."

Five other football figures remain on bail as part of the Willie McKay inquiry.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.