TOP 100 SOCCER SITES
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| Mandaric 'astounded and dismayed' by tax charge • Case concerns payment to Harry Redknapp • HM Customs and Revenue proceedings 'very surprising'Milan Mandaric has said that he is "astounded and dismayed" that he is to face charges of cheating the public revenue relating to a payment made during his time as chairman of Portsmouth.The Leicester City chairman strenuously denies the allegations by HM Revenue and Customs, which go back to his time at Fratton Park from 1998 to 2006 and money paid to Harry Redknapp, who was the club's manager at the time.A statement issued by Cartwright King solicitors, who represent Mandaric, read: "Milan Mandaric is astounded and dismayed that proceedings are to be brought by HMRC in the new year alleging a connection with unpaid tax on a personal payment he made to Harry Redknapp in 2002. These will be vigorously defended."During a two-year investigation he has fully co-operated and has strenuously denied any wrongdoing."Expert tax advice has confirmed that Mr Mandaric has no tax liability. The decision of HMRC to bring proceedings is very surprising."Throughout a successful and respected 45-year international business career he has gained an impeccable reputation and has never been accused of the slightest wrongdoing, nor had his integrity called into question."Over the last 10 years in English football, the clubs that Mr Mandaric has invested in have employed hundreds of people and paid millions of pounds in taxes to HMRC."Redknapp, now the Tottenham Hotspur manager, has also been told that he will face charges. He was originally arrested on suspicion of false accounting and conspiracy to defraud in November 2007. Sources at HMRC have indicated any court case may not begin until well into the new year, and possibly 2011. PAPortsmouthHarry RedknappLeicester CityCrimePremier Leagueguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Newcastle to dump Adidas for Puma Newcastle preparing to welcome in 2010 by announcing fresh kit deal with German sportswear giant Puma. telegraph.co.uk |
Leicester City 1 Ipswich Town 1: match report Ipswich scored after 20 seconds but Leicester recovered from the early setback to earn point on a cold afternoon at the Walkers Stadium. telegraph.co.uk |
Roberto Mancini can make me great, says Micah Richards • 'Those words were really encouraging,' says in-form defender• Richards dismisses talk of January transfer from EastlandsRoberto Mancini has told Micah Richards he has the potential to become a great player, the Manchester City defender has revealed. Richards, 21, is enjoying a run of games in the side under the former Italy international and scored a fine goal in the 4-1 defeat of Blackburn. His good form could persuade the England manager, Fabio Capello, to recall him to the national squad for the World Cup.Richards's priority, though, is to continue to improve after positive feedback from Mancini. "He told me that I was a good player but that if I listened and learned he would turn me into a great player," Richards told the club's website. "Those words were really encouraging but I know that it is down to me to work hard."I keep saying it but I am still young. There are aspects of the game that only come with experience and I am gaining that all the time whether I am in or out of the side. I know I had a dip in form last season but I believe that I have been better this time around and in recent weeks I have done OK. All I am concentrating on at the moment is playing well, winning games and staying in the side when the injured players come back."Richards has come through the ranks at City and is in no hurry to go anywhere else. He said: "Everyone seems to get linked with someone at various stages of the season and me more than most. I have always said that I wanted to stay here so I don't know why these rumours keep appearing."I have not expressed any wish to leave and yet some people are reporting things as if they are done deals. Why would I want to leave a club that is so obviously on the up and up? There is still so much for me to learn and my best is to come, and this will be great place to be in coming seasons, I am sure of that."Manchester CityRoberto Manciniguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Gerrard set for Liverpool return Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard could make an earlier than expected return in Wednesday's (EDT) Barclays Premier League match away to Wolverhampton Wanderers. foxsports.com.au |