Soccer Shorts:Pressure on the English Premier League to release the full details of the Quest inquiry is building after City of London police arrested a 61-year-old man as a result of its own investigation into corruption in football, writes Matt Scott.
Police have been probing allegations of corruption in football since last October and it emerged yesterday that the unnamed man was detained on suspicion of money laundering.The man, who was bailed until October, is not a football agent and is not believed to be a well-known figure outside the football industry.
Quest has uncovered "serious breaches" of the transfer-market regulations as a result of its 15-month, £1-million investigation into 362 transfers. The Quest investigation was opened amid widespread rumours that Premiership managers take bungs. Guardian Service
League closes 10-point loophole
English Football League clubs have closed the loophole that allowed Leeds United to go into administration without suffering a 10-point deduction for next season.
From next season any club going into administration after the fourth Thursday in March will have the 10-point deduction suspended until it is known whether the punishment will have "a material effect". If the club is relegated, the sanction will then be imposed for the start of the following season.
Eto'o denies Benitez meeting
Samuel Eto'o has denied he has met with Rafa Benitez and reiterated his desire to stay at Barcelona, despite continuously being linked with Liverpool and Milan.
A report suggested that the Cameroon striker met with Liverpool manager Benitez for dinner on Monday, but he has stated that he was with his national team. "It is just a huge lie," Eto'o's agent, Jose Maria Mesalles, said in relaying a message from the player himself.
Wycombe not right for Lennon
Former Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon has revealed he came close to signing for League Two side Wycombe Wanderers this week.
Lennon (35) has received several contract offers - including one from a "top Premiership club" - following his decision to leave the Scottish champions after seven successful seasons.
A former team-mate of Wycombe manager Paul Lambert, Lennon agreed to meet Wanderers officials this week but turned the move down as he wishes to play at a higher level.
In brief . . .
Boltonhave announced the signing of midfielder Gavin McCann(29) on a three-year deal from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee. . . Evertonlook set to sign Sheffield United's Phil Jagielka(24) for £4 million after new United manager Bryan Robson admitted he expects the defender to leave Bramall Lane . . . Portsmouthhave dropped out of the race to sign Kenyan international McDonald Marigafrom Swedish side Helsingborg after learning it would be tough to obtain a British work permit for the £1.7 million-rated striker. . . Birmingham manager Steve Bruceis reported to interested in signing Tottenham striker Mido(24) . . . Manchester Unitedhave granted a free transfer to Floribert Ngalula, a 20-year-old Belgian midfielder.
