The News of the World report:
‘World soccer chiefs are launching a major investigation into Chelsea's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich. The game's two most powerful bodies, FIFA and UEFA, will meet next week to probe allegations that a ‘spider's web' of financial dealings threatens the integrity of the game.
‘The inquiry, which will look at transfers, the financial backing of clubs and betting patterns across the globe, has been sparked by an article in respected Dutch soccer magazine, Football International. The 14-page report makes sensational allegations about Chelsea's transfer dealings and financial links with other clubs.
‘UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson told us exclusively last night: "If this is a spider's web it is our job to unravel it. We are following up this article and other information we have received."
‘FIFA and UEFA are working with legal and financial authorities around the globe to investigate the links between a network of clubs which include Chelsea, CSKA Moscow, PSV Eindhoven, Porto, Benfica and Corinthians.
‘Olsson confirmed that UEFA are worried about the vast money-movements in the game and how they can be policed. Olsson said: "It is not in our jurisdiction. It has to be a co-ordination between what we can do and what has to be done by the judicial and financial authorities. We cannot do it on our own but we can take disciplinary measures."’