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 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."
The authorities are determined to force clubs to reveal more about where their money comes from.
Olsson confirmed: "We are looking at all clubs and are beefing up our regulations and licensing system.
"This will oblige clubs to give over sensitive information — the kind of information if, for example, there is any change of ownership or structure of the club. We are having to work hand in hand with the authorities. We are always walking a step behind."