Chelsea, 2 other EPL teams raided over alleged tax fraud

Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham have been raided today April 26, 2017, over alleged transfer dealings

Some officials in the football industry have been arrested including Newcastle's managing director Lee Charnley

If found guilty of serious tax fraud, they ‘could face points deductions’

Chelsea becomes the latest Premier League club to be raided by the HMRC regarding tax fraud.

Newcastle United and West Ham football clubs have also been raided today, April 26, over alleged tax fraud.

Some men within the professional football industry were arrested for suspected tax and national insurance fraud including Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley.

Stamford Bridge, St James’ Park and the London Stadium were targeted for the raid as officers were up at 4am to start the operation.


Newcastle's St James' Park stadium.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) confirmed that up to 200 officials were deployed across England and France for the operation.

HMRC released a statement: “HMRC has arrested several men working within the professional football industry for a suspected Income Tax and National Insurance fraud.


Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley and Mike Ashley.
NAIJ.com reports that Newcastle have not made any statement about the incident as their managing director was arrested.

If found guilty of serious tax fraud, they ‘could face points deductions’.


West Ham's London stadium.
The Magpies just recently gained promotion to the Premier League after a 4-1 win against Preston on Monday, April 24 while the Hammers are currently 14th on the EPL table, 7 point above relegation zone with 4 games to go.

Chelsea lead the EPL standings.