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      in Soccer

      EFL chairman Andy Pilley jailed for 13 years after massive multi-million scam

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      A DISGRACED football club owner has been jailed for 13 years over a huge energy contract scam worth £15million.Andy Pilley targeted small businesses by tricking them into signing long-term energy contracts.
      Andy Pilley has been jailed for 13 yearsCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      The 52-year-old, who owns English League One side Fleetwood Town, has now been jailed for 13 years.
      Pilley was of two counts of running a business with the intention of defrauding creditors alongside his sister Michelle Davidson, 49, and two others.
      He was also found guilty of one count of false representation and one count of being concerned with the retention of criminal property.
      The mis-selling included false or misleading statements about the length and price of the contract as well as competitor rates.
      Pilly and his associates used a “web” of interconnected companies to dupe small businesses across the UK between 2014 and 2016.
      They targeted charities, including guest houses and children’s charities, and companies that provided support to disabled people.
      By 2019, the annual turnover at both companies was £100million.
      Prosecutors said the scam is estimated to have reached an eye-watering £15million.
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      Michael Bichard, chairman of National Trading Standards, said: “Small business owners were deliberately deceived and locked in to contracts that were long-term and expensive, leaving many businesses struggling to pay the bills and sadly driving some business owners into making the difficult decision to cease trading.
      “This is not a victimless crime – small business owners have lost vast sums of money to this fraud and many businesses have gone under.”
      Pilley was charged with the allegations in September 2021 following a five-year investigation into BES Utilities, which has been Fleetwood Town’s main sponsor for 18 years.
      The club said today: “Fleetwood Town Football Club acknowledges the sentencing in the court case involving former club chairman, Andy Pilley.
      The club would like to reiterate convictions are against individuals and not Fleetwood Town FC, or any of the businesses associated with them, and will continue to operate as normal.
      Fleetwood Town remain in communication with the EFL in relation to the implications of the convictions and will now be making an application to the League in relation to a change of control the club will make no further comment at this time.
      The Fleetwood owner targeted small businessesCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal star Granit Xhaka CLEARED of any involvement in possible betting scam for yellow card v Leeds last season

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      GRANIT XHAKA has been cleared of any involvement in a possible betting scam. Arsenal star Xhaka was the subject of investigation by the FA, Gambling Commission and National Crime Agency following a yellow card he received against Leeds in December 2021.
      Granit Xhaka has been cleared of any involvement in an alleged betting scamCredit: Getty
      Xhaka was booked for time wasting in a 2021 clash against LeedsCredit: Getty
      The investigation into the 30-year-old even looked into alleged involvement from the Albanian mafia.
      However, following multiple investigations, the matter has finally been closed after it was deemed Xhaka had no case to answer.
      The match the Swiss international received his card with the Gunners 3-0 ahead.
      Xhaka was then booked by Andre Marriner for time wasting on a free-kick in the 86th minute.
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      Suspicious betting patterns were picked up regarding the booking, including one bet worth £52,000 being placed on him getting the caution.
      The following six months saw the FA investigate the alleged offence, before they passed the matter onto the NCA who have now dropped the case due to a lack of evidence.
      Having joined Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016, Xhaka has gone on to make 295 appearances for the North London outfit.
      However, his time at the Emirates looks set to come to an end this summer.
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      The Swiss International is said to be nearing a return to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
      With Arsenal set to receive £15million for Xhaka, Mikel Arteta will push club bosses to bring in some midfield reinforcements.
      West Ham star Declan Rice has been heavily linked with a transfer.
      But recent reports suggest talks will not open between the two clubs until June. More

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      in Soccer

      EFL chairman found guilty of fraud and facing prison and losing club ownership after five-year investigation

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      FLEETWOOD TOWN Chairman Andy Pilley has been found guilty on four counts of fraud following an eight-month trial.BES Utilities – the firm owned by Pilley – stood accused of multi-million pound fraud involving the mis-selling of energy supply contracts to small businesses. 
      Pilley has been found guilty on four counts of fraudCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      And on Friday, the 52-year-old was found guilty on all the charges, which include two counts of running a business with the intention of defrauding creditors, one count of false representations, and one count of being concerned with the retention of criminal property.
      Pilley’s sister, Michelle Davidson, 49, as well as Lee Qualter, 52, and Joel Chapman, 38, were also found guilty of a number of fraud offences.
      The Fleetwood Chairman was remanded in custody after the jury delivered their unanimous verdict.
      The presiding judge, Judge Knowles KC, has indicated that he will likely face a prison term when he is sentenced on May 23. 
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      After the verdict was announced on Friday, Fleetwood Town released an official statement which read: “Fleetwood Town Football Club acknowledges the verdict in the court case involving club Chairman, Andy Pilley.
      “The Chairman would like to reassure supporters the club will continue to operate as normal.
      “Today’s verdicts will not affect the running or future of Fleetwood Town Football Club. 
      “The club is already in talks with the EFL regarding the next steps and will be making no further comment at this time.”
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      An additional statement read: “Fleetwood Town would like to reassure supporters the Club will continue to operate as normal and there will be no risk to the future of the club.
      “The Club’s Senior Management Team and directors have been planning for a number of months for the event of a verdict of this nature.
      “A meeting of the Club’s management has taken place this evening and plans are already in operation to ensure its business as usual.
      “We’d like to reassure supporters charges are solely brought against Andy Pilley and not Fleetwood Town Football Club or any of the businesses attached to the group.
      “Talks have already taken place with the EFL and an announcement regarding the next step will be made in due course.”
      Pilley was charged with the allegations in September 2021 following a five-year investigation into BES Utilities, which has been Fleetwood Town’s main sponsor for 18 years.
      The Fishermen finished the 2022-23 campaign 13th in the League One table. More

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      in Soccer

      Prem star forced to return home after losing £1m in ‘crypto scam’ as he’ll miss out on four games

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      A PREMIER league star has fled to his homeland after losing £1million in an alleged crypto scam.Nottingham Forest’s Gustavo Scarpa, 29, has missed four games after flying back to Brazil to deal with rogue cryptocurrency investors.
      Nottingham Forest’s Gustavo Scarpa, 29, fell victim to a crypto scam, it is claimedCredit: PA:Press Association
      The attacking ace arrived in the UK on a free transfer from Palmeiras in November.
      But he’s been given special permission to return home to battle three companies that promised high returns on investments.
      The firms failed to pay up when Scarpa asked for his money back, according to Brazil’s ESPN.
      Head coach Steve Cooper admitted the player had been badly affected by the scam.
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      He said: “I can tell you that he has had some personal issues to sort out and we are giving him our support, which has been inclusive of allowing him to travel back [to Brazil].” 
      Scarpa was last on the pitch during the 2-0 defeat against Fulham last month.
      He was an unused substitute against Manchester City and West Ham United.
      And he wasn’t part of the squad at all against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.
      Most read in Football
      Scarpa made the investment in May last year, according to reports.
      He was promised returns of 3.5 to five per cent – but he has since been unable to claim his money back.
      The footballer has taken three companies to the 10th Civil Court of São Paulo.
      Last year Scarpa became Nottingham Forest’s 24th signing since they earned a promotion to the Premier League.
      In December he was spotted skate-boarding around the city centre as he got to know his new home.
      Scarpa had one cap for Brazil and was looking forward to his next challenge.
      He said at the time: “I’m very happy to be here, it’s a dream for me.
      “It’s a new challenge and I can’t wait for it to begin. It’s always been an ambition since I was a little kid to play in Europe, and my dream is to play in the Premier League.
      Read More on The Sun

      “I’m a technical player but also I’ve developed my game defensively over the past couple of seasons.
      “I’m very dedicated, hard-working and I’m excited to get started now.”
      Scarpa was last on the pitch during the 2-0 defeat against Fulham last monthCredit: Rex Features More

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      in Soccer

      Barcelona’s transfer of Marcos Alonso from Chelsea ‘reported to Fifa for fraud amid claims of irregularities with deal’

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      BARCELONA face more transfer problems after their deal for Marcos Alonso from Chelsea was reported to Fifa for fraud.Alonso left England for Spain in September on a free transfer after six season in West London.
      Marcos Alonso’s Barcelona transfer is being investigatedCredit: Rex
      But fourth division side Union Adarve – who he represented as a youth player – claim that they should have received £91,000 (€103,000) as part of the deal.
      According to AS, Union Adarve have evidence of the two sides negotiating for Alonso in the past.
      Alonso has established himself in the Barcelona setup this season, making 22 appearances and three goals.
      They are top of LaLiga under the guidance of club legend Xavi, leading champions Real Madrid by eight points.
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      But they have financial problems off the field and took LaLiga to court in order to register Gavi’s new contract.
      The Spanish giants were initially unable to register the playmaker’s fresh deal because of LaLiga’s salary limits.
      Barcelona aimed to relieve their financial woes with a series of one-off cash injections last summer, leveraging chunks of future revenue.
      But their wage bill is still believed to still stand at around 20 per cent over and above LaLiga’s max squad spend limit.
      Most read in Europa League
      Barcelona budgeted for a minimum quarter-final finish in the Champions League this season but they failed to get out the group.
      It means they face a shortfall of £18m, while winning the Europa League would only generate £13m.
      Barcelona are also still unable to register Ronald Araujo as a first-team player despite the centre-back signing a new contract last season.
      Marcos Alonso scored against Man UtdCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd Treble winner has finally ‘stopped feeling like a fraud’ over 1999 medal as he turns hand to management

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      HE’S gone from the “fraud” of Manchester United’s 1999 Treble winners to the lord of his hometown club.And the forgotten midfielder of arguably Alex Ferguson’s greatest squad is now hoping to build a dynasty of his own.
      This former midfielder was rarely centre stage during his three years with Man Utd before he starred for West BromCredit: Reuters
      Football couldn’t be much different from the Red Devils than the sixth tierCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      The ex-England Under-21 star was at Old Trafford for three years.
      That’s one more than the time it’s taken him to lift Scarborough Athletic into the sixth-tier.
      And although he might be out of mind from United’s golden era, he could be remembered forever at his part-time club if their rise continues.
      The former West Brom stalwart, 44, insists the dream of reaching the EFL is achievable – 16 years after the original Scarborough club was liquidated.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Step forward, Jonathan Greening.
      He once admitted feeling like a “fraud” for picking up a Champions League medal when United completed the Treble with a last-gasp turnaround triumph over Bayern Munich.
      It’s a different world, of course, in National League North, where Scarborough have surpassed expectations by sitting fifth following promotion via the Northern Premier League play-offs.
      And in a way that change is emphasised by Greening swapping the clean-cut look of his Prem days for a beard and casual attire.
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      Tucked in the middle is the non-playing Jonathan Greening as Man Utd celebrate clinching the 1999 Treble with victory over BayernCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He’s also just as ambitious amid Scarborough’s developing years as he was during United’s peak period.
      He told the Mirror: “When I got the opportunity to take over here, I simply couldn’t turn it down. 
      “My mum, dad, brothers and sisters still live in the town and it just felt right.
      “The club is trying to build something special, with its roots bedded in the community.
      “We’re fan-owned, so we can’t spend massive amounts of money, but we have a tight group of players with a good spirit and the momentum of being promoted has spilled over into this season.
      “It’s not an ego trip – since retiring as a player in 2014, I’ve worked at Nottingham Forest with the Under-21s, York City with the Under-18s and at the i2i academy in York for more than six years.”
      But despite his pedigree, he added: “Sometimes the players don’t listen to me, but I’m trying to give something back to football because the game has been good to me. 
      “I had a great career, lived the dream and now I’m managing my home-town club, so why should I complain?” More

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      in Boxing

      Deontay Wilder labelled a ‘fraud’ and ‘coward’ after Dillian Whyte accuses rival of being ‘scared to fight’ him

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      DILLIAN WHYTE labelled Deontay Wilder a “fraud” and “coward” after accusing his rival of being “scared to fight” him.Whyte spent an age as the No1 contender for the WBC title, held by the American at that point.
      Dillian Whyte labelled Deontay Wilder a ‘fraud’ and ‘coward’Credit: PA
      Deontay Wilder has been accused by Dillian Whyte of being ‘scared’ to fightCredit: Getty
      But by the time he finally got his shot at the green and gold belt, it was held by Tyson Fury, who twice beat Wilder to win and retain the title.
      Whyte, 34, is still out to settle the score with Wilder, 37, but claimed the ex-champion is not so keen as he voiced his frustration.
      He told the Daily Mail: “We are just looking to see what’s next and who’s next. I’ve had enough of waiting around.
      “I waited years and years as No1 contender to fight that coward, fraud Wilder who avoided me and apparently is still scared to fight me which is pathetic. 
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      “That is the problem with boxing. Everyone should have to fight each other like in UFC.”
      Whyte most recently beat Jermaine Franklin, 29, in a disputed decision in November.
      Anthony Joshua, 33, was ringside that night which fuelled speculation of a rematch, following AJ’s 2015 win.
      But Joshua is set to instead return on April 1 against Franklin, building back after two losses to Oleksandr Usyk, 36.
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      And Hearn plans for a summer stadium fight between Whyte and AJ.
      Although Whyte has received no formal offer guaranteeing him another shot at Joshua, who he beat in the amateurs all the way back in 2009.
      He said: “AJ’s doing what he wants to do. Listen, if he really wants to fight me it’s not very hard to make.
      “It’s 1-1 and I’ve been chasing that fight for the last seven years. I don’t understand why we can’t get the fight on.
      “Obviously it’s a big fight for Britain and for DAZN, DAZN need big fights and big content. I don’t know why they’re not pushing for it.
      “Eddie has talked a lot about the fight, but they couldn’t commit to actually making it. Waste of time talking about it.
      “We’ve had no offer for that fight or serious talks. It’s very frustrating.”
      Anthony Joshua beat Dillian Whyte in 2015Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte embrace from ringsideCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing More

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      in Soccer

      Juventus slapped with 15-POINT deduction over transfer scam with Spurs chief Paratici BANNED for two-and-a-half years

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      SPURS were rocked last night after director of football Fabio Paratici was handed a two-and-a-half YEAR ban from the game by an Italian court.Paratici was found guilty of orchestrating a transfer scam over three seasons at Juventus.
      Spurs chief Fabio Paratici has been handed a two-and-a-half year ban from footballCredit: Reuters
      Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus have also been hit with a 15-point penaltyCredit: Alamy
      And the Italian giants had the heart ripped out of their season as they were given a huge 15-point penalty for the plot.
      The shock finding means the FA is now likely to be asked to implement the suspension by its Italian counterparts, leaving Spurs in the lurch and chairman Daniel Levy searching to plug a huge hole at the top of the club.
      SunSport understands Wembley chiefs are unclear if the sanction is one that they must automatically apply or await direction from Fifa.
      But normally associations accept the disciplinary decisions of fellow governing bodies and while it is expected Paratici will appeal the verdict – of the Federal Appeals Court – his future at Tottenham appears bleak.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Juventus were accused of inflating transfer fees in dealings with other Italian clubs over three seasons to create millions of pounds in “capital gains” for tax purposes.
      It was stated that Juve had manipulated the system to free up their spending powers in the market.
      Juve and eight clubs, including Sampdoria, Genoa and Parma, were initially acquitted in May.
      But that verdict was appealed to the Federal Appeals Court and Italian FA prosecutors asked the case to be reheard and for serious sanctions at yesterday’s hearing.
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      Prosecuting lawyer Giuseppe Chine had only asked for an immediate nine-point penalty.
      Instead, the “Old Lady” were mugged for 15 points, dropping them from third in the Serie A table down to 11th and 12 points adrift of the fourth and final Champions League spot, now taken by Lazio.
      Chine, acting on behalf of the FA, also demanded lengthy bans for Paratici and axed Juve board chiefs Andrea Agnelli and Pavel Nedved among others and fines totalling £1m for the clubs involved in the scheme.
      Juventus lawyer Maurizio Bellacosa argued the appeal was “inadmissible”, pointing to the legal principle that “nobody can be prosecuted or criminally convicted of an offence for which they have already been acquitted”.
      But that position was dismissed by the Court, even though it ruled that sanctions should only apply to Juventus and its officials and none of the other clubs.
      Paratici, 50, who joined Spurs 18 months ago to take charge of recruitment in N17, was handed the heaviest punishment.
      Agnelli, who formally stood down as Juve President this week, and chief executive Maurizio Arrivabene – who was formerly Principal of the Ferrari F1 team – were both given two-year bans.
      Nedved, who also left the club this week, is suspended from football for eight months, along with a number of club officials.
      The findings are also likely to have more serious implications for Juventus with Uefa poised to open an investigation into the financial dealings which are likely to lead to a lengthy European ban, More