Police raid three football clubs
Police have raided three football clubs as part of an investigation into alleged corruption.
Newcastle United, Portsmouth and Rangers are believed to be the three clubs involved.
The operation is not connected to Lord Stevens's ongoing Quest inquiry into the Premiership and was "totally independent", police said.
Search warrants were executed on the club premises and two homes between 0730 and 0900 BST.
A City of London Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that search warrants were served at three football clubs and the homes of two individuals in connection with corruption in football and its impact on owners and shareholders."
A Northumbria Police spokesman said they were aware that "an operation" had been carried out by their London colleagues at St James' Park, the home of Newcastle United.
On-going inquiry
A spokesman for Rangers said: "Rangers football club was asked to co-operate with a police investigation and have done so, extending every co-operation to police.
"We have been requested by police not to comment further while the investigation is on-going."
Strathclyde Police confirmed that its officers had executed a search warrant on behalf of City of London police.
Portsmouth also released a statement on Monday which said: "We can confirm police arrived around 10am today.
"We have co-operated fully with their search and will not be commenting further."
Detectives from the economic crime unit at City of London Police are investigating allegations of corruption within football.
Last month, they arrested a 61-year-old man in Manchester on suspicion of money laundering.
