SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

Last updated : 08 September 2006 By Ed
From today's Supersoaraway.

The Premiership is facing a new bungs scandal after an undercover TV probe into illegal payments.

A football agent was secretly filmed making bung allegations by investigators for BBC's Panorama programme.

In the undercover tapes he names TEN clubs and SIX managers as part of wide-ranging allegations that will rock the English game.

A BBC insider said: “It's pretty strong stuff.

“I'm sure there are some people who are very nervous about it coming out. It could have massive repercussions for those involved.”

The film is part of a six-month probe. It shows the agent candidly discussing certain high-profile transfers in detail over dinner with a man he believes to be a foreign businessman.

In fact, he is actually a Panorama investigator, who pretends to be interested in buying his own agency business.

The dealings of one particular Premiership club are discussed in great detail. The agent claims most deals there are carried out by some of his rivals, who are given preferential treatment — with allegations of backhanders to officials.

In another revelation, the agent admits to taking a top teenage prospect to two major clubs, despite the fact the youngster is already under contract to another team.

The Panorama report is due to be broadcast on Monday, September 18.

But BBC lawyers are still vetting the film.

If true, the allegations will be the biggest scandal to hit the game since that involving George Graham.

Arsenal boss Graham was sacked in February 1995, after nine years in charge, when it was revealed he had accepted £425,000 in illegal payments from a Scandinavian agent.

The Premier League are already midway through their own probe into illegal payments being headed by Lord Stevens.

A BBC spokesman said yesterday: “I would rather not comment on any ongoing work.”