Bolton could ask for more information
Bolton are considering whether to ask the BBC for further information on last night's Panorama programme.
Manager Sam Allardyce was accused by three different agents of being willing to accept illegal payments over the transfer of players, while son Craig was accused by the programme of accepting money for his part in two deals, even though the sums were never registered with the Football Association.
In addition, Bolton chairman and FA board member Phil Gartside was secretly filmed admitting he would be willing to sell Jay-Jay Okocha despite public statements to the contrary and in the knowledge the Nigerian had been the subject of an illegal approach.
Although Allardyce has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to fight any allegations made against him, Bolton are aware of the potential damage to their reputation and have confirmed they are investigating the situation.
"We are reviewing the Panorama programme carefully and we may request further information from the BBC," said a club statement released this morning. "We will make further comment in due course."
Speaking after Bolton's win at Walsall last night, Allardyce said: "I'm aware of the situation.
"Because I haven't seen anything of the programme I need to have a look at that and to take a view of that before I make any comment whatsoever.
"But if there are things saying wrong about Sam Allardyce believe you me, I will be fighting them."
The allegations could lead to changes in regulations for agents from UEFA.
"We have started, together with clubs and leagues, to change rules and regulations," said UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson on BBC Radio Five Live.
League Managers' Association vice-chairman Frank Clark has called for the relevant authorities to deal with accusations of transfer bungs to save the reputation of England's bosses.
"Let them deal with it because at the moment every manager is tainted with the accusation," he said on Sky Sports News.
"There's a widespread misconception that all managers are on the take and until this thing is properly resolved, that is not going to go away. It's very disappointing."
Meanwhile, former FA compliance officer Graham Bean believes the Panorama team should be prepared for a "rough ride" following their accusations.
In a column in the Daily Telegraph, he wrote: "Don't get drawn in by the hype. This story has a lot longer to run and the Panorama team should start heading for the bunker now, because it's going to be a rough ride. Some of the accusations they are making are serious, and they will have to be convincing or the BBC will pay.
"I fully accept that the industry cannot keep batting away the rumour and innuendo that surround multi-million pound transfers.
"But the investigation of such matters rests fairly and squarely on the broad shoulders of the Football Association, not some amateur undercover detective with little or no knowledge of true investigative practices."
