NEWCASTLE United has won permission to bring a High Court challenge over the seizure of documents by tax officials investigating the financial affairs of several football clubs.
St James’ Park and West Ham United’s ground were raided in April by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as part of a probe into suspected income tax and national insurance fraud.
Newcastle’s managing director Lee Charnley was among a number of senior European football officials arrested and later released without charge.
The club applied for permission to seek a judicial review of the search-and-seize order obtained by HMRC against Newcastle United FC.
Mr Justice Supperstone, sitting in London, said on Thursday that it was “arguable” on several grounds that the search warrant was obtained unlawfully and ruled there must be a full court hearing of the issues.
During the raids, business records and financial records were seized, as well as computers and mobile phones belonging to the club, who recently secured promotion to the Premier League.
The HMRC investigation centres on football agents and payments made in transfer dealings between English and French clubs as well as image rights of players and benefits.
It has been confirmed that the French authorities are assisting with the UK investigation.
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