Chelsea released a statement defending their captain John Terry from allegations that he took secret cash payments to arrange tours of their training ground.
The News of the World claimed Terry had taken 10,000 pounds (16,000 dollars) — 8,000 to go to charity and 2,000 to a middleman — and produced transcripts of tapes, in which the England captain seemingly acknowledged he was doing so without the knowledge of coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“Chelsea FC host a large number of visitors at the training ground throughout the year, the majority of which are made up of club sponsors, our charity partners and supporters,” the statement said.
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“The players play a big part in these visits and John Terry naturally has a leading role, hosting a significant number of children and their families this season through our partner charities Help A London Child and Right To Play.
“John has also organised a number of visits for families with sick children as a result of personal correspondence.
“Contrary to media reports and the appearance of edited video this morning the club is confident that at no time did Terry ask for or accept money in relation to visits to the training ground.” Chelsea did, though, say they will be stepping up security procedures.
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“Chelsea FC gives our players room to exercise their own discretion when contacted personally with regard to visits and the club keeps security and access to the training ground at Stamford Bridge under constant review,” the statement went on.
“However, as a result of the security breach highlighted by (the) article we will be further reviewing access to our facilities and clamping down where there are gaps in the process.”