BBC face lawsuit, M'boro complain over agent

Former Portsmouth assistant manager Kevin Bond is to sue the BBC for libel and soccer agent Teni Yerima is considering similar action after a programme alleging corruption and rule-breaking in the English game.

Middlesbrough said they will file a complaint about agent Peter Harrison after Tuesday's Panorama, "Undercover: Football's Dirty Secrets", made a series of allegations about coaches and agents.

Two agents indicated that Bolton manager Sam Allardyce had taken payments, known as 'bungs', as part of transfers.

All of those accused in the programme have denied any wrongdoing, with some planning legal action.

Bond was secretly recorded by Panorama as saying he would consider discussing payments by a proposed new agency, entirely fictitious, involving Harrison.

Yerima was secretly filmed saying he had given money to Allardyce.

Yerima denied the allegations, telling French radio network RFI: "I have nothing to hide and, what's more, I'm willing to go to London to explain things if the FA wishes."

The programme accused Harrison of touting Middlesbrough teenager Nathan Porritt to other clubs. Boro chief executive Keith Lamb said the club was taking action over the scenes.

Allardyce has instructed his lawyers to take the "appropriate action." He said in a statement: "I am very angry at the lies told about me. The individuals who appeared in the programme making accusations against me have already confirmed in writing to my lawyers that they lied to the BBC."