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FA and EFL statement on Telegraph investigation concerning Leeds United and QPR

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino watches from the stands (Reuters)
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Barnsley were the third Championship club caught up.

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino watches from the standsLeeds United owner Massimo Cellino watches from the stands

The FA and EFL have issued a joint statement in response to the Telegraph‘s investigation into figures at Championship clubs.

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino, QPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Barnsley boss Tommy Wright were implicated in the newspaper’s ‘Football for Sale’ investigation.

The statement, published in The Telegraph, reads: “English football takes the governance of the game extremely seriously with integrity being of paramount importance.

“Any substantive allegations will be investigated with the full force of the rules at our disposal, which are wide-ranging and well-developed.

“In addition, should we find any evidence of criminality we would inform and seek the support of the appropriate statutory authorities.”

Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom and assistant manager Tommy Wright celebrate with the trophy  after winning the Sky Bet Football League One Play-Off FinalBarnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom and assistant manager Tommy Wright celebrate with the trophy after winning the Sky Bet Football League One Play-Off Final

QPR manager Jimmy Floyd HasselbainkQPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

In response, Barnsley have suspended manager Tommy Wright following an internal investigation.

Leeds United declined to comment prior to the publication of the Telegraph‘s report.

The developments are unsettling for the club, which has shown signs of improved stability in recent months.

QPR have launched an internal investigation, SkySports reported, with Hasselbaink denying any wrongdoing.

The Telegraph‘s investigations earlier this week claimed the scalp of Sam Allardyce, who lost his job as England manager this week after being filmed advising undercover reporters how to evade transfer rules.

England manager Sam Allardyce during the press conferenceEngland manager Sam Allardyce during the press conference