Birmingham City owner Carson Yeung calls in police to probe club finances

West Midlands Police yesterday visited Birmingham City after being called in by new owner Carson Yeung.

Hong Kong tycoon Yeung has hired top criminal lawyers after undertaking a probe into the club’s books following his £80million takeover.

And City’s legal team yesterday gave a presentation to police about their preliminary findings - including allegations of criminality.

The officers took away files with them to conduct their own enquiries.

Yeung has been angered at inheriting bills for over £6m from various agents’ fees and transfer instalments.

He has also blocked former MD Karren Brady’s controversial £1m leaving package and perks.

And FIFA are investigating the summer transfer of Christian Benitez from Santos Laguna in Mexico to City.

This week Yeung transferred £2m of his own money into the club's accounts to help pay off some outstanding debts.

Former Birmingham PLC chairman David Sullivan has blamed Yeung for failing to do adequate due diligence.

But Birmingham’s new regime reckon they were not allowed full access to the books before purchasing the rest of City after buying an initial 29.9 per cent in 2007.

Blues chiefs also yesterday paid half of an outstanding £80,000 bill to West Midlands Police dating back from before their takeover.