FIFA probe Birmingham's Christian Benitez transfer

Carson Yeung's probe into Birmingham's finances has gathered pace after FIFA confirmed they are investigating the transfer of Christian Benitez.

City's new Hong Kong owner Yeung has called in the police and fraud squad to go through City's books following his £80million takeover.

Yeung has also employed a firm of criminal law specialists in London following an on-going post-acquisition due diligence into the club's accounts.

He is unhappy after inheriting bills at St Andrews totaling over £6m - plus outgoing MD Karren Brady's controversial pay-off.

Yeung's investigation focuses on the club's activities after July 2007 when he bought his original 29.9 per cent stake in Brum for £15m.

The summer transfers of Ecuador duo Benitez and Giovanny Espinoza from South America are being scrutinised closely.

Both were finalised by football agent Barry Silkman but rival agent Barry McIntosh claims he scouted striker Benitez and got a mandate to sign him.

McIntosh has reported Birmingham to FIFA over the affair and they yesterday confirmed: "The case is pending".

McIntosh said: "I have nothing against Birmingham's new regime but am determined to show I have been wronged by their predecessors."

The transfer of Espinoza from Barcelona Sporting Club is also of interest to Yeung amid allegations City manager Alex McLeish did not wish to sign the centre-back.

Birmingham's new vice-president Peter Pannu, a former Hong Kong cop, said: "Fans are entitled to know what's going on at the club and what we inherited.

"The post-acquisition due diligence will continue by our experts - and time will tell."