Police confirm three clubs raided in corruption inquiry

LONDON, July 16 (Reuters) Three clubs were raided by British police today in connection with investigations into corruption in soccer.

''We can confirm that search warrants were served on three football clubs and the homes of two individuals, between 0730 and 0900 today, in connection with corruption in football and its impact on owners and shareholders,'' a City of London spokesman said.

''These searches are part of the force's ongoing investigation into football corruption.'' Police declined to give any further details although the spokesman said the investigation was a totally independent inquiry and not influenced by the Quest inquiry.

An investigation led by Lord Stevens and his Quest team looked into 362 transfer deals. Last month it said that they were still investigating 17 of them.

The Premier League said earlier this year that breaches of the rules being considered included payments by clubs directly to third parties and failure to disclose payments being made by agents to other agents or third parties.'' REUTERS BJR VC1939